Birmingham to Alton Towers: Best Way To Get There? (a Brummie's Guide)

Affiliate disclosure notice stating that exploretheheartofengland.co.uk contains affiliate links and may earn commission from purchases at no extra cost to readers

LOOKING FOR THE BEST BIRMINGHAM TO ALTON TOWERS TRANSPORT ROUTES?

As the UK’s most popular theme park, Alton Towers lures millions of visitors to its incredible rides and attractions with some of the best rollercoasters in the country.

Being a thrill seeker myself, and having grown up in Birmingham and the West Midlands, it’s no surprise I’ve visited Alton Towers several times since I was a kid in the ’90s, journeying by car, coach and train, and now I share my insights into the pros and cons of each transport method.

Getting there is easier than you think, with various transport options to suit your needs and budget. This insider guide is packed with everything you need to know to plan your journey from Birmingham to Alton Towers.

PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH OUR FAVOURITE RESOURCES

→ Best Accommodation site: Booking.com
→ Book an Activity or a Day Tour here: Viator.com
→ Compare Bus, Coach & Train Prices here: Omio.com
→ Reserve your Rental Car here: DiscoverCars.com

Short on Time? Here’s Your Best Travel Options:

Here are your top transport options for getting from Birmingham to Alton Towers:

★ By Car – fastest route and most flexible option (book your car rental here).
★ By Coach – cheapest option and most convenient for non-drivers (book coach tickets from £5 here)

→ Get 50% OFF When You Book in Advance HERE ←

Directions from Birmingham to Alton Towers

Alton Towers is located just outside the village of Alton in Staffordshire, about 40 miles northwest of Birmingham. Below are detailed info and the best routes to get there from Birmingham:

✪ Address: Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB (Google Maps Location).
✪ Opening times: 9am-5pm, March-November (closed during winter months)
✪ Admission: Adult Day Pass: £68 at the gate, £34 online. Under 3s go free.
✪ For more info on all pass options available, see the official Alton Towers site.

✦ Save up to 50% off when you book in advance online✦

→ Book Your £34 Discounted Tickets HERE ←

Birmingham to Alton Towers By Car

>> The fastest route and most flexible option.

Driving from Birmingham to Alton Towers is the most direct, convenient and flexible travel method. It’s the option I used the last time I went to Alton Towers, three years ago.

You can either take the M6 route or an A (countryside) route, both are very similar durations. Personally I prefer the M6 as its straightforward with fewer stops and more fuel efficient.

Tip: check Google Maps to see which route is fastest as there is often heavy traffic on the M6 during rush hour.

For the M6 option: head northwest out of the city on the M6 motorway. Continue on the M6 past junctions 7-10 until you reach junction 15. Exit here and follow the A50 west for around 10 miles. Then take the exit for Alton Towers Resort and follow the signs to reach the theme park.

For the A-route option: Follow the A38 to Staffordshire and then take Rangemore Hill and B5017 to Draycott Clf/A515. Follow the A515 and A50 to Ashbourne Rd/B5030 in Uttoxeter. Continue on the B5030 and then take the B5031, Denstone Ln/B5032, Farley Ln and Alton Towers Dr to Loverose Way.

The image shows a Google Maps route from Birmingham to Alton Towers Waterpark in the UK. The route details are on the left, including road names and estimated travel times. The map on the right displays two possible routes highlighted in blue. The primary route, which is 49.8 miles long, is estimated to take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes, following the A38, B5017, and B5030 roads. The alternative route is slightly longer, at 53.5 miles, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. Key locations, towns, and road numbers are marked along the route.

Don’t have a car? We recommend renting one from DiscoveryCars – we’ve used them in the past to book car rentals at home and abroad, and we trust them for their transparency, fair prices, and honest reviews.

➤ You can hire a rental car for your trip here:

Where to Stay in Alton Towers

Making a weekend of it? Staying nearby allows for an early start to beat the crowds. Here are some top options to suit every budget.

Budget Option:

◉ The Manor Guest House (double rooms or family rooms, family-friendly) situated 4 miles away in the nearby village of Cheadle, one of Staffordshire’s ancient royal market towns. Rated Very Good 8.5

Luxury Option:

◉ Heythrop (entire holiday home) situated just 2 mins drive away (1 mile away). Rated Fabulous 8.7

How Long Is The Car Ride From Birmingham to Alton Towers?

