72 reasons to catch the 72…
Journey planner
72 SERIOUSLY! To celebrate the 72 now running 24 hours a day between Bradford and Leeds we thought we’d share 72 compelling reasons why the 72 bus should be your go-to choice for travel. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading out for a night on the town, or exploring the vibrant culture of these two fantastic cities, the 72 is your reliable and convenient travel companion.
Here we go…
1. 24/7 service - The first and most obvious reason is never having to worry about missing the last bus again. The 72 now runs all day, every day. Check out the timetable here.
2. Convenient stops - With stops at key locations like Armley, Bramley, Stanningley, and Thornbury, you’re always close to where you need to be. To view the route map visit this page.
3. Affordable fares - Travel without breaking the bank. Enjoy competitive pricing and special offers. Visit our ticket prices page here for more information.
4. Eco-friendly - You’ll be reducing your carbon footprint by choosing the bus over driving. See what we are doing and how you can help by checking out our Zero Emission Misson page here.
5. Comfortable rides - Our modern buses offer comfortable seating and ample space.
6. Frequent service - Buses run every 15 minutes during peak times, so you’re never waiting long. Check out the timetable here.
7. Safety first - Our buses include CCTV for a secure journey, especially during late hours.
Three great communities to explore between Leeds & Bradford:
8. Farlsey – Check out Sunnybank Mills for art from local creatives, rustic pizza, and locally brewed beer at Amity.
9. Armley – Stop off at Armley, famous for being at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution it’s home to Leeds Industrial Museum and Armley Park.
10. Bramley – You can also stop off in Bramley, home to Bramley Fall Woods, when walking through this 10,000 year old woodland you could be mistaken for walking into a Lord of the Rings novel. All that walking got you thirsty. Enjoy a drink at The Abbey Inn, next to Newlay Locks. It’s been a real ale pub since 1822 so we’re pretty confident they know a thing or two about a good pint.
11. Great for night owls - Perfect for those late nights out or early morning shifts.
12. Explore Leeds - With the Royal Armouries just a short walk from the city centre or Leeds Art Gallery on The Headrow, discover the cultural and historical gems of Leeds with ease.
13. Discover Bradford - From the National Science and Media Museum to the beautiful Lister Park, Bradford has plenty to offer.
4 of the best food spots on Leeds Road:
14. Whether you’re seeking an exquisite meal for a special occasion, a cosy spot for a romantic dinner, or a vibrant atmosphere for a gathering with friends take a visit to Lala’s winner of the King of Curry Awards 2023.
15. Bab Tooma, named after the Gate of Saint Thomas in Damascus, Syria, is the first authentic Syrian restaurant in West Yorkshire. It symbolises unity within Syrian society, providing a space where people from diverse backgrounds come together. Bab Tooma brings a taste of tradition to the heart of West Yorkshire.
16. Eating is a necessity, but cooking is an art. At Al Shakoors we make the finest taste of Middle Eastern cuisine right in the heart of Bradford. Specialising in Tawa, Sajji and Grill. An authentic method of cooking.
17. Mughals Restaurant is your one-stop destination for a truly mouth-watering culinary experience they take pride in offering a wide range of delicious food options that are sure to tantalise your taste buds.
18. Shopping spree - You’ve got easy access to some of the best shopping in both cities, you can visit Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds or The Broadway in Bradford.
19. Student-friendly - Ideal for students commuting to universities and colleges.
20. Work commute - Reliable service for daily commutes to work.
21. Stress-free travel - Avoid the stress of driving and parking in busy city centres.
22. Meet new people - Public transport is a great way to meet and interact with new people.
23. Pet-friendly - Pets are welcome on board, making it easy to travel with your furry friends.
24. Accessibility - Buses are equipped to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
6 spectacular events:
25. Head into Leeds and enjoy the spectacular sights at Leeds Light Night.
26. Remember, remember… If you want to celebrate Bonfire Night, Leeds and Bradford offer some of the biggest firework displays. You can watch the skies light with the soaring fireworks, eat pie and peas and gather around the bonfire.
27. The Leeds Christmas Markets take place from 22nd November. Visitors can look forward to discovering a variety of festive stalls selling unique gifts, crafts and delicious treats from around the world, spread across City Square, Victoria Gardens and Millennium Square.
28. From the dazzling lights of Bradford city centre to the quaint charm of Ilkley and Baildon to the lively streets of Shipley and Keighley, each town and village has its own unique light switch-on event.
29. The 2024 edition of Live at Leeds is coming up in November with acts performing in many venues. Major acts previously announced include Manchester rockers Everything Everything, contemporary indie troupe The K’s, singer-songwriter and rising star Alfie Templemann, rap and grime MC Casisdead, mighty Wrexhamites The Royston Club
30. As we look ahead to 2025, we couldn’t be more excited about Bradford 2025 City of Culture. As the Official Travel Partner we’re looking forward to keeping you moving. Make sure you check over their website for all the events planned and sign up for their newsletter to keep up-to-date with future events.
