Travelling to Leeds
Find out how to travel to Leeds, tips on travel safety, and important contacts if you have any issues on your journey to Leeds.
Before you start making travel plans, check our recommended arrival dates. Arriving in good time will help you settle in and take part in welcome events and activities.
Arriving at Leeds Bradford or Manchester Airport
The nearest airports to Leeds are Leeds Bradford Airport (about 30 minutes away) and Manchester Airport (about two hours from Leeds).
Airport pick-up service
The easiest way to arrive in Leeds is by flying into Leeds Bradford Airport or Manchester Airport and booking a free airport pick-up service to the city.
The service is offered to all new international students and postgraduate researchers arriving in Leeds for the first time. Be aware that the airport pick-up services is available on key dates only.
Arranging your own transport
If you’d like to arrange your own transport from one of these airports, you can find information on transport options on the relevant airport website.
Leeds Bradford Airport
Travel by bus
The best way to travel by public transport from Leeds Bradford Airport is by bus. Book your ticket with FLYER A1 buses.
This is the cheapest and fastest travel option. The trip to Leeds city centre takes around 40 minutes. Buses run every 30 minutes, every day of the week.
Travel by taxi
Pre-book a taxi through Arrow Cars or through 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
The best way to travel from Manchester Airport to Leeds city centre by public transport is by train.
You can board the train directly at Manchester Airport. Trains run about every 30 minutes and arrive at Leeds train station, right in the city centre.
There are many direct services to Leeds, however, you might need to change train at Manchester Piccadilly if you travel late at night or early in the morning. Check times and book your ticket on the Trainline or National Rail website.
For more travel options, including travelling by coach or by private taxi, check the Manchester Airport website.
Arriving at a London Airport
You can also travel to a London airport. However, the University’s airport pick-up service is not available from London airports.
If you choose this option, you’ll need to make your own travel arrangements to Leeds. It usually costs more to travel to Leeds from London airports than from Leeds Bradford or Manchester Airport.
Getting to Leeds from London Heathrow Airport
Travel by train
The best way to travel from London Heathrow Airport to Leeds is by train. The journey takes around three and a half hours in total and will involve taking the busy London Underground.
From London Heathrow airport, take the London Underground (blue, Piccadilly Line) to King’s Cross and St Pancras International.
When you arrive at King’s Cross and St Pancras International underground station, walk for five minutes and follow the signs for ‘National Rail’ or ‘King’s Cross mainline station’. From King’s Cross train station, take a direct train to Leeds city centre.
Check train times and book your ticket on the Trainline or National Rail website.
Travel by coach
The coach journey from London Heathrow Airport takes between six and eight hours and may involve a change at London Victoria coach station.
Check the National Express website for coach times and tickets.
Getting to Leeds from London Gatwick Airport
Travel by train
The best way to travel from London Gatwick Airport to Leeds is by train. The journey takes around three and a half hours.
Take a Thameslink or Southern train from London Gatwick Airport Station to London St Pancras International. Walk from London St Pancras International to King’s Cross Station. From King’s Cross, take a direct train to Leeds.
Check times and buy tickets online on the Trainline or National Rail website.
Travel by coach
The coach journey from London Gatwick Airport takes between seven and nine hours and may involve a change in central London.
This option is usually cheaper than taking the train, but it takes longer and is less comfortable, especially if you have a lot of luggage.
Check the National Express website for coach times and tickets.
Arriving at your accommodation
See the Arriving at your accommodation page for information on how to get to your accommodation.
Planning your journey
Visas and immigration
Don’t book your flight until you’ve received your visa. You can only travel to the UK after the date shown on your visa vignette or within the validity period of your eVisa.
If you travel to the UK before the start date of your Student visa, your visa will not be activated and you may be required to leave and re-enter the UK in order to have the correct immigration status.
Booking public transport
Coach and train 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.
Airports can be very busy (especially London airports), and queues at immigration may be long. Remember to allow extra time for possible delays when planning your journey.
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.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Don’t 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 the following contact details in your phone in case you have problems at any point in your journey:
Accommodation team
If you arranged to collect your keys but your journey is delayed, contact the Accommodation Office to let them know about your plans.
- Email the Accommodation Office: accom@leeds.ac.uk
- Phone the Accommodation Office: +44 (0)113 343 7777
If you’re staying in private accommodation, make sure you know who to contact if you’re delayed on your journey.