All you train enthusiasts

[JackBuddy]

Calling all train lovers! I need to find a good company that will take from from London - Stoke-on-trent sometime in august, as I hope to go to Alton Towers with some friends. I want to return 2 days/ the next day after arriving.

Can anyone recommend any good (and cheap) companies?

I've tried virgin trains but £120 return isn't nice

[Charlie]

Go to nationalrail and plan the journey and there should be a option to go for the cheapest times. It means you have to get that train at that time but it's good.

[Janczyk]

Get a bus up there, be cheaper.

[JackBuddy]

Get a bus up there, be cheaper.

Yeah, but it takes 5 hours.

I was hoping to do this:

Day 1- leave london early morning, arrive at alton towers afternoon

Day 2- full day at alton towers

Day 3- part day at alton towers, leave evening / late afternoon.

Edit: Thanks for the national rail link, found a return that fits the above criteria for £57.

[You]

Catch a Pendo from Euston
Two singles might be cheaper than a return ticket

If virgin have an offer like, Eus to Manchester £12 each way, see if the service calls at S-O-T, If it does, then you've got your return for £24 :8

[JackBuddy]

Catch a Pendo from Euston
Two singles might be cheaper than a return ticket

If virgin have an offer like, Eus to Manchester £12 each way, see if the service calls at S-O-T, If it does, then you've got your return for £24 :8

Thanks, but what is a pendo?

[Shawnstra]

Thanks, but what is a pendo?

I'm guessing its a Pendelino train.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendelino

[JackBuddy]

ok thanks, what companies offer these pendolio trains then? Is it just Virgin?

[You]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_390

Yes, currently it's just Virgin who operate Pendolino's.

Edit: Just done a quick search. EUS > SOT. Going tomorrow @ 10am, returning 24th @ 19:00 costs £51.40

[Adam!]

Get the train to Uttoxeter then the 32A/X30 bus to Alton Towers - Will save you a hours journey on a bus, trust me