International @ UCLan, Courses for International Students - University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK

Student Support

Travelling to UCLan

Below is a guide to travelling to UCLan from Manchester Airport, from London Heathrow Airport, from Gatwick airport, and by rail.

You can call our 24 hour emergency phone number if you are having problems: 01772 892068.

From the airport

From Manchester Airport to the University

By University approved car

The University has its own approved taxi service, which you may book in advance, if you would like to be collected from the airport and taken directly to the campus. The cost of this service will be £50 for up to three passengers and £60 for up to seven passengers.

Any changes to your booking should be made by contacting New City Taxis directly on 01772 824000. Please keep a note of this number when you travel.

If you would like to arrange this service, please use this Booking Form

By Train

There is a direct service from Manchester Airport to Preston. The service runs every day (except 25th and 26th December) and through the night. The train station is inside the airport and will only take you a few minutes to walk to when you have collected your luggage. The journey will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes and cost approximately £10. On arrival at Preston train station you can take a local taxi to the University, which will cost you £3.

By Coach

There are over 40 coach services travelling from Manchester Airport to Preston every day. The coach station at the airport can be found directly outside the arrivals area of terminal 3. You will arrive at Preston coach station approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes later, where you can take a local taxi to the University, which will cost you £3.

If you arrive at the University between the hours of 9am and 5pm, please go to the Accommodation Office in Marsh Building. If you arrive outside these hours, please go to Harrington Building, Security Lodge.

London Heathrow Airport to the University

By Plane

You can fly from Heathrow to Manchester Airport. Prices vary between £100 and £250 depending on availability. Once in Manchester follow the instructions above.

By Train

You will have to go to Euston Railway Station and to get there you have three options:

1) The underground - Take the underground tube train (Piccadilly Line) to Green Park and then change to the Victoria Line to Euston City. This will take about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs £5 approximately. Before buying a ticket look at one of the large Underground maps on display to make sure you know where you are going and which route you will take. Remember that if you are travelling with a lot of luggage the Underground can be very uncomfortable!

2) The Airbus - Catch the A2 Airbus direct to Euston Railway Station. This runs every 30 minutes from 6.30am to 10.30pm and takes 60-90 minutes for a cost of approximately £7. The airbus is recommended because it is direct and allows you to see some of London.

3) A Taxi - It is inadvisable to take a taxi as this is very expensive - a minimum of £40. However a taxi can take up to 6 people so you could share with friends.

Trains leave from Euston Station to Preston approximately every hour Monday- to Friday. The journey takes between 3 and 4 hours. A single super saver ticket costs £50. Please note that train fares are more expensive between 6.00am and 6.30pm (normal British working hours and busiest times for trains).

Gatwick Airport to the University

By Plane

You can fly from Gatwick to Manchester Airport. Only British Airways offers this service. Prices vary between £100 and £250 depending on availability. Once in Manchester follow the instructions above.