Travel to Leeds

Here’s some useful information to help you plan how to reach Leeds.   

How to travel to Leeds

Immigration control 

When you plan the details of your journey and travel connections remember to allow time for any delays and queues at immigration control.  

Travelling to Leeds  

When you arrive in the UK by train, coach or plane, there are different ways you can travel to Leeds.  

To help you have a smooth journey, the University of Leeds can arrange transport from Leeds Bradford Airport and Manchester Airport for new students who are arriving in Leeds for the first time.

Please be aware that the airport pick-up services will be available on key dates only. Find out more about how to book your arrival support.

Airports

The nearest airport to the city are Leeds Bradford and Manchester Airport. The University can arrange a pick-up service from these airports at key arrival times:

You can also travel to other London Airports. If you decide to do this, you won’t be able to book the University pick-up service and will need to make your own way to Leeds.

Leeds Bradford Airport  

Leeds Bradford Airport is around 12 kilometres from Leeds city centre. It’s a small local airport and immigration queues will often be shorter than other airports.  

The University of Leeds can arrange transport from Leeds Bradford Airport to the University of Leeds campus for students travelling to Leeds for the first time. Please be aware that:

  • The airport pick-up services will be available on key dates only.
  • The maximum luggage allowance on our service is two large suitcases and one small suitcase.

Check our arrival support page to find out how to book your airport pick-up and find tips on packing for Leeds on our what to bring page.

If you’d like to arrange your own transport, you can find information on transport options  on the Leeds Bradford Airport website. 

Bus

You can reach Leeds in around 30 minutes by bus from Leeds Bradford Airport. ‘Flyer A1’ buses run every 20 minutes between the airport and the city centre.  

Private taxi

You can pre-book a taxi through Arrow Cars or via the Uber app and arrange to be dropped off at your accommodation directly. A taxi journey from the airport to Leeds city centre takes around 20 minutes. 

Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is around 90km from the centre of Leeds.  

The University of Leeds can arrange transport from Manchester Airport to the University of Leeds campus for students travelling to Leeds for the first time. Please be aware that:

  • The airport pick-up services will be available on key dates only.
  • The maximum luggage allowance on our service is two large suitcases and one small suitcase.

Check our arrival support page to find out how to book your airport pick-up and find tips on packing for Leeds on our what to bring page.

You can also find information on other travel options on the Manchester Airport website. 

Coach

You can travel by coach from Manchester Airport to Leeds Coach Station, which will usually be the cheapest option. The journey will take around two hours.

Check the National Express or the Megabus website for coach times and to book you ticket.  

Train

You can get a direct train from Manchester Airport to Leeds train station. The journey will take around one hour and twenty minutes.  

Private taxi

You can pre-book your own private taxi service through Arrow Cars or via the Uber app from the airport and arrange to be dropped off at your accommodation directly.

A journey from Manchester airport to Leeds city centre will take around one hour and twenty minutes. This is the most expensive travel option. 

London Heathrow Airport  

London Heathrow Airport is around 320km away from Leeds. Check the London Heathrow Airport website to help you plan your journey.  

Coach

This is usually the cheapest option and the journey will take between six and eight hours and you might need to change coaches at London Victoria coach station.  

You can travel by coach from Heathrow to Leeds with either National Express or Megabus.

Train

If you’re thinking of travelling by train, be aware that there is no direct train from Heathrow Airport to Leeds.

Travelling by train can be difficult with heavy luggage, especially as you will need to change trains and use the London underground. The journey will take around three hours and forty minutes.  

Plane

You may be able to book a connecting flight to Leeds Bradford or Manchester Airport. You will then need to arrange transport from the airport to Leeds city centre.

Find more information about how to do this in the ‘Leeds Bradford Airport’ and ‘Manchester Airport’ sections above.

London Gatwick Airport  

Gatwick airport is around 380km from Leeds. Find out more transport options available on the London Gatwick Airport website. 

Coach

The coach is usually the cheapest option and the journey will take between seven and a half and nine hours and it often includes a change of coach at London Victoria coach station. 

You can travel by coach from London Gatwick Airport to Leeds coach station with National Express.

Train

There are many routes between Gatwick and Leeds train station, many will include between one and three train changes. If you decide to travel by train, the journey will take around three and a half hours.

Check times, routes and book your ticket on the  National Rail website. 

Arriving by coach or train

To help you plan the best route to reach Leeds by coach or train, you can use the Traveline website.  

Tickets are usually cheaper the earlier you book them online. However, the cheaper ticket options can also be less flexible, which means that if you’re delayed on your journey, you won’t be able to change your ticket.  

Travelling by coach is usually the cheapest option but usually not the fastest. You can check coach tickets and times on the National Express and Megabus websites.

You can also reach Leeds by train. Travelling by train can be difficult with heavy luggage. If you’re arriving in London, you might need to change train and take the London underground for part of your journey. Check train times, routes and buy tickets on the National Rail website and find some tips on packing for Leeds on our what to bring page.

Depending on where you arrive in Leeds, in most cases you will need to arrange transport to your accommodation. 

Travel Safety

We want you to have a safe trip to Leeds. Here are some things to think about when you travel: 

  • Keep your passport safe and never give it to anyone except an immigration official.  
  • Do not carry large amounts of cash.  
  • Do not leave your bags unsupervised during your journey.  
  • Arrange travel insurance cover before you travel. It will not stop something from going wrong, but it will protect you financially. 
  • Keep essential travel documents and medication in your hand luggage. Find out more about essential items and documents to bring with you.   

Important contacts

Save important contact details in your phone so that you know who to get in touch with if you have problems at any point in your journey: 

Accommodation 

If you arranged to collect your keys but your journey is delayed, contact the Accommodation Office to let them know about your plans.  

If you’re staying in private accommodation, make sure you know who to contact if you’re delayed on your journey. 

Airport pick-up service

For any questions about your airport pick-up service email internationalwelcome@leeds.ac.uk.

University Security Services

If you arrive at the weekend or outside of working hours and have an emergency, contact the University Security Services. The University Security Office is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.