Premier League Festive Travel: Is Your Club Facing a Christmas Fixture Nightmare?

Last updated: November 28, 2024 by Leon Marshal

The Premier League festive period is a gruelling test of endurance—not just for players but for the dedicated fans who follow their teams. Being a football supporter is challenging at the best of times, but over Christmas, it becomes even harder. Balancing family commitments with the demands of travelling to games is no small feat. How will these travel demands impact fans and their teams this Christmas? Let’s dive into the numbers to see where your club stands.

Fans dressed in winter clothing cheering in a snow-covered stadium, with the Premier League logo prominently displayed in the foreground.

    The festive fixture list doesn’t just test Premier League players; it’s also a severe commitment to supporters, especially those who travel to every game. The best betting sites team has analysed the distances fans will cover this Christmas, uncovering huge disparities. Fulham fans are spared with just a 5.6-mile round trip, but Liverpool’s faithful must endure a punishing 904 miles to support their team across the holiday period.

    This research highlights the sacrifices fans make to back their clubs during one of the busiest times of the year. The infographic below provides a detailed look at how travel demands differ, revealing which supporters have it easier and which face the ultimate test of dedication.

    Map showing Premier League festive fixture travel distances, highlighting Newcastle's 934-mile journey, Liverpool's 904-mile journey, and Fulham's minimal 5.6-mile trip across London. The image includes route markers for clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, West Ham, Ipswich, and Chelsea.

    Below is a quick-access guide to your team’s festive schedule and travel demands. Click on your club to learn about their challenges this Christmas period:

    Premier League Teams and Travel Distances
    TeamTotal Distance (miles)TeamTotal Distance (miles)
    Arsenal56.6Aston Villa424.0
    Bournemouth704.0Brentford149.8
    Brighton502.2Chelsea617.2
    Crystal Palace234.0Everton77.2
    Fulham5.6Ipswich161.0
    Leicester240.0Liverpool904.0
    Manchester City393.6Manchester United149.8
    Newcastle872.0Nottingham Forest488.0
    Southampton335.6Tottenham250.0
    West Ham244.0Wolves367.6

    Arsenal (56.6 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    21st December 2024Away to Crystal PalaceSelhurst Park1 hour 17 minutes
    27th December 2024Home against IpswichEmirates Stadium–
    1st January 2025Away to BrentfordGtech Community Stadium1 hour

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 2 hours 17 minutes.

    Arsenal Christmas Travel Overview:

    Arsenal supporters will benefit from one of the shortest travel schedules this festive period, with a total travel time of just 2 hours and 17 minutes for trips to Crystal Palace and Brentford. The manageable travel demands should make it easier for fans to follow the team across London, while the players enjoy reduced fatigue compared to their rivals. This schedule could also allow Mikel Arteta to rotate his squad effectively, with players like Leandro Trossard and Jorginho potentially coming into the team to keep key starters fresh. Arsenal’s favourable fixtures provide an excellent opportunity to maintain momentum in the race for the top spots.

    Aston Villa (424.0 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    21st December 2024Home against Manchester CityVilla Park–
    26th December 2024Away to NewcastleSt James’ Park3 hours 46 minutes
    30th December 2024Home against BrightonVilla Park–

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 3 hours and 46 minutes.

    Aston Villa Christmas Travel Overview:

    Aston Villa supporters face a moderately demanding festive period, with the Boxing Day trip to Newcastle accounting for their entire 3 hours and 46 minutes of travel. The long journey to St James’ Park will test the stamina of both fans and players, particularly during such a congested period. However, this season, Villa’s excellent home record provides a strong foundation for matches against Manchester City and Brighton. Unai Emery is likely to rotate his squad, with players like Leon Bailey and John McGinn potentially stepping in to manage workloads. Villa fans will hope the team can capitalise on their home advantage to secure key points.

    Bournemouth (704.0 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    22nd December 2024Away to Manchester UnitedOld Trafford4 hours 15 minutes
    26th December 2024Home against Crystal PalaceVitality Stadium–
    29th December 2024Away to FulhamCraven Cottage1 hour 57 minutes

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 6 hours and 12 minutes.

