Travelling around the UK (2024)

Travelling around the UK - how to explore

Britain is a small country, and it is easy to travel between towns and cities.

Most language centres offer weekend trips as part of their student activity programme to popular places in the UK like Cambridge, Oxford, Stonehenge, Bath, Liverpool, Edinburgh and others.

If you want to travel on your own or with friends, it is easy to use public transport to explore the UK.

Travelling around the UK (1)

What is the fastest way to travel around the UK?

Trains are the fastest way to travel around the UK, especially for long journeys. When you travel by train, you can enjoy the green British countryside through the window and take a picnic for the journey.

How to get cheap train tickets:

  • Train tickets are usually cheaper if you buy them online in advance. You can see train times, prices and buy online at www.thetrainline.com. For long distance journeys, train tickets can be very expensive if you buy them on the day of travel.
  • Students aged 16 to 25 can buy aYoung Person's Railcardif they plan to take multiple train journeys. This cardcosts £30, and you can save one third on all train journeys for a year.

What is the cheapest way to travel around the UK?

Coaches are usually the cheapest way to travel to UK cities and popular tourist destinations. For the best prices, book in advance.

National Express is the main coach company in the UK. Megabus also offer low-cost coach journeys between major cities. Prices start from £1!

How can I travel from the UK to Europe?

  • Catch the Eurostar train from London to France or Belgium. The high-speed train travels under the sea (the English Channel) and only takes 2 hours 15 minutes to reach Paris. There are direct trains to Calais, Lille, Paris, Disneyland Paris and Brussels. And in the summer there are direct trains to the south of France: Lyon, Avignon and Marseille.
  • Fly from any UK international airport to European cities, including Berlin, Barcelona, Prague, Amsterdam, Venice and Copenhagen. Flying is often the quickest and cheapest way to visit our neighbours in mainland Europe.
  • Travel by coach. If you have longer than a weekend for your journey, international coaches can be the cheapest way to travel to Europe. Journeys often start in the evening and travel overnight.

Travelling around the UK (2)

Do I need a visa to visit other European countries?

Some students need a Schengen Visa to travel to other European countries. With this visa, you can visit most countries in the European Union.

Travelling around the UK (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to travel around the UK? ›

Trains are the fastest way to travel around the UK, especially for long journeys. When you travel by train, you can enjoy the green British countryside through the window and take a picnic for the journey. How to get cheap train tickets: Train tickets are usually cheaper if you buy them online in advance.

How many days in the UK is enough? ›

It is, therefore, possible to get a sense of the country in a five-day England itinerary. However, with so many historical, cultural, and natural sights, the longer you can make your trip, the better. We suggest an English sojourn lasting ten days to two weeks to make the most out of this destination.

What is the cheapest way to travel in the UK? ›

Traveling by bus and coach in the UK offers a cost-effective and scenic way to explore the country, and is usually the go-to option for budget travelers. Numerous companies operate extensive networks, connecting cities, towns, and tourist destinations.

Is it easy for an American to drive in England? ›

It's not the hardest adjustment to make and if you're focused then you're going to be just fine driving in the UK. However, some roads are harder than others and when faced with cyclists, pedestrians, and traffic, your instincts get a little twisted due to being on the left side of the road.

Is the Britrail pass worth it? ›

Are rail passes a good value for Great Britain? Since Britain's pay-as-you-go train tickets are some of the most expensive in Europe, rail passes can pay for themselves quickly, especially if you travel between London and Scotland.

Do you need cash in England? ›

Taking cash in the UK. Cash usage in the UK is relatively low - but there are still times when you can't really avoid it. Most chain stores, hotels and restaurants will gladly accept a card payment but in markets and small shops you may need cash.

Do you need a car in the UK? ›

The public transportation system is so good that most people don't need to own a car. However, there are certain situations when it might be necessary or more convenient to have a car. For example, if you frequently travel outside of the city for work or leisure, then owning a car can save you a lot of time and money.

Is it easy to get around England without a car? ›

Taking the train around England

The train is a comfortable and convenient way to get around with extensive rail networks across the country.

What are the cheapest months to go to the UK? ›

The cheapest time to travel to Britain is during the off-season: from November 1 to December 12 and from December 25 to March 14. In the last few years, the airlines have offered irresistible fares during these periods.

What is the cheapest day to fly from USA to UK? ›

The cheapest day to fly to London is on a Tuesday, saving up to $33. Tuesday is by far the cheapest day to make the trip to London, so save on your flights while making a week of it and enjoy the lull before the storm that is England's capital on a Friday night.

What month is cheaper to fly to UK? ›

Right now, the most affordable months to take a flight to United Kingdom are July/2024 and October/2024. The most expensive time of year is December/2024. What airlines fly direct to United Kingdom?

What is the safest way to travel in the UK? ›

Yes, train travel remains one of the safest modes of transport in the UK, as well as in many other parts of the world.

Is it better to travel by train or car in England? ›

If your trip will revolve around larger cities and towns with train stations, you can definitely plan a trip using only trains and taxis. But for those smaller, more rural locations you'll need a car.

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