Getting Here

With great links to road, rail and air, Lincoln is easily accessible from major destinations across the UK. Whether you’re travelling by road, rail or air, our practical travel information will ensure you enjoy a hassle-free journey.

Travelling to Lincoln by road

With so many great road links, travelling to Lincoln by car is easy. The city is close to a number of major roads including the A46, the A1 and the A15.

If you've got a long journey ahead of you, you will find plenty of places to stop en route. From farm shops to country estates, some of the best attractions in Lincolnshire are on the outskirts of the city. Depending on which direction you are coming from, you may also pass through the Lincolnshire Wolds, along the coast or through pretty market towns and villages.

If travelling to Lincoln by car, you can listen for live traffic disruptions on local radio stations, Radio Lincolnshire or Lincs FM. Current and planned road improvement works that may affect your journey are listed on the Lincolnshire Roadworks website.

Driving to Lincoln

• From the North
  • Via the A15 (Hull) or the A46 (Grimsby)
• From the South
  • Via the A46 (Leicester, Nottingham, Newark) or the A1 and A15 (London, East Anglia)
• From the East
  • Via the A158 (Skegness)
• From the West
  • Via the A1 and A57 (Leeds, Worksop, Sheffield)

Travelling to Lincoln by train

Lincoln Central railway station is located in the south of the city centre. Lincoln High Street, Lincoln City Football Club and Lincoln Cathedral are all just a short walk away.
You can find the station at:
St Mary's Street
Lincoln
Lincolnshire
LN5 7EW

Direct connections are provided by LNER, East Midlands Railway and Northern Rail which operate daily services from and to:

• Gainsborough
• Peterborough
• Nottingham
• Leicester
• Sheffield
• Doncaster
• London

Travelling to Lincoln by bus

Lincoln has an excellent local and regional bus service which will take you into the city, and beyond. Whether you’re travelling from the outskirts of the city, or a neighbouring town, Lincoln’s regular buses will take you where you need to be.

Part of the city’s innovative Transport Hub, the bus station in Lincoln can be accessed via the Cornhill Quarter or from St Mary’s Street. It is located opposite the train station, and next to Lincoln Central Car Park.

Most public buses are operated by Stagecoach, so you can download the free Stagecoach app to help plan your journey. This handy app will allow you to check arrival times, and purchase tickets in advance. Most Stagecoach buses also have free WiFi and USB charging ports to keep you connected whilst you travel.
For bus routes and timetables, call 0871 200 22 33, or use the Lincolnshire County Council Journey Planner.

Travelling to Lincoln by bike

Lincoln is well-connected by cycle routes and has plenty of facilities for cyclists. You will find a number of cycle-friendly businesses here, as well as parking for your bike.

Cycle Routes in Lincoln

Lincoln can be accessed on National Cycle Network routes 1, 64 and 93. From Lincoln, there are other regional network routes and leisure cycle routes.
You can download maps and suggested routes for the Lincoln Cycle Network below.

• Lincoln City Centre Cycle Network (2018)
• Lincoln and Surrounding Areas Cycle Network (2018)
• Lincoln - Doddington Hall Cycle Route Map
• Lincoln - Hartsholme Country Park Cycle Route Map
• Lincoln - Old Wood Cycle Route Map

Park & Bike

Park & Bike provide convenient locations for people to park their car for free, and continue their journey by bike.
There are three Park & Bike locations in Lincoln:

• Burton Waters, Park Lane, LN1 2WN
• Skellingthorpe Community Centre, Lincoln Road, LN6 5UT
• Washingborough Community Centre, Fen Road, LN4 1AB.

From these locations, there are three traffic-free routes you can join – the Sustrans Route 64 from Burton Waters and Skellingthorpe, and the Water Rail Way from Washingborough.

Secure Cycle Storage

There are two locations for secure cycle storage in Lincoln, both of which benefit from toilet and changing facilities.
St Marks Cycle Storage
St Marks Shopping Centre, LN5 7EX
This free facility allows sheltered storage for more than 100 bikes. The hub can be accessed 24/7 and CCTV is in operation at all times. To sign up for a free membership, simply take along some identification along to the St Marks Management Suite.

Lincoln Cycle Hub

Lincoln Central Station, LN5 7EW

Situated at Lincoln Railway Station, the Lincoln Cycle Hub has space for up to 196 bikes. For just £10, cyclists can enjoy 24/7 access to safe cycle storage, and there are changing facilities and toilets available at the station.

Travelling to Lincoln by air

If you’re flying into the UK and heading straight to Lincoln, there are plenty of ways to travel into the city.  Both Humberside International Airport and East Midlands Airport are just a short drive away, whilst the London airports are all easily accessible via train.

Humberside International Airport (HUY)

Humberside International Airport is located 30 miles northeast of Lincoln, which is just 45 minutes by car. Among other destinations, Humberside International Airport has good connections to Aberdeen and Amsterdam.

The easiest way to travel to Lincoln from Humberside Airport is by road. At Humberside Airport you will find two major car rental companies, as well as a 24-hour taxi company.

If travelling to Lincoln by car, you will need to leave the airport heading south. Take the A18 towards the M180, then take the M180 west and follow the A15 to Lincoln.

East Midlands Airport (EMA)

East Midlands Airport is located 50 miles southwest of Lincoln, which is around 75 minutes’ drive. Amongst other destinations, East Midlands Airport has good connections to Barcelona, Belfast, Brussels and Frankfurt.

From East Midlands Airport, Lincoln can be reached by either road or public transport. At the airport, you will find all major car rental companies as well as a 24-hour taxi company.

If travelling to Lincoln by car, follow signs for Nottingham and then take the A52 and A46 to Lincoln.

The easiest route using public transport is to take a bus from the airport to Nottingham Railway Station. Here you can hop on the train to Lincoln Central Station, which takes around an hour.

Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Birmingham Airport is located 80 miles west of Lincoln, which is one hour 45 minutes by road. Birmingham Airport has good connections to Iceland, Ireland, and the USA.

From Birmingham Airport, Lincoln can be reached by either road or public transport. You will find seven major car rental companies at Birmingham Airport, as well as a 24-hour taxi company.

If travelling by car, you will need to head north on the M42. From here, take the A42 and follow signs for the M1 Nottingham. Exit and follow signs for A46 Newark, and continue on to Lincoln.

To travel to Lincoln using public transport, take the train from Birmingham International Railway Station to Birmingham New Street Station. From here, you can take a train to Nottingham and change for a train to Lincoln Central.