Transportation in the UK (Guide to how to get around)
By: Author Tracy Collins
Posted on Last updated: July 24, 2024
An important consideration when planning your UK trip itinerary is how to get around the country. In this guide to transportation in the UK, I cover everything from cars, trains and buses to planes, trams and ferries to help you choose the best way to get from A – Z during your trip.
If you are in the process of planning your itinerary it is vital to consider how you will get from A – B and evaluate all the options open to you. Whilst the UK is a relatively small country with a fairly decent public transport system, especially in the major cities, it is important to choose the best option depending on your itinerary and budget.
For example, if you are planning to travel around the UK from city to city you will find that taking the train will be the easiest and most cost-effective option. However, if you are planning to visit rural areas of the UK such as the Cotswolds you will discover that it is much easier to hire a car and take a road trip or, if you prefer not to drive, an organised day tour.
If you are not familiar with the transportation options in the UK this article will explain each one including renting a ca r, taking a train, coach, bus, ferry or even a plane and when to consider using each one.
Train passes
Travel times between popular train routes in the uk, sleeper train services, how much does it cost to rent a car in the uk, important considerations when hiring a car in the uk, driving in the uk – rules of the road, coach travel in the uk, flying within the uk, ferries in england, ferries in scotland, ferries in wales, how to travel around london, train, plane, ferry, bus, coach or car…the option is yours, getting around the uk by train.
If you are planning to visit major cities in the UK such as London, York, Edinburgh, Bath, and Liverpool the best way to get around is by train.
Train travel in the UK is generally efficient, fast, takes you straight into the centre of the city and is also a great way to enjoy views of the countryside between destinations.
Travelling by train in the UK can however be expensive. It is essential to book in advance and avoid travelling during peak times (before 9:30 am on weekdays)
We recommend using trainline.com to check timetables and fares and make an advanced booking on regular trains within the UK.
Train travel in the UK can be confusing as there are several different rail companies that operate across the network. Our complete guide to travelling the UK by rail includes practical tips, information and advice to help you plan your train travel adventures in the UK with ease.
If you are visiting the UK from the US or Australia I recommend purchasing a BritRail Pass or Global Eurail Pass if you are planning to use the train extensively during your trip.
There are many different BritRail Passes available, including a pass that covers train travel between England, Wales and Scotland or country or region-specific passes such as the South West pass (for Devon, Cornwall, Bath etc) or Scotland-only pass.
You can use a BritRail Pass if you’re not a UK citizen and have not lived in the UK for the last six months or more. BritRail Passes can only be bought online up to 6 months in advance .
Find out more about the various BritRail Passes here or the Global Eurail Pass here
Read – Comparison guide to the BritRail Pass versus Global Eurail Pass
Approximate train travel times (check for exact timings) between major UK destinations:
- London – York 2 hours
- London – Edinburgh 5 hours
- London – Newcastle 3 hours
- London – Bath 2 hours
- London – Liverpool 2 hours 30 mins
- London – Cardiff 1 hour 50 mins
- Edinburgh – Inverness 2 to 3 hours
- York – Edinburgh 2 hours
- London – Penzance 5 hours
- London – Birmingham 1 hour 30 mins
Many of these destinations such as Bath , Birmingham, and York are relatively easy day trips by train from London. Read more here.
Read more – 10 beautiful train journeys to take in the UK
If you are planning to travel to mainland Europe taking the high-speed Eurostar service from St Pancras International is a fast and efficient way to do this.
Travel to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Lille in only a few hours and change for train services to destinations all over Europe.
Read more about our Guide to UK Train Travel
There are two sleeper train services that you can take in the UK. If you are travelling from London to Scotland the Caledonian Sleeper is a great option. Take the overnight service to Edinburgh , Glasgow , Aberdeen, Fort William or Inverness .
Click for more information about the Caledonian Sleeper
Read more – Guide to UK Train Travel
Travel by car in the UK
Hiring a car is possibly the best option if you want to head to some of the more rural areas of the UK. Taking a road trip around Cornwall, Scotland, or the Peak District for example is a wonderful way to see the countryside and stay in smaller towns and villages.
Note – I would not recommend hiring a car when you are in London. London transport is excellent and the cost and hassle of driving in the capital is really just not worth it.
