Student Travel Guide
The handy intro to bus travel for students in Dundee
As well as getting to grips with starting a new course, your head must be bursting with a million questions about this strange new experience: How do I get to campus? Where are the shops? What if I need to visit the doctor or the dentist? How will I get from my flat to the pub without getting lost?
Relax! We've got you covered - everywhere, every day.
Xplore Dundee is the city's biggest bus company. We run a network of fast, frequent buses which keep you connected to wherever you could possibly want to go - ideal for both your studies and your free time.
Check out the app to plan your journey, track buses and follow the latest service updates. And make sure you're getting the best deal - either with free travel for under-22s or discounts with our brand new StudentSaver mTicket subscription range.
Whoever you are, wherever you're going: there's something for everyone. Check out the info below.
Getting to class
Here's a handy list of the routes you'll want to remember for getting to college, uni or placement at Ninewells:
| Destination | Bus routes |
|---|---|
| Abertay University | Any local bus into town |
| Al-Maktoum College | 22 |
| D&A Gardyne Campus | 5/5a |
| D&A Kingsway Campus | 10 | 18 |
| Ninewells Hospital | 5/5a | 6 | 17 | 22 |
| University of Dundee | 5/5a | 6 | 17 | 22 |
Check out maps and timetables for all our routes in the Xplore Dundee app.
The best deal for you
Not only is using public transport better for saving the planet - it's best for saving a few quid, too. Just remember that you'll need your student ID for cheaper tickets.
If you're a more casual passenger, there are still some student savings to be had. You can buy mTickets in the Xplore Dundee app, or you can pay on the bus using cash or contactless.
| Pay-as-you-go tickets | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| UniHop | £1.50 | Single trip in the UniHop zone (anywhere between the City Centre and Ninewells Hospital on services 5/5a, 6, 17 or 22). |
| 10-Trip Bundle | from £3.40 | Unlimited travel on all our buses, all day. Buy in the app for £3.40 or on the bus for £3.60. |
If you're planning on taking the bus with us much more often, get best value with automatic verified subscriptions - exclusive to the app.
| Unlimited subscriptions | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| StudentSaver basic | £11 | Rolling weekly subscription |
| StudentSaver standard | £40 | Rolling subscription every four weeks |
| StudentSaver premium | £124 | Rolling subscription every 13 weeks (that's a whole semester) |
| StudentSaver ultimate | £499 | SPECIAL OFFER: a one-off, unlimited annual mTicket (not a subscription, and only available to buy until the end of Freshers' Week - Sunday 25 September 2022) |
To buy and use mTickets in the app, you'll need to get verified by uploading your student ID. Once you're verified, you won't need to worry about carrying your ID around with you and showing it to the driver every time - it's all automatic!
Young Persons' Freedom Pass
Young people living in Scotland are entitled to free bus travel with a NEC card. Visit getyournec.scot to apply once you're all settled in (because you'll need proof-of-address first).
Lean more about the Young Persons' Freedom Pass and how it works.
Get around with a StudentSaver basic for just £11/week while you wait for your card to arrive.
Download the app
It's easier than ever to Xplore Dundee with our app: the ultimate one-stop-shop for all your travel needs. Just search 'Xplore' in your app store.
- Plan & pay in advance
- Track buses live on the map
- Get the latest service updates
Official Freshers' Welcome Tour
Don't miss out - get settled into student life with an open-top tour of Scotland's sunniest city!
In proud partnership with DUSA, we're running a special tour of the university, the City Centre and the West End using our open-top buses. The tour includes an entertaining commentary which chats about local landmarks, hang-out spots and campus highlights.
As a new arrival, you can explore your new neighbourhood - whilst mum & dad sit back with the peace of mind that they've checked out your home away from home.
Tours run daily from outside DUSA during Freshers' Week (Monday 19 to Saturday 24 September 2022). The first tour leaves at 1000 and then hourly until 1700. A full round-trip lasts around 80 minutes.
You'll be able to buy tickets in the app or on the bus using cash or contactless:
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Student day tour | £5 |
| Student day tour (plus network) | £7.50 |
| Plus-one (per non-student) | £2.50 |
| Flatmate rate (up to six students together) | £20 |