Airport pick-up service
To support your smooth arrival in Leeds, the University offers a free airport pick-up service for new international students and postgraduate researchers.
Our airport pick-up service is available for new international students at Leeds and operates from Leeds Bradford and Manchester airports, running from 9am–7pm daily during certain periods of the academic year.
If you are not a new student, arriving outside our service times, or are flying into a different UK airport, you will not be able to book this service. Please read our guidance to help you plan a safe journey to campus.
Airport pick-up times
Airport pick-up is available during key arrival periods:
- September and January: For all new international students and postgraduate researchers
- June and July: For pre-sessional English and Leeds International Summer School students
International postgraduate researchers arriving at another time of the year may request the service outside these periods.
The service only runs at set times:
- The first pick-up departs at 9am. If you arrive earlier, you will need to wait until this service begins.
- The last pick-up departs at 7pm. Your flight must arrive by 6pm at the latest for you to be able to use this service.
If you will arrive outside of these times, then you will need to arrange alternative transport to Leeds.
Book your airport pick-up
You can book your airport pick-up now if you are:
- a Leeds International Summer School student
- a Pre-Sessional English student.
You must book your airport pick-up at least five days before your arrival.
To book your airport pick-up, you will need:
- Your accommodation address in Leeds
- Your flight number
- Your Leeds student ID number
If you’re an undergraduate or Masters student starting in September, the airport pick-up service will operate from Thursday 10 to Sunday 27 September. Bookings for September arrivals will open in July.
If you’re a Postgraduate Researcher arriving at another time of the year, please email the International Student Office at internationalwelcome@leeds.ac.uk to request your transport at least five days before you plan to arrive.
Luggage restrictions
You can bring a maximum of two large suitcases and one small carry-on suitcase on airport pick-up vehicles:
- Large suitcases must not exceed a total size of 158cm in length, width, or height. They must not weigh more than 23kg each.
- Small carry-on suitcases must be cabin-sized and must not weigh more than 15kg.
If you bring more luggage or larger luggage than this, you will not be able to use the airport pick-up service. You will need to arrange alternative transport to Leeds at your own expense.
Check our information on what to bring and contact our Link to Leeds Ambassadors for their packing advice.
To make moving in easier, you can:
- Ship extra luggage to your accommodation using a courier service arranged before you travel.
- Pre-order bedding, bathroom, or kitchen essentials from UniKitOut, who deliver directly to your room. Their bedroom pack includes a duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase, and fitted sheet. Use code LEEDS10 for 10% off.
Your booking confirmation
You’ll receive an email at least two days before you arrive confirming the details of your transport, sent to the address you used on the airport pick-up booking form.
The confirmation email will include who to contact if you have any problems during your journey.
It will also explain how to update your airport pick-up details, such as changes to your flight or accommodation.
Contact us
If you have questions about arriving in Leeds, contact our Student Information Service.