Lancaster University is set in 360 acres of beautiful parkland and lies approximately three miles south of the City of Lancaster. The campus is easily accessible via road, rail and bicycle and is within 70 miles of Manchester’s International Airport.
Rail
There are direct rail links between Lancaster and many of the UK’s major cities and airports. For train times, visit National Rail Enquiries. The X1 bus service runs every 20 minutes between the University and the Railway Station (hourly on Sunday afternoons and evenings).
Taxis are available at the station, which is a five minute walk from the city centre. Local taxi services can be contacted on: +44 (0)1524 32090; +44 (0)1524 35666 and +44 (0)1524 848848.
Car
Leave the M6 motorway at Junction 33 and take the A6 north towards Lancaster.
For Lancaster University main campus – turn right at the third set of traffic lights on the A6 into the University main drive.
Take the first exit left from the roundabout at the top of the main drive, then the first avenue on your right. This brings you to the Reception Lodge where security staff will direct you to your destination on campus.
For Alexandra Park (south end of campus) – turn right at the second set of traffic lights on the A6 into Barkers Drive and turn left at the roundabout into Alexandra Park Drive.
You can use either the RAC or AA route planners to view and print directions for your journey.
If using an online route planner or satnav, please note that the university postcode is LA1 4YW.
Bus
For bus information call ‘Traveline’ on 0871 200 22 33. Alternatively, visit the Stagecoach website for current timetables and further information.
In the City: The bus station is situated on Damside Street in the City Centre. Buses (services 2, 2A, 3, 4) leave for the University every five minutes on weekdays and most services also stop at Common Garden Street. Additionally, the X1 bus service runs every 20 minutes between the Railway Station and the University (hourly on Sunday afternoons and evenings) – this service does not route via the main bus station but does have various pick-up points through the city centre.
On Campus: All buses drop off and collect passengers in the Underpass, situated underneath Alexandra Square. Additionally, services 3 and 4 serve the southern perimeter road around Alexandra Park and service X1 serve the northern perimeter road. There is also a bus stop directly outside the Sports Centre on the main drive.
Local taxi services can be contacted on: +44 (0)1524 32090; +44 (0)1524 35666 and +44 (0)1524 848848.
There is also a daily National Express service from the campus to Birmingham and London.
Air
From Manchester International Airport take the M56 motorway at Junction 5 and join the M6 motorway at Junction 20 (north), then follow the ‘By Car’ directions as above.
Alternatively, take the train – an hourly rail link runs directly between Manchester airport and Lancaster. For train times, visit National Rail Enquiries.
Bicycle
Lancaster was recently a Cycling Demonstration Town (2005-2011) which means it benefited from increased investment in facilities and initiatives for cyclists. It takes 30 minutes or so to cycle from the city centre to campus on the two University signed routes.
An off-road cycle route runs from Whinfell Drive in Hala and enters the campus near Bailrigg House. A further off-road signed cycle route runs along the Lancaster Canal to the city centre. Most colleges have secure cycle stores at the newer buildings. Other residences have undercover cycle stands. Cycle hire is available at Leisure Lakes on Penny Street in the city centre.
Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council have produced the following to maps promote and encourage cycling and walking; footpaths and cycle routes are marked.
Information taken from Lancaster University website.