Volkswagen Arena: Guide for Visiting Fans

The simplest approach is also the most satisfying: take the train to Wolfsburg Hauptbahnhof and walk. The nearest major rail hub is Wolfsburg Hauptbahnhof, approximately 2 kilometers away — a 15- to 20-minute walk across pedestrian bridges and through the city center. Regional trains on lines RE30, RE50, RB35, and RB36 all serve the station. Wolfsburg sits directly on the Berlin–Hannover intercity rail corridor, so getting here from either city is painless — about an hour from Hannover, roughly 90 minutes from Berlin. The nearest major airport is Hannover Airport (HAJ), about 75 km southwest; allow roughly an hour by train via Hannover Hauptbahnhof.

If you'd rather not walk, take the bus. Local bus services operated by Wolfsburger Verkehrsbetriebe (WVG) provide direct routes to Wolfsburg Autostadt — just 1–2 minutes' walk from the arena entrances — with key lines including 160, 170, 201, 202, and 213 running every 15 minutes from the Hauptbahnhof. Honestly, the walk is nicer. You cross the canal, pass the Autostadt, and the stadium appears ahead of you in a way that makes you feel like you've arrived somewhere deliberate.

There are just over 5,500 parking spaces spread between the Kästorf Park & Ride car park and the Allerpark car park. The lots closest to the stadium are P1 and P2, labeled along "In den Allerwiesen" — these require matchday permits and are reserved largely for season ticket holders. Outside of match days, parking at P1 and P2 is generally free of charge, but during major events access may be partially or fully restricted.

The best move for drive-in away fans is the Kästorf Park & Ride. Coming from the A39 (exit Weyhausen), the Kästorf P&R has 3,200 spaces, and free shuttle buses run to the stadium, with four to six buses operating on matchdays from 2 hours 15 minutes before kickoff, departing every ten minutes. The 5-minute shuttle beats circling for a spot any day. General Allerpark lots (P4–P6) are reachable from the B188 via the L322. Parking at P3 through P6 on Oebisfelder Strasse puts you about a 10–15 minute walk from the stadium. Expect to pay in the range of €5–€10 for these open lots on matchdays, though the official website doesn't publish a fixed flat rate — have cash or contactless available.

Wolfsburg Stadtmitte (city centre) is the only neighborhood that makes sense for a one-night trip. It's roughly a 15-minute walk to the ground, hotels are concentrated around the Hauptbahnhof, and that's also where any post-match life exists. The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg sits right in the centre and is legitimately one of the nicer Ritz properties in Germany — if you're going Splurge, it's worth it. For mid-range, look at the Holiday Inn Wolfsburg or B&B Hotel Wolfsburg near the station, both sensible options in the €90–€140 range for a Saturday match. Wolfsburg is not a place you stay for the tourism; stay central, walk to the ground, and keep it simple. There's no benefit to being in an outlying neighborhood.

Restaurant & Bar Allerlei — This is the closest proper restaurant to the stadium, sitting directly in the Allerpark right next to the arena. The Allerlei has a large sunny terrace overlooking the Allersee, with a cocktail bar, regional cuisine, and a relaxed Mediterranean feel. It's popular on match days, so arrive early if you want a seat. Good for a pre-match meal, not a crowded pint.

Halle 09 — Halle 09 is a fan pub right inside the arena complex, with space for over 500 fans. Mostly home fans, but the atmosphere is genuine football-pub energy. Worth a look if you arrive early and want to feel the matchday hum before going to your section.

Newman's Bar — Newman's Bar is roughly 500 metres west of the stadium and is a strong recommendation for an after-match drink, with views of the Wolfsburg harbour and a sky terrace that's genuinely pleasant at sunset. This is where you go after the final whistle instead of sitting in post-match traffic.

Italian row near the old VfL Stadion — There are several Italian restaurants on the west side of the stadium near the old VfL Stadion, including La Grotta and Azzurri Ristorante. These do solid pre-match pasta and are a quieter option than the canal-side spots.

The Volkswagen Arena doesn't enforce an American-style "clear bag only" policy. Small bags are generally fine; oversized bags and backpacks are checked at the gate. At the guest entrance, you can store belongings for a fee of €5 if you show up with too much kit.

Inside the stadium, including the away section, you can pay with your Girocard (EC card), credit card, or smartphone/smartwatch — and cash is also accepted. Away fans enter through the dedicated Gäste-Süd (Guest South) entrance. Away sections 35 (standing) and 36 (seated) are accessed through the "Gäste-Süd" guest entrance. Get there early — German stadium security is thorough and the queue for away supporters can stack up. Gates typically open around 90 minutes before kickoff. Bring your ID; stewards spot-check, especially for younger-looking fans buying alcohol.

There's no set alcohol limit, but anyone visibly intoxicated will be refused entry. Cannabis remains prohibited in the stadium and its grounds — possession of any quantity will get you denied entry.

