Transport
Keele benefits from strong transport links both locally and nationally, with regular bus services to and from the campus and easy access to the local train station.
A regular bus service operates between the campus and Hanley (where you'll find the main shopping centre), via Newcastle and Stoke-on-Trent. There are several bus operators which travel to and from Keele, the main route is the 25 - this route allows students to travel to and from the hospital as well as the main city centres.
Please note that roadworks are currently in effect outside Stoke-on-Trent train station and are expected to last until March 2025.
Although journeys to campus are unaffected, journeys from Keele will be impacted as Service 25 will be unable to access Station Road. Service 21 and Service 23 will also be affected.
Please use the bus stops at Leek Road (near the Royal Mail Sorting Office) or by the Sixth Form College instead.
The 25 bus route that serves the Keele campus, and all other routes within the Potteries area, are now subsidised by the Government, and as such a daily “Smart” ticket for travel anywhere in the Potteries area (which includes Keele and Newcastle-under-Lyme) can be used. More information, including costs, can be found on the First website.
Keele Key tickets may be purchased within the Smart/Potteries area for travel beyond into the wider Keele Key area. To purchase a Keele Key Ticket you will need to present a valid Keele Card when purchasing tickets directly (on the bus) from D&G and/or First, or declare your University e-mail address when purchasing online (website and the app). Make sure that you have your Keele card with you when you travel as you will be asked to present it.
The subsidised Keele Key Bus Ticket will continue to operate for those who need to travel from Keele to outside these areas (for example, to Crewe and Nantwich). The current fares (as of September 2023), which allow travel anywhere within the service area for Keele students and staff, have been reduced from £4.50 per day to £4.00, and the weekly fare has been reduced from £17 to £15. An annual ticket costs £400. These fares are subsidised by the University in order to support our students.
A free bus pass will be issued to Freshers if campus accommodation is not available and we assist you in finding private accommodation locally. However for any students who have rejected or failed to accept an offer of University accommodation or are living at home, a bus pass will not be provided.
The bus depot at Hanley is also the base for National Express services, there is also a service for this at the Newcastle under Lyme bus depot.
Taxi fares will depend on the firm used but are approximately £8 into Newcastle, £11 to Hanley and £10 to Stoke station.
If you would like to cycle to, from and around Keele, useful information and tips can be found on the Keele Cycle webpages.
Keele SU (Students' Union) runs a free Safety Bus every evening and early morning. This runs from the car park in front of Keele SU and disabled access is provided.
Students aged 16-25 can buy a 16-25 Railcard to get 1/3 off eligible journeys for a whole year.