Getting to Silverstone by Train - From Anywhere in the UK

Silverstone Circuit doesn’t have its own train station — so the winning strategy is always the same:

Train to a nearby rail hub → then taxi, bus, shuttle, or park-and-ride to the circuit.

This guide breaks down the best stations, the easiest routes from major UK cities, and exactly what to do for the final stretch — including race-week transport tips for the British Grand Prix.

Getting to Silverstone by train

If you’re searching how to get to Silverstone Circuit by train, here’s the truth upfront: you can’t arrive by rail at the gates, but you can get very close with the right hub station and a planned “last leg” transfer.

For most travellers in the UK, the best station depends on:

• where you’re travelling from,

• whether you’re going on a normal day vs race weekend, and

• how you plan to cover the last 10–20 miles (taxi, bus/shuttle, or lift).

In this post you’ll get:

• the best train stations for Silverstone

• step-by-step routes from anywhere in the UK

• what to do from each station to reach the circuit

• race-week advice to avoid queues, missed sessions, and expensive last-minute taxis

Best Stations for Silverstone at a Glance

Think of these as your main “rail gateways” to Silverstone:

Most people choose Milton Keynes Central because it’s fast from London and well-connected nationally — but on race weekend it can also be the busiest.

How Train Travel to Silverstone Works

Step 1: Pick the right rail hub

You’re aiming for a station within reasonable transfer range. The most common are:

• Milton Keynes Central (MKC)

• Northampton

• Banbury

• Rugby

• Bicester (North or Village)

Step 2: Book your train

If you’re travelling on a big weekend:

• Book early for cheaper fares and reserved seats (where offered)

• Avoid tight connections, you want buffer time

• If you’re travelling in a group, compare “split tickets” vs group railcards

Step 3: Plan the last leg (don’t wing it)

This is where first-timers get caught out.

Your options from the hub station are usually:

• Taxi / ride-hail (fast but can surge)

• Pre-booked transfer (best for groups and race weekends)

• Event shuttle buses (best value if running — but schedules vary)

• Local buses (limited; usually not the best choice for time-critical arrivals)

Best Train Stations for Silverstone

Milton Keynes Central (MKC): the go-to option

Why it’s popular

• Direct, fast trains from London Euston

• Excellent national links via the West Coast Main Line (WCML)

• Big station with taxis, facilities, and space — but it gets slammed on GP weekend

Best for

• London day trips

• Arrivals from Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow (often via connections)

How to get from MKC to Silverstone

• Taxi / pre-booked transfer: easiest and most predictable

• Event buses/shuttles (when operating): often the best value on major weekends

• Driving alternative: some people train to MK then get picked up by friends/family

Pro tips

• On big weekends, pre-book your taxi (or arrange a transfer) for both inbound and outbound.

• Build in extra time for queues at the taxi rank after sessions finish.

Northampton: a strong quieter alternative

Why it works

• Closer than many people realise

• Often less hectic than Milton Keynes on peak days

Best for

• Travellers coming from parts of the Midlands

• Anyone who wants a calmer “last leg” experience

From Northampton to Silverstone

• Taxi / pre-booked transfer is the standard play

• If event shuttles are operating from Northampton, they can be a great option — check close to your travel dates

Banbury: best from Oxford / South West direction

Why it works

• Useful hub if you’re coming from Oxford, Reading area, or routes that feed into the Chiltern/Great Western corridor

From Banbury to Silverstone

• Taxi / transfer is usually the simplest

• Good option if MKC train times don’t line up

Rugby: ideal for cross-country routes

Why it works

• Strong interchange station

• Handy if you’re coming from the North West or West Midlands

From Rugby to Silverstone

• Taxi / pre-booked transfer is typical

• Good fallback if other lines are disrupted

Bicester (North / Village): handy Marylebone route option

Why it works

• Great if you’re travelling from London Marylebone (often calmer than Euston)

• Solid for Oxford corridor connections

From Bicester to Silverstone

• Taxi / pre-booked transfer

• Often a smart alternative for travellers trying to dodge the busiest London terminals

How to Get to Silverstone by Train From Major UK Cities

Below are practical “copy this plan” routes. (Exact operators/timetables vary, but the logic stays the same.)

