York - Alton Towers.

[greyman42]

What is the best way to get from York to Alton Towers theme park by rail/bus?

 

[johntea]

York to Derby then a bus from outside Derby station. Unfourtunately don’t think the bus actually runs until around March!

There are probably alternatives but to be honest Alton Towers is a bit of a bugger to get to by public transport, the first rollercoaster ride however is enjoyed on the drive there through the country roads!

 

[greyman42]

Do the buses run regular throughout the day?

 

[Polarbear]

There may be a direct bus at peak times between Derby & Alton Towers, but at this time of year, the best option seems to be to use the hourly Derby - Uttoxeter bus to Ellastone, then a 10 minute taxi ride from there to the venue.

There used to be a direct bus from Stoke On Trent station to Alton Towers, but I'm not sure if that still operates>

 

[supervalkoinen]

'Traveline' produces no journeys from Stoke or Derby for tomorrow.

 

[Gathursty]

If you wish to maximise train time, then order a taxi from either Blythe Bridge or Uttoxeter, the two nearest railway stations.

 

[Qwerty133]

'Traveline' produces no journeys from Stoke or Derby for tomorrow.

although the park not being open at this time of year may affect the level of service

 

[robbeech]

It’s likely the hotel is open though and lots of corporate stuff happens all year round. I was working on a project there last year around February / March and the hotel was surprisingly busy.

 

[Sebastian O]

Uttoxeter and bus or cab from there. No real other choices at the moment.

 

[greyman42]

Sorry, I should have been clearer. I am thinking of going when the park opens to the public in summer.

 

[Deafdoggie]

In the summer First operate from Uttoxeter and Stoke stations direct to Alton Towers. Stoke generally just has one return bus (timed to connect with Virgin London Services). Uttoxeter has a regular service bus 32A. This is usually increased in frequency when AT is open.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

In Summer 2017 there were two direct buses to Alton Towers:

X52 M-F only from Nottingham (Broadmarsh) at 0915 and Derby (Railway Station) at 0955, arrived Alton Towers 1055. Return bus at 1730, arriving 1830 / 1910. Operated from 27 March to 1 September 2017 except some Wednesdays when the rides are closed anyway.

X32 M-F from Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station at 0915? and Hanley Bus station at 0930, arrived Alton Towers 1025. Return bus at 1720, arriving 1815 / 1828. Operated from 12 June to 1 September, again did not operate when the rides are closed.
X32 Sat at 0930 Stoke, 0944 Hanley, arr 1039. Return bus at 1720 as per M-F. Operated 27 May to 2 September.

The 32A has gone.

The only local bus service in the area surrounding Alton Towers is a dial-a-ride service, who I understand were quite keen to have the revenue from people visiting Alton Towers (Ashbourne Community Transport).

There are 'always' taxis waiting at Uttoxeter Station happy to empty your wallet. Often fully accessible vehicles so they are plated for more passengers than a standard private hire car.

Finally there is a registered local service, operated by Alton Towers Transport, which although registered and claiming BSOG, is for staff only. And is eye-wateringly expensive.

Details for 2018 are unknown as yet.

You will not get a taxi at Ellastone except one that has driven out from Ashbourne / Uttoxeter and they will charge you for that journey.