Green Campus
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and improve sustainability across our campus.
Travel and Transport
We are passionate about our local environment at Winchester, so we ask our students, staff and visitors to travel as sustainably as possible when coming to campus. The travel hierarchy should be used to determine the most carbon friendly mode of transport for each journey to help lower emissions and improve air quality. By using active travel, public transport and lift sharing whenever possible you will also be helping to meet the targets of the University’s Travel Plan, which sets out our commitment to reduce single occupancy car use and encourage a modal shift. To further support this, we work with local public transport operators and suppliers to offer a number of green transport initiatives and discounts for students and staff.
Visiting the University or travelling from overseas? Take a look at our Contact page for travel information.
Travel Information
The information below is designed to help you plan your commute to the King Alfred and West Downs Quarters. If you are visiting any other part of the University and would like help planning your journey please email environment@winchester.ac.uk
Active Travel - Walking, Running and Cycling
With benefits for both your physical and mental well-being, walking, running or cycling to the University are great ways to build some activity in to your day. Whether used for your full journey or combined with another form of transport for a multi-mode commute, we have facilities to help you travel actively.
Walking & running
For those living within walking or running distance, the King Alfred Quarter is located on Sparkford Road whilst our West Downs Quarter is on Romsey Road. If you’re travelling from further afield, the University is located close to key public transport links. See the Public Transport section below for details.
Cycling
We have extensive cycle facilities on campus - including cycle hoops, covered shelters, cycle lockers, and repair/maintenance stands - the locations of which are shown on our sustainability map. In addition, we have a fleet of loan bikes and e-bikes available for students and staff who might want to try riding before they commit to buying their own bike.
Showers and Changing Facilities
Showers and changing facilities are available across our campus.
Public Transport
Winchester is well-served by regular bus and rail services making public transport a good choice for travelling to the University. Most modern buses and trains have free Wi-Fi and charging points, meaning you can use your commute time to work or study, listen to podcasts or even watch your favourite show.
Train
Winchester rail station is approximately 0.7 miles (15-minute walk / 10-minute cycle) from the King Alfred Quarter and 1 mile (20-minute walk / 15-minute cycle) from the West Downs Quarter. Visit the National Rail website to check the frequency of trains from your local station.
Bus
Bluestar and Stagecoach both run bus services with stops close to the University. If you’re travelling from Southampton or Chandler’s Ford, Bluestar Route 1 stops on Southgate Street. Stagecoach also run numerous services into the city. Details of their routes are shown on this map, the timetables for which can be found here.
Driving
Park and Ride
If you are looking to drive to Winchester it is recommended that you use the Park & Ride (P&R) service.
There are four P&R car parks located on the outskirts of the city:
- South Winchester, located just off J11 of the M3;
- Pitt, on Romsey Road; and
- St Catherine’s and Barfield, which are both located to the east off J9 or J10 of the M3.
The Park and Ride website has more details, including the current bus timetable. The University is well-served by the service and the nearest Park and Ride bus stop is outside the Royal Hampshire County Hospital on Romsey Road, less than a five-minute walk from both King Alfred and West Downs Quarters. Up to 6 passengers can travel on one P&R ticket making it even better value if you for car share.
It is also possible to build some activity into your day by cycling to the University from South Winchester P&R or walking from Pitt P&R. More details about cycle season tickets can be found here.
On-Campus Parking
The University of Winchester is configured in a way that maximises space for teaching, support services and halls of residence which means parking is very limited. We also have a commitment to reduce single-occupancy car use and encourage sustainable travel where possible. To help minimise the need to drive to the University and make alternative modes more attractive we offer a range of discounts on other travel options, so it is still easy to reach campus while contributing to a greener world. Click these links for details of current offers and incentives for students and staff.
Students - There is no general parking for students however we have a small number of spaces available for those requiring them for accessibility reasons. Students eligible for permits include those with a disability or medical need requiring a vehicle on site and those who use a car to get to placements. Please contact Student Support and Success in the first instance to discuss any needs for campus parking.
Staff – Parking for staff is by permit only. Full details regarding parking and permits can be found on the parking intranet page.
Student Travel Offers & Incentives
Cycling
Bike Doctor
We host a regular Bike Doctor outside the King Alfred Centre where students can bring their bikes for free safety checks and minor repairs carried out by qualified mechanics. Dates for the current academic year can be found on the intranet.
Bike Shop Discounts
Students can save 10% on cycles and accessories at 99 Cycles/ Hoops in Winchester.
Loan Bikes
Got a placement that is further afield and need help travelling there? We have a fleet of 10 recently refurbished bikes available to help students with their placement travel.
E-bikes
Can't face climbing the hill up to West Downs? Don't want to walk to Bar End? Try out an electric hybrid bike! There are two at St Swithun's Lodge for use in and around campus.
For further details on all things bike related, including how to access discounts please visit the cycling intranet page.
Train
Railcards
A Railcard could help you save on train travel and may be more cost effective if you are only on campus a couple of days each week (T&Cs and minimum fares may apply).
Over 31? If you’re a full-time student you can still apply for a 16-25 railcard; you’ll just need to complete the mature student form and ask registry to provide a stamp to confirm that your course meets the requirements.
For full details on rail travel, including how to access discounts, please visit the train intranet page.
Bus
Bluestar
Students are eligible for a 20% discount on Bluestar bus 30-day and 90-day network tickets, covering all Bluestar services across Hampshire and Dorset. This includes the Bluestar 1 to Winchester and the Unilink bus service in Southampton.
Stagecoach
Studentrider tickets allow you to travel on any Stagecoach bus within the applicable zone all day, 7-days a week. The zones and the areas they cover are Winchester, for services in the city centre and surrounding residential areas (including Kings Worthy), and South Gold, covering further afield locations such as Alresford, Andover, Romsey, Petersfield and more.
For full details on bus travel, including how to access discounts, please visit the bus intranet page.
Park and Ride
There are discounts available to students using the Park and Ride as part of their commute to the university. For full details on the park and ride, including how to access discounts, please visit the Park & Ride intranet page.
Electric Vehicles
The University has both rapid and all-day charging points for electric vehicles installed at the West Downs Quarter.
- The two fast charging points are for University staff and students with electric vehicles and can be used for charging and for those vehicles to park.
- The rapid charge point is for both public and University users for 30-minute charging or as a drop off bay (maximum waiting time 20 minutes).
Winchester Car Club
The University hosts one of the city’s Enterprise Car Club self-service vehicles on campus. The vehicle, a Renault Clio, is parked in a dedicated bay at Medecroft Quarter and is available to students, staff and members of the public. It can be hired by the hour or day, either reserved in advance or at a moment’s notice.
Students can sign up to the Car Club at a discounted rate. For further details please visit the Enterprise Car Club intranet page.