The drive takes around 1 hr 15 minutes in normal traffic conditions. Be sure to leave extra time on peak days and school holidays when roads may be busier. Parking at Alton Towers costs £6 per day for standard parking.

What Are Some Great Stops Along The Way?

Trentham Gardens – Beautiful gardens and shopping village near Stoke-on-Trent
Emma Bridgewater Factory – See pottery being made at this popular factory
Cannock Chase – Area of natural beauty perfect for stretching your legs
Sudbury Hall – Stately home with museum and gorgeous grounds

Tips For The Car Ride From Birmingham to Alton Towers

➡️ Use a satnav app like Google Maps to navigate
➡️ Bring a playlist or audiobook to make the drive more fun
➡️ Stop halfway to stretch your legs and refresh
➡️ Refuel before leaving as petrol stations are limited along the way

→ Book Your Rental Car HERE ←

How do I get to Alton Towers from Birmingham on public transport?

The best way to get to Alton Towers from Birmingham without a car is by taking both the train and bus, which takes approximately 2 hours 9 minutes overall.

Is there a direct train to Alton Towers?

There is no direct train to Alton Towers. If you decide to only get the bus, it will take upwards of 3 hours with several changes along the way. So your best bet is to take the train from Birmingham New Street Station and then change to buses from Stoke-on-Trent or Uttoxeter.

Below is a guide to using the public transport options to get to Alton Towers:

Birmingham to Alton Towers By Train

>> A comfortable experience but slowest option and more costly than the coach.

You can travel from Birmingham to Alton Towers by rail as well. Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International are the nearest major train stations, both offering frequent services to Stoke-on-Trent on the Manchester Piccadilly Line, where you change to a bus for the remainder of the journey.

**Note: This route also includes travel by bus, as there is no direct train route to Alton Towers.**

→ Book Your Train Tickets HERE ←

A map is shown with a detailed travel itinerary from Birmingham New Street to Alton Towers Resort. The left side of the image displays the travel steps, starting with a train ride from Birmingham New Street to Stoke-on-Trent at 1:30 PM, followed by a short walk to the Royal Mail sorting office. From there, the itinerary includes a series of bus rides, with transfers at Hanley, Tean High Street, and Natwest Bank, before finally arriving at Alton Towers Hotel at 3:37 PM. The final destination, Alton Towers Waterpark, is reached after a brief walk. The right side of the image shows the route on a map, highlighting the path taken through various towns and cities, with the route marked in red.

How Long Is The Train Journey From Birmingham to Alton Towers?

The quickest journey takes around 2 hours 9 mins from Birmingham New Street. Fares start from as little as £8 one-way or less if booked in advance.

From Stoke-on-Trent, walk 5 mins to Royal Mail sorting office where you catch the number 24 bus to Hanley, then in Hanley High Street you get the number 32X to Cheadle (Natwest Bank), and change to the number 32A which takes you to Alton Towers Hotel.

On arrival, you walk 2 minutes to the main theme park area.

Tips for the Train Ride from Birmingham to Alton Towers

▶︎ Book train tickets in advance online for the lowest prices
▶︎ Services are less frequent on weekends and holidays, so plan your times carefully
▶︎ Sit on the left side of the train for good views on the final stretch to Alton
▶︎ Purchase snacks/drinks at stations as onboard prices are higher
▶︎ Keep hold of your ticket as you may need it to exit stations

→ Traveling from Birmingham to Alton Towers by train? Book your tickets in advance here:

Bonus: Get an Extra 33% off your Train Tickets with a National Railcard!

When you get yourself a National Railcard, you and one other traveller can save a whopping 1/3 off the price of your train tickets nationally!

We seriously recommend getting a Railcard to knock 33% off your train tickets, especially if you rely on train travel, and given how expensive train tickets are these days, this pass really helps a lot.