    Bournemouth Christmas Travel Overview:

    Bournemouth supporters face a challenging festive period, with two away games requiring a total of 6 hours and 12 minutes of travel. The longest journey is to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, followed by a shorter trip to Fulham. Boxing Day provides a brief respite with a home game against Crystal Palace. The congested schedule will require careful squad management, with players like Luis Sinisterra and Daniel Jebbison potentially stepping in to share the workload. Fans will hope that Bournemouth can secure vital points during this demanding period.

    Brentford (149.8 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    21st December 2024Home against Nottingham ForestGtech Community Stadium–
    27th December 2024Away to BrightonAmex Stadium1 hour 29 minutes
    1st January 2025Home against ArsenalGtech Community Stadium–

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 1 hour and 29 minutes.

    Brentford Christmas Travel Overview:

    Brentford supporters face a relatively light festive travel schedule, with only 1 hour and 29 minutes required for the away trip to Brighton on Boxing Day. With two home games against Nottingham Forest and Arsenal, fans will enjoy minimal travel demands. This schedule provides an excellent opportunity for Brentford to maintain momentum, especially with key players like Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa leading the attack. Rotation options such as Keane Lewis-Potter and Fábio Carvalho could also play crucial roles in keeping the squad fresh during this busy period.

    Brighton (502.2 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    21st December 2024Away to West HamLondon Stadium1 hour 33 minutes
    27th December 2024Home against BrentfordAmex Stadium–
    30th December 2024Away to Aston VillaVilla Park3 hours 3 minutes

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 4 hours and 36 minutes.

    Brighton Christmas Travel Overview:

    If you follow Brighton, prepare for a busy festive period with a total travel time of 4 hours and 36 minutes for trips to West Ham and Aston Villa. These challenging away games are sandwiched around a home fixture against Brentford, offering little time for recovery. Key performers like João Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma will be essential in maintaining attacking momentum, while defensive anchors such as Pervis Estupiñán and Lewis Dunk must ensure stability. Young talents like Yankuba Minteh and Carlos Baleba could see more opportunities to help manage the intense schedule.

    Chelsea (617.2 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    22nd December 2024Away to EvertonGoodison Park4 hours 30 minutes
    26th December 2024Home against FulhamStamford Bridge–
    30th December 2024Away to IpswichPortman Road2 hours 30 minutes

    Total Travel Time for Supporters:7 hours .

    Chelsea Christmas Travel Overview:

    Chelsea supporters face a relatively demanding festive period, with a total travel time of 7 hours across trips to Everton and Ipswich. The long journey to Goodison Park will be the most taxing, while the home fixture against Fulham offers a break from travel. Key players like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson must deliver consistently, while rotation options like Marc Guiu and Romeo Lavia could play pivotal roles in managing the packed schedule. Chelsea’s defensive unit, led by Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, will need to stay solid to navigate this challenging period successfully.

    Crystal Palace (234.0 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    21st December 2024Home against ArsenalSelhurst Park–
    26th December 2024Away to BournemouthVitality Stadium2 hours 32 minutes
    29th December 2024Home against SouthamptonSelhurst Park–

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 2 hours and 32 minutes.

    Crystal Palace Christmas Travel Overview:

    Crystal Palace fans have minimal travel demands this festive period, with just 2 hours and 32 minutes required for the Boxing Day trip to Bournemouth. Home games against Arsenal and Southampton provide opportunities to rest and rotate. Key players like Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the charge, while younger talents such as Adam Wharton and defensive stalwart Chris Richards could play vital roles. Palace supporters will hope for strong performances during this favourable period.

    Everton (77.2 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    22nd December 2024Home against ChelseaGoodison Park–
    26th December 2024Away to Manchester CityEtihad Stadium59 minutes
    29th December 2024Home against Nottingham ForestGoodison Park–

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 59 minutes.

