Public Transport
All three campuses are well connected by bus and rail. The Translink Journey Planner can help you plan your journey and check the latest timetables.
If you're aged 16–23, you may be eligible for a free yLink Smartcard, giving you up to 50% off Translink bus and rail travel in Northern Ireland and up to 50% off Enterprise travel.
Belfast
The Belfast Campus is a car-free campus, so public transport, walking and cycling are the best ways to get there.
The U1 University Link operates during term time, connecting South Belfast, Grand Central Station, Belfast Campus and York Street Station.
From 21 September 2026, the U1 will operate at a reduced frequency following recent service changes.
York Street Station is around a 12-minute walk from campus. If you're travelling by train with a valid rail ticket, you can also use free Metro bus transfer travel to and from Belfast Campus and the city centre on the U1 and passing Metro services.
The U2 service previously linked South Belfast with Belfast Campus and Jordanstown, but this service has now changed. If you're travelling between Belfast Campus and Jordanstown, check the latest Translink services when planning your journey.
Coleraine
Coleraine Campus is well connected by bus and rail, with the University Rail Halt just an eight-minute walk from campus. There are also bus stops on campus.
You can travel to campus from Coleraine Bus Centre using the Triangle 140A or 140B services to Cloonavin, Marina, or the 140C or 140D services which travel directly to Central Buildings.
Please check the latest timetable information before travelling, as engineering works are taking place on the Derry~Londonderry to Coleraine rail line during September, with bus replacement services operating on affected dates.
Derry~Londonderry
Derry~Londonderry Campus is centrally located and well connected by bus and rail. Foyle Street Bus Station is around a 1km walk from campus, with frequent local bus services also available.
If you're travelling by train, a free 2d shuttle bus connects the North West Transport Hub with Foyle Bus Station, from where you can walk or take a bus to campus.
Engineering works are also taking place on the rail network during September, so check the latest Derry~Londonderry line closure information before travelling.
Publilc transport
Walk or Cycle
If you live locally, walking or cycling can be a cost-effective, healthy and flexible way to travel to campus. It can also be part of your public transport journey.
All three campuses have cycle facilities, including secure cycle parking and access to showers and changing facilities.
If you're bringing your own bike, register for access to the University's access-controlled cycle hubs.
Belfast
Belfast has dedicated cycle facilities and a cycle hub on campus. You can also use public bike hire schemes across the city, including Beryl and Hopp bikes.
A Beryl docking station is located beside Block BB at Belfast Campus, while Hopp bikes are fully electric and dockless.
Coleraine
The dedicated Cycle Hub is situated in Block J.
Derry~Londonderry
Derry~Londonderry has an extensive greenway network and traffic-free routes linking the city centre and surrounding areas with the campus.
There are six cycle parking locations across campus, including a Cycle Hub in the MG Building with a repair station.
Cycling
Car Sharing
Car sharing is when two or more people travel together by car for all or part of a trip. The passengers usually make a contribution towards the driver’s fuel costs.
Car sharing may be formal, using an organised car share scheme, or informal – for example, friends or flatmates travelling to university together.
Why car share?
Car sharing has many benefits for your wallet, environment, and even your social life
- Reduced fuel costs and parking fees
- Increased personal safety - company when you walk to and from the car park
- Better air quality and lower carbon emissions from reduced traffic fumes
- Less traffic and shorter journeys due to fewer cars being on the road
- A better chance of finding a parking space, since fewer cars means more spaces.
- Journeys being more enjoyable and fun due to having company!
How to car share
There are a number of easy ways to car share.
- For those with an Ulster University parking permit, you can sign up to the Car Park Sharing Scheme.
- You could set up an informal arrangement with friends or classmates
- Using websites such as Liftshare.
Car sharing tips
- Always confirm the time and date of your car share journey before the actual journey takes place, as well the fuel contribution costs.
- Exchange contact details with your car share in case there are any issues.
- Don’t smoke in somebody else’s car without asking their permission first.
- If you're eating in someone else's car, please be mindful and keep it clean.
- Don’t be late.
- Always consider your personal safety when agreeing to a car share arrangement
Car Sharing
Park and Share or Park and Ride
There are dedicated 'Park and Share' and 'Park and Ride' car parks at key road junctions throughout Northern Ireland. These can act as meeting points for car sharers, or for anyone doing part of their journey on public transport.
Choosing to Park and Ride or Park and Share reduces traffic in urban areas, which in turn reduces emissions!
View the full list of Park and Ride or Park Share locations in NI to find the best one for your university commute.
Other Parking Spots
Park and Ride spots are usually very popular and sometimes, finding a parking spot might not be possible.
If this is the case, it’s important to park mindfully elsewhere. There are number of affordable options to help you find parking that’s not on a residential street.
- Use Parkopedia to find your nearest parking locations, including opening times and parking costs.
- Use a parking app such as JustPark to reserve parking near your campus.
- Belfast City Council has the full list of car parks in Belfast on their website, while NI Direct has info on on-street parking areas (see Zone C for pricing).
- If you’re in Derry~Londonderry, visit the Derry City & Strabane District Council website for parking spots.
If you have no other choice than to park in a residential area, follow our good neighbour tips:
- Avoid blocking a driveway, footpath or parking too close to another car.
- Leave rubbish in your car or carry it to a street bin.
- Avoid loud music shouting, or engine revving.
For more advice, check out our Considerate Parking blog.
If you are able to park on campus a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system is now in place. Check the UU Car Park Guide for more information.
Belfast Campus is designated as a car-free campus, with very limited parking available for Blue Badge holders and students with health or mobility conditions.
Car parking locations
Permit Only Parking at Timber Quay
If you have timetabled classes at Timber Quay on Derry~Londonderry campus, you may be tempted to drive over, rather than walk from the main campus.
Unfortunately the small carpark at the building is only for permit holders and if you park there without one, you risk receiving a parking charge notice ( a parking fine).
Save any hassle by taking the short walk instead and don't forget an umberella!
