You’ll find us at:
Suffolk New College – Suffolk Rural
Charity Lane, Otley
Suffolk, IP6 9NE
Travel to Suffolk Rural
Dedicated Bus Routes
We have 3 dedicated bus routes to Suffolk Rural
- RC3 – Leiston via Saxmundham operated by Belle Coaches
- RC5 – Sudbury via Hadleigh operated by Konectbus T/A Hedingham & Chambers
- RC8 – Colchester North Station (via Ipswich railway station) operated by Beestons
Complimentary Shuttle Bus
We have 2 complimentary (that’s right – free of charge!) shuttle bus routes running from central Ipswich to Suffolk Rural
- SB1 – Ipswich railway station
- SB2 – Ipswich Old Cattle Market bus station
Travelling by Public Bus
This guide provides essential information on travelling to Suffolk Rural by public bus. It includes details about possible routes along with links to current timetables from providers.
Travelling by Train
This guide provides essential information on travelling to Suffolk Rural by public train. It includes details about academic travel passes and links to service providers.
Driving
The College has a large car park for both learners and staff.
Please use use the postcode IP6 9NE to access this car park.
Bursary
From September 2025, the College bursary will be paying for the most cost-effective way of getting you to college, provided you fall under the household income threshold of £33,000.
This will be regardless of the campus that you attend, or your method of travel.
For example, if you are aged under 19, live in the Chantry area of Ipswich and attend the Ipswich campus for 3 days per week, travelling by bus, and your eligible household income is below £33,000, you will receive £36 for a 4-week period (3 x £3 day ticket price x 4), as this is the most cost-effective way of travelling to college.
Travelling by motorcycle or car is acceptable too. We calculate your mileage from your home to college and pay this at 20p per mile, multiplied by the number of days that you are timetabled to be in college. If you are travelling to Ipswich, we will pay your car parking too.
Unless you are travelling on one of the three dedicated bus routes or the complimentary shuttle bus to Suffolk Rural, then you will need to make your own arrangements of how you get to college. The College will contribute if your eligible household income is less than £33,000 and you apply for the bursary.
Links
Before proceeding with any applications or payments, we strongly encourage you to read through the available transport guides to ensure you fully understand your options and requirements.
Once you’re ready, you can find links to application forms and additional information within each guide and below.
Please make sure you have reviewed all relevant details to avoid any issues during the application process.
Transport Application Form
25/26 Travel Application Form
RC3, RC5, RC8 Travel Pass
25/26 Dedicated Bus Pass
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are travelling to Suffolk Rural on the shuttle bus then you will need to apply via the College application form here:
https://www.suffolk.ac.uk/transport-form
If you are travelling on one of the dedicated bus routes then you will need to apply via the College application form here:
https://www.suffolk.ac.uk/transport-form
If you intend to travel via any other means, you will need to check timetables and prices with the relevant travel provider for your chosen route as soon as possible. This will be Greater Anglia if you are traveling by train. If you are travelling by bus, because there are various local providers, you are encouraged to check with them directly.
Yes, if you have successfully applied for the bursary (www.suffolk.ac.uk/bursary) you will get the price of the most cost-effective method of transport paid to you 4-weekly in advance. This will allow you to purchase a ticket in advance for the days in which you are timetabled to be in college.
Please note that if you have applied for one of the three dedicated bus routes, these will be paid on your behalf by the College and a travel pass will be issued direct to you by the College. If you are making application for the bursary, please note that a travel pass will not be issued until we have fully assessed your bursary application. Therefore, you might wish to think about timings and consider whether you do need to purchase a travel pass in the first instance.
Students can choose to bring their own vehicles on site. There is plenty of parking available. There is a charge to park at Ipswich, however if you are eligible for bursary this will be paid to you. You must register their vehicle details at the point of enrolment and collect a 25/26 parking permit. This must be displayed at all times when on site.
The College reserves the right to withdraw your right to park on campus should this become necessary. The College’s expectations will be explained to you so that you understand when it might be deemed necessary to remove a student’s right to park – either temporarily or permanently.
No, you only need to apply once for the academic year, when you first sign up.
If you are travelling to Suffolk Rural on one of the three dedicated bus routes (RC3, RC5, RC8), then you can pay for your pass by using the link in the dedicated guide below. The cost of a pass is £300 per term and is non-refundable.
For students with special educational needs who may be unable to travel independently, please contact your local County Council for further information about specialist transport arrangements for post-16 education.
If you are on low income you can apply for a bursary, if you are approved you might be entitled to help with a travel pass.
**Please note, if you are planning on applying in hope to receive financial help with a travel pass, then please do this as soon as possible as we are assessing bursaries in date order and there may be a short delay in this process.