Transport

This section will explain transport options in the UK, provide information on how to get to Leeds, and give you some top tips to make your journey easier.

 

Flights

Flights from Leeds Bradford airport go mainly to destinations in the UK and Europe.  Whilst flights from Manchester airport include long haul destinations across Africa, Asia, Continental Europe and North America.  Flights from London’s airports go to almost every destination around the globe.

 

Local airports

  • Leeds Bradford airport (LBA): Take the 757 bus from the airport to Leeds; it is a direct 30-minute journey to Leeds city centre.  The West Yorkshire Metro and the National Express websites have up to date timetables and information on connecting the airport to surrounding areas,
  • Manchester airport (MAN): Take a train on the lime green line from the airport to Leeds; it is approximately a 1 hour and 30-minute journey to Leeds city centre.  The National Rail website has up to date timetables and information on connecting the airport to surrounding areas.

 

London airports

  • Heathrow airport (LHR): Take the Piccadilly tube line from the airport to King’s Cross station, from here you can board an East Coast train to Leeds;
  • Stansted airport (STN): Take the Cross Country train straight from the airport to Peterborough, from here change to an East Coast service to Leeds;
  • Gatwick airport (LGW): Take a train from the airport to London St Pancras, cross on foot to King’s Cross Station, from here you can board an East Coast train to Leeds;
  • Luton airport (LTN): Take a train from the airport to London St Pancras, cross on foot to King’s Cross Station, from here you can board an East Coast train to Leeds.

You can find up to date timetable information on the National Rail website.

 

Tip

  • Use a flight comparison tool, such as Skyscanner or Kayak, to compare flights from different providers and find the cheapest deal.

 

Trains

UK rail travel

Leeds train station is located approximately 1mile (1.5km) from the main University campus.  Leeds is one of the best-connected cities as it sits on the East Coast, Transpennine and Cross Country routes.

You can book rail tickets in person at any train station or from the National Rail, who can also provide advice on timetables, routes, special offers, and discounts.

 

Tips

  • Travel during the week at peak times will be more expensive than any other time;
  • Train tickets usually get more expensive the later you buy them so buy early to make savings;
  • Standard return tickets are generally better value than two single tickets for occasional journeys;
  • A weekly, monthly or annual pass will save you money in comparison to standard tickets if you commute regularly.

 

International rail travel

  • Eurostar service: Take a train to London and use the Eurostar service from St Pancras to Brussels or Paris;
  • Eurotunnel service: Allows you to drive your vehicle onto a special train for a journey across the channel in approximately 30 minutes.  Services arrive at Folkestone approximately a 250mile (400km) drive from Leeds.

 

Ferries

Hull is the largest port in the region, with company P and O offering services to Belgium and The Netherlands.  Hull has regular direct rail services to Leeds; you can find up to date timetable information on the National Rail website.

The ferry main routes from Continental Europe link the UK with France, Belgium, and The Netherlands.  Journey times vary significantly depending on the route and you can travel on most services on foot or with a vehicle.

 

Buses and Coaches

Buses

The bus, on line 870, will take you from the train station to campus, near Woodhouse lane. Fares cost £2 for a single ticket (2016).

There are a number of excellent bus services in Leeds.  You can download timetables and plan your journey on the West Yorkshire Metro or First Leeds websites.

 

Tips

  • The Leeds City Bus can take you from the bus or train station to the Southern end of campus; near the back of Leeds General Infirmary A&E, from 50 pence (2016);
  • Single tickets offer the greatest flexibility for occasional use;
  • Monthly and annual passes can represent better value for money for regular commuters.

 

Coaches

Coach services link the majority of the major cities in the UK and across Western Europe; although journeys are usually slower than by train, it is a cheaper option.

National Express and Megabus are two of the largest coach operators and you can book tickets by visiting their websites.

 

Road

Leeds is well served by road links and is easily accessible from the M1 and M62.

The University is situated minutes from the city-centre.  If you are using a SAT nav our address details for the main entrance to our site is:

University of Leeds
Woodhouse Lane
Leeds
LS2 9JT

* The street listing can appear as Cavendish Road.

You can find further information, or book parking on campus, on our parking web pages.

 

Taxis (Cabs)

There is a taxi rank at Leeds train station.  The fare to the University is between £5 and £7 (2016).

You can use the Uber app to book and pay for your taxi via your mobile.  The app also tells you your driver’s name, the car’s license plate, and how far away your driver taxi is.

Other popular Leeds based taxi companies include:

  • City Cabs Leeds: 0113 246 9999;
  • Amber Cars: 0113 202 2117;
  • Arrow Cars: 0113 258 5888;
  • Royal Cars: 0113 230 5000.

 

Tips

  • Taxis are convenient but expensive so they are best used for short journeys only;
  • Make sure the taxi is licensed;
  • Ask the driver for the approximate cost of the fare before you start the journey.

 

Bikes

If you’re thinking about cycling to the University, we have secure bike racks and showers.

Our Cycle to Work Scheme enables employees to buy a bike through a salary sacrifice arrangement, this means that you save tax and national insurance contributions and on the cost of a bike.

Our Bike Hire Scheme enables employees to hire a commuter style bike for up to a year.

 

Tips

  • Full sized bicycles can usually be taken on local rails services across Yorkshire without charge as long as space is available;
  • Leeds City Council cycling pages have cycling route suggestions in Leeds and the surrounding areas.

 

Walking

The University campus is a pleasant 20-minute walk from Leeds city station.  To find us:

Come out of the station into City square; with the Queens Hotel behind you, walk straight up Park Row.  Continue up Park Row until the first major junction, The Headrow.  Turn right and walk along The Headrow, past the Light shopping centre on your left.  At the end of The Light centre turn left up Woodhouse Lane.  Follow this road up, passing Morrisons supermarket on your right, Leeds Beckett University on your left – and the Dry Dock boat pub on an island on your right.  The University campus begins in another 50 meters or so on your left.

Find your way to, and around, the University with our interactive campus map.