If you are planning a road trip as part of your itinerary, I recommend taking the train to the nearest city or airport and picking up a hire car there. For example, in 2020 we took the Caledonian sleeper from London to Fort William and picked up a hire car at the train station.
🚗 Not sure if you’re up to drive in the UK? We recommend using a Tripiamo guide to get yourself familiar before your journey. Previous UK Travel Planning users have said this has made them feel much more comfortable getting behind the wheel. More discussion in our rental car guide in the UK .
If you are planning to hire a car in the UK you should budget approximately £140 – 180 a week for a compact car.
In addition to this, you will need to budget for petrol (gas), insurance, tolls and parking costs. Petrol is expensive in the UK compared to North America and Australia.
We recommend comparing prices to get the best deals. Companies such as Discover Car Rentals compare prices from a large number of rental companies to find the best deals for car rentals in the UK.
- Manual cars are the norm in the UK (and Europe) so you will need to request an automatic when you book.
- Do not be tempted to hire the largest model of car – roads are narrow and parking spaces tiny which makes a larger car impractical.
- To hire a car in the UK you must be over the age of 21 and held your license for over 12 months.
- Ensure you check the car for any damage before you drive away – we generally take a video and photographs for our records.
- Check pick up and drop off locations and make sure you stick to the agreed drop off time as you will be charged extra if the car is late.
- Consider how you will navigate around the UK. You will have the optional extra of a hiring a GPS device (Sat-nav) with the car or if you have your mobile phone using a map app which works offline is also an option. I recommend also having a paper map as a backup.
- If you return the hire car to a different location expect to pay a surcharge.
Many overseas visitors are nervous about driving in the UK (especially if you are from a country that drives on the right-hand side!)
Some things to know include:
- Drive on the left
- Seat belts must be worn at all times
- Children up to 135cm or the age of 12 or under must travel with the correct child restraint for their age and size.
- It is against the law to use a mobile phone when driving. (Using a hands-free device is allowed)
- Overtake on the outside or right-hand lane
- Do not drink and drive – avoid drinking altogether if you are driving.
- At roundabouts give priority to traffic approaching from the right unless indicated otherwise
- Speed limits are 30 mph in towns and 70mph on motorways. Speed limits are enforces and cameras are common.
- Many cities have Park and Ride schemes to avoid traffic congestion. If possible avoid driving in UK cities – many have complex one way systems and parking can be extremely difficult and expensive.
- In rural areas many of the roads can be narrow with many twists and turns and are often single lane. Drive carefully and slowly and don’t be surprised to find a horse and rider or even a tractor round the next bend.
✅ Tripiamo guides cover all of this and more and even provide you with virtual practice to get you used to the rules of the road and driving on the opposite side. We’ve had customers that have found the Tripiamo guide their key to confidently driving across the UK.
Read more – Renting a car in the UK – Practical Guide and tips
The cheapest transportation option for travelling around the UK is to take a coach. It is however also the slowest!
National Express coaches run between all major airports, towns and cities. Coach stations are generally located near train stations. Victoria Coach Station is the main hub in London.
Fares, departure times and bookings can be made for National Express coaches through the TrainLine.com
In Scotland CityLink and Megabus are the main operators.
Book tickets as early as possible to secure the cheapest fares – bookings open 12 weeks in advance.
London has 4 main airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stanstead. Heathrow one of the busiest in the world and the first port of call for many flying into the UK from outside Europe.
There are many regional airports many of which also receive international flights with Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh among the busiest outside London.
Many UK airlines offer good deals for flights to other European destinations. No frills airlines such as EasyJet or RyanAir also fly internally.
I would recommend comparing the cost and time of taking a train within the UK rather than flying to a destination. It is often quicker to take the train – and cheaper if you book in advance. Many no-frills airlines require additional charges for luggage.
Compare costs with Skyscanner and the TrainLine and don’t forget to factor in the cost of travel to and from airports.
If you are keen to visit the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, some of the more remote Scottish Islands or Ireland flying may be the most convenient method.
Ferries in the UK
Most ferries leaving English ports (including Dover, Hull, Newcastle, Portsmouth, and Poole) are heading for France, Holland, Belgium or Spain.
Ferries for the Isle of Man and Belfast depart from Liverpool.
Most of Scotland’s island s can only be reached by boat (the Isle of Skye is joined to the mainland by bridge)
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operate the ferries between the mainland and the islands as well as to Northern Ireland.
