Spring Train Strikes and the FA Cup Final

FA Cup Final train strikes leave football fans with travel headache

The FA Cup Final has been hit by travel chaos after the ASLEF union announced a fresh round of train strikes on the day of the first ever all Manchester final, taking place on Saturday 3rd June

Tens of thousands of Mancunians are expected to head down to Wembley Stadium and descend on the capital with fans set to arrive from all areas of the country.

However, the rail network is set to be almost entirely out of action after ASLEF rejected the latest offer from operators in a dispute over pay and conditions, leaving football fans with a huge travel dilemma for the cup final. The Rail Delivery Group described their offer to ASLEF as “fair and reasonable” but union bosses felt it was still “risible”.

What days are the train strikes happening on?

These latest announcement now means they'll be rail strikes on the following days:

• Friday 12th May 2023 (ASLEF Union)


• Saturday 13th May 2023 (RMT Union)


• Wednesday 31st May 2023 (ASLEF Union)


• Saturday 3rd June 2023 (ASLEF Union)

Which train companies are going on strike?

A total of 16 train companies will experience disruption on all four of these days including Avanti West Coast, which operators the main direct service between Manchester and London.

Walkouts are expected at the following train companies:

• Chiltern Railways


• Cross Country


• East Midlands Railway


• Great Western Railway


• Greater Anglia


• GTR Great Northern Thameslink


• London North Eastern Railway


• Northern Trains


• Southeastern


• Southern/ Gatwick Express


• SWR Depot Drivers


• SWR Island Line


• TransPennine Express


• West Midlands Trains

How can we get to the FA Cup Final now our train has been cancelled?

If you were planning on heading down to London for the cup final and your train has been cancelled, do not worry, SMC Coach Hire are here to help. With over 10 years experience transporting football fans to games up and down the country, we can provide you and your group with a seamless travel experience on matchday.

With over 1000 local depots around the country and vehicles ranging from 8 to 75 seats, we can transport you to the game in comfort no matter the size of your group or the area you're coming from.

Don't get caught up in the chaos and frustration of delayed and cancelled trains and choose the more reliable, cost effective method of transport instead.

Enquire with SMC Coach Hire today and receive your free personalised quote within 2 - 3 hours. Please note, we do advise you act quickly as availability for this day could become limited.

Book your coach or minibus today

Thinking of booking transport for your trip to Wembley? We’ve got you covered, enquire here to get your free personalised quote.

Find out more about our range of vehicles on offer here.