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A dual carriageway near Coventry. Photo from Pexels.
Getting around Coventry is quickest by car, using the ring road to reach every main route out of the city in a few minutes. Buses cover the whole city, and Coventry station has fast trains to London and Birmingham. The compact centre is easy to walk.
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How does the Coventry ring road work?
The Coventry ring road is a short loop around the city centre with nine numbered junctions. The junctions are close together, so slip roads are short and you need to choose your lane early.
Most directions and car park signs refer to junction numbers. Know your exit before you join, and use satnav if it is your first time.
Which main roads lead out of Coventry?
The main roads out of Coventry are the A45, A46, M6 and M69, which link the city to Birmingham, Leicester, Warwick and the M1 and M40.
| Road | Goes to | Joins from |
|---|---|---|
| A45 | Birmingham, the NEC, Rugby and the M45 | South side of the city |
| A46 | Warwick, Stratford and the M40 | South and east sides |
| M6 | Birmingham, the North West and the M1 | Junctions 2 and 3, north and east |
| M69 | Leicester and the M1 | Junction 1 at Walsgrave |
Coventry sits close to several motorways. Photo from Pexels.
Which train stations are in Coventry?
Coventry has four stations. Coventry station is the main one, with services to London, Birmingham and beyond.
| Station | Good for |
|---|---|
| Coventry | London Euston, Birmingham, the NEC, Leamington |
| Coventry Arena | The Coventry Building Society Arena |
| Canley | The south-west, near the University of Warwick |
| Tile Hill | The west side, towards Birmingham |
Live times on National Rail.
Read more in our guide to accommodation near Coventry station.
How do buses work in Coventry?
Buses in Coventry run from Pool Meadow bus station and stops around the city centre to every part of the city. The 12X links Coventry station, the city centre and the University of Warwick.
Buses are the easiest way to reach the hospital and the universities without parking. Check timetables on the operator’s website, as holiday timetables differ.
Where can you park in Coventry city centre?
You can park in multi-storey car parks around the ring road. Most are paid, and some close overnight. Streets inside the ring road have tight restrictions.
For stays, a house with its own parking saves money. See Coventry accommodation with parking.
Local tips for getting around Coventry
Coventry builds the London black cabThe electric TX taxi is made by LEVC at Ansty Park. You will see plenty of them on Coventry’s ranks.
Rush hour peaks on the A45 and A46Expect queues at Toll Bar End and on the A45 between 7.30am and 9am, and again from 4.30pm.
Allow for Very Light Rail worksWorks near the station for the Very Light Rail route restrict some lanes. Use the ring road rather than cutting past the station.
Esho Stays homes with easy access
£120 / night3-bed house, Coventry
- 3 double bedrooms
- 6 beds
- Free parking
Near the Canal Basin, on foot to the city centre and about a mile from the station. Free parking at the house.
See the 3-bed house
£160 / night5-bed en-suite house, Coventry
- 5 bedrooms
- 5 en-suite shower rooms
- Garden
Five en-suite bedrooms with links to the M6, M69 and A46.
See the Coventry houseFrequently asked questions
Is Coventry easy to drive around?
Yes, once you know the ring road. Junctions come quickly, so plan your exit in advance. Outside rush hour, most of the city is within 15 minutes of the centre.
Is there a Clean Air Zone in Coventry?
No. Coventry does not have a Clean Air Zone, so there is no daily charge for older vehicles. Birmingham does have one, so check your vehicle before driving into central Birmingham.
How do I get from Coventry station to the city centre?
Walk about 10 to 15 minutes north, past Greyfriars Green, under or over the ring road. Taxis and buses also run from the station to the centre.
Are there electric scooters or bikes for hire in Coventry?
Hire schemes in Coventry have changed over the years. Check what is currently available on Coventry City Council’s website or in the operator apps before relying on them.
Next step
Planning how to get around during your stay?
Tell us where you need to be each day, and we will suggest the house with the easiest journey.