Book tickets early if you plan to take your vehicle on the ferry as spaces book up quickly, particularly during the summer months.
You can find more information about ferry crossing times and prices here.
Ferries to Ireland leave and arrive from Fishguard, Holyhead and Pembroke.
Ferries from Fishguard and Pembroke sail to and from Rosslare in Ireland and are operated by Irish Ferries and Stena Line.
Ferries from Holyhead sail to Dublin (again with either Irish Ferries or Stena Line)
Crossing time range from 2 to 3 hours depending on port of departure.
Click here for ferry times and prices
Transportation in major cities
Many of the UK’s major cities have excellent public transport networks. Trams run in many cities including Edinburgh , Nottingham, Manchester, and Sheffield.
Many cities such as Bath , York and Oxford are walkable. Hop-on and off buses may operate especially during the summer months and local bus services are often regular and easy to catch. You can find further information about local transportation options in my area and city guides.
We also recommend downloading some apps which are handy while travelling around the UK – find the full list here.
In London, there are several transportation options including taking the Tube (underground), overground trains, buses, black cabs (taxi), Thames clippers (boats) and even bicycles.
For more information read our transportation guide to London which includes information about the Oyster Card .
If you are flying into Heathrow or Gatwick read our guide to getting into London – Heathrow to London or Gatwick to London .
Choosing the best UK transportation options for your trip
You may find that a variety of transportation options are necessary to get you around the UK.
I recommend using Google Maps to work out the various transport options available. Enter your destinations and you will get an overview of travel times, prices and schedules for public transport, driving or flying between them. This is an ideal place to start when deciding which method is best for your budget, travel style and itinerary.
You will also find detailed instructions in my city and area guides about how to get there from London using a variety of transportation options.
After reading this guide you should now have a clearer idea about the different transportation options around the UK and which may be the best for your trip and itinerary.
Need help planning your UK trip?
Check out my complete 10-step guide which walks you through the process in a logical and easy-to-follow process.
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VisitBritain/ Peter Kindersley
Introduction
Whether its lush green countryside, dramatics coasts, cute villages or bustling cities, you’ll find all you need on the different ways you can get around Britain.
Travelling around Britain by train
Travelling by train is a green, scenic and relaxing way to discover Britain. The rail network here covers whole swathes of Britain, with more than 2,000 stations serving England, Scotland and Wales. It’s an easy and efficient way to travel, with different train companies serving different parts. You can plan your journey using the National Rail Journey Planner , and before you know it, you could be in Brighton, Cardiff, or almost anywhere else! Journey lengths aren’t too onerous either - hop on a train in London and you can be in Scotland within four hours.
It’s easy to travel within regions and towns too. Plan your journey and buy tickets from large travel agents, online ticket providers, and at all railway stations.
Buying your ticket further in advance can save you money and sometimes it’s even cheaper to buy two separate singles than one return, so it pays to check this before booking. If you opt for a BritRail pass – exclusively for tourists – it offers unlimited journeys and various discounts, giving you the freedom to travel around at your own pace.
Travelling around London
Britain’s busiest, most populated and diverse city is England’s capital: London. While lots of the central areas are easy to explore by foot, you will no doubt need some form of transport during your stay. If you know where you want go to, you can find the quickest routes for your journeys in and around London using Transport for London’s (TfL) handy journey planner .
Transport tickets and Oyster Cards
The cheapest way to get around is by using a Visitor Oyster Card , a pre-paid electronic card that can be used on buses, the tube, the tram and most rail services within London’s travel fare zones (zones 1 to 6). You can save time by ordering your card before you arrive.
One-day paper travelcards (which cover bus, tube and inner-city rail services) are also available from all London Underground stations and are a good choice for short breaks. To charge or ‘top up’ your Oyster Card (known locally as an oyster), visit travel information centres, newsagents showing the blue Oyster symbol, and all London Underground stations. You can also use the Oyster Card app .
Contactless bank cards, Apple Pay and Android Pay can also be used on London’s transport system – there are daily caps meaning you can take unlimited journeys in a day for a set price, though these caps change depending on which zones you travel through.
The London Underground
The legendary London Underground network, often just called the tube, has more than 270 stations, each marked with the famous London Underground roundel logo.
