Do I need to book?
No. Just turn up at your stop and pay the driver. There is no booking system.
How do I pay?
On board, by contactless card, phone or cash. Fares are returns, per person. Keep your ticket for the journey home.
What’s the Sunday Special?
Students travel for just £10 return from Derby on Sundays, with a valid student pass.
I’m staying overnight at Alton Towers — can I still buy a return?
Yes. We offer period returns valid for up to 7 days, for an additional £2 on the price of any return or family group return ticket.
We’re travelling as a group — do you offer any discounts?
Yes. Our Family Group Return offers discounted fares for 2 adults travelling with 2, 3 or 4 children — see the Fares page for prices. Family Group Returns can also be made into Period Family Group Returns, valid for up to 7 days, for an additional £2.
Can I use my English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) pass?
ENCTS passes no longer entitle you to free travel on the X80, as Derbyshire County Council has withdrawn from the scheme for this service. As a gesture of goodwill, ENCTS pass holders pay a discounted fare in line with the child fares — £10 return from Derby, £7 return from Uttoxeter — on production of a valid pass. If your pass has C or +C companion entitlement, your companion pays the same ENCTS fare.
Are Derbyshire b-line tickets valid?
Sorry, Derbyshire b-line tickets are not valid on service X80.
Are Staffordshire Knot tickets valid?
Sorry, Staffordshire Knot tickets are not valid on service X80.
Are Derbyshire Wayfarer tickets valid?
Sorry, Derbyshire Wayfarer tickets are not valid on service X80.
I work at Alton Towers — do I get a travel discount?
Yes. Special fares (the same fares as on the dedicated staff buses) apply for Alton Towers staff on production of a valid staff lanyard pass.
Are local fares available?
Yes. Local fares are available if you want to use the bus but aren’t travelling all the way to Alton Towers.
Does the ‘Great British Summer Savings’ scheme allow children aged 5–15 free travel in August?
We’re sorry, but at present the scheme does not apply, and children aged 5–15 will have to pay to travel on the X80 in August. This is out of our control, and we’d suggest directing any questions about it to your local MP.
What time does the return bus leave?
Return buses leave Alton Towers 15 minutes after the park closes — except during Scarefest, when fixed evening departures apply. Because closing times vary by date, the exact time is colour-coded on the timetable and calendar, or use Plan your trip for a specific date.
What if the park changes its closing time?
Operating times are based on the resort’s planned closing times at the start of the season. If those change, buses still run to the published schedule unless we advertise otherwise on this website.
Are dogs and buggies allowed?
Assistance dogs are always welcome. Folded buggies can be carried subject to space, so please be ready to fold at busy times. Wheelchair users have priority over everyone else for the use of the designated wheelchair space.
Is there luggage space?
There’s room for day bags and small cases. It’s a day-trip service, so please keep luggage to what you can manage yourself.
Is the service accessible?
Our service is operated by fully accessible buses which can accommodate one unfolded wheelchair or mobility scooter. If you have specific access needs, please contact us before travelling and we’ll do our best to help. See the stops page for bay and stand details.
Season: July–November 2026. Last service Sun 8 Nov 2026.