From London to Silverstone by train

Best hub: Milton Keynes Central
How it typically goes:

1. Train from London Euston → Milton Keynes Central

2. Transfer to taxi / pre-booked car / event shuttle to Silverstone

Alternative London route (often calmer):

1. Train from London Marylebone → Bicester Village/Bicester North

2. Taxi/transfer to Silverstone

London tips

• For race weekend, treat it like an airport run: leave earlier than you think you need to.

• Don’t plan to arrive “just before lights out.”

From Birmingham to Silverstone by train

Best hubs: Northampton or Milton Keynes (depending on timings)

1. Birmingham New Street → (direct or via connection) → Northampton/MKC

2. Taxi/shuttle onwards

From Manchester / Liverpool to Silverstone by train

Best hub: Milton Keynes Central (often the most straightforward)

1. Manchester Piccadilly / Liverpool Lime Street → London Euston corridor connections → MKC

2. Taxi/shuttle to Silverstone

Tip: If you’re travelling early morning, seat reservations matter — trains can be busy.

From Leeds / Sheffield / York to Silverstone by train

Best hub: Milton Keynes Central or Rugby (depending on routing)

1. Train south via major interchange (often London or Midlands interchange)

2. Continue to MKC/Rugby

3. Taxi/shuttle to the circuit

From Bristol / Bath / Cardiff to Silverstone by train

Best hub: Banbury or Bicester (often makes sense geographically)

1. Bristol/Cardiff → Reading/Oxford corridor connection

2. Continue to Banbury/Bicester

3. Taxi/transfer to Silverstone

From Edinburgh / Glasgow to Silverstone by train

Best hub: Milton Keynes Central (or London then MKC)

1. Scotland → (often via WCML) → MKC (or London Euston then MKC)

2. Taxi/shuttle onwards

Tip: If you’re coming down on Friday and returning Sunday, book early — prices jump fast.

The “Last Leg” Problem: Choosing the Best Transfer From Your Station

Option 1: Taxi / ride-hail

Best for: convenience, groups, tight schedules
Watch-outs:

• surge pricing on race weekends

• long queues after sessions

Smart move: pre-book a transfer both ways if you can.

Option 2: Pre-booked private transfer

Best for: groups, international visitors, peace of mind
Why it’s worth it:

• fixed pickup time

• less stress vs taxi ranks

• predictable return plan (huge on Sunday)

Option 3: Event shuttle buses (race-week favourite)

Best for: value + simplicity
Important note: these services are event-specific and can change year to year.

What to do:

• check official event travel pages close to your date

• screenshot timetables

• arrive early for queues

Option 4: Getting dropped off by friends/family

If you have someone local, training to MKC/Northampton and getting collected can be a very smooth plan.

7) Getting to Silverstone by Train on Race Week (British GP / Major Events)

Race weekend is a different animal.

What to expect

• stations like Milton Keynes can be extremely busy

• taxi availability drops quickly after peak arrival waves

• return travel after the final session can be chaotic

How to avoid delays

• Arrive earlier than needed (especially Sunday)

• Pre-book your last-leg transport (both directions)

• Consider a slightly “less obvious” hub (Northampton, Bicester, Banbury) if MKC is overwhelmed

• Pack snacks/water: you may queue for taxis/shuttles

Park-and-ride + train combo (underrated)

Some travellers:

• take the train to a hub,

• transfer to a park-and-ride shuttle system (if running),

• avoid the worst of the traffic near the gates.

8) FAQs

Can you get to Silverstone Circuit by train?

You can’t take a train directly to the circuit, but you can train to nearby hubs like Milton Keynes Central, Northampton, Banbury, Rugby, or Bicester, then transfer by taxi/shuttle.

What is the best train station for Silverstone?

For most people, Milton Keynes Central is the easiest and fastest rail hub — especially from London and the North.

How do you get from Milton Keynes to Silverstone?

Most travellers use a taxi or pre-booked transfer, and on major event weekends there are often event shuttle options (check official travel info close to the date).

Is it realistic to do Silverstone as a day trip by train?

Yes — especially from London — but only if you:

• leave early,

• plan your last-leg transfer,

• and allow extra buffer time on race weekends.