    Everton Christmas Travel Overview:

    Everton fans have one of the lightest travel schedules this festive period, meaning they can celebrate Christmas in style, with just 59 minutes required for the short trip to Manchester City on Boxing Day. Home fixtures against Chelsea and Nottingham Forest provide an opportunity for the team to utilise Goodison Park’s atmosphere to their advantage in what will be the last Christmas at the ground. Key players like Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be pivotal, while rotation options such as Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Harrison offer attacking depth. Everton’s ability to maintain focus and energy during this compact schedule could define their festive success.

    Fulham (5.6 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    22nd December 2024Home against SouthamptonCraven Cottage–
    26th December 2024Away to ChelseaStamford Bridge15 minutes
    29th December 2024Home against BournemouthCraven Cottage–

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 15 minutes.

    Fulham Christmas Travel Overview:

    Fulham fans can let their hair down this holiday as they boast the shortest travel schedule of any Premier League team this festive period, with just 15 minutes required for the short trip to Chelsea on Boxing Day. With home fixtures against Southampton and Bournemouth, Fulham enjoy a significant logistical advantage that should allow the team to focus on maintaining their early-season momentum. Key players like Raúl Jiménez and Emile Smith Rowe will be crucial, while rotation options such as Rodrigo Muniz and Jay Stansfield could play key roles in managing the congested schedule. Fulham’s favourable fixtures provide a golden opportunity to secure vital points during this crucial period.

    Ipswich (161.0 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    21st December 2024Home against NewcastlePortman Road–
    27th December 2024Away to ArsenalEmirates Stadium1 hour 56 minutes
    30th December 2024Home against ChelseaPortman Road–

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 1 hour and 56 minutes.

    Ipswich Christmas Travel Overview:

    Ipswich supporters can look forward to a relatively welcome festive period, with just 1 hour and 56 minutes of travel required for the Boxing Day trip to Arsenal. Home fixtures against Newcastle and Chelsea provide an opportunity to capitalise on their home advantage and secure vital points. Key players like Liam Delap and Sam Szmodics will need to maintain their attacking momentum, while younger talents such as Omari Hutchinson and Jack Clarke could play pivotal roles in rotation. Defensively, Dara O’Shea will be crucial in handling the threats posed by Arsenal and Chelsea, ensuring Ipswich remain competitive throughout the congested schedule.

    Leicester (240.0 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    22nd December 2024Home against WolvesKing Power Stadium–
    26th December 2024Away to LiverpoolAnfield2 hours 30 minutes
    29th December 2024Home against Manchester CityKing Power Stadium–

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

    Leicester Christmas Travel Overview:

    Leicester supporters will face minimal travel demands during this festive period, with just 2 hours and 30 minutes required for the Boxing Day trip to Anfield. Home games against Wolves and Manchester City provide a chance to maximise points with the support of the King Power Stadium crowd. Veteran forward Jamie Vardy remains a crucial attacking presence, while younger players like Abdul Fatawu and Facundo Buonanotte could step up during rotation. Defensively, Wilfred Ndidi and the versatile James Justin will play key roles as Leicester navigate this compact and demanding schedule.

    Liverpool (904.0 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    22nd December 2024Away to TottenhamTottenham Hotspur Stadium4 hours 7 minutes
    26th December 2024Home against LeicesterAnfield–
    29th December 2024Away to West HamLondon Stadium4 hours 16 minutes

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 8 hours and 23 minutes.

    Liverpool Christmas Travel Overview:

    Kopites face the most gruelling festive schedule in the league, with a total travel time of 8 hours and 23 minutes for away trips to Tottenham and West Ham. The demanding schedule includes these challenging away matches sandwiched around a home fixture against Leicester, testing both squad depth and stamina. Key players like Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz will need to maintain their form, while rotation options such as Diogo Jota and Ryan Gravenberch could play vital roles. Defensively, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté will be critical in managing the physical toll of the congested fixtures, ensuring Liverpool stays competitive during this taxing period.