There are different types of railcards and you’ll need to apply for the one you’d be eligible for, which could be any of the following:

16-25 Railcard (for young adults aged 16-25 years)
Senior Railcard (for those aged 60 and over)
Two Together Railcard (For 2 named people travelling together, get an average annual saving of £104* plus special partner discounts!)
Disabled Persons Railcard (anyone with a disability or medical condition may be able to qualify – this is the one we have)
26-30 Railcard (valid for those aged 26-30 years)
Family and Friends Railcard (Children aged 5 to 15 get 60% discount on kids fares! Up to 4 adults and 4 children can travel on 1 card.)
16-17 Saver (For those aged 16 or 17. Enjoy 50% off standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and Season tickets, for just £35 a year)

Having hearing loss ourselves means we’re eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard, and we’ve used our passes for countless train trips over the years, saving us money every time

→ Get Your National Railcard HERE ←

Birmingham to Alton Towers by Coach

>> Poor service but cheapest option, and comes with extra comfort and features (WiFi, WC etc.)

National Express coaches take visitors from Birmingham Coach Station to Hanley, Stoke, and from there, you take the 5, 16, 32 or 32A bus to Alton Towers. Overall journey time is around 2.5 hours including the bus change in Stoke. Tickets start from £7 when booked online.

The coach is a comfortable option, and one I took when I visited as a young boy years ago when I went on a weekend trip from boarding school in Berkshire).

The downside of the National Express coach is that there are currently only two departures per day, one very early in the morning, and one in the evening, which isn’t ideal for a day trip.

**Word of caution: You must pay for a bus ticket separately when you arrive in Hanley for the second-leg of your journey to Alton Towers.**

→ Book Your National Express Tickets to Alton Towers HERE ←

Is there a direct coach from Birmingham to Alton Towers?

Yes there is, but it only runs at specific times on the weekends, and it costs approx £27 for a standard adult ticket. You can book your direct Alton Towers from Birmingham tickets with The Coach Company here:

Tips for the Coach Ride from Birmingham to Alton Towers

▷ Book tickets online and in advance for the cheapest fares
▷ Limited departure times, so be aware of the schedule
▷ Sit on the right side for views of the theme park as you approach
▷ Choose the front seats on the upper deck for the best views
▷ Bring your own snacks and drinks to save money

→ Travelling from Birmingham to Alton Towers by coach? Book your tickets in advance here:

Birmingham to Alton Towers by Bus

>> You have to take the train from Birmingham before changing to the bus from either Burton-on-Trent, Uttoxeter, or Stoke-on-Trent.

Local buses run between Stoke-on-Trent, Uttoxeter, and Alton Towers, which you can use to reach the park on a budget. The most useful services are:

➤ Service 32A from Hanley Bus Station in Stoke (approx 1 hour, runs every 30 mins)
➤ Service DAF from Uttoxeter – (25 mins, hourly service)
➤ Service 420 from Stoke Railway Station to Alton Towers – (50 mins, limited services)

Bus fare costs approx £2 one-way from each of the above locations.

Tips for the Bus Ride from Birmingham to Alton Towers

▶︎ Limited late night return buses, so check schedules
▶︎ Sit on the right side for views of the theme park as you approach
▶︎ Opt for front seats on the upper deck for the best experience
▶︎ Save money by bringing your own snacks and drinks

Further reading: 13 Best Mazes in the West Midlands

Best Alton Towers from Birmingham Travel Options: Pros and Cons

The general consensus is: driving to Alton Towers is the best option as it’s the quickest and most flexible route taking 1 hour 15 mins.
That being said, getting the train is the best option for non-drivers as its cheaper and eco-friendly, and allows you to relax and enjoy the journey, although it takes 2 hours 09 mins.

Below are the pros and cons for each transport option:

Transport Method	Positives	Negatives
Car	✅ Fastest route (1 hr 15 mins) ✅ Flexible – depart and return whenever suits you ✅ Direct journey from your home straight to the park gates	❌ Most expensive option when considering fuel, maintenance/car rental ❌ Must stay alert when driving ❌ Least eco-friendly option
Train and Bus	✅ Cheaper option ✅ Comfortable and relaxing ✅ Allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery on the journey ✅ Most eco-friendly option	❌ Long journey (2 hrs 09 mins) ❌ Requires changing to buses on final leg ❌ Train tickets could be a bit expensive during peak times
Coach	✅ Comfortable and relaxing	❌ Long journey time (2 hrs or more) ❌ No regular service – only runs twice a day (early morning and late evening) or specific times at weekends

What days are busiest at Alton Towers?

The busiest days at Alton Towers are weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays. Peak season (July and August) sees consistently high visitor numbers. Special events, such as Scarefest in October, also draw large crowds. To avoid long queues, plan your visit for off-peak periods where possible.

