So, you’ve arrived in your student accommodation in Lancaster, the year is getting well under way and you’re enjoying getting to know your fellow students. Everything seems to be going so well, until you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, stranded on one of the buses.
Getting to grips with bus timetables in a new city can be a rather complicated process, but don’t worry, we’ve put together a handy little guide that should help you figure it all out, so you’ll be able to get to and from campus like a pro.
Lancaster University Campus Buses
The good news is that Lancaster University benefits from one of the most frequent campus-to-city-centre timetables in the UK. So, if you find yourself on campus, desperately needing to get to Sainsbury’s to pick up some all-important supplies, you’ll be pleased to know that there are typically up to 14 buses per hour from Monday to Saturday during the day in term time. A less frequent service then runs daily until around midnight, with a limited, later night bus (N1) service during term time.
Key Stops for Arrivals & Departures:
All the buses drop off and collect passengers from the Underpass, which you can find underneath Alexandra Square in the centre of campus, except for an hourly 40 or 41 bus that calls at the University gates only. Additionally, the 2 and 42, along with certain 4, 40 and 41 buses serve the southern perimeter road and South West campus. There are also stops directly outside the Sports Centre on the main drive, and all buses which serve the Underpass stop here, so you’ll be able to jump off here to attend that all-important yoga class.
Late and Night Buses:
After 7pm, services are less frequent but continue until around midnight most days. The N1 night bus provides an extra-late service during university terms, from the Underpass to the city centre (Lancaster Bus Station) with a single daily departure at 01:15, including Friday and Saturday nights.
Getting to Campus from Town
With CityBlock conveniently found on Penny Street, as well as our new builds in the centre of the city, all you have to do is walk a short distance to George Street and head to stand E. There you’ll find the regular direct service of the number 1 bus which will drop you off at the University, just a 10-minute drive away.
Main Routes:
The bus station can be found on Damside Street, and most services also stop at Common Garden Street. As well as the 1 bus which provides a service every 10 minutes, the 1A, 4, 4X, 40, 41, 42 and 100 also serve the University.
University of Cumbria Students:
If you’re a student at the University of Cumbria, the Lancaster campus is only a 5-minute walk from your CityBlock accommodation.
Free Sainsbury’s Student Bus
For students wanting to do their weekly shop, Sainsbury’s offers a free bus service every Wednesday during term time. To use the bus, you simply need to spend a minimum of £5 in Sainsbury’s.
- Departures from Lancaster University Underpass from 11:00 then every 55 mins past the hour until 13:55 then resume again from 17:23 and 18:23. The bus also collects passengers at Bowerham Hotel, about 10 minutes later.
- Departures from Sainsbury’s start at 11:25 then every 25 mins past the hour until 14:25 then resumes for 17:00, 18:00, and 19:00. The return service drops at Bowerham Hotel, 13 minutes after leaving Sainsbury’s.
Seats can fill up quickly, especially around midday, so it’s a good idea to be at the stop early and keep your Sainsbury’s receipt handy for the return journey.
UniRider and UniRider Gold
While you’re a student, it’s definitely worth looking into the Lancaster UniRider, which gives unlimited travel on all Stagecoach services in Lancaster and surrounding areas. For those living outside the Lancaster UniRider zone or wanting to explore further, such as Preston, or The Lake District, the UniRider Gold pass covers a much wider area. Both passes can be bought online with student ID, and offer annual, termly, and flexible options for regular travel.
National Buses
Want to get out of Lancaster for the day? Megabus and National Express services run from both the campus underpass and Lancaster bus station, serving most of the UK, with booking recommended in advance for best fares and seat choice. Megabus tickets now also give access to National Express routes for wider travel options.
UK Bus Tips
Lancaster’s buses include a variety of single and double-decker vehicles, providing flexible capacity depending on the route and time of day. Many of the buses are equipped with USB charging points for phones and other devices, making it easier for students to stay connected and powered up on the go.
Just remember to:
- Always check the bus number and destination on the front before boarding.
- Wave as the bus approaches to let the driver know you want to get on.
- Queue up behind the people in front of you waiting for the bus and allow people exit the bus before getting on.
- Have payment ready before boarding. Payment is made when boarding; most services accept contactless cards or cash. Mobile ticketing is widely used.
- If you need help, ask the driver, they’re generally happy to help.
- Timetables may change for holidays or university term time, so double check before important journeys, especially evening or late-night buses.
Keeping Up to Date
Bus timetables and routes may change throughout the year, especially at the start of university terms or during holidays. Always check for the latest schedule using:
- Stagecoach Bus app (live tracking, mobile tickets, service alerts)
- Official Lancaster bus users website
- Lancashire County Council timetables and service updates
- Bustimes.org for real-time departure information
If you have any questions, contact us at CityBlock where our team is happy to help!
