Getting around Leeds

Public transport

Leeds is served by a comprehensive local bus and train network coordinated by Metro (tel: +44 113 245 7676; www.wymetro.com). Frequent bus services are operated mainly by First Leeds (tel: +44 113 245 7676; www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/leeds) and Arriva (tel: +44 344 800 4411; www.arrivabus.co.uk).

Leeds CityBus connects key locations in the city centre as well as the rail and bus stations. Various tickets and passes are available, including day and weekend tickets.

A website offering real-time information on car parking availability, road disruptions and bus journeys is available at Leeds Travel Info (www.leedstravel.info).

Taxis

There are numerous taxi ranks around the city, including one immediately outside the railway station. During peak periods, it's best to book a car in advance.

Recommended taxi firms include City Cabs (tel: +44 113 246 9999) or Streamline Telecabs (tel: +44 113 244 3322).

Driving

Driving around the city can be confusing for first-time visitors, thanks to the one-way City Centre Loop Road, a clockwise route around the centre. Leeds Inner Ring Road is useful if you want to bypass the city centre.

City centre parking is plentiful, though many car parks fill up quickly during the day. Multistorey car parks, such as on Woodhouse Lane, above the A64 through the city centre, are often the best option.

Car hire

There are a number of car hire companies operating in Leeds. Avis (tel: +44 844 544 6070; www.avis.co.uk), Europcar (tel: +44 371 384 3454; www.europcar.co.uk) and Hertz (tel: +44 843 309 3039; www.hertz.co.uk) all have offices either at the airport, in the city or both.

Bicycle hire

Cycling routes are improving in the city centre, with a network of core cycle routes planned. A cycling map of the city is available from Leeds City Council (tel: +44 113 222 4444; www.leeds.gov.uk).

CyclePoint (tel: +44 113 245 4739; www.cyclepoint.org), at the railway station, offers bike storage, bikes for hire, and repair services.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Quebecs

A Grade II listed boutique hotel with 45 rooms, this proper offers refined, classic and contemporary furnishings. Built in 1891 as the former liberal club, it offers a distinctive terracotta facade, wrought iron gates, Corinthian columns and stained glass windows. It's been voted one the world's top 80 hotels by Conde Nast Traveller.

Oak Villa B&B

This charming friendly B&B is situated close to Headingley Cricket Ground and is set in the heart of a pleasant wooded conservation area. The Victorian house has free parking Wi-Fi and a licensed bar. Some rooms have en-suites and there are different sized rooms. The hotel is just 1.5 miles from the city centre.

Malmaison

In a grand former bus and tram office, the Leeds branch of this popular chain offers stylish and contemporary rooms that all come with CD and DVD players as standard by the River Aire. There are 100 stylish rooms while British classics feature strongly on the menu.

Travelodge Leeds Central

This hotel offers good value, functional rooms at a convenient location that's close to the train station.

Queens Hotel

For location, this landmark hotel is unbeatable. Adjacent to the railway station and overlooking City Square, it's a stone's throw from all the action. With 215 rooms, an executive floor and two dining options, it is a large hotel with plenty of amenities and top notch service.

Met Hotel

This fabulously-ornate Grade II listed building has recently been refurbished and offers guests elegant, spacious rooms, a terracotta exterior and ornate furnishings. It's located in the business district but is still close to all the restaurant, shops and nightlife action.

Introducing Leeds

While you’re there

Plan your trip

United Kingdom Information

Airports