Arrival travel support

To help you get to Leicester as easily as possible, we have partnered with National Express to offer a free scheduled collection service operating from UK airports (details below) to Leicester city centre. The service is only available between Wednesday 10 September to Sunday 21 September 2025 inclusive. 

To be eligible for this service, you must be a new international student joining the University of Leicester in September 2025. Please note, there are limited vouchers for this offer and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only one voucher will be provided per student.

Request your National Express voucher

How to book your seat 

To book a seat on our free collection service, please complete the booking form above. Once you submit the form, provided you are eligible, we will contact you with your voucher which you can then use to book an appropriate service via National Express.

Please note: our vouchers are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, please ensure to book as soon as you have booked your travel and accommodation arrangements to avoid disappointment.

We strongly recommend you book your flight and accommodation before booking your coach, and leave plenty of time between your flight’s arrival time and your coach’s departure time to ensure you are able to clear UK immigration and customs in time. Please only use this link to book your coach.

Arrival airports and travel details

The free service is available at these airports only:

• London Heathrow (LHR)
• London Gatwick (LGW)
• London Stansted (STN)
• Birmingham Airport (BHX)

All coaches travel to St. Margaret’s Bus Station in Leicester city centre.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)  

How much does the airport collection service cost? 

It's completely free for new international students. Additional items, e.g. extra luggage or seat reservations, are not included in the free service and you will need to pay for these during booking.

Where will I meet to board the bus?  

At your airport's Arrivals, follow signs towards ‘Coach station’, ‘Coaches’, or ‘Bus station’. At some airports, there are National Express information counters with members of staff who can assist you. Make sure you board the correct National Express coach, as there may be multiple services.

How can I arrange onward travel from Leicester’s bus station?

St. Margaret’s Bus Station is located centrally in Leicester city centre. Further guidance on onward travel will be emailed to you with your coach booking information. 

I’m travelling to the UK with friends and family. Can they use the airport collection service? 

No, the voucher codes are only available for new University of Leicester international students. If you are travelling to the UK with family and friends, they will need to purchase their own tickets via the National Express website.

I’m a current University of Leicester student returning to the UK. Can I use the collection service? 

No, the voucher codes are only for new University of Leicester international students. You will need to arrange separate transport from the airport to Leicester. You can also find more information about how to get to Leicester on our 'plan how to get here' page.

I haven’t booked my flight yet. Can I book a place on the airport collection service? 

Not yet. You will need to book your flight before you book a place on the free coach service. 

What is the National Express luggage allowance?

The National Express luggage allowance (free of charge and stored in the hold of the coach):

• One large suitcase or rucksack, measuring no more than 75cm x 50cm x 32cm and weighing no more than 20kg.
• Subject to availability: instead of one large suitcase or rucksack, you may carry two medium suitcases, measuring no more than 70cm x 45cm x 30cm and weighing no more than 20kg in total.

Any extras, such as additional luggage or seat reservations, are not included in the University of Leicester offer. If required, you will need to add these to the booking and pay for them by card on the payment screen.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

National Express’ services will leave promptly at the advertised departure time. If your flight is delayed and you are unable to make the bus service's departure time, you will need to make your own way to Leicester. You can contact National Express directly, as well as find more information from its frequently asked questions. More information about getting to Leicester is available on our 'plan how to get here' page.

What if I am travelling outside of the available dates?

If you are travelling outside of Wednesday 10 September to Sunday 21 September inclusive, you can still get a 20% discount for National Express buses using this booking link. (The discount code has been embedded into this link and will be applied automatically at checkout).

Any other questions? 

If you need further advice or information about your arrival in the UK, please contact us at study@le.ac.uk and we will do our best to assist you. Please include your applicant ID number in your email and ‘Airport collection service September 2025’ in the subject of your email.