Leeds is the second largest metropolitan district in the UK, extending 15 miles from east to west, and 13 miles from north to south. This wide boundary covers some 562 square kilometres.
Leeds is central to the British motorway network, with excellent connections in all directions. The A1 and M1 link Leeds to the north and south, and the M62 to the east and west. Leeds is situated at the crossroads of the M62 and the M1, and at the A1/M1 link. The M621 runs within 1km of the city centre, providing easy access from Leeds to the M1 and the M62.
Leeds Inner Ring Road flows north, over Leeds city centre, carrying up to 80,000 vehicles a day on some sections. The Inner Ring Road system has been, and is still being, improved. Use it as a by-pass if you are not stopping in the city centre. Follow the blue or green direction signs along the route.
Like most city centres, Leeds operates a one-way system, known as the City Centre Loop. The City Centre Loop Road is a clockwise route around the main shopping areas designed to make it simple for all drivers to get into, around and out of the city centre. This can be confusing to the unfamiliar, so study your route before you embark on your journey. Everything around the city centre is well signposted, with clear road signs identifying car parks and tourist attractions. Each junction is named and numbered to ensure that you travel around central Leeds with ease. The City Centre Loop is designed to cater for pedestrians, providing a traffic-free city centre.
City centre parking is plentiful, though many car parks fill up quickly during the day. Multistorey car parks, such as on Woodhouse Lane, above the A64 through the city centre, are often the best option.
Leeds is a vibrant city, one of the fastest growing in the UK, and does suffer from congestion at times. Listen to BBC Radio Leeds (92.4 and 103.9 FM) for regular updates on traffic and travel in Leeds.
Many tourists staying in Leeds choose to rent cars to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby towns, such as Harrogate, Holmfirth, Ilkley, Otley, Ripon, Skipton, Wetherby and York. Links to a selection of car hire firms can be found below.