Tubes run daily, apart from Christmas Day, from around 5:30am until midnight. Some lines run throughout the night at weekends. There are also fewer services on Sundays and public holidays.
Each tube line is represented by a different colour. Colour-coded maps can be found at every tube station and maps of the central section of the network are displayed on each tube carriage.
If you get lost, flag down a TfL staff member for help or simply ask fellow passengers – most Londoners will be happy to help.
Find out more about travel on the London Underground .
The London Overground and suburban rail services
The London Overground and a number of traditional rail services also operate out of London’s major hubs, such as Waterloo, Liverpool Street and Victoria, and travel to more suburban areas of London, particularly parts of south London which aren’t reachable by tube.
Oyster Cards and contactless bank cards can be used on many services up to certain stations (within the London fare zones). To be sure check the stations you use operate within these zones before travelling.
London buses
London buses come in all shapes and sizes – from double-deckers to single-deckers and Routemaster buses (with doors at the front, centre and rear) and operate all over the city. Check out bus routes with TfL’s handy bus map .
London buses don’t take cash - instead you need to touch your Oyster Card or a contactless bank card against the reader when you board the bus, and a set cost will be deducted from the card, regardless of how long the journey takes. Paper travelcards can also be used on buses - just show this to the driver when you board.
London has the most extensive night bus system in the world, with a number of buses running 24- hours-a-day, meaning you can go clubbing into the small hours without worrying about getting home.
Cycling is an increasingly popular and green ways to get around London and with hundreds of cycle lanes throughout the city, it’s easy.
Santander Cycle can be hired (and dropped off) from docking stations throughout the city. Just turn up, pay and cycle away.
Folding bikes are allowed on all forms of public transport, while non-folded bikes can only be taken on some services at specific times .
The famous London black cabs (officially known as Hackney Carriages) are as much as an institution as big red buses. Black cabs are safe and reliable and drivers have to undergo strict tests to get a licence. All are wheelchair accessible and accept credit and debit card payments, and some are now electric, making travelling around London even greener.
There are fewer black cabs outside central London, but you will find that plenty of mini-cab companies or check out minicab apps such as Uber or Bolt.
While it’s possible to drive around London, it can sometimes end up being the most time-consuming and expensive way to travel. London is congested, and cars are charged for entering certain central areas. This is known as the Congestion Charge , which is charged per day, and payable online. It applies to drivers who use the congestion zone Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm, although black cabs are exempt. Certain vehicles will also have to pay to drive within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) , which is in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This zone covers a larger area of London than the Congestion Charge.
Guidance for non-UK registered vehicles
If you intend to bring a vehicle from Europe and it is registered outside of the UK, you will need to register it with Transport for London before driving in the capital. More guidance can be found via the official Transport for London website .
You can also check if your vehicle meets emissions and safety standards. You can check your vehicle here .
London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
The London ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) costs £12.50 per day (from midnight to midnight) for non-compliant vehicles. It was expanded to cover all London Boroughs in August 2023. It operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, except Christmas Day (25 December).
A failure to pay the ULEZ for a non-compliant vehicle could result in a penalty charge notice of £180. This can be reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days but can also be increased should you fail to pay or successfully challenge it. Both UK and non-UK registered vehicles can be given penalty charge notices.
Find out more about the London ULEZ .
The Congestion Charge
The Congestion Charge covers central London and is a daily £15 charge. All vehicles driving in the zone are required to pay. It applies from 07:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday, and 12:00 – 18:00 at weekends and bank holidays. There is no charge from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day bank holiday, inclusive.
A failure to pay the Congestion Charge could result in a penalty charge notice of £180. This can be reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days but can also be increased should you fail to pay or successfully challenge it.
Find out more about the Congestion Charge .
London low emission zone (LEZ)
The low emission zone (LEZ) covers most of Greater London and operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The LEZ is not the same as the Congestion Charge zone in Central London and the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ).
If your vehicle is registered outside of the UK, you will need to register it with Transport for London to ensure that it meets the LEZ emission standards.
Find out more about the low emission zone .
Do driving charges apply to rental cars?
The Congestion Charge in London applies to all drivers. The requirement to pay the ULEZ fee will be dependent on whether your rental car meets emission standards. As most hire fleets are relatively new, the majority of vehicles will be exempt. Check with your car rental company when booking or picking up your vehicle to ensure it is compliant.
