Learn how to get to Alton Towers easily with this complete guide covering driving routes, trains, buses & parking tips.
Alton Towers Resort is one of the best theme parks in the UK, attracting millions of visitors every year. Set deep in the Staffordshire countryside, it’s home to record-breaking roller coasters, family attractions, landscaped gardens, and themed accommodation.
While the rides themselves are easy to enjoy once you arrive, getting to Alton Towers can feel confusing, especially for first-time visitors or those travelling without a car.
Unlike many UK attractions, this theme park doesn’t have a nearby train station or direct motorway access. Instead, visitors need to plan carefully, combining trains, buses, taxis, or driving through rural roads.
How to get to Alton Towers
Where Is Alton Towers Located?
Alton Towers Resort is located in Staffordshire, in the West Midlands region of England, near the village of Alton. The park sits within a former stately home estate, surrounded by countryside and rolling hills.
Official address:
Alton Towers Resort
Farley Lane
Alton
Staffordshire
ST10 4DB
Because of its rural location, public transport links are limited, which is why planning your journey in advance is essential.
Getting there by Car
For most visitors, driving is the easiest and fastest way to get to Alton Towers. If you have access to a car, this option offers the most flexibility, especially if you’re travelling with children, staying overnight, or visiting during peak season.
Driving to Alton Towers from London
Distance: Approx. 160 miles
Driving time: 3.5–4 hours (traffic dependent)
The most common route from London is:
- Take the M1 northbound
- Join the A50 towards Stoke-on-Trent
- Follow signs for Alton Towers
Alternatively, you can use the M40 and M42, then connect to the A50. This route can sometimes be quieter depending on traffic conditions.
Traffic can be heavy on Friday afternoons, weekends, and school holidays, so setting off early in the morning is highly recommended.
Driving here from Birmingham
Distance: Approx. 50 miles
Driving time: 1.25–1.5 hours
From Birmingham:
- Take the A38 or M6
- Join the A50 towards Stoke-on-Trent
- Follow signs for Alton Towers
This is one of the easiest journeys to Alton Towers and is ideal for a day trip.
Driving here from Manchester
Distance: Approx. 45 miles
Driving time: 1.5 hours
From Manchester:
- Take the M56 or M6 southbound
- Join the A50
- Follow local signage to the resort
This route can be busy during peak times, especially on weekends.
Driving here from Nottingham, Leeds, and Sheffield
- Nottingham: Around 1.5 hours via the A52 and A50
- Sheffield: Around 1.5 hours via the A61 and A515
- Leeds: Around 2 hours via the M1 and A50
The final stretch of your journey will involve narrow country roads, so drive carefully and allow extra time.
Parking at Alton Towers
The park has a large on-site car park.
Parking options include:
- Standard parking (paid per day)
- Express parking (closer to the entrance, higher fee)
- Hotel guest parking (included with on-site stays)
During busy periods, arriving early can save you a long walk from the car park to the entrance.
Getting there by Train
Travelling here by train is possible, but it requires at least one additional form of transport, usually a bus or taxi.
Nearest Train Stations:
The closest and most commonly used train stations are:
- Uttoxeter (10 miles away – best option)
- Stoke-on-Trent (15 miles away)
- Derby (25 miles away)
Uttoxeter is generally the most convenient because of seasonal bus connections to the park.
Trains from London
From London:
- Take a train from London Euston to Uttoxeter (usually via Derby or Stoke-on-Trent)
- Journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours
Alternatively:
- London Euston to Stoke-on-Trent
- Then taxi or bus
Booking train tickets in advance can significantly reduce costs, especially during school holidays.
Trains from Birmingham to Alton Towers
From Birmingham New Street:
- Direct or connecting trains to Uttoxeter or Stoke-on-Trent
- Journey time: around 1–1.5 hours
This is one of the easiest rail routes to Alton Towers.
Trains from Manchester to Alton Towers
From Manchester Piccadilly:
- Train to Stoke-on-Trent
- Journey time: approx. 35 minutes
- Then taxi or bus to the park
Getting there from the Train Station
Once you reach a nearby station, you’ll need onward transport.
Bus to Alton Towers
During peak season (usually spring to autumn), a bus service operates from Uttoxeter Station to Alton Towers.
Key points:
- Timetables are limited
- Buses often run only once or twice in the morning and afternoon
- Services may not operate year-round
Always check bus times in advance and have a backup plan.
