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.