Leeds
How to get to Leeds?
If you are travelling to Leeds, the following guide provide helpful information related to the process.
Visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Visa
Even if you have travelled to the UK recently, all attendees are recommended to check if a visa is needed to enter the UK. Please see this online form.
Attendees are also reminded that in some cases visas may be required if you are transiting through a particular country. Please check your flight schedule carefully and consult the relevant governmental website for visa information.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
As of April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to or transit through the UK. Please see this information sheet from Visit Britain.
The UK GOV website has more information on ETA requirements. Please check if you need to apply for a ETA on the UK Gov website.
Please note, we are aware of a number of websites and travel agencies who suggest delegates should process their ETA application with them. This is not needed and often comes at a greater cost. We recommend all delegates to process their ETA application through the UK Gov Website. The current price of an ETA through the UK Gov website is £16.
The UK ETA takes just a few minutes to complete on a phone app, costs only £16, and once done, allows people to visit the UK multiple times without needing to reapply. It’s quick, affordable, and super convenient!
Visa Letter
Delegates requiring a visa to attend the conference may request an Invitation to Attend Visa Letter to support their application.
Please email [email protected] with the following information. Once completed, we will be happy to issue an official invitation letter.
To create the letter, we require the following information:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Email Address
- Date of Birth
- Passport Number
- Residential Address
- EWGMCDA Registration Number
We encourage all international delegates to apply at the earliest opportunity to allow sufficient time for visa processing
By Air
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
Leeds Bradford is our local airport around 12km (7.5 miles) from the University of Leeds. Flights can be booked with several major airlines routed through Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and other major European hubs.
The A1 bus runs every 20 minutes, 7 days a week from 04:30 to 23:55 each day. It connects the airport with Leeds City Square (adjacent to the railway station) and Leeds City Bus and Coach Station.
Taxis can be booked in advance, or from the booking office outside the main terminal.
Leeds Bradford Airport website
Telephone: +44 (871) 288-2288
Manchester International Airport (MAN)
Approximately 90km (60 miles) from the University, Manchester is a major airport with direct lights from nearly 200 international airports.
A train station at the airport offers direct services to Leeds Rail Station, with a journey time of 1hr 15mins. Rail tickets can be purchased on arrival, or in advance from Transpennine Express.
Manchester Airport website
Telephone: +44 (871) 271-0711
London (Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted)
There are various direct connections from Europe to London. Flights can be booked with several major airlines to three key destinations: Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted airports. Once in London, there are various direct connections to Leeds by rail (from London King's Cross) or bus (from London Victoria Station).
Heathrow
The Piccadilly Line on the London Underground runs frequently from all Heathrow terminals to King’s Cross St Pancras Station. Trains operate every few minutes from around 05:00 until after midnight, and the journey takes about 55–60 minutes. There is also the Heathrow Express, which goes to London Paddington station, where you can change onto Circle, Hammersmith, and City Line to King's Cross.
Alternatively, National Express coaches run direct from Heathrow Central Bus Station to London King’s Cross throughout the day, with services roughly every 20–30 minutes—journey times average about 1 hour.
Taxis and private-hire minicabs can be booked in advance or hired from the official ranks outside each terminal.
Gatwick
Thameslink trains run frequently from Gatwick Airport to London St Pancras International (adjacent to King’s Cross Station). Services operate every 15–30 minutes throughout the day, with journey times of around 50–60 minutes.
Alternatively, the Gatwick Express runs non-stop to London Victoria, where you can take the Victoria Line on the Underground to King’s Cross. Coaches and airport shuttles are also available but take longer due to traffic.
Taxis and private-hire vehicles can be booked in advance or from the ranks outside the terminals.
Stansted
The Stansted Express runs every 15–30 minutes from Stansted Airport to Tottenham Hale, where you can change to the Victoria Line for King’s Cross St Pancras. The total journey takes about 50–60 minutes.
National Express coaches also operate to central London, with journey times of 75–90 minutes depending on traffic.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available outside the terminal or can be pre-booked.
By Rail
Leeds Railway Station
Leeds Railway Station offers direct services to London King's Cross, Manchester, Liverpool, Hull, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh and across the UK. London King's Cross is around two and a quarter hours away by rail.
The station is approximately 1.6km (1 mile) from campus, a 20-minute walk. The 1 and 1B bus provides a frequent service between the station and Woodhouse Lane, outside the Parkinson Building, and taxis are available outside the main entrance.
Buying train tickets
These websites will guide you through buying tickets for the UK rail network.
A detailed station map can be found here.
By Coach / Bus
Leeds City Bus and Coach Station
Leeds City Bus and Coach Station is 2km (1.25 miles) from campus, a 25-minute walk. There is an extensive network of coach services within the UK and, through Eurolines, to cities throughout mainland Europe. This method of travel is usually the least expensive, often a third of the cost of rail travel.
Buying coach tickets
To find out more about timetables and to check prices or buy tickets, please visit:
By Car
We encourage all delegates to use alternative methods of transport where possible as parking on campus is limited.
A very limited number of blue badge parking spaces are available on campus. Due to University of Leeds policy, all drivers need to pay for their parking space whether they have a blue badge or not. These must be pre-booked during registration.
There is no parking available on campus for non-blue badge holders.
Public and private multi-storey car parks are within easy walking distance of the University, on Woodhouse Lane and at the Merrion Centre. Details of payment options for these car parks can be found via their websites.
A map of nearby parking options can be found here.
Where to stay in Leeds?
Accommodation Information
There are a number of hotels in the city centre most of which are a walking distance from the University of Leeds. This map shows the location of hotels within Leeds.
We recommend to book early to avoid disappointment.
What to do in Leeds?
The following information provide some key information that may be beneficial for your time in Leeds.
Royal Armouries Museum
Whether you're a history buff, a curious traveler, or a family looking for a fun day out, the Royal Armouries offers a unique journey through the art of combat and the stories behind it.