    Manchester City (393.6 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    21st December 2024Away to Aston VillaVilla Park1 hour 45 minutes
    26th December 2024Home against EvertonEtihad Stadium–
    29th December 2024Away to LeicesterKing Power Stadium2 hours 18 minutes

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 4 hours and 3 minutes.

    Manchester City Christmas Travel Overview:

    Manchester City fans face a moderate festive schedule, with a total travel time of 4 hours and 3 minutes for away trips to Aston Villa and Leicester. A home fixture against Everton provides some respite amid the demanding period. Key players like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne will be instrumental, while rotation options such as Jérémy Doku and Rico Lewis could feature prominently to manage workloads. In defence, Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias must maintain stability as City look to build momentum heading into the new year.

    Manchester United (149.8 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    22nd December 2024Home against BournemouthOld Trafford–
    26th December 2024Away to WolvesMolineux Stadium1 hour 28 minutes
    30th December 2024Home against NewcastleOld Trafford–

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 1 hour and 28 minutes.

    Manchester United Christmas Travel Overview:

    Manchester United fans face minimal travel demands this festive period, with just 1 hour and 28 minutes required for the Boxing Day trip to Wolves. Home fixtures against Bournemouth and Newcastle provide the opportunity to capitalise on Old Trafford’s atmosphere. Key players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will need to deliver consistently, while younger talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund could feature prominently in rotation. Defensive stalwarts like Lisandro Martínez and Diogo Dalot will be crucial in maintaining stability as United aim to maximise points during this busy stretch.

    Newcastle (872.0 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    21st December 2024Away to IpswichPortman Road5 hours 2 minutes
    26th December 2024Home against Aston VillaSt James’ Park–
    30th December 2024Away to Manchester UnitedOld Trafford2 hours 47 minutes

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 7 hours and 49 minutes.

    Newcastle Christmas Travel Overview:

    Geordies may want to limit their intake of Newcastle Brown as Newcastle fans face one of the most demanding festive travel schedules, with a total travel time of 7 hours and 49 minutes for away trips to Ipswich and Manchester United. These challenging fixtures bookend a home game against Aston Villa, making effective squad management critical for success. Key players like Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon will be pivotal in maintaining attacking momentum, while rotation options such as Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes could play vital roles. Defensively, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier will be essential in ensuring stability during this congested and testing period.

    Nottingham Forest (488.0 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    21st December 2024Away to BrentfordGtech Community Stadium2 hours 31 minutes
    26th December 2024Home against TottenhamCity Ground–
    29th December 2024Away to EvertonGoodison Park2 hours 13 minutes

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 4 hours and 44 minutes.

    Nottingham Forest Christmas Travel Overview:

    Nottingham Forest supporters face a challenging festive schedule, with a total travel time of 4 hours and 44 minutes for away trips to Brentford and Everton. A Boxing Day home game against Tottenham provides a chance to consolidate points. Key players like Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White will be vital in leading the attack, while rotation options such as Anthony Elanga and Elliot Anderson could feature to share the workload. Defensively, Nikola Milenkovic and Álex Moreno will play key roles in managing the demands of this packed schedule. Forest’s team spirit and tactical discipline will be tested as they aim to maintain their strong form.

    Southampton (335.6 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    22nd December 2024Away to FulhamCraven Cottage1 hour 34 minutes
    26th December 2024Home against West HamSt Mary’s Stadium–
    29th December 2024Away to Crystal PalaceSelhurst Park2 hours 4 minutes

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 3 hours and 38 minutes.

    Southampton Christmas Travel Overview:

    Southampton supporters face a moderately challenging festive schedule, with a total travel time of 3 hours and 38 minutes for trips to Fulham and Crystal Palace. A home fixture against West Ham on Boxing Day offers some respite amidst the away trips. Key players like Cameron Archer and Tyler Dibling will be vital in driving the team forward, while younger talents like Lesley Ugochukwu and defensive stalwart Taylor Harwood-Bellis could see increased roles in rotation. Southampton’s ability to balance squad depth and maintain focus will be critical to their success during this busy festive period.