Taxi from the Train Station
Taxis are the most reliable option from Uttoxeter or Stoke-on-Trent.
Approximate taxi costs:
- Uttoxeter to Alton Towers: £20–£30
- Stoke-on-Trent to Alton Towers: £30–£40
Pre-booking a taxi is strongly recommended, especially during busy periods or late in the day.
Getting there by Coach
There are no regular national coach services that stop directly at Alton Towers, but some tour operators offer seasonal day trips from major cities.
These are usually:
- Organised day tours
- Transport only or transport + ticket packages
- Limited availability
This option can be convenient if you want a stress-free day without planning connections, but flexibility is limited.
Getting to Alton Towers Without a Car
If you don’t drive, getting to Alton Towers is still possible with some planning.
Best options:
- Train to Uttoxeter + bus (seasonal)
- Train to Stoke-on-Trent + taxi
- Organised coach tour
Travelling without a car takes longer, so consider staying overnight nearby or on-site to avoid rushing.
Getting to Alton Towers from Nearby Airports
If you’re visiting from outside the UK, the nearest airports include:
- Manchester Airport (1.5 hours by car)
- Birmingham Airport (1.25 hours by car)
- East Midlands Airport (1.25 hours by car)
From the airport, renting a car is usually the easiest option. Public transport journeys can take 3–4 hours with multiple changes.
Staying Overnight to Make Travel Easier
Many visitors choose to stay:
- At Alton Towers on-site hotels
- In nearby villages such as Alton, Uttoxeter, or Stoke-on-Trent
Staying overnight allows you to arrive early, avoid peak traffic, and enjoy multiple days at the park without long travel times.
Accessibility and Family Travel Tips
- Allow extra time if travelling with pushchairs or wheelchairs
- Taxis are often easier than buses for families
- On-site hotels offer the simplest arrival experience
- Pre-book parking and transport during school holidays
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming there’s a train station at Alton Towers
- Not checking bus timetables in advance
- Underestimating rural driving time
- Arriving late during peak season
- Forgetting parking fees
How to get to Alton Towers FAQ
You can get to Alton Towers by car, train plus taxi or bus, or by organised coach tour. Driving is the easiest option due to the park’s rural location, but public transport is possible with some planning.
No, Alton Towers does not have its own train station. The closest train station to Alton Towers is Uttoxeter, which is around 10 miles away from the park.
Uttoxeter is the closest and most convenient train station to Alton Towers. Stoke-on-Trent is another popular option, though it is slightly further away.
From Uttoxeter station, you can take a seasonal bus service to Alton Towers or a taxi. Taxis are the most reliable option and take around 20 minutes.
Yes, but public transport requires multiple steps. Most visitors travel by train to Uttoxeter or Stoke-on-Trent and then continue by bus or taxi to the park.
For most visitors, yes. Driving offers the quickest and most flexible way to reach Alton Towers, especially for families, groups, or anyone travelling during peak times.
It takes around 3.5 to 4 hours to drive from London to Alton Towers. By train, the journey typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours including onward travel.
From Birmingham, it usually takes around 1.25 to 1.5 hours by car. Train journeys to nearby stations take around 1 hour, plus taxi or bus time.
From Manchester, the drive takes about 1.5 hours. By train, it takes around 35 minutes to Stoke-on-Trent, followed by a taxi or bus.
Yes, Alton Towers has on-site parking. Standard parking is paid per day, while express parking is available closer to the entrance for an additional fee. Parking is usually included for hotel guests.
Yes, it is possible to visit Alton Towers without a car, but it takes longer. The best option is a train to Uttoxeter or Stoke-on-Trent followed by a taxi or seasonal bus.
There are no regular national coach services to Alton Towers, but seasonal coach trips and tour packages are sometimes available from major cities.
Driving is the easiest option for families, as it allows you to carry bags, pushchairs, and arrive early. Staying on-site also makes travel much simpler.
Yes, as long as you plan ahead. Following road signage, booking transport in advance, and allowing extra travel time will make the journey much easier.
The best way to get to Alton Towers depends on your starting point and travel style. Driving offers the most flexibility, while train and taxi combinations work well for visitors without a car. With careful planning, getting to Alton Towers is straightforward and well worth the effort for a day—or weekend—of unforgettable rides and experiences.
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