Hop on, hop off public transportation

Knowing how to get around Nottingham will be key when living here as a student. At first, it can come across as daunting if this is a new city to you, but you'll get to grips with it in no time. Here is your guide on all the student-friendly ways to get around the city.

The Robin Hood Network

The Robin Hood card can be used all across Nottingham’s bus, tram and train network, making it simple and hassle-free to get around Nottingham. There are several types of tickets available.

• Paper day ticket - buy on the bus or from tram stop ticket machines
• Pay as You Go smartcard
• Flexible day cards
• Season pass - including an academic year pass for students

Trams

The Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram system is another excellent option for getting around the city. The trams are fast, frequent, and offer a direct route to key locations, including the city centre, railway station, and the university campuses.

• Tram stops on campus: We have our own tram stops on the University Park Campus, making it incredibly convenient for students. Trams run every few minutes, and they’re a great way to get into the city centre quickly.
• Student discounts: Students can benefit from discounted tram passes, making this an affordable option for regular travel.

For all ticket and route information visit the Tram Network website.

Buses

Nottingham has an extensive bus network, making it one of the most convenient and popular ways for students to travel. Several bus routes serve the university campuses and connect them to the city centre and surrounding areas.

• Nottingham City Transport (NCT): NCT buses cover a vast area of Nottingham and offer frequent services to and from the University Park, Jubilee, and Sutton Bonington campuses. With student discount passes like the UniRider, you can save money on regular bus travel.
• University Hopper Buses: The university provides free hopper bus services that link its various campuses. This service is especially useful for students who need to travel between University Park, Jubilee Campus, and other university sites. Hopper buses are a reliable and cost-effective way to get around, with services running frequently during term time.

Trains

For longer journeys or trips outside Nottingham, the train is a convenient option. Nottingham has excellent rail links to other major cities in the UK.

• Nottingham railway station: The station is easily accessible by bus or tram from the university campuses. From here, you can catch direct trains to cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
• Student railcards: Consider getting a 16-25 Railcard, which offers significant discounts on train fares across the UK. This can be a cost-effective way to travel home during holidays or explore other parts of the country.

Cycling

Nottingham is a cycle-friendly city, and cycling is a popular choice for students who want to stay active while reducing their carbon footprint.

• Cycle routes: There are numerous dedicated cycle paths both on campus and throughout the city. These routes make it easy and safe to cycle between your accommodation, campus, and the city centre.
• Cycle facilities: The University of Nottingham provides excellent facilities for cyclists, including secure bike storage. If you don’t own a bike, there are also bike hire schemes available in the city.

Walking

For those who live close to campus or in the city centre, walking is a simple and healthy way to get around. Nottingham is a compact city, and many key locations are within walking distance.

• Pedestrian-friendly routes: Our campuses are well-connected with pedestrian paths, making it easy to walk between different sites. Walking is not only good for your health but also a great way to explore the city!
• Safety: Nottingham is generally a safe city for walking, with well-lit streets and pedestrian crossings. However, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking at night.

As you can see, there are plenty of options for getting around Nottingham! For more up-to-date information on public transport, check the official University website.