Quote from Beth Ashton on July 1, 2025, 11:54 am

For families visiting Alton Towers, the parking choice can affect the day’s comfort and pace. Express Parking costs around £20 (standard is £10–£12), offering a 1–3 minute walk from your car to the park entrance. But is it worth it?

Convenience vs. Cost

In favour of Express Parking:

• A popular family blogger who visited with toddlers said pre-booking Express Parking (£16 at the time) “bypassed the monorail” and meant they were in the park within minutes—saving an hour compared to standard parking.

• On Reddit, one enthusiastic visitor shared:

  “I always go for the express parking, it’s only £8 more and you’re parked literally at the entrance, no need to walk for 20 minutes or spend 40 minutes waiting for a monorail at the end of the day”

• Tripadvisor reviews echo that sentiment: “Highly recommend Express Parking—your car is then a one minute walk from the park entrance and you don't have to faff with the monorail!”

Against Express Parking:

• Some Reddit users feel it’s unnecessary if you plan smart. One poster advised arriving early and using the monorail, or exiting via the Galactica/Forbidden Valley route:

  “The express parking isn't worth it. Just arrive a little earlier and get the monorail or walk to the entrance…”

• Another noted:

  “You can exit the park by Galactica at the end of the day so I always just have one last ride on Nemesis then exit there.”
  Other visitors agreed: plan your route and avoid the premium cost.

Standard parking is 15–25 minutes on foot (or via monorail), while Express Parking saves those journeys at both ends of the day.
For families with tired children or midday returns (nap, snack, changing clothes), that quick access can ease stress—and tired legs.

By contrast, if all you need is a single morning park entry and evening exit—and the family can handle some walking—standard parking remains sensible and budget-friendly.

Expert tips

• Book early: Express Parking often sells out months ahead. You can book here.

• Start at CBeebies Land: It’s close to the entrance, so on early visits, even standard parking works if you get in within 30 minutes of opening.

• Use the back exit: Finishing near Forbidden Valley allows you to avoid the long return walk or monorail queue.

Who Express Parking Suits Best

Ideal for:

• Families with toddlers, buggies or limited mobility—saving walking time and fuss.

• Those planning midday park returns (e.g. to hotel or car for breaks).

Less necessary for:

• Families fit and ready for a 15–25 minute walk (with monorail backup).

• Visitors committed to early entry and smart exit routes via Forbidden Valley or Galactica.

Express Parking delivers genuine benefits—time saved, less walking, more convenience—for around £8–£10 extra. For families with young kids or mobility considerations, that ease is often worth it.
However, early planners who take advantage of the monorail and strategic exit routes can enjoy similar access at half the price.

Choosing Express Parking is less about necessity and more about your family’s comfort vs. your budget. Whether it’s a stress-free start to a busy day or saving on precious time with little ones, the decision is personal—but either way, getting your parking sorted in advance is key to a smoother day at Alton Towers.