Getting to First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds by train and bus

First Direct Bank Arena, known as First Direct Arena until July 2025 and often simply called Leeds Arena, stands in the Arena Quarter on the northern edge of Leeds city centre, behind the Merrion Centre and next to the A58(M) inner ring road. It has no car park of its own, and the arena itself asks visitors not to be dropped off or picked up outside the venue. Arriving on foot, by train or by bus is the easiest way to do it.

By train: Leeds station

Leeds station (Leeds City Station, on New Station Street) is about a 15-minute walk from the arena, according to the venue. It is the city's main station, with direct trains from London and across the north of England. From the station, head north through the city centre; Visit Leeds publishes a walking map if you are unsure of the way.

By bus and coach

• Local buses: the nearest stops listed by the arena are on Clay Pit Lane, Wade Lane / Lovell Park Road and Woodhouse Lane. Routes and timetables change, so plan your journey on the West Yorkshire Metro (WYMetro) website.
• Leeds City Bus Station, on Dyer Street, is about a 15-minute walk away. National and regional coaches use the coach station next door. The bus station is wheelchair friendly, with all bays adapted for wheelchair users to board and alight.

Park & Ride

The arena points to three Leeds Park & Ride sites, bookable on the WYMetro website, with a walk of around 15 minutes from the city-centre drop-off:

• Elland Road: get off on Boar Lane (stop Trinity P). No Sunday service.
• Stourton: get off on Lower Briggate (stop Trinity K).
• Temple Green: get off on Lower Briggate (stop Trinity L). No weekend service.

Before relying on Park & Ride for an evening show, check the time of the last return bus on the WYMetro website.

By bike

Leeds has a public e-bike scheme, Beryl Leeds City Bikes, with bikes available across the city on a pay-as-you-go basis. The arena also mentions Talio, at Buslinthorpe Green, for longer e-bike hire.

Getting home after the show

Check the time of your last train with National Rail or your train company, and of your last bus on WYMetro, before you set off. After big events, road closures and diversions may be in place around the arena, so allow extra time.

For taxis, there is a hackney carriage rank at the arena, signposted from the main doors. The arena lists further ranks on Merrion Way (after 10pm), Wade Lane, Merrion Street, Woodhouse Lane, Cookridge Street and Portland Way. If you are being collected by car, arrange a pick-up point away from the arena, as the venue asks.

Accessibility

All the front entrances are accessible and staffed. The Accessible Entrance, to the right of the main doors, is usually quieter, and an accessible host greets visitors there. Blue Badge holders, including taxi passengers, can be dropped off at the turning circle on Elmwood Close. Blue Badge parking options are detailed in our guide to parking at First Direct Bank Arena. For step-free rail travel, check lift availability at your stations with National Rail before you travel.

Before the show, see where to eat near the arena and the best seats at First Direct Bank Arena. After it, write a review.

Frequently asked questions

How far is First Direct Bank Arena from Leeds station?

About a 15-minute walk, according to the arena. Leeds City Bus Station, on Dyer Street, is also around 15 minutes away on foot.

Which buses stop near First Direct Bank Arena?

The nearest stops are on Clay Pit Lane, Wade Lane / Lovell Park Road and Woodhouse Lane. Check routes and times on the WYMetro website.

Where can I get a taxi after a show at First Direct Bank Arena?

There is a hackney carriage rank at the arena, signposted from the main doors, plus ranks on Merrion Way (after 10pm), Wade Lane, Merrion Street, Woodhouse Lane, Cookridge Street and Portland Way.

Can I be dropped off at First Direct Bank Arena?

The arena asks visitors to be dropped off and picked up away from the venue because of congestion. Blue Badge holders can use the turning circle on Elmwood Close.