Getting around in Leeds

Leeds is a compact city with an excellent public transport network, and the city is continually investing in upgrades to its transport links and infrastructure, making commutes increasingly efficient. It’s also a well-connected regional hub, allowing its residents easy access to other parts of the UK and Europe.

While roads in Leeds are in good condition, locals deem travelling by car unnecessary and more trouble than it’s worth. That said, if you have a family or plan to explore the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, you may benefit from owning a vehicle.

Public transport in Leeds

Buses and trains are the main forms of public transport in Leeds. If you travel frequently, it’s best to use an MCard. This multi-operator reloadable smartcard gives you access to buses and trains across West Yorkshire and is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around Leeds. Certain groups of people, including students and pensioners, can get discounted fares when using an MCard.

A few different companies operate buses and trains in Leeds, but information about routes, fares and more can be found on the West Yorkshire Metro website.

Trains

Located in the city centre, Leeds railway station is the main terminal in the city and is one of the busiest outside of London.

Multiple rail services operate in Leeds, each with different routes and offerings. Some travel to the suburbs of Leeds and across the country, while others ferry passengers to neighbouring countries. The trains also connect Leeds with major UK cities, including London, Liverpool, and Birmingham.

Buses

Leeds has several bus services, most of which operate both in the city centre and towards the outskirts. The Leeds FreeCityBus is accessible for free using validated bus or train tickets. The service connects passengers to the bus and rail stations and Leeds’s business and shopping districts. The coaches, usually run by the National Express, travel to other UK cities.

Buses in Leeds are relatively punctual, but the lines running in the city centre are sometimes affected by the city’s considerable traffic congestion. Bus fares are reasonably priced and can be paid with cash, contactless payments, mobile, or group travel tickets.

Useful links

• West Yorkshire Metro

Taxis in Leeds

Taxis in Leeds abound and are easy to find, although prices can be high. Taxi ranks are available on most main streets and next to the Leeds railway station. Only hackney carriages (black and white in colour) can be caught from taxi ranks. Private taxis such as Veezu or Uber can be ordered in advance by phone or using the company’s mobile app.

Useful links

• Uber Leeds
• Veezu Leeds

Driving in Leeds

As Leeds has a smaller and pedestrianised city centre, driving can be a frustrating affair. Parking in the city centre is scarce and expensive, while Leeds charges a road tax, not to mention nightmarish fuel prices. New arrivals considering owning a car will therefore need to budget carefully and consider whether it’s worth it. Be that as it may, driving can be convenient for those with tots or those living in the suburbs.

To make driving more affordable, newcomers can carpool or use one of the Park and Ride facilities in the Leeds city centre, which allow drivers to safely park their car and continue their commute on public transport. The roads in Leeds are well maintained and easily navigable, apart from the loop in the centre, which can be confusing for new arrivals.

If you have a foreign licence, you may be eligible to exchange it for a local one, depending on your nationality. To find out more, see Public Transport and Driving in the UK.

Walking and cycling in Leeds

The charming Leeds city centre is highly walkable. To further encourage walking, Leeds has reduced the speed limit for vehicles and widened the pavements on several streets. Apart from walking, cycling is another fun, cheap and healthy way to get around in Leeds. The city has made cycling easy for cyclists, with dedicated cycle lanes and paths running into the city centre from many neighbourhoods.

The Ride-to-Work Scheme, operated by Evans Cycles, allows cycling enthusiasts to buy bicycles and accessories through monthly instalments taken directly from their salaries. Bikes can also be loaned from one of the numerous Yorkshire Bike Libraries sites around Leeds at no cost.

Useful links

• Ride-to-Work
• Yorkshire Bike Libraries