If you’re looking for a fantastic family day out in South England, look no further than Chessington World of Adventures.
With over 40 rides, rollercoasters, and captivating animal attractions, this UK theme park promises an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults. The best part? Getting there is a piece of cake, especially if you opt for public transport.
In this article, we've compiled all the practical details you need to know to make your trip to Chessington World of Adventures stress-free. You’ll find information on the best train routes as well as directions to Chessington for those who prefer to drive.
We’ve also included tips on maximising your time at the theme park to ensure your day is memorable for all the right reasons.
How to get to Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures is located in the town of Chessington in Surrey, approximately 12 miles southwest of Central London. It’s easily accessible for local visitors and those travelling from further afield by train, bus, and car. Here’s how.
Trains to Chessington
If you’re getting the train to Chessington World of Adventures, you’ll need to catch a service to Chessington South, the nearest train station to the theme park. You can walk (10 minutes) or take a taxi from there to the resort.
The following London stations all have trains running to Chessington South:
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London Waterloo
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Clapham Junction
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Wimbledon
Chessington South is in Travel Zone 6, which means you can pay by tapping your Oyster or contactless card at the barriers. If you’re travelling from outside London, it’s best to take a train to London Euston or London Waterloo, then catch a connection to Chessington South.
Driving to Chessington
To get to Chessington World of Adventures by car, use the postcode KT9 2NE in your GPS.
Otherwise, directions to Chessington World of Adventures are as follows:
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From the M25, exit at Junction 9 (from the South) or Junction 10 (from the north)
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From the A3, take the exit towards Hook
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After exiting, follow the A243 signposts towards Chessington
If you’re visiting off-peak, booking a parking space online before your visit will save you £3 compared to buying a ticket at the barrier.
Express parking ensures an even easier entry and exit from the park. It costs £15 per car, and the car park is right next to the Lodge Gate theme park entrance.
Buses to Chessington
The 71, 467, and 465 bus services travel into Chessington from Kingston and Epsom, respectively. This makes it easy to get to the World of Adventures from Central London by bus.
Getting to Chessington from the airport
Due to its proximity to some of the UK’s major airports, it’s easy to get to Chessington World of Adventures from abroad.
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If you arrive at Heathrow Airport, take the Piccadilly Tube to London Waterloo. From here, you can catch the direct train to Chessington South.
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If you’re travelling from Gatwick Airport, you can get a train to Clapham Junction from the train station in the terminal. From here, catch the connection to Chessington South.
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If you’re travelling from London City Airport, take the Docklands Light Railway and the Tube to London Waterloo Station. Catch the direct service from here to Chessington South.
How far is Chessington from the train station?
The nearest train station to Chessington World of Adventures is Chessington South, only a 10-minute walk from the resort.
Once you’ve got off the train, getting to the park couldn’t be easier. Head right as you leave the station, then turn left at the end of the road. You’ll see the resort in front of you.
How long does it take to get to Chessington from London?
Getting from Central London to Chessington World of Adventures is quick and easy, with trains from the following four stations departing every half an hour or so:
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Trains from London Euston take just under an hour
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Trains from London Waterloo take around half an hour
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Trains from Clapham Junction take just under half an hour
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Trains from Wimbledon take 20 minutes
First trains leave early on weekdays and weekends, meaning you can be at Chessington long before the resort opens.
What to do at Chessington World of Adventures
With rollercoasters, a zoo, and an aquarium to explore, you’re sure to have a fun-packed time at this outdoor theme park. The park usually opens at 10.00 am, and it’s best to arrive early to ensure you can make the most of your day.
However old your children are, there are plenty of rides for them to try. Little ones will love the Gruffalo River Ride Adventure and Room on the Broom Magical Journey. The Vampire and KOBRA rollercoasters are particular favourites among brave adventurers and older children.
You might also want to check out the World of Jumanji ride, the only rollercoaster of its kind in the world.
Once you’ve been on all the rides, head to the zoo to see more than 1,000 animals and experience the underwater world of the SEA LIFE Centre. These attractions are both included in your ticket.
Upgrade your package
For an extra-special experience, you can upgrade your tickets to include VIP Animal Experiences or Ultimate Entry packages.
The VIP Animal Experiences allow you to get up close and personal with meerkats, tigers, reindeer, and more. You can also go on a giraffe-feeding experience in a safari truck.
The Gold and Silver Ultimate Entry packages get you access to additional perks such as fast-track park entrance, belongings storage, a VIP goody bag, and much more on top of that. Remember, these packages must be booked in advance.
More UK theme parks you can get to by train
If you're a fan of theme parks and eager to explore more of what the UK has to offer, you're in luck. There are plenty more excellent UK theme parks you can reach by train.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few to whet your appetite:
Book your train to Chessington World of Adventures
If you’re planning to visit Chessington World of Adventures from further afield, it’s worth booking your train to London as early as possible. Once you’ve arrived in the capital, you can catch a local train to Chessington South, the train station near Chessington.
By booking in advance, you can make some serious savings and guarantee you get seats on the train.
Other ways to bag a discount include travelling Off-Peak and buying a Family Ticket if you’re travelling as a group.
You may also like to consider purchasing a Family & Friends Railcard. Up to four adults and four children can travel on one card, and children aged five to 15 get a 60% discount on their fares.
