Getting Around Loughborough: A Student's Guide to Local Transport
- Josh Whittingham
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 18
Whether you're a fresher finding your way to lectures or a second-year student eyeing housing options beyond the Golden Triangle, knowing how to get around Loughborough is key. Thankfully, this student-friendly town has excellent transport links—by bus, bike, or train—that make it easy to travel between campus, the town centre, and beyond.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most popular student transport options in Loughborough. We'll look at Kinchbus services, the campus shuttle, safe cycling routes, and late-night travel. With the right knowledge, you might even discover that your ideal student house isn’t limited to just a few streets.
🚌 Local Bus Services: Kinchbus and Shuttle
Kinchbus – Reliable and Regular
Kinchbus is the go-to operator for many students in Loughborough. Key routes include:
Kinchbus 2: Town centre ↔ Loughborough University ↔ Loughborough Railway Station.
Kinchbus 11 and 12: Serve residential areas like Shelthorpe, Thorpe Acre, and Nanpantan. This service is ideal if you're living slightly outside the traditional student zones.
You can pay contactless, use the Kinchbus app for real-time tracking, and buy student passes for discounted travel. Buses are clean, regular, and run well into the evening, making commuting manageable for all students.
Shuttle Service – Campus Convenience
The university has its own free Loughborough campus shuttle service, making it quick and easy to navigate campus.
Operated exclusively across the university grounds, this free shuttle runs every 5 minutes during term time from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
It connects major campus locations, such as the Students’ Union, Mechanical Engineering, Pilkington Library, Wolfson School, and Holywell Park.
No ID, tickets, or payment is needed. Just hop on and off wherever you please on campus.
For a detailed overview of everything the campus has to offer, check out our Guide to the Loughborough University Campus.
🚲 Cycling in Loughborough: Safe, Fast, and Free
Loughborough is one of the most cycle-friendly towns in the UK. Here are some reasons to consider cycling:
Dedicated cycle lanes run between the town and the campus.
The university campus itself features wide, well-lit cycle paths and secure bike parking.
The Canal Towpath offers a scenic, traffic-free route to many residential areas.
✅ Top Tip: Always lock your bike with a sturdy D-lock, especially when you’re in town.
🚆 Train Links to Leicester, Nottingham & More
Loughborough Railway Station is just a short bus or bike ride away from both the town and campus. It’s well-connected, making weekend trips and commuting easy:
Leicester: 15 minutes.
Nottingham: 20 minutes.
Derby: 25 minutes.
London St Pancras: 1 hour 20 minutes (direct).
Student railcards, such as the 16–25 Railcard, offer up to 30% off fares. The station has all the necessary amenities, including food outlets, cycle storage, and taxi ranks. For students traveling often, this can be a game-changer.
🚗 Driving in Loughborough: Not Always Necessary, But Sometimes Handy
While most students don’t rely on a car in Loughborough, driving can be handy in certain situations, especially if you live further out or travel regularly.
Parking on campus is limited and typically requires a permit. This is generally only granted to students with specific needs (e.g., placements, commuting from outside of town).
Many student houses offer driveway or street parking, but some areas have resident permit zones, particularly near the town and campus.
Supermarkets such as Tesco Extra and Aldi have free car parks. Epinal Way provides easy access to ring roads and the M1.
If you decide to bring a car:
Be mindful of term-time congestion, especially on Ashby Road and Epinal Way during rush hours.
Consider carpooling for events or shopping to save money and reduce hassle.
🛑 Heads up: Loughborough’s excellent transport options mean many students leave their cars at home without any issues.
🚶 Walking in Loughborough: Everything You Need Is Close
Loughborough is a compact town, making walking one of the easiest and most reliable ways to get around, especially for students.
Most student housing areas, including the Golden Triangle, Forest Road, and Ashby Road, are within a 10–25 minute walk to campus.
The town centre is easily walkable from campus in about 15–20 minutes, allowing you to access shops, cafes, and the train station without needing transport.
The campus itself is pedestrian-friendly, featuring well-maintained footpaths and clear signage between departments, halls, and facilities.
✅ Bonus: Walking is free, healthy, and often quicker than waiting for a bus during peak times. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the town. Explore Loughborough's landmarks and hidden gems, which are all within walking distance.
🌙 Late-Night Travel: Staying Safe After Hours
Loughborough may be small, but students still need reliable late-night options, especially after a night out at the Students’ Union or local clubs.
Uber and Bolt: These ride-hailing apps are now readily available in Loughborough and often offer a more convenient alternative to traditional taxis. Availability can vary during peak times, so it’s still worth planning ahead.
Taxis: Traditional taxis are also widely available. Be sure to check reviews before booking, as reliability and pricing can vary between companies.
Kinchbus Night Services: These may run during term time, especially during freshers’ week, so check the latest schedules if you’ll be out late.
🛡️ Safety Tip: Travel in groups when possible and keep your phone charged. Loughborough is generally safe, but it’s always wise to take late-night precautions.
🏠 What This Means for Your Accommodation Choices
One significant advantage of Loughborough’s transport network is the freedom of choice regarding student housing. Areas slightly outside the Golden Triangle, like Ashby Road, Kingfisher Estate, or Forest Road, can be just as convenient. They benefit from excellent bus links and cycling routes.
At UniQ Lets, we offer high-quality student houses across town. Many of these properties are only 10–15 minutes by bus or bike from campus. This means you can find a better deal without sacrificing convenience.
Summarised Options for Getting Around Loughborough as a Student
Getting around Loughborough is easier than many students think. Whether you’re headed to a 9 AM lecture, popping into town for groceries, or visiting friends in Nottingham, you’ve always got plenty of options.
Comments