Going to a Football Match Abroad

TRAVEL · GLOBAL

Going to a Football Match Abroad

Getting tickets legitimately, the away experience, safety in crowds and practicalities

Watching football in another country is one of the better cheap days out in Europe, and the ticketing is where it goes wrong.

Getting tickets

Many European clubs sell only to members or require a supporter card, and some tickets are personalised with the holder's name and checked at the turnstile. Buying from an unofficial source can mean being refused entry.

Check the club's own site first, including membership schemes that pay for themselves over a single trip. Avoid anyone selling on social media.

Home and away sections

Do not buy a home-end ticket for a match involving your own team, which is prohibited at many clubs and unsafe at some. Away allocations are sold through the visiting club.

In several countries, standing terraces, pyrotechnics and segregated arrival arrangements are normal and policed strictly.

Safety in crowds

Know where the exits are, avoid pushing forward in a dense crowd, and move sideways rather than backwards if it becomes uncomfortable. Agree a meeting point with your group in case phones fail.

Follow steward and police instructions, since the tolerance for argument is low.

Practicalities

Many grounds are cashless and some require a stadium card. Alcohol rules differ, bag policies are strict, and kick-off times move for broadcast.

Planning the trip

Fixtures move for television, sometimes at short notice, so book flexible travel where you can and check the confirmed date before paying for anything else. A weekend fixture can become a Monday evening.

Check whether the club requires ID matching the ticket at the turnstile.

Around the ground

Arrive early, since queues and searches are slow, and look at the club museum or a tour if you are there anyway. Local bars near away ends are frequently designated.

Respect

Learn a little about the club and the city. Supporters everywhere respond well to visitors who have made the effort.

Tickets you already hold

Download or print before travelling rather than relying on mobile data at the ground, and screenshot any QR code where the app allows it. Keep the confirmation email accessible offline.

Check the ticket names the correct entrance, since large stadiums have separate approaches.

Money

Many grounds are cashless or use their own card, so check before arriving with notes.

With children

Check the club's family section, which is usually cheaper, quieter and closer to facilities. Ear protection is worth having for younger children, since stadiums are loud.

Agree a meeting point in case you are separated.

Getting there and back

Check the last train and how long it takes to leave a large stadium, which is frequently an hour.

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