The 446 bus is the only direct public transport link between Heathrow and Thorpe Park, running from Heathrow Terminal 4 and Hatton Cross via Staines and Chertsey, so you do not need to travel into London at all. Alternatively, a train from Heathrow to Staines followed by the 950 Thorpe Park Express shuttle covers the same route with an extra change. Driving takes you directly to the park's own car park, which costs £12 for standard parking or £20 for Priority parking.
Prices and journey times checked 2026 against Thorpe Park's own travel page and the relevant bus operators.
How to get from Heathrow to Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park, the theme park in Chertsey, Surrey, is close enough to Heathrow that you can reach it without going anywhere near central London, which sets it apart from most other day-trip destinations covered on this site.
Direct: the 446 bus from Heathrow or Hatton Cross
Thorpe Park's own travel information names the 446 bus, run by White Bus on the Hatton Cross to Woking corridor via Staines, Chertsey and Ottershaw, as a direct route from Heathrow. You can join it from Heathrow Terminal 4 or from Hatton Cross Underground station, which sits on the Piccadilly line just one stop from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. Because it is a local Surrey bus service rather than an airport shuttle, check the current timetable and fare with White Bus before you travel, since frequency and fares are subject to change and can be affected by roadworks on the route.
Via Staines: train plus the 950 Thorpe Park Express
The more traditional route uses South Western Railway trains to Staines, which Thorpe Park names as its recommended station, followed by the 950 Thorpe Park Express, a direct shuttle bus that runs between Staines train and bus stations and the park whenever it is open. The first 950 departure from Staines station is at 9:05am, with further buses at regular intervals through the day. Note that Oyster, contactless pay-as-you-go and Freedom Passes are not valid on South Western Railway services to Staines, so you need a paper or e-ticket.
An alternative rail route runs from Waterloo to Chertsey (roughly two trains an hour, one an hour on Sundays), from where the 446 bus also serves Thorpe Park.
By car
Thorpe Park sits just off the M25 at Junctions 11 or 13, signposted from both. On-site parking costs £12 for standard bays or £20 for Priority Parking, which is closer to the entrance; disabled parking bays are also available near the entrance.
By taxi
A taxi covers the roughly 12 to 15 miles from Heathrow to Thorpe Park directly, with a dedicated pickup and drop-off point opposite the park's admissions area. Thorpe Park does not endorse or list specific taxi operators, and we could not verify a reliable published fare for this route, so get a quote from a licensed operator before you travel rather than relying on an estimate.
Heathrow to Thorpe Park: comparing your options
| Option | Route | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 446 bus | Direct from Heathrow T4 or Hatton Cross, via Staines and Chertsey | Budget travellers wanting to avoid central London entirely |
| Train + 950 Thorpe Park Express | Heathrow to Staines by rail, then the 950 shuttle to the park | Travellers already routing via Staines or Waterloo |
| Car | M25 Junction 11 or 13, on-site parking £12 (standard) or £20 (Priority) | Families and groups with equipment for the day |
| Taxi | Direct, roughly 12–15 miles | Convenience, though confirm the fare before booking |
Planning your visit
Thorpe Park is a full-day destination for most visitors, so it suits travellers with a long layover, an extra day either side of their flight, or those staying locally rather than flying in and out the same day. If you do plan a same-day visit around a flight, remember the 950 shuttle and the park's operating hours are linked: the last shuttle back to Staines leaves once the park closes for the day, so check the current closing time before you rely on it for your return journey.
Practical tips
- Confirm the 446 timetable before you travel. As a local bus route rather than a park-run shuttle, its schedule can change with roadworks or seasonal timetable updates.
- Book Thorpe Park tickets and car parking in advance where possible. Online prices are typically lower than on-the-day rates, and parking areas can fill on peak days.
- Check which entrance the 446 and 950 use. Bus drop-off points are separate from the main car park entrance, so allow a few extra minutes to reach admissions.
- Pack for a full day out. Both direct routes above rely on connecting bus services, so plan your return journey time as carefully as your outward one.
For getting further into London or to other Heathrow-area attractions, see our guides to Heathrow public transport and Heathrow taxis, our comparison of Heathrow to Windsor and Legoland, and the full list of Heathrow route guides.