Getting to Alton Towers from the UK's biggest cities

Navigating your way to the world-famous Alton Towers resort from the UK's biggest cities can seem intimidating and daunting, especially if you don’t have a car or get overwhelmed with road signs.

We’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be difficult as you can access Alton Towers resort by train. Whether you're visiting from London, Bristol or Manchester, there are some simple and affordable ways of getting to the nearest train station from each city with relative ease.

This guide will tell you how to get to Alton Towers from the UK’s major cities by train, with options for all types of budgets. Read on to find a train station close to Alton Towers that’s best for your plans.

The closest train station to Alton Towers

While there is no dedicated Alton Towers train station, the closest train station to Alton Towers theme park is Uttoxeter station. It is approximately 16km away from the theme park. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to get to Alton Towers and it takes about 20 minutes to get there.

Another option is to reach Stoke-on-Trent railway station which is around 24km away from the theme park, and then take public transport or a taxi to Alton Towers.

There are several bus companies that operate from Stoke-on-Trent station to Alton Towers, including First Potteries and D&G Bus. The journey takes around 45 minutes and drops you off at the main entrance to the theme park.

For accurate directions, take a look at the official Alton Towers website. You can also search for ‘Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB’ on Google Maps for the Alton Tower address pin that will take you between the M1 and the M6.

If you are driving, it is important that you drive with care and please follow road signs for any changes on the day. Check for road closures, traffic or accidents to avoid delays. To save on the stress, take a train from your city and search for train times and prices that match your requirements.

Manchester trains to Alton Towers

Manchester is approximately 80km away from Alton Towers, and it will take you less than an hour and a half to reach.

The large industrial city in the northwest of England has several main train stations. Manchester Piccadilly is the main train station in Manchester, and it's where you'll be departing from. The station is located in the city centre, so it's easily accessible from anywhere in Manchester.

To get to Alton Towers, you'll need to take a train to Stoke-on-Trent station. This journey typically takes around an hour, depending on which train you take.

London to Alton Towers

There are so many fun weekend getaways from London, and most, like Alton Towers, are accessible by train. There are several stations in London where you can catch a train to Alton Towers, including London Euston, London St Pancras, and London Marylebone.

The journey time and ticket prices will vary depending on which station you choose. ‘How long does it take to get to Alton Towers from London?’ you may ask, and we’re here to tell you that you can reach it in about two hours.

Birmingham to Alton Towers

Getting to Alton Towers from Birmingham by train is one of the least complicated ways to make the roughly 58km journey. The fastest route involves catching a train from Birmingham New Street Station to Stoke-on-Trent Station, where you can then transfer onto a bus or taxi to take you to Alton Towers in under an hour and a half.

Liverpool to Alton Towers

The best way to get to Alton Towers from Liverpool is to take a train from Liverpool Lime Street Station to Stoke-on-Trent Station and then change to a train for the final leg of the journey to Uttoxeter Station. The journey can be completed in just over two hours.

Sheffield to Alton Towers

Located in South Yorkshire, Sheffield is only an hour and 30 minutes train journey away from Alton Towers. Getting there involves taking a direct train from Sheffield station that stops at Derby and Stoke-on-Trent before arriving at Uttoxeter.

You can always take the scenic route and hop on other trains during your journey; however, they may not be as direct and will make your trip longer. Of course, this isn’t a problem if you’re looking to explore more of the countryside whilst en route.

Leicester to Alton Towers

The train to Alton Towers from Leicester is only an hour’s journey. Like most of the other routes, you will need to change trains at Derby.

Leeds to Alton Towers

Travelling to Alton Towers by train from Leeds is a convenient and comfortable way to reach the theme park. You can take a train that changes at either Derby or Stoke-on-Trent to then make your way down to Uttoxeter.

Use the journey planner to find the route that is most convenient for you on your date of travel.

Bristol to Alton Towers

Riding the rails from Bristol to Alton Towers means you can chill before you take on the thrills and spills of the park. So why risk getting stuck in traffic? Change at Derby and you’ll make it in under three hours.

Edinburgh to Alton Towers

The hilly Scottish city of Edinburgh seems like a very far place to travel from to reach Alton Towers, but with a fantastic railway system, it is convenient and easy.

The journey requires two changes, however it can be done in over five hours. The first change is at Preston and the second one at Crewe will then take you directly to Uttoxeter.

Glasgow to Alton Towers

Similarly to those departing from Edinburgh, Glasgow travellers will also need to change twice in their train journey to Alton Towers. First change at Wigan North Western and then at Crewe station.