How to get to Wembley OVO Arena for BLAST Open London: navigating the potential London Underground strikes
With the BLAST Open Fall Playoffs starting on September 5th, many Counter-Strike fans will need to find out how to get to the Wembley OVO Arena.
While usually made simple by the London Underground system, new strikes declared for the 5th to 11th of September will provide new challenges. Here is ENUK’s guide on how to get to Wembley OVO without relying too heavily on the London Underground.
What are the closest train stations to the Wembley OVO Arena?
There are three main train stations that attendees can use to reach the Wembley OVO Arena for BLAST Open Fall in London.
The closest train station is Wembley Park, a 10-minute walk away. Wembley Park is in Zone 4. If you are buying a TfL London Underground day pass ticket, Zone 4 must be included in the ticket type purchased.
Visitors can hop on both the Jubilee Line and Metropolitan Line from Wembley Park station.
Wembley Central is a 15-minute walk away and is also in Zone 4. This station is on the Bakerloo Line and the London Overground Lioness Line.
Finally, the Wembley Stadium station is served by National Rail trains only. Chiltern Railway runs a service directly between London Marylebone and Wembley Stadium for ease of access.
Tickets for Wembley Stadium can be booked in advance.
When is the London Underground strike?
Almost every London Underground or “Tube” line will likely be affected by strike action on September 7th.
From the 5th to the 6th of September, Ruslip depot operational managers will be on strike. This is unlikely to cancel out the entire service. Therefore, travellers to Wembley OVO Arena will likely still be able to use the London Underground network on those days.
However, London-wide strike action is anticipated for Sunday, September 7th. This is the Grand Final for BLAST Open Fall, so attendees will need to make plans for alternative routes.
Transport for London (TfL) had declared “severe disruption,” with little to no service, for September 7th across the entire London Underground network. Limited services will be running.
As a result, trains will be infrequent and likely to be very full. This is particularly relevant during busier times, such as the evening when attendees are travelling home.
This also means that services are likely to end early. TfL is advising people to finish their journeys on the London Underground by 6 pm.
Therefore, those going to Wembley OVO may need to find alternative routes to get to and from the venue.
How to get to Wembley OVO without the London Underground
If the London Underground strike goes ahead, many will need to work out how to get to Wembley without using any of the London Underground services.
Thankfully, there are alternative ways to reach Wembley OVO Arena.
Neither the Elizabeth Line nor London Overground services are impacted by planned strike action.
If you are travelling to BLAST Open Fall from Euston Station, King’s Cross Station, or St Pancras Station, you can easily reach the Lioness Overground Line from Euston Station.
The Lioness Line will take you directly to Wembley Central station.
If you are travelling from London Marylebone Station, you can use the Chiltern Railway service to reach Wembley Stadium Station.
However, those travelling from other areas of London may need to use the bus system to reach the Overground line.
The 205 bus runs from East London through several central London locations.
If you are living, staying, or travelling from the following locations, the 205 bus will take you to Euston Station:
- Bow
- Mile End
- Stepney Green
- Whitechapel
- Aldgate
- London Liverpool Street
- Shoreditch
- Old Street
- Angel Islington
If you need to use the Elizabeth Line to reach London, you can alight at London Liverpool Street and get the 205 bus to Euston Station.
Anyone travelling from Central or East London should aim to use the London Overground, Chiltern Railway, and Elizabeth Line.
Bus-only routes to Wembley OVO Arena
Attendees can get the number 18 bus from Hermitage Street (Stop B), a 7-minute walk from Paddington Station. From there, the bus goes to Waverley Avenue (Stop SJ), a 16-minute walk from the OVO Arena.
Alternatively, the number 83 bus route also travels to all three Wembley train stations. Those travelling from Hendon or Edgeware Road (NOT the same as Edgeware in North London) can use this route.
If you are travelling from Harrow, the 182, 483, and 223 buses go to Wembley Stadium Station.
Those close to Ealing Broadway Station can take the 297 bus to several Wembley Stations.
Overall, there are several routes available. If travelling from East London, the easiest way to avoid infrequent or overcrowded London Underground lines will be to use the Overground and Elizabeth Lines wherever possible.
Nevertheless, there are bus routes available if needed.
Anyone travelling from outside of the Wembley area will likely need to allow at least 1 hour of travel from their London location to reach the OVO Arena.
What happens if the strikes are called off?
If the London Underground strikes are called off, the Jubilee, Bakerloo, Metropolitan, and London Overground Lioness Line are the most efficient ways to reach the Wembley OVO Arena. Keep an eye on the TfL Underground, DLR, and Overground status page for updates.
Safe travels!
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