Travelling to UPDC

Getting to our University and Professional Development Centre in Bury St Edmunds is easy, whether you’re travelling by bus, train, car, bike or on foot. With most of our higher education students studying on campus for two days a week, there are flexible travel options to suit the way you study.

Address

University & Professional Development Centre
73 Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 3SP

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Travel by bus

Our University Centre is well connected by local bus routes, including our College bus, making it easy to travel to campus from Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area.

Our College bus service offers flexible ticket options for adult learners, including:

1-day single tickets – ideal if you’re only travelling one-way
1-day return tickets – for travelling to and from campus on the same day
3-day passes – a flexible, saver option if you’re on campus several days a week

You can check routes, timetables and ticket options through Central Connect:

View bus routes, timetables and tickets

There are also public bus services connecting Bury St Edmunds with towns and villages across Suffolk and the surrounding area.

For local bus routes and timetables, visit Suffolk on Board:

View public bus routes and timetables

Travel by train

Bury St Edmunds train station is around a 20-minute walk from our University Centre, making train travel a convenient option if you’re commuting from further afield.

You can plan your journey and check train times using Suffolk on Board:

Check train times and plan your journey

If you regularly travel to University Centre by train, a 16-25, 26-30 or Seniors Railcard could help reduce the cost of your journeys, offering up to one-third off rail fares.

Walk or cycle

Our University Centre is within easy walking distance of Bury St Edmunds town centre.

If you live locally, walking or cycling can be a convenient way to get to campus. There are covered bike storage facilities available across our campuses.

You can use Suffolk’s cycle route information to plan your journey.

Plan a cycle route

If you regularly travel to University Centre by train, a 16-25, 26-30 or Seniors Railcard could help reduce the cost of your journeys, offering up to one-third off rail fares.

Travel by car

If you’re driving to the University and Professional Development Centre, free parking is available at our campus on Western Way, including accessible bays.

Motorcycles and scooters can also use designated parking bays free of charge.

FAQs

Who can use the College bus service?

This service is available to students attending West Suffolk College, Abbeygate Sixth Form College and the University and Professional Development Centre and is operated by Central Connect.

How do I book a seat?

Tickets can be purchased directly from Central Connect. Visit the link on the Travelling to UPDC page of the website to access the booking portal.

What ticket options are available?

For 2026/27 termly ticket options, daily tickets and multi-day passes will be available for students to purchase.

How do students board the bus?

Students can use the Central Connect app. Daily tickets can be purchased on the day (subject to availability) – contactless payment required.

Will the routes remain the same for next year?

Route changes are reviewed annually dependent on demand and usage.

What if I have feedback or concerns?

Please contact central connect directly Contact – Central Connect for all College bus related feedback or Concerns, or alternatively you can email the transport team transport@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk.

Can I get a refund if I stop using the bus?

No, payments for college bus passes are non-refundable once issued. Refunds will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as a student permanently withdrawing from the college or experiencing serious medical issues that prevent continued travel.

What if I lose my phone, or the battery dies?

You will need to speak with the bus driver who will be able to manually sign you on bus.

If I do not achieve the required qualifications and decide to withdraw my college application, am I eligible for a refund on my bus ticket?

Yes, a full refund will be provided as long as the ticket remains unused, and your withdrawal takes place before the academic year begins.