Two grounds, two cities, two very different travel problems. Edgbaston is a suburban stadium in south Birmingham with limited walking options from the centre. Lord's sits in one of London's quieter residential neighbourhoods with one tube station that everyone uses and several alternatives that most people ignore.
Getting this right matters more than it sounds. An ODI day runs long. If you arrive stressed and late, it takes a while to recover. If you leave and find yourself standing on a platform for forty minutes, the day ends badly. Neither is necessary.
For Edgbaston (1st ODI, 14 July):
The most direct option from Birmingham New Street is the 501 shuttle bus. It runs on major match days from Smallbrook Queensway, right outside New Street, directly to the stadium. Adult fare is £6 return, children £4. Buses run before play starts and after close of play. This is the right option if you're coming in from outside Birmingham by train.
If you're already in south Birmingham — staying near the University, in Moseley, or in Edgbaston itself — the regular bus network is easier. The 45 and 47 run along Pershore Road, a two-minute walk from the ground. The 1 runs through Moseley and stops nearby. Single fares are around £2 with a contactless card.
University station (Cross City Line) is the closest rail stop, but it's a 30-minute walk from there to the ground. The walk isn't unpleasant in good weather, but it's long enough that most people sensibly get the bus. From University station, the 45 or 47 will take you the rest of the way in a few minutes.
Driving is possible but not advisable. Official match day parking requires pre-booking at parkthecar.com and sells out. The streets around the ground have resident permit restrictions. Blue badge holders can call 0121 446 3505 to book limited stadium spaces.
For Lord's (3rd ODI, 19 July):
The official advice is St John's Wood on the Jubilee line, 10 minutes' walk. That's accurate, but the station gets extremely crowded after play. Lord's themselves flag this and recommend alternatives.
The better option depends on where you're coming from. Warwick Avenue on the Bakerloo line is only a 4-minute walk to the Tavern and Allen stands — ideal if you're coming from Paddington or south. Baker Street has a signed walking route (18 minutes) and is considerably less congested than St John's Wood on exit. Marylebone station, a 12-minute walk, is useful if you're on Chiltern Railways from Birmingham after the Edgbaston match — direct train into Marylebone with step-free access and a short walk.