What to See and Do at Alton Towers

Once you’ve made the journey from Birmingham, an amazing day out awaits at the UK’s biggest and most popular theme park. Here are some of the top attractions and rides not to miss:

A roller coaster full of riders is captured mid-ride as it twists on a steel track. The track is light blue and suspended in the air, with riders seated in an inverted position, creating an exhilarating effect. The surrounding area features dense greenery, including tall trees, which contrast with the structure of the roller coaster. The sky is overcast, adding a slightly moody atmosphere to the scene. — Nemesis

Alton Towers Top Rollercoasters

The Smiler – My absolute fave ride, with a record-breaking 14 loops, and Alton Tower’s newest thrill ride
Nemesis – Iconic inverted rollercoaster set into the rock cliffs (my former favourite before The Smiler opened)
Oblivion – The world’s first vertical drop rollercoaster, plummeting riders over an 180ft drop
Wicker Man – England’s first wooden rollercoaster, based around a giant flaming Wicker Man structure

✦ Word of advice: Tickets start from £34 when booked online, whereas at the gate you’d pay £68. Be sure to book Your Alton Towers tickets in advance HERE:

Best Family Rides at Alton Towers

✪ Runaway Mine Train – Wild mine train-themed rollercoaster perfect for younger kids
✪ Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure – Gentle rollercoaster ride inspired by the TV series, great for little ones
✪ Galactica – Space-themed virtual reality rollercoaster experience
✪ Spinball Whizzer – Twisty rollercoaster with spinning cars

Best Water Rides

✪ Congo River Rapids – White knuckle raft ride guaranteed to soak you!
✪ Ripsaw – Fast-paced watercoaster reaching top speeds of 50mph
✪ Battle Galleons – Family water ride where you blast other boats with water cannons

Alton Towers Shows and Experiences

✪ Alton Towers Dungeon – Hilarious yet spooky live action show
✪ Monorail Skyride – Soar over the park and enjoy stunning views on this monorail
✪ Cbeebies Land – Dedicated area for young families themed around CBeebies shows
✪ Extraordinary Golf – Unique themed 9-hole mini golf courses

Alton Towers is one of the best family day trips from Birmingham and ranks high among the best activities for families in the West Midlands. As such, I highly recommend booking your tickets online and in advance to avoid disappointment.

→ Book Your Alton Towers Tickets HERE ←

✦ Save up to 50% off when you book in advance online ✦

The on-site hotels all offer Early Ride Time when staying, allowing access to certain rides before the main park opens. This helps you maximise your day and avoid long queues. Hotels are within walking distance or a short shuttle bus ride from the parks.

The image shows the entrance to a grand hotel with a classic design, featuring a large, symmetrical building with red-brick walls and multiple white cupolas on the roof. The building has a wide, welcoming porch supported by white columns and decorated with intricate woodwork. In front of the entrance is a circular fountain, adorned with an artistic sculpture that includes various objects, such as a vintage car and a globe, arranged in a whimsical manner. The courtyard is paved with bricks, and several flags, including the Union Jack, are displayed near the entrance, adding a touch of formality. — Alton Hotel

→ More Birmingham guides:
The Best Time to Visit Birmingham
Free Things to Do in Birmingham
Best Birmingham Things to Do in Summertime
Brummie Slang: Beginners Guide

Can I do Alton Towers in one day?

You can experience Alton Towers in a day, but it might be rushed. The park is large, with numerous attractions. To maximise your visit, arrive early, prioritise your must-ride attractions, and consider purchasing fast-track tickets for popular rides. For a more paced experience, consider a two-day visit.

How do I get to Alton Towers with no car?

From Birmingham, take a train to Stoke-on-Trent or Uttoxeter. Then, use the Alton Towers Express bus service from these stations to the park. Remember to get yourself a Railcard to save 1/3 off the price of your train tickets. Alternatively, National Express offers direct coach services from Birmingham to Alton Towers on select days during peak season. Pre-booking is recommended for both options.

What is the quietest time at Alton Towers?

The quietest times at Alton Towers are typically weekdays during term time, especially in May, June, and September (excluding bank holidays). Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be less crowded. To avoid peak crowds, consider visiting on overcast days or when light rain is forecast.