Welcome to Bradford
There are a wealth of travel options available for anyone travelling to Bradford Literature Festival (BLF). Most BLF events take place in easily accessible city centre locations. Most of our venues are within a 5-15 minute walk from either Bradford Interchange or Bradford Forster Square station. Please check the venue on your email ticket and plan your journey in advance.
You may spot some exciting changes in Bradford’s city centre! Bradford has recently been pedestrianised which has created new walking routes and green spaces in our historic city centre.
By Air
Leeds Bradford Airport is only seven miles away, with regular flights running to major cities throughout the UK and beyond. For more information about flights please visit the Leeds Bradford Airport website.
Manchester Airport is the UK’s third largest airport with regular flights to Europe and long-haul destinations. It’s approximately 50 miles from Bradford, with road, bus, coach and rail connections between both cities. For more information about flights visit the Manchester Airport website.
By Rail
The city is served by two train stations, both of which are located in the city centre, providing fast and easy access to most festival locations.
Bradford Interchange is a five-minute walk from Centenary Square and has rail, bus and taxi services all under one roof. From here, you are just a 20-minute direct journey from Leeds train station, with links to the rest of the country. You can plan your journey using National Rail.
Bradford Interchange also runs a direct service to London Kings Cross, via Wakefield and Doncaster. Visit the Grand Central Rail website for more information.
Bradford Forster Square is a 5-10 minute walk from Centenary Square and City Hall. The station has daily direct London North Eastern Railway services to London, and also serves Leeds, Ilkley, Saltaire, Keighley, and Skipton.
By Road
Bradford city centre has recently been transformed by pedestrianisation. If you are driving into the city centre, keep in mind routes may have changed since your last visit and plan your journey accordingly.
For those travelling by car, Bradford city centre is just two miles from the motorway network. From the M62, take junction 26, joining the M606, and follow the brown heritage signs which will bring you into the city centre. The centre is served by a number of car parks:
- The Broadway Shopping Centre: Hall Ings, BD1 1JR.
- For an additional list of Bradford Council Car Parks, please click here: Car Parks in Bradford.
If you choose to travel by bus, please ensure to take note of any changes to bus stops and bus routes in the city centre. You can find timetable information on the West Yorkshire Metro website.
Clean Air Zone
Bradford has a Clean Air Zone to improve the health of residents and visitors. You do not need to pay if you are driving a passenger car or motorbike.
If you are planning to visit Bradford please check if you have to pay to drive in the Bradford Clean Air Zone. Visit the Breathe Better Bradford website to find out more.
Travelling with Children
Our children’s programme is a major part of the festival line-up, with dozens of events including storytelling, crafts, workshops, theatre shows, film screenings and much more. All of these events are FREE to attend and do not require tickets. Simply turn-up with the whole family and have fun.
- Family Fun Days – Free events held on Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 June, and Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 July.
- Waterstones Bradford – Book readings from children’s authors and illustrators. See our Family Days Out page for details.
- Early Years – A range of activities for pre-schoolers, from baby yoga to craft activities.
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