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🚍 Getting Around Leeds

While Leeds lacks a mass transit system, the city still offers plenty of ways to get around. Its extensive bus network and regular train services make it relatively easy to travel within the city centre and reach other parts of Leeds. The city’s train station is one of the busiest in the UK, and Leeds Bradford Airport serves multiple international destinations.

This guide will help you navigate Leeds efficiently, whether you're exploring the heart of the city or venturing further afield.

On this page:

🚶 Walking Around Leeds

Leeds city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with most key attractions, shopping centres, and restaurants within walking distance. Journeys out into the suburbs from the city centre are generally done by car, bus or train.

  • Pedestrian Zones: Many areas in the centre are designated for pedestrians, including Briggate and the area around Trinity Leeds, making it safe and pleasant to explore on foot.
  • Leeds Waterfront: The scenic walkways along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and River Aire can be explored on foot.
  • Parks and Green Spaces: Further out from the centre, nearby parks like Roundhay and Golden Acre Park offer peaceful nature walking routes. If this is of particular interest, have a look at our list of Nature Walks and Parks in Leeds.

Self-Guided Walking Tour

Discover Leeds at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour.

🚲 Cycling in Leeds

Leeds is increasingly cycle-friendly, with dedicated routes and bike hire options.
Cycle Routes:
- The Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath offers a picturesque ride.
- The CityConnect Cycle Superhighway links Leeds with Bradford.
- Leeds City Council provides a number of maps for local cycling routes.

Bike Hire: Services like Beryl Bikes provide easy-to-use rental options.

Bike Parking: Secure bike racks are available across the city centre and near transport hubs. Be sure to bring your own secure bike-locks.

🚌 Bus Services

Leeds has an extensive bus network connecting various parts of the city and surrounding areas. West Yorkshire Metro provides a journey planner to help you plan your route using public transport.

Tickets can be bought from the bus driver when you get on the bus. You can also use your bank card to tap-on. Discounted fares are available for children, students and older people. Children under 5 generally travel for free. More information about ticket options can be found on the WY Metro website.

  • Leeds CityBus (Service 5): The CityBus connects major city center locations, including Leeds' train and bus stations, business and shopping districts, the Leeds General Infirmary and the universities. The fare is £1 per journey, with various passes accepted for free travel.

  • Leeds offers three dedicated Park and Ride services, providing convenient options for commuters:

    • Elland Road (PR1): Accessible via M621, for trips from the south and west of Leeds.
    • Temple Green (PR2): Located near M1 junction 45, for trips in from the north and east of Leeds.
    • Stourton (PR3): Situated at M621 junction 7, for trips in from the south and southwest of Leeds.

  • The MCard provides unlimited, multi-operator journeys on bus and train services across West Yorkshire. MCard can offer good value for money if you are travelling regularly within West Yorkshire.

🚗 Driving and Parking

Driving in Leeds is convenient for reaching suburban areas and nearby attractions, but city-centre traffic can be busy, particularly during peak hours, and parking can be expensive. Be aware of one-way systems and bus lanes.

Car Parks: A comprehensive list of city centre car parks can be found on the Visit Leeds website and additional information on the Leeds City Council website.

Parking Apps: Use apps like JustPark and RingGo to find and pay for parking.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing: The main taxi companies in Leeds are Amber Cars and Arrow Cars. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Veezu also operate in the city.

🚆 Trains in Leeds

Leeds Railway Station is a major hub in the UK rail network, providing local and national connections.

  • Regular services include travel to Bradford, Harrogate, York and Wakefield.

  • Direct routes to London (2 hours 20 minutes), Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and other major cities.

  • Tickets and Passes:

    • Buy tickets online via apps like Trainline and Northern, or at the station.
    • For regular or long-distance travel, consider getting a Railcard to reduce costs.

✈️ Travel to and from Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is just 8 miles from the city centre. There is no train station at the airport, but the FLYER bus service runs daily from early morning to late evening. FLYER buses are run by Transdev, and are generally reliable and direct, from Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate.

Alternatively, you can get to the airport by taxi or by car. There are long-stay, short-stay and drop-off parking options available. More information can be found on the Leeds Bradford Airport website. Independent airport parking services such as Sentinel also offer secure parking close to the airport.

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