How to Get to Alton Towers: Directions, Parking and Travel Costs

Address

Alton Towers Resort, Farley Lane, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB

Sat nav postcode: ST10 4DB. Nearest motorways: M1 J23A or M6 J15.

By Car

From	Route	Drive Time	Distance	Tolls
London	M1 northbound, exit J23A to A50 westbound	3-3.5 hours	~150 miles	None on this route
Birmingham	M6 northbound, exit J15 to A50 westbound	1 hour	~50 miles	None (or via M6 Toll to skip traffic: £7-8)
Manchester	M6 southbound, exit J15 or A50 eastbound	1.5 hours	~55 miles	None
East Midlands (Nottingham/Derby)	A50 westbound	45 min - 1 hour	~30 miles	None
Leeds/Yorkshire	M1 southbound to J28, then A38/A50 westbound	2-2.5 hours	~90 miles	None

Sat Nav Tip

Use postcode ST10 4DB. Do not use the resort postcode (ST10 4DE), as it takes you to a different entrance. The last few miles are on narrow country roads, so follow the brown tourist signs once you leave the A-road.

Parking

Standard (Online)

£13

Short walk or monorail to entrance

Standard (On Day)

£15

Save £2 by booking online

Express Parking

£25

1-3 minute walk to entrance

By Train

Nearest station: Uttoxeter (7 miles)

Then a taxi (£15-20) or the Alton Towers shuttle bus (seasonal, check timetable on the Alton Towers website). Uttoxeter is a small station with limited direct services.

Alternative: Stoke-on-Trent (15 miles)

Much better connected with frequent trains from London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Taxi to the park costs £25-35. More expensive but more reliable service.

Money-saving tip

A National Rail ticket unlocks the 2-for-1 Days Out Guide deal. Even if you drive to the park, buying a cheap rail ticket (from £2-3) purely to access this deal can save you £30+. See our deals page for details.

By Coach

National Express runs seasonal direct coaches from major cities including London, Birmingham, and Manchester during the Alton Towers season. Coaches drop off at the resort entrance. Check the National Express website for current timetables and availability, as services vary by season.

The M6 Toll Option

If driving from the South or South East, the M6 Toll bypasses the notoriously congested M6 around Birmingham. It adds £7-8 to your journey cost but saves 30-45 minutes on a busy day.

M6 Toll cost

£7-8 (car)

Time saved

30-45 minutes

Worth it on weekdays during rush hour and on busy holiday weekends. Less necessary on quiet weekend mornings. Check current M6 Toll prices at M6TollCost.com.

Accessibility

Blue Badge parking: Designated accessible parking spaces are available close to the park entrance. Free of charge with a valid Blue Badge.
Ride Access Pass: Available for guests with disabilities. Allows you to wait outside the queue and return at a set time. Apply in advance through the Alton Towers website or at Guest Services on the day.
Wheelchair hire: Available from Guest Services at the park entrance. First come, first served. Small deposit required.

Ticket Prices Total Budget National Rail 2-for-1 Overnight if Far Away