Student travel guide

Bus services to Liverpool campuses 

You’ll find two iconic universities in Liverpool – the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University. To reach either campus, take any Arriva service that passes through Liverpool city centre.

Additionally, University of Liverpool students living at Greenbank Student Village can also use the 699 service, which directly connects Greenbank to the university campus.

Getting around Liverpool by bus
Liverpool offers an abundance of exciting activities for students. Many of these options are conveniently located in the city centre, easily accessible via Arriva’s city centre services (or the 699 if you’re travelling from Greenbank).

Nightlife, food, drink and entertainment highlights:

• The Raz, Juicy and Heebie Jeebies: These popular venues offer student nights perfect for letting your hair down after your studies. Arriva Liverpool city centre services provide easy access to these hot spots.
   
• Bar Hopping: Explore lively streets like Seel Street, Mathew Street and Concert Square. Arriva buses make it simple to hop between bars and enjoy the vibrant scene.
   
• Bold Street: Hop on an Arriva service to Liverpool city centre to reach Bold Street. Here, you can browse vintage shops and find great bargains. Liverpool ONE: Visit Liverpool ONE for shopping, dining and catching a movie.
   
• Whether you’re strolling by the docks or enjoying the city’s amenities, Arriva buses make it easy to experience Liverpool’s student-friendly offerings.
   

Liverpool network map
 

Bus services to Newcastle campuses
Two excellent universities call Newcastle their home: Newcastle University and Northumbria University. Both are centrally located and easily accessible via any Arriva service passing through Newcastle city centre. Exit at either Haymarket Bus Station or Eldon Square Bus Station, and you’ll be within walking distance of either campus.

Getting around Newcastle by bus
As one of the most vibrant student cities in the UK, Newcastle has plenty of things to do, and many of them are easily accessible via Arriva buses.

Nightlife, food, drink and entertainment highlights:

•    Luther’s Bar: Located on Newcastle University’s campus, Luther’s Bar is the official Student Union bar. Partnered with Wetherspoons, it offers affordable food and drinks, and you can easily reach it by bus.

•    Mosley Street: Nightlife enthusiasts should explore Newcastle’s renowned Mosley Street. Here, you’ll discover various nightclubs such as Bijoux, Flares, and Soho Rooms. To get there, exit any Arriva Newcastle city centre service at Haymarket – it’s just a 12-minute walk away.

•    Eldon Square: If you’re a student looking to shop, Eldon Square is the place to be. It boasts a variety of stores selling everything from clothing to beauty products and gadgets. And the best part? You can enjoy year-round student discounts of up to 30%. All of Arriva’s city centre services will take you directly to Eldon Square.

•    Quayside: The Quayside offers something for everyone, with options ranging from budget-friendly eateries and traditional English pubs to charming vintage shops and captivating art exhibitions. It’s easy to get to – hop on an Arriva bus to Haymarket and enjoy a 20-minute walk to the Quayside.

Newcastle network map
 

Bus services to Durham campuses
Durham is home to Durham University, the third-oldest university in England. For students travelling to Durham University via Arriva bus, there are three convenient options:

•    6 service: Between Durham and Barnard Castle – exit at South Road.
•    56/56A service: Between Durham and Bishop Auckland – exit at Durham University – Palatine Centre or Durham New       Inn – Church Street.
•    58 service: Between Durham and Hartlepool – exit at Durham University – Palatine Centre or Durham New Inn – Church Street.

Getting around Durham by bus
It may not be one of the UK’s biggest cities, but students won’t be short of things to do in Durham. Hop aboard one of Arriva’s local services to access bars, shops and landmarks.

Nightlife, food, drink and entertainment highlights:

•    Live Music: If you’re a gig enthusiast, head to the Old Cinema Laundrette. This unique venue was once a cinema and now transforms into a music spot at night. To get there, take the 6, 56/56A, or 58 services and exit at Leazes Road – it’s just a short walk away.
•    Undercroft Bar: A must-visit for student nights in Durham, “The Undie” is a student union bar with affordable drinks and occasional live music. You can reach it by taking the 6, 56/56A, or 58 services and getting off at Leazes Road, followed by a 9-minute walk.

Shopping, Food and Entertainment:

•    Durham Cathedral: As a student in Durham, visiting the iconic cathedral is a must. Head to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city. But be cautious – there’s a superstition at the university that climbing the tower before graduating brings bad luck! To get here, take any of our Durham services, exit at St Oswald’s Church, and walk for 10 minutes.
•    The Riverwalk: For a blend of shopping and entertainment, head to The Riverwalk. You’ll find shops like Poundland and Savers where you can snag bargains, along with bars and restaurants for relaxation. If you’re in the mood for a movie, the onsite Odeon has you covered. Exit any of our buses at Millburngate bus station, and you’ll arrive at The Riverwalk.

Durham network map

Bus services to Leeds campuses
In Leeds, there are two universities located in the city centre: the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University. You can reach both campuses by taking the following Arriva bus services:

•  Leeds 163: Connects Leeds to Castleford
•  Leeds 444/446: Runs from Leeds to Wakefield

These buses will drop you off within walking distance of the campuses – exit in the city centre.

Getting around Leeds by bus
As one of Yorkshire’s largest cities, Leeds is packed with activities for students. Both Arriva services, which run through Leeds city centre, can get you to the heart of the action.

