Bristol is a great place to get around without a car and the University’s central location means you can reach most places easily on foot, by bike or by public transport. Maps of the University campus, including our Google map, are on our Maps and travel page. You can view and download maps of Bristol at Visit Bristol. Online tools such as Travelwest’s journey planner can help you to plan local journeys in detail.
The University campus is quite compact, and you can walk between most buildings in less than ten minutes. The campus is also within easy walking distance of the city centre, Bristol Temple Meads train station and Bristol bus and coach station. For information on walking route planners and discounts available to Unviersity of Bristol students visit our Walking web page.
Cycling is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get around town. There are cycle stands throughout the University campus and many of the residences have secure cycle sheds. The University runs lots of initiatives to support and encourage cycling, including free cycle training and a free cycle clinic to keep your bike in good order.
Join the University Bicycle User Group (TUB-BUG) a community of nearly 2,000 cyclists and keep up to date with University cycling news, events and initiatives.
Students are entitled discounted locks and lights sold by Sustainability and to discounts at some local bike shops.
You can travel easily by bus to and from the University campus and across Bristol.
Students living in a University-allocated accommodation (except postgraduates in postgraduate-only residences) receive a free bus pass (mTicket) for unlimited travel on the Unibus U1 service (restrictions apply). Other students can buy tickets or passes for the U1. Read the Bristol Unibus FAQs for details.
Most University of Bristol Vet School students receive a free bus pass (mTicket) for unlimited travel on the Unibus U2 service. Other students can buy tickets or passes for the U2. Read the Bristol Unibus FAQs for details.
Students are entitled to a 20% discount on all First bus tickets across the West of England.
Bristol has good train connections for getting around the city. Clifton Down station is the nearest station to the University campus. It is about 10 minutes’ walk away.
Students are entitled to reduced rail fares with a 16-25 Rail Card. This railcard is also available for those over 25 in full-time study. The annual cost of the card is £30 and it enables a 1/3 off Standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance, and First Class Advance rail fares. Mature students applying for the card require their application form to be signed by a University of Bristol staff member, such as their Faculty Administrator or their personal tutor, who can confirm their full-time student status.
Students over the age of 18 and either living at a London address during term time, or are on a mandatory work placement in London may be eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard *
* Please note that we are unable to process any applications at the current time due to an issue with accessing the TFL database. Please be assured that we are working on a solution.
Students should not bring a car to Bristol unless it is essential, for example because of a disability. Bristol is a highly congested city and there are many restrictions on parking in place. The on-street parking in and around the main University campus is subject to residential permits, meters and time limits.
You could join a car club. They have pay-as-you-go cars located across Bristol.
Further student car parking information including for students living in university allocated accommodation.
If you are travelling to Bristol by car we recommend using a Park and Ride service as an alternative to driving into the city.
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