Traveling to the UK

Welcome to your new city!

As you begin your student journey to the UK, this page will help you feel prepared by guiding you through airport arrival information, transport options, and how to get around your new city. Whether you’re arriving via Liverpool, Manchester, or London Heathrow, you’ll find useful guidance on public transport, local travel, and walking routes to support you as you settle into your new surroundings.

Before you travel, it’s essential to plan how you’ll get from the airport to your accommodation. Knowing your options in advance will give you peace of mind and help ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. The information below will support you in exploring your choices and planning your journey with confidence.

Please note: the University does not provide a pick-up service from airports, so it is important to make your own travel arrangements before you arrive.

Welcome Information

When traveling outside your home country for the first time, it's important to learn how to get around in your new city or town. Familiarising yourself with public transport options is key to enjoying student life and getting where you need to go efficiently.

The University of Chester prioritises sustainability in all aspects, including transport for students and staff. We encourage using buses, cycling, trains, and walking to get around. Find out more about sustainable travel and transport.

Learn about local walking routes and active travel options. If you live outside of Chester, we offer advice for commuting students.

Getting to the University of Chester Campuses

Airport to Accommodation Transport

When arriving in a new country, arranging transportation from the airport to your accommodation can be intimidating. It is important to arrange your transport, as the university cannot provide this service.

Transportation Options

Don't worry! There are several options available:

Taxis: Convenient and available at all major airports.
Public Transport: Buses and trains to major city centres.
Ride-Sharing Services: Apps like Uber and Lyft are available in many cities.

Choose the option that best suits your needs for a smooth arrival at your new home.

Travelling from Liverpool Airport

Liverpool John Lenon Airport has a full guide of travel options that will give you more information on getting to Chester and surrounding areas.

Travelling from Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport has a full guide of travel options to get you from the airport to your destination.

Travelling from London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow Airport has a range of travel options.

Chester, Manchester, and Warrington train stations offer fantastic rail links, connecting you efficiently to destinations across the UK.

Chester Railway Station

Chester Railway Station provides excellent links to the UK's major cities and surrounding areas. When traveling into Chester, this is likely the station you will arrive at from your destination.

See timetable information for Chester Railway Station.

Warrington Bank Quay

If you are commuting from Warrington to Chester, Warrington Bank Quay has direct links to Chester Railway Station, ensuring an easy commute.

Chester Bus Station

Chester is a beautiful, and small city with lots to offer. Traveling in and around Chester by bus is a great and sustainable option.

Warrington to Chester

To commute to Chester from Warrington by bus, take the X30 Arriva Bus from Warrington Bus Interchange. This journey typically takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Here is a list of price options* for the Arriva bus service from Warrington to Chester:

Adult Single North West £2.00
Adult Day North West £6.90
Adult Week North £24.00
Adult four-week North West £81.00
Adult Annual North West £810.00

*Prices are based on information from Arriva Buses and are correct at August 2024. Prices may be subject to change.

Liverpool to Chester

If you're commuting from Liverpool to Chester by bus, Stagecoach's Service 1 and X1 offer a convenient and affordable option. These services run frequently throughout the day, with buses departing every 15 minutes from Liverpool ONE Bus Station and arriving at Chester Bus Interchange. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, passing through key locations such as Birkenhead, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire Oaks, and Chester Zoo.

Ticket prices for this route are budget-friendly. For example, the Merseyside Plus Day ticket costs £5.60 for adults and £3.20 for under-19s, offering unlimited travel for the day. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or via the Stagecoach Bus app, which may offer additional discounts

Amenities on board include free Wi-Fi and contactless payment options, making your journey comfortable and convenient.

For the most up-to-date information on timetables and ticket options, please visit the Stagecoach website.

Manchester to Chester

If you're planning to travel from Manchester to Chester by bus, there are several options available to suit different preferences and budgets:

National Express
National Express operates coach services between Manchester and Chester, departing from Manchester Chorlton Street Coach Station and arriving at Chester Bus Interchange. Fares start from approximately £11, and the journey takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes. It's advisable to book in advance to secure the best prices.

FlixBus
FlixBus offers services connecting Manchester to Chester, with fares starting from around £6.48. Journey durations vary, so it's recommended to check the FlixBus website for the most up-to-date schedules and prices.

Transport for Wales (Rail Replacement Buses)
While primarily a train operator, Transport for Wales occasionally provides bus services between Manchester and Chester, typically taking around 2 hours and 8 minutes. Fares start at approximately £17.

Stagecoach and Local Buses
Stagecoach operates regional bus routes, though a direct route from Manchester to Chester may involve multiple changes and take significantly longer. This option is more suitable for experienced travellers familiar with local routes.

Wrexham to Chester

Several bus services connect Wrexham to Chester, offering flexible travel options:

Arriva Bus Service 1: Runs frequently between Wrexham Bus Station and Chester Railway Station, with departures every 15 to 20 minutes during peak times. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
Stagecoach Bus Service 5: Operates between Wrexham Bus Station and Chester Bus Interchange, with several departures throughout the day. Journey times are around 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Stagecoach Bus Service C56: Provides a route from Wrexham to Chester, passing through several villages. This service is less frequent and may have longer journey times

Please note: Some routes may take up to two hours, depending on distance and connections. It’s important to plan your journey in advance and allow plenty of time to arrive on campus for your university timetabled sessions.

Chester Taxis

Chester City has a great range of taxi services that will take you in and around Chester.

You can book a taxi with KingKabs online. KingKabs provides airport transfers to and from Manchester airport and Liverpool airport.

KingKabs online booking requires you to have a mobile phone number to book. Please ensure that you have your own UK phone number before entering the UK.

For more taxi service options please see below:

Warrington Taxis

You can get to Chester from Warrington using either Chester or Warrington taxi services. Abba Cars is available to book via an app.
Uber

Liverpool Taxis

Manchester Taxis

Wrexham Taxis

Check out the University of Chester's learning locations, including campus maps.

Further Support

If you have any issues regarding travel or other general enquiries, please email the Student Experience team: studentexperience@chester.ac.uk.