    Tottenham (250.0 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    22nd December 2024Home against LiverpoolTottenham Hotspur Stadium–
    26th December 2024Away to Nottingham ForestCity Ground2 hours 42 minutes
    29th December 2024Home against WolvesTottenham Hotspur Stadium–

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 2 hours and 42 minutes.

    Tottenham Christmas Travel Overview:

    Tottenham fans have a relatively light travel schedule this festive period, with just 2 hours and 42 minutes required for the Boxing Day trip to Nottingham Forest. Home fixtures against Liverpool and Wolves offer some relief amidst the congestion. Key players like Son Heung-Min and James Maddison will be vital in sustaining Tottenham’s attacking momentum, while rotation options like Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski could play crucial roles in managing workloads. Defensively, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will need to ensure stability as Spurs aim to maximise their points tally during this busy stretch.

    West Ham (244.0 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    21st December 2024Home against BrightonLondon Stadium–
    26th December 2024Away to SouthamptonSt Mary’s Stadium2 hours 27 minutes
    29th December 2024Home against LiverpoolLondon Stadium–

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 2 hours and 27 minutes.

    West Ham Christmas Travel Overview:

    West Ham fans will experience a manageable festive period, with just 2 hours and 27 minutes required for the Boxing Day trip to Southampton. Home games against Brighton and Liverpool provide opportunities to capitalise on their home advantage. Key players like Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá will be vital in driving the team’s attacking momentum, while rotation options such as Mohammed Kudus and Tomáš Souček will play crucial roles in managing fatigue. Defensively, Maximilian Kilman will be key in handling aerial battles during this compact schedule.

    Wolves (367.6 miles)

    Games to Play
    DateFixtureLocationTravel Time
    22nd December 2024Away to LeicesterKing Power Stadium1 hour 14 minutes
    26th December 2024Home against Manchester UnitedMolineux Stadium–
    29th December 2024Away to TottenhamTottenham Hotspur Stadium2 hours 53 minutes

    Total Travel Time for Supporters: 4 hours and 7 minutes.

    Wolves Christmas Travel Overview:

    Wolves supporters face a moderately demanding festive period to watch the Wanderers, with a total travel time of 4 hours and 7 minutes for trips to Leicester and Tottenham. A home game against Manchester United provides a break from travel but adds a challenging fixture to the schedule. Key players like Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri will be crucial in driving Wolves’ attacking momentum, while rotation options such as Jørgen Strand Larsen and Mario Lemina will be vital in sharing the workload. Defensively, Craig Dawson and Santiago Bueno must ensure stability as Wolves aim to stay competitive during this packed schedule.

    The Christmas Schedule Winners and Losers

    When it comes to festive travel, not all Premier League supporters are created equal. Fulham fans are clear winners, with their team clocking just 5.6 miles in total and only 15 minutes of away travel for a short trip to Chelsea. Similarly, Brentford supporters enjoy a straightforward festive period, with just one away trip to Brighton requiring 1 hour and 29 minutes of travel.

    At the other end of the spectrum, Liverpool and Newcastle fans face the toughest challenges. Liverpool supporters must endure over 8 hours of travel time, with gruelling away trips to Tottenham and West Ham bookending a home fixture. Newcastle fans aren’t far behind, logging nearly eight hours across long journeys to Ipswich and Manchester United.

    Teams with moderate travel demands, like Wolves and Southampton, have the opportunity to balance rest and rotation, with fans facing viable away trips. Meanwhile, while spared extensive travel, clubs like Manchester City and Tottenham must still navigate busy schedules that test their squad depth and tactical flexibility.

    Also, knowing if a team has an easy or rough ride over the holidays could give you an insight and help you make informed choices at football betting sites.

    With every team battling the dual challenges of travel and fixture congestion, the festive period promises to be a compelling chapter in the Premier League season, where preparation and execution will separate success from struggle.

    I, for one, love it. John Lewis might be synonymous with Christmas, but I’d rather be watching Rico Lewis playing for Manchester City, away at Leicester.