Ipswich
Directions IP1 2DA.
122 miles approx. 2 hours 30 mins
If you are travelling from the Midlands or North, then you will use the A14. From London, the South-East, South-West or South Wales, then you will (probably) use the A12. From Norwich you will probably use the A140 to the A14, with a further possible route via the A12 (Lowestoft to Ipswich).
From the Midlands and North
Note: Please note that there are long-term roadworks on the A14 between Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket. There is a chance of significant delays and overnight road closures.
Make your way to the A14, joining it at the start from the M6 or M1, or near Huntingdon from the A1. The A14 is a very busy road throughout the day, carrying most of the container traffic for the port of Felixstowe, as well as linking the M11 to the A1. Given the risk of delays, we recommend allowing at least an hour and, ideally 90 minutes, beyond the AA / Google / Sat Nav suggested journey time.
From London, the South-East, South-West and South Wales
Note: There are several sections of long-term roadworks on the A12 between the M25 and Ipswich, which will increase your journey time. There is also the possibility of overnight road closures.
The simple advice is to make your way to the M25, and then join the A12 near Brentwood (Junction 28 of the M25). It then takes about 90 minutes to the ground, subject of course to traffic delays, especially at peak times. If you are starting in the South-West or South Wales, you do have the option of driving via the Birmingham area (M42 to M6), though this is usually around half an hour slower than the London / M25 route. We recommend allowing at least an hour and, ideally 90 minutes, beyond the AA / Google / Sat Nav suggested journey time, to allow for possible delays.
Parking
There are 2 Park and Ride sites, easiest for those coming along the A14 is Copdock Rd at the junction of the A14/A12. The other site is Martlesham Heath just off the A12 at Woodbridge. Tickets can be bought on the bus (contactless) and cost £4
Buses operate up to every 15 minutes from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and drop off/pick up in West End Road and Princes Street (both a few minutes’ walk from Portman Road).
As the Portman Road ground is located near to the town centre there is very little free street parking. Along Portman Road, there are three Pay & Display car parks There are a number of other car parks located in the town centre which are signposted, plus there is an NCP multi-storey car park located right next to Ipswich Railway Station, which costs £6.00
Pubs
The main away supporters pub is the Riverside (Station) Hotel, which as the name suggests, backs onto a river and is located close to the railway station which is only a five minute walk away from Portman Road. Otherwise, the Punch & Judy pub on Cardinal Park, which is close to the ground
If you arrive in good time then you can take the walk into the town centre where there are plenty of pubs to be found. Of particular note is the Lord Nelson in Fore Street, which is an interesting pub that sells Adnams beers. Also, there is the Dove Street Inn on St Helens Street which is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide which has up to 20 real ales and ciders on tap..
By Train
Trains take 3-4 hours changing in London and cost £68-69 although singles may be cheaper.
Please check the cost and times of trains etc. All information is provided in good faith but the Foxes Trust cannot be held responsible for any errors. Thanks to Football Ground Guide and Ipswich Town FC