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Twickenham road closures and the event-day parking zone
Two things catch drivers out on match days: roads that shut around the stadium, and a parking zone that runs all day. Here is what to expect.
Which roads close on match days
On major event days the police and Richmond Council close the roads right around the stadium to traffic:
- Rugby Road
- Whitton Road, between London Road and Kneller Road
- London Road, between King Street and Whitton Road
Closures usually start 1.5 to 2 hours before kick-off and last about the same after the match, until the crowds have cleared. Buses 281 and 481 are diverted while the roads are shut. Car parks inside the closed roads, including the stadium's own, can only be reached before closures start or after they lift, so arrive early.
Estimated closures for upcoming matches
Estimated as 2 hours either side of kick-off. Check local signs on the day.
| Match | Date | Roads close about | Reopen about |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Roses v New Zealand | Sat, 26 Sept 2026 | 13:00 | 17:00 |
| England v Australia | Sun, 8 Nov 2026 | 13:10 | 17:10 |
| England v Japan | Sat, 14 Nov 2026 | 14:40 | 18:40 |
| England v New Zealand | Sat, 21 Nov 2026 | 12:10 | 16:10 |
| Nations Championship Finals – Friday | Fri, 27 Nov 2026 | 14:40 | After the last match |
| Nations Championship Finals – Saturday | Sat, 28 Nov 2026 | 11:10 | After the last match |
| Nations Championship Finals – Sunday | Sun, 29 Nov 2026 | 11:10 | After the last match |
| Harlequins v Northampton Saints (Big Game 18) | Mon, 28 Dec 2026 | Kick-off TBC | – |
| England v France | Sun, 14 Feb 2027 | 13:10 | 17:10 |
| England v Italy | Sat, 20 Feb 2027 | 14:40 | 18:40 |
| England v Scotland | Sat, 13 Mar 2027 | 14:40 | 18:40 |
| Army v Navy (Babcock Trophy) | Sat, 1 May 2027 | 12:00 | 16:00 |
| Red Roses v France | Sat, 15 May 2027 | 14:45 | 18:45 |
The Twickenham event-day parking zone
On days when a big crowd is expected at the stadium, Richmond and Hounslow councils switch on an event-day controlled parking zone, known as the Twickenham Event Zone or Zone R. It is there to keep residents' streets free, and it covers a wide area around the ground.
- Hours: 11am to 11pm on event days. It has nothing to do with kick-off time, so an evening match still means restrictions from 11am.
- Who can park: residents and their visitors with a valid permit for the zone. Everyone else needs an off-street car park.
- Enforcement: penalty charge notices are issued, and some vehicles are towed away. Yellow event-day signs go up on the zone's streets.
Richmond Council publishes the list of event days and a map of the zone on its Twickenham events page.
How to avoid the closures
- Book a car park outside the closed roads. Most school, scout and church car parks in Whitton and St Margarets are outside them, so you can drive in and out more freely. See them all on the map.
- Arrive before closures start. Aim to be parked at least 2 hours before kick-off; many car parks open 3 to 4 hours before.
- Leave with a plan. Traffic on the A316 is slow for an hour or more after the match. A pint or food nearby while it clears is often quicker than sitting in a queue. More in our driving guide.
Questions drivers ask
- What time do the roads close around Twickenham Stadium?
- Rugby Road, Whitton Road (between London Road and Kneller Road) and London Road (between King Street and Whitton Road) usually close about 1.5 to 2 hours before kick-off and reopen about 1.5 to 2 hours after the final whistle. Exact times depend on kick-off and crowd flow.
- What are the Twickenham event zone hours?
- On event days the Twickenham event-day parking zone (Zone R) runs from 11am to 11pm, whatever time the match kicks off. It applies on days when big crowds are expected at the stadium.
- Can I park on the street near Twickenham Stadium on a match day?
- Not without a resident or visitor permit for the zone. Richmond and Hounslow councils enforce the event-day zone and issue penalty charge notices, and some vehicles are removed. Book a car park instead.
- Do buses still run on match days?
- Routes 281 and 481 are diverted once the road closures start, so allow extra time or walk from Whitton or Twickenham station.
Sources: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames; England Rugby. Times vary by event; always follow signs and marshals on the day.