Nightlife Highlights:

•    The Space Club and Mook: These nightclubs are essential for any Leeds student. They stay open late, offer drink specials, and host student nights for an affordable experience. You’ll find both venues on Hirst’s Yard. Just take Arriva’s 163 service to the Corn Exchange, and you’ll be a quick 2-minute walk away.
•    MOJO: Another staple for Leeds students, MOJO caters to rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts with its non-stop bangers. Enjoy a selection of cocktails or even participate in a cocktail masterclass to learn how to make your own. To get there, take the 163 bus to the Corn Exchange, and you’ll find MOJO just a 9-minute walk away.

Food, drink and entertainment highlights:

•    Trinity Leeds: If you fancy a shopping spree, Trinity Leeds is the place to be. It boasts outlets like Levi’s, New Look, and Hollister. Plus, many of the stores offer student discounts of up to 50%. When hunger strikes, you’ll find plenty of dining options with student offers. Check out places like Rola Wala and Franco Manca. Hop on the 163 bus to the Corn Exchange, and you’ll be within walking distance.
•    Kirkgate Market: If you enjoy shopping at traditional markets, Kirkgate Market is a must-visit. This expansive covered market – one of Europe’s largest – offers everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing. To get there, take the Arriva 163 service, exit at Leeds Cultural A Stop, and you’ll be just a 6-minute walk away.

Leeds network map

Bus services to Teesside campuses

Teesside University, located in the heart of Middlesbrough, is home to over 20,000 students. Accessing the university campus is a breeze, with a couple of Arriva services that drop you off within a 2-minute walk: 

• 17/17A/X17/17B service: Between Middlesbrough and Stockton – exit at The Swatters Carr.
• 63 service: Between Middlesbrough and Redcar – exit at The Swatters Carr.

Getting around Teesside by bus

There’s plenty on offer for students at Teesside University in Middlesbrough’s compact town centre. 

Nightlife, food, drink and entertainment highlight:

•    The Southfield: The Southfield is a popular student bar at Teesside University. With a vibrant atmosphere and great drink deals, it’s a must-visit spot. To get there, take any Arriva service in Middlesbrough and get off at The Swatters Carr – the bar is just a 6-minute walk away.
•    The Middlesbrough Empire: They host weekly club nights with a variety of music genres, and students can get discounted entry. Just take the 63 service and get off at the Town Hall stop, which is a 2-minute walk from the venue.

•    Cleveland Centre: If you’re in the mood for some shopping, make your way to the Cleveland Centre. Located in the heart of Middlesbrough, it boasts a variety of stores. Whether you’re stocking up on groceries at Iceland, updating your wardrobe at New Look, or hunting for bargains at Poundland, the Cleveland Centre has you covered. Hop on either the 17 or 63 services, and they’ll whisk you directly to this shopping hub.
•    Project Escape: This is an excellent spot for bonding with your university friends. It features several themed interactive escape rooms. To get there, exit the 63 bus at the Town Hall, and you’ll be within a 5-minute walk.

Middlesbrough network map
 

Bus services to Leicestershire campuses 
Leicestershire is home to De Montfort University, situated in Leicester’s city centre. To reach the De Montfort campus, you can take any of Arriva’s city centre services in Leicester.

Loughborough University is also based in Leicestershire and lies just a few miles north of Leicester. Students at Loughborough Uni can reach the campus by catching the 16/16A/X16 services between Coalville and Loughborough or by taking the 127 between Leicester and Shepshed. Whichever service you choose, exit at the Loughborough Registry Office, and you’ll be just a 3-minute walk from the campus.

Getting around Leicestershire by bus
Whether you’re at De Montfort or Loughborough University, Arriva buses will get you to all the local student hotspots in Leicestershire.

Nightlife:

•    The Fan Club: Known for its affordability, The Fan Club in Leicester is a popular choice for De Montfort University students. When you visit, expect a playlist filled with hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Plus, there are frequent student discounts available. To get there, hop on one of Arriva’s Leicester city centre buses and exit at Haymarket Bus Station – a 3-minute walk from the club.
•    The Generous Briton: Situated next to Loughborough University, this pub is a beloved spot among students, particularly real ale lovers. As one of the town’s oldest pubs, it offers a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for students seeking a relaxed pint or two. Take the bus to the Registry Office, and you’ll be just a 1-minute walk away.

Shopping, Food and Entertainment:

•    Haymarket Shopping Centre: Discover all the shops you need at Leicester’s Haymarket Shopping Centre, from B&M and Heron Foods to Primark and TK Maxx. After your shopping spree, enjoy a meal and coffee at one of the many cafés. Our buses will take you directly there – exit at Haymarket Bus Station.
•    Loughborough Town Hall: For an entertaining night out with your friends, visit Loughborough Town Hall. They offer a variety of events, including stand-up comedy, theatre performances, and concerts. Plus, they provide student discounts, so it won’t break the bank. To get there, take any Arriva service that runs through Loughborough and exit at Ashby Square, which is just a 4-minute walk away.
 

Bus services in Medway Towns
The Medway Towns provide numerous shopping opportunities, a whole host of places to eat and drink, multiple gyms for those who enjoying working out and also two cinemas for all of the movie lovers. History lovers will also be well catered to with attractions such as: The Chatham Dockyard,  Fort Amherst, Rochester Castle and much more! 

Food, drink and shopping highlights:
Pier 5 
Wagamamas 
The Pump Room @ Copper Rivvett
The Ship and Trade 
Odeon Chatham 
Escape Rooms 
Bluewater shopping centre

View Medway campus map

Service 1 route and timetable information