How to get to Silverstone by train

Becky blog author avanti social team

By the Avanti Web Team

clock icon

7 mins read | April 17, 2023

Silverstone Circuit draws visitors, tourists, and fans all year round. Thanks to its central location in England, it's less than two hours' travel away for millions of people.

In this article, we cover why people love Silverstone, how to get there by train and car, and what to expect when you arrive.

Why take the train to Silverstone?

Silverstone Circuit is steeped in motor history. It's home to The British Grand Prix, part of the F1 World Championship, and Moto GP, motorcycling's equivalent of F1.

Take in an amazing experience and save £100s in petrol and parking by taking the train. Save even more by booking early, booking as a group or using a Railcard.

Find your train tickets with Avanti West Coast today and get ready to enjoy Silverstone!

It also hosts:

  • Superbikes, the souped-up version of MotoGP

  • Walter Hays Trophy, the most important Formula Ford race

  • Vintage sports car racing

  • A 24hr endurance championship, just like LeMans

  • BARC Mini Challenge, an important stepping stone for wannabee professional racers

The amazing Silverstone Festival is held at the end of summer. It’s a three-day celebration of motorsport with extreme stunt shows, F1 car displays, and live music at night.

It's not just for big events though. Racers and hobbyists love Silverstone's track days too, where they can race each other on this famous circuit.

While the Grand Prix Weekend grabs the majority of headlines, there's always something happening at Silverstone.

Silverstone 1.jpg 

Train stations near Silverstone

The nearest train station to Silverstone is Wolverton. You can get to Wolverton direct from London Euston, Birmingham New Street, and Northampton railway station.

For visitors setting off from different stations, you'll have to get off at the other main train stations near Silverstone. These are the Banbury, Milton Keynes, and Northampton rail stations. After that, you can make your way to the circuit by bus or taxi.

Let's look at the options you have to get to Silverstone from Britain's most populated areas.

London to Silverstone by train

When travelling from London to Silverstone by train, here are your options:

  • Wolverton: Travel direct to the closest station to Silverstone from London Euston (approximately one hour)

  • Banbury: Direct from London Marylebone (approximately one hour and 10 minutes)

  • Milton Keynes: Direct from London Euston (approximately 50 minutes)

  • Northampton: Direct from London Euston (approximately one hour and 10 minutes)

Birmingham to Silverstone by train

When travelling from Birmingham to Silverstone by train, your options are:

  • Wolverton: Travel from Birmingham New Street direct to Silverstone's nearest train station (approximately one hour)

  • Banbury: Direct from Birmingham Moor Street (just under an hour)

  • Milton Keynes: Direct from Birmingham New Street (approximately one hour and 15 minutes)

  • Northampton: Direct from Birmingham New Street (approximately one hour)

Glasgow to Silverstone by train

There are no direct services from Glasgow like the London Silverstone connection. Instead, you can catch a direct train from Glasgow to Milton Keynes Central.

The journey will take just over five 5 hours.

Liverpool to Silverstone by train

You can take a direct train from Liverpool to Milton Keynes Central. The journey will take approximately two hours.

Manchester to Silverstone by train

When travelling from Manchester to Silverstone by train, your options are:

  • Banbury: Direct from Manchester Piccadilly (approximately two and a half hours)

  • Milton Keynes: Direct from Manchester Piccadilly (approximately two hours)

Sheffield to Silverstone by train

There are no services to Wolverton, the train station near Silverstone, from Sheffield. Instead, you can catch the direct train from Sheffield to Banbury.

The journey will take approximately four hours.

Edinburgh to Silverstone by train

When travelling from Edinburgh to Silverstone by train, your options are:

  • Banbury: Direct from Edinburgh Waverley (approximately five and a half hours)

  • Northampton: Direct from Edinburgh Waverley (approximately five hours and 15 minutes)

Newcastle to Silverstone by train

You can take a direct train from Newcastle to Banbury. The journey will take approximately three hours and 45 minutes.

Southampton to Silverstone by train

You can take a direct train from Southampton to Banbury. The journey will take approximately two hours.

 

When you get off the train

Take the shuttle bus

You can take a bus direct to the circuit once you've got off the train. It takes about half an hour to get to the circuit from Banbury, Milton Keynes Central or Northampton, slightly less from Wolverton.

Getting to Silverstone by taxi

Getting a taxi from the train stations at Banbury, Milton Keynes and Northampton should cost around £40. Expect to pay £30 if you catch a cab from Wolverton. You'll be dropped off at car park 25.

Public transport service to Silverstone across the UK

There is a special Silverstone Megabus service that runs across the Grand Prix weekend.

Catch a Megabus from one of over 40 destinations in the UK. You'll be dropped off at car park 22 (the coach park) by the main gate (a two-minute walk) when you arrive.

 

Directions to Silverstone by car

There's plenty of car parking at and around Silverstone, even on Grand Prix Weekends. Don't forget to book your parking tickets in advance though. 

Sat Nav postcode for Silverstone

Enter NN12 8TN into your Sat Nav.

Car parks at Silverstone

You can park at these locations but remember to book your tickets in advance:

  • Silverstone Official Car Park 1: 20 minutes walk away from the main gate

  • Silverstone Official Car Park 2: Easy access with a two-minute walk from the main gate

  • P1 Parking: A 10-minute walk away from the circuit entrance

  • Whittlebury Car Park: A short walk from Copse Corner or Becketts

  • West End Paddocks: Camping and parking site a 15-minute walk to the circuit

Park and ride locations

Alternatively, book a space at one of the two park-and-ride locations just off the M1 and M40. Shuttle buses come every few moments to take you to the circuit.

Taking the helicopter

There's a permanent helipad available at Silverstone Circuit. If you can, you can take your own, or book a VIP shuttle flight for £1,200 plus VAT per person return.

What to expect

On Grand Prix weekend, you see the best drivers in the world competing for glory on a historic track in an electric atmosphere. The race on Sunday is the climax of a three-day event.

On each day, there's plenty to interest you off-track too, such as the Silverstone Interactive Museum.

Prices vary depending on your ticket. Expect to pay much more for grandstand seats and the circuit's famous hospitality packages.

If you want to make a weekend of it but camping is not your thing, you can book accommodation in Silverstone Village. To get to the circuit, just catch a taxi from High Street.

  

Buy train tickets for your next journey

Buying through our website or app saves you money because we never charge booking fees.

To take a look at more ways to save including using a Railcard, booking in advance, and booking as a group, visit our ways to save page.

Avanti West Coast App
club avanti

GET 10% OFF
YOUR NEXT TRAIN JOURNEY

Get rewards and go places with Club Avanti*

Join now for free

Read more of our blogs

promo-image

Getting to Alton Towers from the UK's biggest cities

Find out more
promo-image

Birmingham: The Ultimate Day Trip Guide

Find out more
promo-image

Scenic train journeys

Whether it’s a day trip or a multi-day hike, Avanti West Coast can get you there. Discover the most scenic train journeys and the UK’s best hikes in our guide.

Find out more