Travelling to Writtle

This page contains directions to Writtle University College, which will be merging with ARU in 2024. The campus address is Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3RR.


How to find the campus

On foot

The campus is a few minutes' walk from Writtle village, which is served by several local bus routes.

Bicycle

There is plenty of cycle parking and a number of cycle paths on or near campus.

Free shuttle bus

Writtle University College currently operates a free shuttle bus service to and from Chelmsford during further education term times.

The shuttle bus picks up in Coval Lane, Chelmsford (beside the council offices and just along the road from the main bus and train stations), and drops off at the Main Campus, and Cow Watering Campus.

There's no need to pre-book; please note that spaces are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Bus times are:

  • Morning: 8am-9.15am (full service)
  • Day: 10am-3pm (limited service)
  • Evening: 3-6pm (full service); last bus leaves Cow Watering Campus at 5.50pm

During full service times, buses are continually in operation on the route.

Bus and coach

Writtle University College runs a free shuttle bus service to campus, which picks up and drops off near Chelmsford bus station on Duke Street. See the section 'Free shuttle bus' for details.

Writtle is also close to local bus routes run by First Group which stop in Writtle village. The campus is just a few minutes' walk away.

If you're travelling from further afield, some National Express coaches and the X30 bus service from Stansted Airport stop at Chelmsford bus station.

Train

Chelmsford station is on the main London Liverpool Street to Norwich line. There are up to six trains an hour to London Liverpool Street and the journey time is about 35 minutes. Regular services also run to Stratford, Shenfield, Braintree, Witham, Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea. National Rail Enquiries is helpful for planning your journey.

Writtle University College runs a free shuttle bus service to campus, which picks up and drops off near Chelmsford train station. See the section 'Free shuttle bus' for details.

Car

Writtle is around 20 minutes’ drive from the M25 which gives excellent access to the national road network. The A12 is 15 minutes away and is a direct route into London.

Park and Ride

Chelmsford has two Park and Ride sites with a regular bus service to and from the city.

Chelmer Valley Park and Ride: buses run frequently six days a week from early morning to the evening. They stop at Chelmsford train station. From here, you can walk along to Coval Lane and catch the free shuttle bus to the campus in Writtle.

Sandon Park and Ride: buses run frequently six days a week from early morning to early evening. They stop near Chelmsford train station. From here, you can walk along to Coval Lane and catch the free shuttle bus to the campus in Writtle.

Sea

Harwich International port is served by Stena Line from the Hook of Holland and Cuxhaven Ferries from Germany. From Harwich, it’s about an hour to Writtle by car. You can also travel by train to Chelmsford, then onwards by bus or taxi. The train takes just over an hour; you may need to change.

From airports

Taxi services and airport cars are available from all major UK airports to Writtle. There are also coach and train services from London airports.

  • London Stansted: catch the X30 coach service from Stansted Airport to Chelmsford Bus Station. You can then catch a local bus, or use the free shuttle service (see above). Alternatively, there are regular trains to Chelmsford from Stansted Airport, with just one change. Book your ticket and find out more information online.
  • London Heathrow: catch the NX501 coach service from Heathrow Airport. Change at Victoria Coach Station in London on to the NX481 service to Chelmsford. You can then catch a local bus, or use the free shuttle service (see above). Alternatively, there are regular trains to Chelmsford from Heathrow with just two changes. Book your ticket and find out more information online.
  • London Gatwick: catch the NXA3 coach service from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Coach Station in London. Change on to the NX484 coach service to Chelmsford. You can then catch a local bus, or use the free shuttle service (see above). Alternatively, there are regular trains to Chelmsford from Gatwick with just two changes. Book your ticket and find out more information online.
  • London Southend: catch the X30 coach service from Southend via Stansted Airport to Chelmsford. You can then catch a local bus, or use the free shuttle service (see above). Alternatively, there are regular trains to Chelmsford from Southend airport with just one change. Book your ticket and find out more information online.
  • London City: there are regular trains to Chelmsford from London City airport with just one change. You can then catch a local bus, or use the free shuttle service (see above). Book your ticket and find out more information online.
  • London Luton: catch the NXA1 coach service from Luton Airport to Victoria Coach Station in London. Change on to the NX481 service to Chelmsford. You can then catch a local bus, or use the free shuttle service (see above).