Directions to The Forum : Travelling to Chester
Chester is easily accessible by many modes of transport – whether you are travelling by rail, car of bus. Once you arrive in the City there are numerous car parks, however, during peak times the easiest way to travel in to Chester city centre is via the park and ride facility.
Car Parks
Within the city there are over 5000 parking spaces run by both the council and private companies. The majority of parking is on a pay and display basis, so it is always useful to make sure you have some change. There is a 'long stay' car park at Gorse Stacks and a 'short stay' (but Free after Three!) car park at Princess Street, both of which can be accessed off the inner ring road - a dual carriage-way. Each of these car parks is very convenient for The Forum. If in doubt which way to turn when you step out of the Car Park, follow the Cathedral signs!
Disabled Badge Holders (Blue Badge Scheme)
The Council has two parking areas dedicated to disabled badge holders in Frodsham Street and Hamilton Place (four hour maximum stay). In addition, disabled badge holders may park free of charge for up to four hours on any City Council pay and display car park, with the exception of Trinity Street.
Shopmobility service
Telephone 01244 312626 for details of how to pre-book a wheelchair or scooter
Park and Ride
Throughout the City there are four park and ride locations providing a total of 3170 parking spaces with buses running every 10 minutes. Car parking is free, and the return bus fare costs just £1.50. Accompanied children under 16 years travel FREE (max 2 per adult)
Park and Ride Locations
Boughton Heath (Service No 30)
Set down and pick up point Frodsham Street (Route before 9am uses ring road)
Sealand Road (Service No 31)
Set down and Pick up point Bus Exchange (Route before 9am uses ring road)
Upton (The Zoo) (Service No 32)
Set down and pick up point Frodsham & Foregate Street respectively (Route before 9am uses ring road)
Wrexham Road (Service No 33)
Set down and pick up point Foregate Street and Pepper Street
There are additional drop off points for all routes before 9.00am
Bus Travel
The Forum Shopping Centre is just across the road from the Chester Bus Exchange, which is on Princess Street in the city centre. Lots of buses serving local areas terminate here. Please ring the bus 'hot-line' on 01244 602666 for current route information. The local bus travel is provided by Arriva travel, for specific journey details check their website here.
By Cycle
An increasing number of cycle paths and places to leave your bike make cycling into Chester an inexpensive and healthy way of enjoying a visit.
By Rail
Chester is served by an excellent rail service. Check out the number of through trains from London!
Coach Travel
All National Express services in Chester now depart from Chester Visitor Centre by the Roman Amphitheatre.
Chester Visitor Centre is the main ticket agency for National Express in Chester.
Main Ticket line 08705 808080
Motorway Travel
Chester is linked directly to the national motorway system via the M53 and M56. London and all the major regions of the UK are easily accessible from the City.