The stadium offers 80 wheelchair positions and 16 seats for visually impaired supporters. Visually impaired fans can also listen to live commentary during the match. Designated disabled parking totals 125 spaces, with 80 accessible spots at P-Ost requiring a special permit obtained via a disability ID at ticket purchase. Wheelchair ramps, accessible entrances at marathon gates, and signposted routes lead to seating areas, with all pathways designed for barrier-free navigation.

The stadium's infrastructure supports compliance with German standards for public accessibility, including provisions for mobility-impaired guests throughout the grounds. For specific matchday requests, contact VfL Wolfsburg's service center directly before your visit — they're organized and responsive.

Visiting supporters are housed in the south-east corner. The away section (Gästebereich) spans two tiers, with the lower level predominantly consisting of terrace standing places. Specifically, sections 35 (standing) and 36 (seated) are the away allocation.

The lower terrace standing gives you a direct, low-angle view of the pitch — excellent for seeing the game, great for atmosphere when your numbers are up. The upper seated tier behind it offers a slightly elevated perspective and is the call if you have mobility concerns or just prefer a seat. The stadium holds 30,000 under a full roof, and the steep stands bring you close to the pitch with efficient sightlines throughout. Avoid trying to sneak into home sections — away fans are clearly separated and stewarded.

This is one of the more relaxed away days in the Bundesliga, which either reassures you or slightly disappoints you depending on what you came for. The home support in the Nordkurve makes plenty of noise and the enclosed roof traps the sound impressively — when the place is full, it's louder than it looks from outside. Fans on both sides largely enjoy pre-match time outside overlooking the Allersee, giving the approach a genuinely pleasant, park-like feel that you don't get at most urban German grounds. The away end is fenced and stewarded, but not in an oppressive way. One thing worth knowing: the Wolfsburg Nordkurve ultras can generate a wall of noise disproportionate to their numbers — they're a well-organized, serious supporter group. Respect that and you'll be fine.

By train/walking: The walk back to Wolfsburg Hauptbahnhof is your cleanest option. Head straight across the canal immediately after the final whistle rather than lingering — the main crowd filters the same way and you can usually stay ahead of the surge if you move purposefully. Regional trains on RE30, RE50, and others run regularly; check the DB Navigator app for the next departure before you leave your seat. Trains start moving again within 20 minutes of the whistle.

By car (Kästorf P&R): After the match, shuttle buses depart from the stop at Berliner Brücke to the Kästorf P&R car park as soon as they are full, with the last bus leaving approximately 45 minutes after the final whistle. Wait at Berliner Brücke immediately after the game — the first buses fill fast. Your car will be on the A39 within 30–40 minutes of the whistle if you catch the early shuttle.

Allerpark lots (P4–P6): Expect a 20–30 minute wait in the lot itself before traffic moves. The B188 is the main artery; heading toward the A39 (Weyhausen exit) is quicker than cutting through town.

Rideshare: Uber and Bolt both operate in Wolfsburg but supply is thin on matchdays. Walk five minutes back toward the Autostadt or the canal, away from the post-game crowd, and request from there — you'll cut surge pricing and wait time noticeably. Expect 8–15 minutes for a pickup post-match.

The one tip worth having: If you can stomach staying 15 minutes after the final whistle for a stadium beer at Newman's Bar, the main pedestrian crowd will have largely cleared by the time you make your move. You'll walk back to the Hauptbahnhof in relative peace.

How far is Volkswagen Arena from Wolfsburg Hauptbahnhof?

About 2 kilometers — a 15- to 20-minute walk across pedestrian bridges past the canal and Autostadt. It's one of the more walkable Bundesliga grounds.

What bus goes to Volkswagen Arena?

Lines 160, 170, 201, 202, and 213 operated by WVG stop at Wolfsburg Autostadt, 1–2 minutes from the entrances, with departures every 15 minutes from the Hauptbahnhof.

Is Volkswagen Arena cashless? No. Inside the stadium — including the away section — you can pay with a Girocard, credit card, or smartphone, and cash is also accepted.

What is the bag policy at Volkswagen Arena? Small bags are generally permitted and subject to security check. Large backpacks may be refused or flagged at the gate. Bag storage is available at the guest entrance for €5. Travel light.

Where do away fans sit at Volkswagen Arena?

Sections 35 (standing terrace) and 36 (seated), accessed through the "Gäste-Süd" guest entrance in the south-east corner of the stadium.

What time do gates open? Typically around 90 minutes before kickoff. Get there early — the away security queue can be slow.

Is there parking at Volkswagen Arena?

Yes — over 5,500 spaces between the Kästorf P&R and Allerpark car parks. The Kästorf P&R (free parking + free shuttle) is the best option for away drivers coming from the A39 Weyhausen exit.

What is the roof like — will I get rained on?

The Volkswagen Arena holds around 30,000 fans under a full roof, keeping the sound in and the elements out. All seats are covered. The translucent membrane keeps it bright even on grey Lower Saxony afternoons.