Working out the closest train station to Alton Towers Theme Park makes the park more accessible & easy to visit, perfect when planning trips.
Alton Towers, one of the UK’s most beloved theme parks, is located in the rural village of Alton in Staffordshire. Yes, the rides in Thorpe Park are great for teens whilst visiting Legoland Windsor can be great for those with young children. However, we find that Alton Towers truly has plenty to enjoy for children and teens of all ages.
Due to its rural location, it can be a bit tricky to reach directly by train, as there is no train station in Alton itself. However, several nearby train stations serve as gateways to the theme park, offering connections to major cities across the UK.
This guide will explore these stations, how to get from the station to the park, and other travel options.
Closest Train Station to Alton Towers Theme Park
Stoke-on-Trent Station
- Location: Approximately 15 miles from Alton Towers.
- Connections: Stoke-on-Trent is the most convenient train station for visitors to Alton Towers and one of the closest train station to Alton Towers Theme Park. It is well-connected to major cities across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool. Trains to Stoke-on-Trent are frequent, especially from London Euston, with journey times averaging around 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Getting to Alton Towers: From Stoke-on-Trent, the most straightforward way to reach Alton Towers is by bus or taxi. The Alton Towers bus service, which operates during the theme park’s open season, provides a direct connection. The journey by bus takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi ride from Stoke-on-Trent to Alton Towers typically takes around 25-30 minutes and costs approximately £30-£40.
Uttoxeter Station
- Location: Approximately 10 miles from Alton Towers.
- Connections: Uttoxeter is a smaller station on the Crewe-Derby line, making it accessible from both the North and Midlands. It is another one of the closest train station to Alton Towers Theme Park, ideal for more local visitors. It connects to cities like Derby, Crewe, and Nottingham. Although less connected than Stoke-on-Trent, it’s a convenient option for those traveling from the East Midlands.
- Getting to Alton Towers: The bus service from Uttoxeter to Alton Towers, offered by First Potteries, is a popular choice. The bus journey takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi from Uttoxeter to Alton Towers takes about 20 minutes, with fares typically ranging from £25-£35.
Derby Station
- Location: Approximately 20 miles from Alton Towers.
- Connections: Derby Station is a significant hub in the East Midlands, with direct trains from London St Pancras, Sheffield, Birmingham, and Nottingham. The station serves as a key interchange for trains traveling between the North and South of the UK.
- Getting to Alton Towers: While Derby is further from Alton Towers compared to Stoke-on-Trent or Uttoxeter, it offers the convenience of a larger station with more frequent connections. This is one of the closest train station to Alton Towers Theme Park, especially ideal traveling from London. From Derby, you can take a train to Uttoxeter and then transfer to the bus or taxi for the final leg of the journey. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Blythe Bridge Station
- Location: Approximately 13 miles from Alton Towers.
- Connections: Blythe Bridge is a small station on the Crewe-Derby line, located between Stoke-on-Trent and Uttoxeter. It’s an option for those traveling on this line, particularly from Crewe or Derby.
- Getting to Alton Towers: From Blythe Bridge, visitors can take a taxi to Alton Towers, a journey of around 20 minutes. Alternatively, local bus services can be used, although these may require transfers and be less direct.
How to Get from the closest train station to Alton Towers Theme Park
Once you’ve arrived at the closest train station, there are several options to complete your journey to Alton Towers.
1. Bus Services
- Alton Towers Bus Service: During the theme park’s open season, dedicated bus services operate from Stoke-on-Trent, Uttoxeter, and Derby directly to Alton Towers. These buses are timed to coincide with train arrivals, making them a convenient option for visitors.
- Public Bus Services: Local bus companies, such as First Potteries and Arriva, offer services to Alton Towers. These are often more frequent and may offer additional stops along the way, which could be beneficial for visitors staying in nearby towns.
2. Taxi
- From Stoke-on-Trent: Taxis from Stoke-on-Trent to Alton Towers are a popular choice due to the relatively short distance and travel time. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak times, to ensure availability.
- From Uttoxeter: A taxi from Uttoxeter to Alton Towers is slightly quicker than from Stoke-on-Trent and can be a good option for those traveling from the East Midlands. Taxis are usually available at the station, but it’s advisable to book in advance.
Alternate Travel Options to Alton Towers
If traveling by train is not convenient or preferred, there are several other ways to reach Alton Towers.
1. Driving
- Route Planning: Alton Towers is located off the B5032, easily accessible from the M1, M6, and A50. Visitors driving from London can take the M1 northbound, then connect to the A50, while those from Manchester can use the M6 southbound. The park’s postcode (ST10 4DB) is handy for sat-nav users.
- Parking: Alton Towers offers several parking options, including standard parking and express parking, which is closer to the park entrance. Parking fees range from £6 to £18, depending on the location.
2. Coach Services
- National Express: National Express operates direct coach services to Alton Towers from various cities, including London, Birmingham, and Manchester. These coaches are equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi, making for a comfortable journey. The travel time varies depending on the departure city, but expect around 4 hours from London.
- Local Coach Operators: Several local coach operators run day trips to Alton Towers, especially from nearby cities and towns. These trips often include park entry tickets as part of the package, providing a hassle-free travel experience.
3. Shuttle Services
Some hotels and accommodation providers in the Staffordshire area offer shuttle services to Alton Towers. These shuttles are usually available for guests staying at the hotels and are timed to coincide with the park’s opening and closing hours.
4. Cycling
For the more adventurous, cycling to Alton Towers is an option, particularly for those staying in nearby towns or campsites. The Staffordshire countryside offers scenic routes, although the rural roads can be narrow and challenging. Alton Towers provides bike racks for secure parking.
Planning a trip to Alton Towers
When planning your visit to Alton Towers, it’s essential to consider the travel time and how it fits into your overall schedule. Here are some tips to make your journey as smooth as possible:
- Check Train Schedules: Train times can vary, especially on weekends and bank holidays. It’s advisable to check the schedule in advance and book tickets early, particularly during peak season.
- Pre-Book Transfers: Whether you’re taking a taxi, bus, or coach, pre-booking is recommended to avoid long waits and ensure a smooth connection.
- Consider Accommodation: Staying overnight near Alton Towers can be a good option, particularly if you’re traveling from a distance. There are several hotels, B&Bs, and campsites in the area that offer packages including park tickets and shuttle services.
- Pack Essentials: Depending on your travel method, it’s a good idea to pack essentials like snacks, water, and entertainment for the journey. If you’re driving, ensure your vehicle is well-prepared for the trip.
While reaching Alton Towers by train requires a bit of planning due to its rural location, the journey can be part of the adventure. Whether you’re traveling via Stoke-on-Trent, Uttoxeter, Derby, or Blythe Bridge, there are convenient options to get you to the park.
Remember to plan ahead, book your transfers, and enjoy the ride as you head to one of the UK’s top theme park destinations.
