LNER issues key travel advice as Leeds United fans head for London ahead of FA Cup semi-final v Chelsea

Train operator LNER has issued some key travel tips to help keep travelling Leeds United supporters moving this weekend.

On Sunday, LNER will be welcoming thousands of fans onboard train services running between Leeds and London King’s Cross as the Whites prepare for their first FA Cup semi-final in nearly 40 years.

With trains expected to be very busy, fans are encouraged to:

• Check before you travel: Be sure to regularly check the Travel Alerts page on the LNER website for the latest information on train services.
• Arrive in plenty of time: With many thousands of fans expected to travel, please arrive at your departure station in good time to get to the correct platform.
• Travel on your booked service: Services are expected to be very busy, so please travel on your booked train and only occupy your reserved seat. If you haven’t got a seat reservation, you may have to stand for some, or all, of your journey.
• Be aware of those around you: While many customers will be travelling to Wembley, there will also be customers who are travelling for other reasons, including the London Marathon which is taking place on Sunday. Please be aware of and considerate to all customers while onboard and at stations and give up seats for those who have reservations.
• Be kind: LNER and other rail industry colleagues will be working incredibly hard throughout the day to keep fans safely on the move. Please be kind and respectful to all colleagues.

To help as many Whites fans as possible get to Wembley as Leeds United play Chelsea for a place in the FA Cup Final, LNER has added extra trains and seats throughout Sunday.

Over 2,000 extra seats have been added for services between Leeds and London King’s Cross in both directions, with a limited amount remaining.

Colette Casey, Customer Experience Director at LNER, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of Leeds United fans onboard LNER services this coming weekend as they travel to Wembley. A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes at LNER to allow us to safely transport thousands of Whites fans to and from London for this exciting fixture.

“As trains are expected to be very busy, these travel tips will help all our customers to enjoy a comfortable journey. Everyone at LNER sends their best wishes to Leeds United and we hope that they all have a great journey with us.”

While Leeds United fans will be travelling for the football, the London Marathon is also taking place and LNER is encouraging all customers to check their journeys before travelling and to travel only on the service shown on their ticket.

For those not lucky enough to be travelling to the capital, dozens of pubs in Leeds are preparing to host watch along parties for supporters.