BOOK YOUR AIRPORT TRANSFER

We offer a free transfer from London Heathrow, Birmingham and Manchester Airport.

National Express free coach service

To support you as a new University of Derby student and make your journey across the UK as easy as possible, the University and National Express have teamed up to safely transport you from the airport to Derby Riverlights Bus Station.

The free coach service will operate from London Heathrow Airport, Birmingham Airport, and Manchester Airport from 4 September to 3 October 2023. For more information about the dates and times of coaches, please visit the National Express website.

Are you eligible?

To qualify for this service, you must be a new University of Derby student starting a course in the 2023/24 academic year.

How to book:

Email students@derby.ac.uk before 29 September 2023 to request your voucher code*. In the email, please include the following details:

It can take up to 5 working days to receive your voucher code. Any requests submitted must be completed no later than 5 working days in advance of your arrival. Late requests may NOT be considered. 

*Please note, there are a limited number of vouchers for this offer and they will be given out on a first-come first-served basis. Only one voucher code is permitted per student. 

Once you have received your voucher code, you will be able to select your desired pick-up location, time, and date of travel on the National Express website. You will need to leave plenty of time between when your flight lands and your coach's departure time. We recommend selecting the ‘Fully Flexible’ ticket so that you can make changes to your booking without incurring a fee.

To continue with your reservation, click 'Checkout as Guest' on the National Express website and complete the 'Your Details' section. If you add any 'Extras' at this stage (see details in the terms and conditions), they will be charged at the checkout.

Please note that the free transfer service applies to new University of Derby students only. If you are travelling with a partner, friend, or family members, you can buy additional tickets on the National Express website.

If you wish to make any changes to your booking, you can contact National Express. 

If you have any questions about your arrival at the University of Derby, please contact students@derby.ac.uk and include your full name and student ID number (9-digit number e.g. 100123456) and use the subject title ‘National Express’.

Free coach service terms and conditions

  1. Valid for travel between 4 September and 3 October 2023 for new University of Derby students starting a course in the 2023/24 academic year.
  2. Only valid for travel from Heathrow Airport, Birmingham Airport, and Manchester Airport coach stations.
  3. Your National Express ticket must be booked a minimum of three working days prior to travelling.
  4. 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 only: instead of 1 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.
    • Please note: any extras, such as luggage or seat reservations, are not included in the University of Derby offer. If required, you will need to add these to the booking and pay for them by card on the payment screen.
  5. Read the full National Express terms and conditions
  6. All tickets are issued and all passengers are carried subject to National Express's General Conditions of Carriage.
Female student on airport tarmac

Arriving at Derby

Your journey will terminate at the Derby Riverlights Bus Station. Here, you will find a taxi rank (advanced booking is not normally necessary unless you are arriving early in the morning or late at night) and an information point if you require further support with getting to your accommodation. Make sure you contact your landlord or halls of residence to let them know what time you will be arriving.

Further information

Further details of travel options to help you with your journey to Derby can be found on our travel pages.

Find out about booking accommodation in Derby