31. Use your MCard – If you travel using an MCard you can travel between Bradford and Leeds. Visit MCard’s website here for more information.
32. Avoid traffic - Let someone else handle the driving while you relax.
33. Flexible travel - With frequent services, you have the flexibility to travel whenever you need.
34. Save on fuel - Save money on fuel and vehicle maintenance.
35. No parking hassles - Forget about finding and paying for parking.
36. Community vibes - Feel a sense of community by travelling with fellow residents.
4 places to enjoy a cosy coffee:
37. Laynes was one of the first to serve the very best underground coffees and teas available to the UK. As a result, you’ll struggle to find a better espresso or flat white in the city; they’ve had plenty of practice!
38. Their mission is simple… to provide the best coffee experience you’ve ever had! King Coffee Co. is a highly experienced team of coffee pros on a mission to explore and unlock the finest flavours.
39. Sonder is a new concept store in the heart of Leeds City Centre, a unique blend of Japanese & Retro inspirations in the historic Grand Arcade. A hybrid concept store serving up coffee, interiors & lifestyle, all set in a beautifully crafted and comfortable setting.
40. Situated in the heart of Bradford city centre Smorgasbord calibrates the coffee extraction and grinder every single hour, so you get the best coffee every time. Recognised as one of the leading and trendy cafes in Bradford for its high standards in unique food, service, coffee and ambience.
41. Mobile app - Plan your journey and buy tickets easily with the First Bus app, download our app here.
42. Friendly drivers - Professional and friendly drivers to assist you.
43. Clean buses - Regular cleaning for a pleasant travel experience.
44. Travel for free - Children under 5 travel free at any time of day – they must be accompanied by a fare-paying passenger. A fare-paying passenger can bring up to 3 children under 5 free of charge.
45. Student discounts – We offer student fares, from monthly to term tickets to make travel more affordable. Check them out here.
46. Senior discounts - Whether you're catching up with old friends at the pub, or spending time with the grandkids at the park, if you're eligible for a state pension, you qualify for free bus travel across West Yorkshire and England through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme find out more here.
47. Group tickets – Travelling with friends or family, our group tickets are a great way to travel. Visit here to find out more.
48. Month or year tickets – If you travel regularly, save big and buy our FirstMonth or FirstYear tickets. Find out more here.
49. Customer support – We offer great customer support for any travel queries.
50. Lost and Found - Efficient lost and found service for any misplaced items.
51. Local insights - Get local tips and insights from fellow passengers and drivers.
52. Nightlife access - Safe and reliable transport for nights out in Bradford and Leeds.
7 things you can do while travelling on the bus:
53. Social media - Stay active on social media as you enjoy your trip.
54. Reading time - Enjoy some quiet reading time during your journey.
55. Music and podcasts - Listen to your favourite music or podcasts on the go.
56. Catch up on shows - Stream your favourite shows during the ride.
57. Work - You can use the travel time to catch up on work.
58. Plan your day - Use travel time to plan your day.
59. Photography - Capture the beautiful views along the route.
60. Charge devices - Some buses have charging ports for your devices.
61. All weather ride - Travel comfortably regardless of the weather.
62. Avoid road rage - Let the driver handle the traffic while you relax.
63. Catch up with friends - Meet up with friends and travel together.
64. Stay active - Combine bus travel with walking for a healthier lifestyle.
65. Support sustainable transport - Contribute to the sustainability of public transport services. One bus can take up to 75 cars off the road. So, by taking the bus, you’re choosing a more eco-friendly way to get around.
6 places to catch a show:
66. The Alhambra Theatre is the jewel in the crown of Bradford. Built in 1914 and refurbished in 1986 with stunning results. Today, it’s regarded as the North's premier touring venue and hosts the best entertainment from ballet and opera to variety and comedy, musicals, drama and, of course, the annual pantomime.
67. Leeds Grand Theatre is famed for its stunning interior and decorative features. The theatre is also renowned for bringing the best of the West End to Yorkshire including hit musicals, drama, comedians and music, as well as continuing to provide a home venue for Opera North and Northern Ballet.
68. Based in Little Germany in Bradford's city centre, Bradford Playhouse offers a wide range of events including theatre, film, music, exhibitions, comedy and dance.
69. Leeds Playhouse is one of the UK’s leading producing theatres; a cultural hub, a place where people gather to tell and share stories and to engage in world class theatre. Seeking out the best companies and artists to create inspirational theatre in the heart of Yorkshire.
70. The Victorian built St. George's Concert Hall is home to a wide range of entertainment bringing the cream of touring music, comedy and variety shows to the region and it is a first choice for major international artists.
71. First Direct Arena is the largest entertainment venue in Leeds, it hosts some of the biggest names in live music, comedy, entertainment and sports. The Arena’s unique "super theatre" style configuration is designed to enhance the arena experience, with all seats facing the stage and high-quality acoustics providing the best sound experience in the UK
72. Peace of mind - Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with reliable, 24-hour transport.