Lifestyle and Leisure / Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2020
Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2020: Transport
Walking is often a great option in Bristol, but when you need to travel a bit further or faster, you have many options.
Bike
Post-lockdown cycling is even easier than before the pandemic, with key routes closed to car traffic and cycle lanes separated from motor traffic popping up around the city.
If you don’t have a bike, hire bikes from YoBike through its app for just £1.
If having your own set of wheels is more your thing, why not try a used bike? Bristol is home to a number of shops that sell refurbished bikes, which are cheaper than new and come fully fixed up, such as Life Cycle UK which teaches prisoners to refurbish bikes, and The Bristol Bike Project.
is needed now More than ever
Bus
Most of the buses that serve University of Bristol and UWE are run by First Bus.
First’s Unibus services are the best way to get to University of Bristol’s campuses wheras metrobus services are your best bet for getting between UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus and the city centre quickly – and they all accept First Bus tickets, too. Other UWE Bristol campuses are well served by local buses.
Buses can be a great way to navigate the city. Photo: Martin Booth
First Bus’ app allows you to buy tickets on your phone and is cheaper than buying on the bus. In fact, some ome buses, like the metrobus, require you to buy your ticket before getting on board. Many tickets even have a student discount option available.
Train
Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway are the main stations serving Bristol, with trains from Great Western Railway and CrossCountry serving the South West, London, Wales, and even Scotland.
Bus links from both stations can take you to UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol, but there are local train stations as well, including Clifton Down near Univesity of Bristol and Filton Abbey Wood near UWE Bristol.
You can even take a bike on the train – just make sure you check ahead in case you have to book a bike space.
The main station serving Bristol is Temple Meads. Photo: Network Rail
Coaches
Multiple coach companies serve Bristol, including National Express, Megabus, Flixbus and Snap Some coaches even stop on the Triangle or at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus.
Car
It’s best to leave the car at home – parking in Bristol is often as expensive as it is stressful. If you must use a car, it’s probably better to get a cab. However, Blue Badge holders can often park for free around the city.
If you live within most of Bristol, you won’t be able to park on UWE Bristol’s or the University of Bristol’s campuses, with exceptions if you have a disability. It’s always best to check with the university before you bring a car.
Main photo: Jon Bewley/Sustrans
Read more: Student areas
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