Travel and Visas
For those arriving on the evening of Tuesday 27 August, we are arranging a brief walking tour of Sheffield, beginning at 6.30pm. Delegates can meet up, experience some local culture and then go to dinner together. The current meeting point is in front of the cathedral which is clearly marked on the city centre map and next to a tram stop.
Travelling to Sheffield
Train
The University of Sheffield is very close to the main train station. It is a 10 to 15 minute walk or you can take the tram to the West Street stop.
Moreover, the easiest way for visitors to travel around the UK is using the extensive railway network. This applies to almost all airports that visitors are likely to arrive at.
You are advised to get a train ticket before you get onto the train and sometimes this is mandatory. These can be bought when you arrive at the station.
Maps
Detailed maps of Sheffield and the University are available here and here. On the campus map, the venue is very close to the West Street stop.
Parking
Parking is expensive in Sheffield, so if you are intending to drive, check carefully with your hotel where you can leave your car. Alternatively, use the park and ride (then get the tram) on the main road from J33 of the M1. More information is available here.
Airports
The two nearest and therefore most convenient international airports are Birmingham and Manchester, however we give a brief summary of how to get to Sheffield from the numerous other airports that may be more convenient for you to fly to.
Most UK airports have train stations attached to them which will be well signed. You can check timetables and detailed connections required from National Rail.
Make sure you enter the airport name correctly so you do not get the local town instead.
Summary directions from some UK airports
Manchester Airport: There are trains to Sheffield about every hour although some require you to change trains at Manchester Piccadilly. The journey time is about 80 minutes.
Birmingham International: Get on the regular local train to Birmingham New Street station (takes about 20 minutes). There are regular trains from there to Sheffield and these take about 80 minutes.
East Midlands (Near Nottingham): This is about one hour from Sheffield.
London: You need to get to St Pancras station where trains to Sheffield take between two and a half hours to three hours.
To get to St Pancras from Heathrow you can take the underground (Piccadilly line) – this takes about one hour. An alternative is a fast train to Paddington and then take underground from there.
To get to St Pancras from Gatwick you can take a fast (more expensive) train to Victoria and then use the underground or a cheaper but slower train that may go all the way to London Kings Cross (a short walk from St. Pancras).
London Luton Airport: You will need to take a train first to somewhere like Bedford to transfer onto the rail line running north to Sheffield.
London Stanstead Airport: Regular trains run via Cambridge to Leicester (approximately two hours). Change there for the Sheffield train (approximately one hour).
Other airports: Please contact us if you are unsure.
Walking from Sheffield train station
These roads are all clear on the city centre map below.
Leave the exit and walk slightly to the left up the hill about 100m until the pedestrian crossing. Cross the road and then continue to walk directly up the hill (Howard Street) where you will see Sheffield Hallam University on your right.
At the top of Howard Street turn right for about 50m along Arundel Gate and then left along Surrey Street. At the end of Surrey Street, turn left and go slightly up hill towards the City Hall and then walk along Division Street. Take the fourth right which will bring you out on West Street, very close to Mappin Street.
VISAs
Overseas visitors must check the VISA requirements at the following website.