Travel

Getting to UTCN: Bus, Train, and Travel Information

We aim to make the journey to UTCN as straightforward as possible. Here is a summary of the public and contract bus services, ticketing information, and other travel options.

1. UTCN Contract School Bus Timetables

UTCN operates a contract school bus service in partnership with First Bus. This is the most reliable way to travel to/from the city centre and surrounding areas.

Getting to UTCN

A summary of bus services to UTCN can be found below. Please note that these timetables are decided by First Bus and may be subject to change:

At the end of the school day

• On Monday and Friday 3 contract buses leave UTCN at 1515 (or when full) all travelling the full route to the Railway Station (i.e. via Castle Meadow and St Stephens)
• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday  3 contract buses leave UTCN at 1545 (or when full) all travelling the full route to the Railway Station (i.e. via Castle Meadow and St Stephens)
• Number 38  leaves at 1525 and 1555 Monday to Friday
• The number 7 does not pass by school at the end of the school day. Students from Acle/ Great Yarmouth/ Gorleston/ Belton/Hopton/ Lowestoft will need to take the school bus/ Number 38 into the city and then catch the X1/X11.

2. Ticketing for the UTCN Contract Bus

The UTCN Contract Bus requires a valid pass. There are two options:

Option A: Using an existing pass

If you already have a First Bus pass for the "Norwich Zone" or "Explorer Zone" (Norfolk & Suffolk only), you can use this pass to board the UTCN contract school bus.

Option B: Purchasing a UTCN Contract Pass

If you do not have an existing First Bus pass, you must purchase a specific UTCN bus pass (mTicket).

• Cost: £95 per term (subject to annual review).

• Payment: Must be made via ParentPay (contact Mrs. Platten at accounts@utcncst.org for login help). Please note, new starters will recieve a ParentPay login around late August.

• Activation: After payment, you receive a one-time code to download your "mTicket" onto your phone using the First Bus App. 

• Apple: https://apps.apple.com/GB/app/id566586379

• Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firstgroup.first.bus

3. Alternative Public Transport & Tickets

Regular First Bus Services

• Number 38: Leaves UTCN at 15:25 and 15:55 (Monday to Friday).

• Discounted Passes: You can buy Norwich First Solo passes (Norwich or Explorer Zones) directly from First Bus. These are valid for unlimited travel, 7 days a week, and can also be used on the UTCN contract bus. Click here to see which zone you are travelling from.

Please ensure that the ticket you purchase from First Bus (Norfolk & Suffolk) is valid for both the route you are travelling from home into the city centre and then to UTCN since there are multiple bus operators in Norwich (You can travel on the school contract bus with a First Bus (Norfolk & Suffolk) pass).

All Student Saver Solo tickets are valid for unlimited travel, 7 days a week so you can use them at weekends, in the evenings and during half term holidays too. As well as covering the journey into Norwich these passes can also be used on the UTCN contract bus.

Travelling to UTCN using another bus service provider or a Greater Anglia train service

If you are travelling to UTCN using any of the following services you need to purchase a separate UTCN contract bus pass if you wish to use the school bus between the city centre/rail station/ St Stephens and UTCN (See information above). 

Konect Bus

Sanders Coaches

Simonds Bus

Greater Anglia – train services in Norfolk and Suffolk

Stagecoach

The providers above have a range of tickets and passes available for the journey into Norwich. Please contact the service provider directly or visit their website to find out prices and routes. 

4. Self-Guided Travel

🚴 By Bike, Moped, or Motorbike

• Parking: Covered cycle racks and specific parking for mopeds/motorbikes are available.

• Safety: We recommend wearing a cycle helmet. Please provide your own lock. Parking is at your own risk.

🚗 By Car

• No Student Parking: Please note there is NO student car parking available at UTCN due to planning consent.

• Parking Fines: Do not park in neighbours' car parks or illegally on the road. Norwich City Council actively issues parking fines in the area.

FAQs

Who can I contact for financial help with travel?

In certain circumstances Norfolk County Council may be able to help with bus passes for students in Sixth Form. Their website has further information here.

Useful websites for public transport

• Google Maps – Enter your home address and UTCN and this will provide you with public transport options to the school from your home on all public transport providers (Note: The UTCN school bus will not be included as an option as it is a contract bus. If you want to use the school contract bus please add your final destination as the train or St Stephens or Castle Meadow and take the school contract bus from there - timetable is listed above)
• First Bus Journey Planner – Enter your home address and UTCN and this will provide you with public transport options to the school from your home on all First Bus services only (Note: The UTCN school bus will be included as an option using this website)
• Traveline – for an overview of transport services in Norfolk and Suffolk.
• Konect Bus
• Sanders Coaches
• Simonds Bus
• Greater Anglia – train services in Norfolk and Suffolk