How to get to Shropshire

Shropshire is on the border of North Wales and is surrounded by Cheshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire. Shropshire is approximately 3 hours from London, an hour or so from Manchester and only 40 minutes from Birmingham.

By Car

Shropshire connects to the M6 and motorway network via the M54. The A49, A5, A53, A458 all make Shropshire easily accessible. Click here to use AA routefinder to plan your journey.

Car Hire

You can hire a car from any of the major airports to get to Shropshire, or hire in Shropshire when you arrive, visit Rhino Car Hire or call 0845 508 9845 for further details.

If you would like to leave the car at home, Shropshire is linked by regular main line rail services:

• Direct rail service between Shrewsbury and London Euston
• The Cambrian Line Linking Mid-Wales to Shrewsbury
• Chester, Wrexham and Shrewsbury Line Calling at Chirk, Gobowen (near Oswestry) and Shrewsbury
• Crewe and Shrewsbury Line. Calling at Whitchurch, Prees, Wem, Yorton and Shrewsbury
• Marches Line: Calling at Ludlow, Craven Arms, Church Stretton and Shrewsbury
• Heart of Wales line: Calling at Knighton, Bucknell, Hopton Heath, Broome and Craven Arms
• Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton Line: Calling at Albrighton, Cosford, Shifnal, Telford Central, Oakengates, Wellington, and Shrewsbury.

To view all train stations and rail services in Shropshire take a look at the Travel Shropshire Website and start planning your journey to Shropshire. For train times and tickets visit the National Rail Enquiries website or telephone National Rail on 03457 484950. You could also try My Train Ticket or The Train Line websites for alternative fares. Severn Dee Travel Rail Agency at Gobowen also provide independent rail travel advice; telephone 01691 681010.

Need a taxi from the station? Try the Train Taxi website or contact a Visitor Information Centre for local information. Our helpful hotels, B&Bs, Inns, self catering and caravan and campsites can also advise on local transport to make sure you can get to your chosen accommodation.

For information about getting to and around Shropshire by bus, bus timetables, bus fares, and Park & Ride services in Shropshire visit the Travel Shropshire website

The National Express run coaches into many of the towns in Shropshire, please call 08717 818178 or visit the National Express website.

For details of Bus routes and times within the county, call Traveline on 0871 200 2233. Useful Information is also obtainable from Travel Line Midlands to help you plan your journey by rail, coach and/or bus. Alternatively, contact a Shropshire Visitor Information Centre. The Shropshire Shuttle Bus provides easy access into the Shropshire Hills for walking, shopping, sightseeing, pub lunches and picnics.

Regional Cycle route 31 is a 28 mile route that connects Oswestry, Gobowen, Ellesmere and Whitchurch. Shropshire County Council produce's a free route guide that can be obtained by contacting a Shropshire Visitor Information Centre.

National Cycle Route 81 is a leisurely 14 mile signed route from Shrewsbury Town Centre to Wellington following the scenic riverside path, a traffic-free bridleway and quiet country lanes.

Sections of National Cycle Route 45 in North Shropshire and the Severn Valley are also now open. In North Shropshire, there is a 33 mile signed route along quiet lanes linking Whitchurch, Press, Shawbury and Upton Magna. In the Severn Valley, a scenic 11 mile route between Bewdley and the Severn Valley Country Park at Alverley traffic free paths in the Wyre Forest, and quiet country lanes.

Further information about cycling, including cycle routes and cycle hire in Shropshire is available from the Shropshire Cycling Website

By Water

Although Shropshire is inland, the county is well serviced by Britain's extensive waterways. The Shropshire Union Canal is Shropshire's main canal it runs from Ellesmere Port to Wolverhampton. A canal trip is an excellent way to see our lovely countryside.

Shropshire's other canals include the Montgomery canal and the Llangollen canal. Further information about all of these canals is available from The Canal and River Trust

Also running in part through Shropshire is the meandering river Severn that scoops up Shrewsbury in a perfect loop. Take a trip aboard Sabrina Boat and a get a different perspective of Shropshire's county town.

Map of Shropshire