Getting around in Cambridge

Maps

Here is a map of the College.

The University’s map

The Universityis map is a great way to see where its buildings are located. Here you will find a detailed map with useful overlays including the ‘Universal’ University bus service and free-to-use bicycle repair stations. Universal offers reduced fares to University students so be sure to present your ID card when boarding the bus.

Google Maps is still one of the best ways to plan your journeys around Cambridge.

Cycling

Cambridge is synonymous with cycling. If you already own a bike, consider bringing it with you. If you haven’t got one yet, new and second-hand bikes are available to buy at the Freshers’ Fair Bike Market which takes place at the start of each academic year, or through the many bike shops in Cambridge. Working front and rear bike lights are a legal requirement. Like everywhere, bike theft is a problem in Cambridge so invest in a good-quality lock.

Bike rental is another option. For information about hiring bicycles and electric bikes in Cambridge please click here.

We politely request that you do not cycle on the footpaths within the campus.

For those of you bringing your own bicycles to College, we have a covered bicycle rack opposite the Porters' Lodge. The University requires student bicycles to be numbered and the number to be displayed on the bicycle. The Porters' Lodge will allocate a number once you have filled in the bycicle registration form (link below); please be sure to do this as soon as you have a bicycle in Cambridge to avoid losing your bicycle. Below you can also find the link for a useful guide to cycling at uni.

Bycicle Registration Form

Cycling at Uni guide

Safety - you are advised to take your personal safety very seriously.  Bicycles are required by law to have working lights and a rear reflector at night (note that the police can fine you for riding without lights at night). Cycle helmets and reflective clothing are strongly recommended! More information on cycling safely here.

Security - always use a good strong lock, preferably a D-lock, especially in public places. Unfortunately, bicycle theft is common in Cambridge so insurance against theft is strongly recommended (this may be covered by your home insurance policy).

A bicycle cull takes place annually with 2 weeks notice given - any bicycle not marked in advance will be removed and disposed of.

Buses

Cambridge has a good local bus service.

The Universal bus service (operated by Whippet) links Eddington with West Cambridge, the city centre (Queens College/Silver Street), the railway station and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus (including Addenbrookes), running every 15 minutes Monday to Friday. The route map can be seen on the Map of the University or on Whippet's website.

Discounts apply for University card holders; show the driver your card and pay £1 per single journey or if you're travelling all day ask for the £2 universal Student/Staff day ticket, this allows unlimited travel for 24hrs. For all others, the standard single journey fare is £2.00. Other weekly options are also available for Whippet services, see below or the 'myTrip' app for details.

Other bus services in Cambridge

To find out more about other bus service in Cambridge, including Park and Ride, Busway services and ticket options go to:

Park and Ride services

Cambridgeshire County Council bus webpages

https://www.thebusway.info/

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/

Walking

Walking is arguably the best way to get to know your way around Cambridge. Its historic centre is full of narrow, cobbled streets that are best navigated on foot.  Journey times will depend on your speed, but here some examples:

• University Library: 12-16 minutes
• Centre of town (Market Square): 10-15 minutes

Taxi

There are many taxi operators in Cambridge. Most take cash and card payments. You can book a cab through the Porters’ Lodge.

Cars

Students are not usually allowed to keep a car in Cambridge, though there are some circumstances in which it’s permitted. All student car enquiries should be directed to the Student Office at studentoffice@lucy.cam.ac.uk.