Getting Around Lincoln: Transport Tips for Students

Moving to Lincoln for your studies is exciting – the city’s mix of history, student life, and charm make it a brilliant place to live. But once you’ve settled into your new home, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get around. 

Luckily, Lincoln isn’t huge, but having a few transport tips up your sleeve can save you time, money, and a fair bit of hassle. Here’s a guide to navigating the city like a local.

Walking: The Simplest Way Around

Lincoln is a very walkable city, and for students, walking is often the easiest way to get from A to B. The city centre is compact, with the University of Lincoln campus sitting right by the Brayford Pool. Shops, restaurants, and nightlife are just a short stroll away.

That said, Lincoln does have its challenges – mainly the infamous Steep Hill. It connects the lower town with the Cathedral Quarter, and it’s exactly what the name suggests. 

Walking up it is basically a workout, but the views at the top and the quirky shops along the way make it worthwhile. If you’re heading to lectures or student events in that area, be prepared to factor in a bit more time (and maybe wear comfy shoes).

Buses: Your Student-Friendly Option

If walking isn’t always practical, Lincoln’s bus network is the next best option. Stagecoach East Midlands runs most of the routes across the city and beyond, and as a student, you can save money with their discounted tickets.

The main bus station is right in the city centre, next to the train station, making it easy to connect to other parts of Lincolnshire or even Nottingham and Sheffield. For everyday travel, though, buses can get you to retail parks, supermarkets, and student accommodation areas further out of the centre.

Stagecoach offers unlimited travel passes which are brilliant if you’re hopping on and off regularly. There’s also the app that lets you buy tickets, plan routes, and even track your bus in real time – ideal for those early morning lectures when you don’t want to be waiting around in the cold.

Cycling: A Popular Choice

Lincoln is pretty cycle-friendly, and many students choose bikes as their main way of getting around. It’s cheap, eco-friendly, and often quicker than driving or catching a bus in peak traffic.

There are cycle lanes in and around the city centre, and the Water Rail Way is a traffic-free path running from Lincoln to Boston – great for leisure rides if you want a scenic break from studying. 

Around campus, you’ll also find plenty of cycle racks, so you can lock up securely while you’re in lectures.

If you don’t have a bike, Lincoln has second-hand shops and student groups where you can pick one up cheaply. Don’t forget a good lock, helmet, and lights – the city can be dark in winter months, and Lincolnshire police run safety campaigns reminding cyclists to stay visible.

Trains: For Trips Beyond Lincoln

While you won’t use trains much for day-to-day uni life, Lincoln’s train station is handy for weekends away. 

Services connect you to Nottingham, Sheffield, Doncaster, and even direct to London King’s Cross. Advance tickets can be surprisingly affordable if you plan ahead, especially with a 16–25 Railcard (which saves you a third on fares).

It’s worth noting that trains can be pricey if you buy at the last minute, so keep them for planned trips rather than local errands.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Handy for Nights Out

For late nights or situations where buses and walking aren’t ideal, taxis can be a lifesaver. Lincoln has several local taxi firms, and you’ll find plenty of them around the train station and city centre hotspots. Prices are reasonable for short trips, especially if you split the fare with friends.

Uber isn’t widely available in Lincoln yet, but some smaller ride-hailing apps do operate. Still, most students rely on local taxi numbers saved in their phones for convenience.

Budgeting Tips for Student Transport

Transport costs can add up quickly if you’re not careful, but with a bit of planning, you can keep them under control. Here are some quick student hacks:

• Get a student bus pass: Stagecoach’s passes are cheaper in the long run if you’re using buses regularly.

• Walk where you can: Lincoln’s compact size means many journeys don’t need paid transport.

• Invest in a railcard: If you’re travelling home often, the savings stack up fast.

• Share rides: Whether it’s a taxi after a night out or a lift with a friend, splitting costs makes transport more affordable.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Rhythm

Every student finds their own transport routine in Lincoln. Some rely almost entirely on walking and biking, while others mix buses with the occasional train or taxi. 

The good news is you won’t need to spend a fortune – Lincoln’s size means most of your essentials are close by, and when you do need to go further, student discounts are there to help.

So whether you’re pedalling along the Brayford, waiting for a Stagecoach bus, or braving Steep Hill on foot, getting around Lincoln quickly becomes second nature. Once you find the rhythm that works for you, you’ll be free to enjoy everything this historic city has to offer.