Leeds, England
Elland Road
Championship
Booking a football trip to see Leeds United play at Elland Road can be done in several ways. You can purchase match tickets separately and arrange your own travel and accommodation, or opt for a complete package that includes tickets, hotel, and sometimes flights. On this page, we compare different travel agencies and ticket vendors that offer Leeds United tickets and football packages. Many providers offer hotel packages with guaranteed match tickets, which is often the easiest option for international visitors. Remember that Leeds matches, especially derby games against Manchester United or other Yorkshire rivals, can sell out quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.
When comparing football trips to Leeds, consider what's included in each package. Some providers offer basic ticket-only options, while others include hotel accommodation of varying quality, transfers to the stadium, or guided tours. The location of your hotel can significantly impact your experience - staying in central Leeds gives you access to the city's vibrant nightlife and restaurants, while accommodations closer to Elland Road offer convenience on match day. Use our comparison tool to see what each provider includes, their customer ratings, and price ranges. Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value - check cancellation policies, seat locations, and whether any special experiences are included.
Securing tickets for Leeds United matches can be challenging, especially for high-profile games. While the club sells tickets directly, these are primarily available to members and season ticket holders first, with very limited general sale opportunities. The ticket providers listed on this page offer guaranteed seats, often in specific sections of Elland Road. Ticket prices vary depending on the opposition and seat location, with premium matches against top clubs commanding higher prices. Most providers offer tickets in the East Stand or West Stand, providing good views of the action. For the best atmosphere, look for tickets in the South Stand (the Kop), though these can be harder to secure.
Leeds is a passionate football city with fans known for their vocal support. Arrive early to soak up the pre-match atmosphere around Elland Road, particularly at the Old Peacock pub opposite the stadium - a traditional gathering spot for home fans. The city center is about 2.5 miles from the stadium, with regular shuttle buses running on match days from the train station. Leeds fans are known for their rendition of "Marching on Together," so learning the words beforehand will help you join in. The atmosphere at Elland Road can be electric, especially for derby matches or when the team is performing well. Dress warmly for winter matches as the Yorkshire weather can be unforgiving.
Elland Road has been Leeds United's home since 1919 and currently holds around 37,800 spectators. The stadium has a traditional English football feel with four distinct stands: the East Stand (the largest), the Don Revie North Stand, the John Charles West Stand, and the South Stand (the Kop). The Billy Bremner statue outside the East Stand is a popular meeting point and photo opportunity. Stadium tours are available on non-match days, offering behind-the-scenes access to areas including the dressing rooms, tunnel, and dugouts. The stadium is located in Beeston, about 2.5 miles southwest of Leeds city center. On match days, the surrounding area transforms with food stalls and merchandise vendors creating a festival-like atmosphere.
Deciding between a package trip or tickets only depends on your preferences and travel experience. Package trips offer convenience and peace of mind, with everything arranged for you - typically match tickets, accommodation, and sometimes transport to the stadium or city tours. This option works well for first-time visitors to Leeds or those who prefer a hassle-free experience. Buying tickets separately gives you more flexibility to choose your own accommodation and create your own itinerary, potentially saving money if you're familiar with the city. However, securing just tickets can be more challenging than booking a complete package, especially for high-demand matches. Consider your budget, how comfortable you are organizing your own travel, and how much time you have in Leeds.
Leeds United has several intense rivalries that make for particularly atmospheric matches. The most significant is with Manchester United, a rivalry known as the "Roses Derby" dating back to the historical War of the Roses between Yorkshire and Lancashire. Matches against Manchester United are always highly charged affairs. Within Yorkshire, Leeds has strong local rivalries with Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town. The West Yorkshire derby against Bradford City is another heated contest, though less frequent in recent years due to the clubs being in different divisions. Chelsea is also considered a rival dating back to particularly fiery matches in the 1970s. Attending any of these derby matches provides an exceptional atmosphere but requires early booking as tickets sell out quickly.
Leeds United's golden era came under Don Revie in the late 1960s and early 1970s, winning two league titles, an FA Cup, and a League Cup. The club reached the European Cup final in 1975 but lost to Bayern Munich. After years of ups and downs, Leeds enjoyed a renaissance under Marcelo Bielsa, returning to the Premier League in 2020 after a 16-year absence. Notable English players who have represented Leeds include club legends Billy Bremner, Jack Charlton, and more recently, Kalvin Phillips. International stars who have worn the white shirt include Gordon Strachan from Scotland, Gary Speed from Wales, and in recent years, Spanish international Rodrigo. The club has a proud tradition of developing young talent through their academy, with current England international Kalvin Phillips being a prime example before his move to Manchester City.
Leeds offers plenty to enjoy beyond match day. The city center features excellent shopping at Victoria Quarter and Trinity Leeds, while the renovated waterfront area provides pleasant walks and canal-side pubs. Cultural attractions include the Royal Armouries Museum, housing the national collection of arms and armor, and the Leeds Art Gallery. The historic Kirkgate Market is one of Europe's largest covered markets and the birthplace of Marks & Spencer. For evening entertainment, Leeds has a vibrant nightlife centered around Call Lane and Greek Street, with numerous bars and restaurants. Just outside the city, you can explore the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park or visit historic Harewood House. Many football trip providers can arrange additional tours or activities to complement your match experience.