Lancaster University was founded in 1964 and is now regarded as being one of the top institutions in the country.
Location
Lancaster University is set in 250 acres of parkland and lies approximately 3.5 miles south of the City of Lancaster. The campus is easily accessible and is within 70 miles of Manchester's International Airport.
Taxis
Taxi services are available from the rail and bus stations (taxi tel. numbers: (01524) 32090; 35666 or 848848).
By rail
There are direct rail links between Lancaster and London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Oxford and major cities in Scotland. The X1 bus service runs between the Railway Station and the University every 20 minutes Mon - Sat daytimes and hourly on Sunday afternoons and evenings. Taxis are also available from outside the station. Lancaster Railway Station is a 5 minute walk away from the city centre.
By bus
The bus station is situated on Damside Street. Buses (numbers X1, 2, 2A, 3 and 4) leave regularly (every 5 minutes on weekdays) for the 20 minute journey to the University. Buses also leave the city centre at Common Garden Street for the University. For bus information call ‘Traveline’ on 0871 200 22 33. All buses drop off at the University underpass, beneath Alexandra Square in the centre of campus. Buses 3 and 4 also provide a 10 minute service around the southern perimeter road and campus residences at Alexandra Park.
By car
Leave the M6 motorway at junction 33 and take the A6 north towards Lancaster.
For Lancaster University main campus – turn right at the third set of traffic lights on the A6 into the University main drive. Take the first exit left from the roundabout at the top of the main drive, then the first avenue on your right. This brings you to the Reception Lodge where security staff will direct you to your destination on campus.
For Alexandra Park (south end of campus) – turn right at the second set of traffic lights on the A6 into Barkers Drive and turn left at the roundabout into Alexandra Park Drive.
By air
From Manchester International Airport take the M56 motorway at junction 5 and join the M6 motorway at junction 20 (north). Follow the directions ‘By Car’. An hourly rail link runs between the airport and Lancaster.
By bicycle
Lancaster is a Cycling Demonstration Town which means it is benefitting from increased investment in facilities and initiatives for cyclists. It takes 20 - 30 minutes to cycle from the city centre to campus. An off-road cycle route runs from Whinfell Drive in Hala and enters the campus near Bailrigg House. A further off-road signed cycle route runs along the Lancaster Canal to the city centre. Most colleges have secure cycle stores at the newer buildings. Other residences have undercover cycle stands. Cycle hire is available at Leisure Lakes on Penny Street in the city centre.
Car parking
Visitors should use the Pay and Display parking. Scratchcards may also be used in pay and display areas. If dedicated visitor areas are full you may pay and display or use a scratchcard in the Outer Zone or Alexandra Park.
As spaces are limited, we regret that students resident on campus or close to a city centre bus route are not usually entitled to a car parking permit on campus. Usually, student car parking permits are for Alexandra Park only and a full policy is in place to ensure that students who require a permit the most are entitled to purchase one.
Please note that all permit parking rules, visitor charges and parking enforcement operate during vacation periods as well as during University term-times.
Cycling and walking maps of Lancaster and surrounding area
These maps have been produced by Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council to promote and encourage cycling and walking; footpaths and cycle routes are marked.