train to Alton Towers

jackieb

Can anyone help please? My son and 5 friends are looking to go to Alton Towers from Edinburgh. He was thinking of hiring an MPV but as he's only 25 he can't hire one in Scotland (the carhire website sayis that in Scotland you have to be 30yo to hire an MPV).

Does anyone have any idea how much it would cost for 6 adults, and how many changes they would have? Is Stafford the nearest rail station?

Lemonade_Pockets

The could hire two small cars no?

jackieb

Lemonade_Pockets wrote: »

The could hire two small cars no?

The only other driver is 23. A lot of hire places won't hire cars if you're under 25, and if they do, there's a young drivers surcharge. Before they hire 2 cars, it's worth looking into the cost of the train.

Chippy_Minton_2

Can't they get a local train over the border and hire a MPV in England?

jackieb

Chippy_Minton wrote: »

Can't they get a local train over the border and hire a MPV in England?

That would confuse things farther, as my son is actually driving his own car down to a friends in Edinburgh, and leaving it at their house. It would mean driving his own car, train and then hire car. Just seems a lot of faffing around. His own car is only a 2 door, and not really comfortable for a long journey, and big enough for more than 2 adults. We live about 3 hours north of Edinburgh.

samr_2

There's a bus that runs from Stoke on Trent Station to Alton towers.

http://www.altontowers.com/plan-your-visit/how-to-find-us/public-transport/

How well the bus fits in with train times from Edinburgh, I'm not sure.
They may be able to get cheap train tickets if they can book weeks in advance.

KeithP

TransportDirect may help you to confirm the best route.

Mike1901

From experience, your best bet would be Edinburgh to Stoke (virgintrains.com will have advance tickets if you book far enoguh in advance which can work out very cheap) then catch the ATT bus (Alton Towers Transport) to the park .

jackieb

Thanks for all your help. How far in advance would he have to book to get it a lot cheaper? They're planning on going at the end of this month.

Mike1901

At this point, the sooner the better - although by no means a rule, in general about a month before travel gets you the best deal.

One thing to remember is you will be tied to a specific train out of Edinburgh, so best to leave as much leeway as possible in terms of getting to the station.

pulliptears

Alton Towers Resort Transport Bus Times (every day from 29th March 2009):

LocationDeparts to Alton Towers ResortReturns from Alton Towers Resort
Derby Full Street09:4017:30
Stoke-on-Trent Rail Station07:10, 08:20*, 09:15, 10:10*, 11:10 15:45, 17:30, 18:30, 19:30
Uttoxeter Rail Station09:08, 10:08, 12:0017:15, 18:15 and 19:15

*08:20 and 10:10 from Stoke-on-Trent Rail Station operate Mondays- Saturdays only.

Bus Prices

Adult Return Child Return
Derby Full Street £7.50 £5.70
Stoke-on-Trent Rail Station £4.50 £3.40
Uttoxeter Rail Station £4.00 £3.00

First PMT service 32A runs frequently between Hanley and Uttoxeter via the Alton Towers Resort. For latest fare and timetable details, please visit the First PMT website.