Sustainable travel
There are lots of sustainable options for getting to and from campus.
With over 18,000 students and 3,800 staff at the University, along with numerous visitors for events like conferences, open days, public lectures, and graduations, the potential for traffic congestion and air pollution is significant.
One of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact is by travelling sustainably. Find out about our sustainable travel options for commuting to and from the University for work or study.
Related links
Travelling by foot or bike
Active travel benefits both your physical and mental health, and is a great way to reduce your carbon emissions. Walking or cycling can also save you time, as you avoid bus queues and free up spaces for those who need them most.
It’s easy to get around campus by bike or foot. It's just a 15-minute bike ride or 30-minute walk from Campus West to the city centre. There are several off-road cycle paths and on-road cycle lanes offering safe access into and around York.
The University offers several ways to support active travel to and around campus. Take a look below for more helpful information.
The cycle pool scheme
Whether you're a staff member or student, try cycling to work or lectures, enjoying the outdoors and getting exercise by hiring a bike through the cycle pool scheme. Bikes are available for up to 4 weeks with a £20 deposit, on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested in booking a bike? The Travel and Transport team is here to help. Visit them in the Dalham Farm Mailroom, or contact them at transport-team@york.ac.uk or 01904 322049.
Travelling by bus
The University of York is well connected by bus. Several buses run directly to the campus from York City Centre and the surrounding area. If you’re travelling by train, you can catch the bus directly from York railway station to campus.
Discount student bus pass
Students can get unlimited First York bus travel for as little as £1.50 a day when they buy an annual student pass, receive discounts on monthly or Yorkey card 20-trip tickets, or pay a reduced rate for travel between the railway station and the University campus. Remember to show your University ID when using the discounted bus passes.
Discount staff bus pass
Staff can get unlimited First York bus travel with an annual pass, exclusive to University staff. Receive discounts on monthly or 20-trip tickets, or pay a reduced rate between the railway station and campus on any First service when you show your staff card. Staff can also get an interest-free loan for annual bus tickets.
For more information about getting around by bus, including timetables and fares, visit the University’s public transport pages.
Travelling by car
While we encourage sustainable transport, we understand that sometimes a car is the only option.
Enterprise Car Club
Only need a car occasionally? We have an Enterprise Car Club bay in the Information Centre car park, with other locations available within walking distance of campus.
Conditions of use: must be a minimum of 19 years of age and have at least one year's driving experience.
Electric vehicle charging
Electric Vehicle charging points are available on Campus for use by University staff. Five double chargers are located in the Church Lane Building car park, operated by Pod Point.
Charging costs £0.39/hour for the first four hours and £2.00/hour thereafter to encourage users to move their vehicle once charged.
To register to use these charging points, email: parking-permits@york.ac.uk. After confirmation, you'll need to download the Pod Point app to your phone and register with your University email.
Sustainable travel policies
As well as the development of our Sustainable Travel Plan 2022 - 2025, the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York is currently undergoing research to develop "TR2AIL", an online tool to help organisations and individuals track, report, reflect on, and take actions to reduce their travel-related greenhouse gas emission.