Travelling around other British towns and cities
Using public transport is an easy, economical way to travel around Britain’s cities and towns, and is a great way to experience local life.
Local buses
In most UK cities, you can buy bus tickets directly from the driver when you board a bus. Large areas like the West Midlands and Greater Manchester also have their own regional travel cards which are valid on all public transport within their area.
Check local tourist websites for timetables and more information. Regional bus operators may also have their own apps, which can be downloaded via the main app stores.
City tram networks
Edinburgh, Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham operate tram services – you can purchase tickets for the tram either from an on-board conductor or from ticket machines at tram stops. Get more information from local tourist offices and local tourist board’s websites.
Taxis and minicabs are available in cities and towns across Britain. Taxi ranks can be found just outside most busy train stations or you can phone for one in advance. Minicab apps, such as Uber or Bolt, also provide services in many of the major towns and cities.
Many city roads have cycle lanes and even dedicated traffic lights. Most destinations have somewhere you can hire bikes, and increasingly scooters.
The National Cycle Network , managed by Sustrans, also covers many different parts of Britain, providing signed routes and paths.
Travelling around Britain by car
What do you need to drive in britain.
You’ll need a current valid driving licence, and if required, an international driving permit.
You must keep proof of ownership or a rental agreement in your vehicle, plus any insurance documents.
Find out more information on what you’ll need to drive in Britain .
How to hire a car in Britain
With lots of hire car comparison sites, make sure to do your research in advance to find the best price.
You’ll find major car rental company desks at airports and coastal ports as well as others conveniently located in city centres and major towns.
All rental companies should include insurance cover and breakdown cover with car rental, so check this when you book.
You’ll also need to have a credit card in the name of the main driver to hire a vehicle.
Electric vehicles are also available to hire at many large rental companies.
Electric vehicles and charging points
Driving electric vehicles makes travelling around Britain more sustainable. Most major car rental companies will hire them. There’s some advantages with parking not afforded to petrol or diesel powered cars too.
Britain has an extensive and growing network of electric vehicle (EV) charging points with more than 20,000 locations in operation and more being added all the time. Some charging points are free to use while others require payment using an app or a credit or debit card.
Use the Zap Map website or app to find your nearest charging points.
Fuelling stations in Britain
Most petrol stations are self-service and instructions at the pump are easy to follow.
You’ll often pay for your fuel at the counter or at the pump itself using a bank card.
Clean air zones and low emission zones
What is a clean air zone (caz) or low emission zone (lez).
In a bid to reduce air pollution, some cities in the UK have clean air zones (CAZ) or low emission zones (LEZ). Vehicles that do not meet emission standards may be charged for entering the zones. The minimum emission standard can be found in your vehicle logbook or checked via your vehicle manufacturer.
England’s clean air zones
Seven cities in England have clean air zones (CAZ) – Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield, and Newcastle/Gateshead. However, charges may only apply to non-compliant cars and motorcycles for the zones in Birmingham and Bristol.
The CAZ minimum standard for cars and vans is Euro 6 (for diesel vehicles) and Euro 4 (for petrol vehicles), motorcycles are Euro 3.
The zones operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year (midnight to midnight).
Find out more about England’s clean air zones .
Scotland’s low emission zones
Unlike England’s clean air zones, non-compliant vehicles cannot enter Scottish low emission zones at any time. There is no daily charge, just a £60 daily penalty.
The Scottish LEZ minimum standard for cars and vans is Euro 6 (for diesel vehicles) and Euro 4 (for petrol vehicles). The LEZ in Glasgow has been enforced from June 2023. Further zones in Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen will be enforced from late May/early June 2024.
Find out more about Scotland’s low emission zones .
Toll roads and tunnels
Some toll roads, bridges and tunnels on the UK road network will require you to pay a charge. What you will need to pay varies by location and is dependent on the vehicle you are driving.
A full list of UK toll roads can be found on the official government website .
Tips for driving in Britain
Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Speed is measured in miles per hour and distances on road signs are displayed in miles.
Most hire cars will include GPS or offer a satellite navigation system as an extra, but it’s also a good idea to keep a map handy.
Take a look at the Highway Code for an up-to-date guide to all the current British driving regulations and traffic signs.
It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
There are some toll roads, bridges and tunnels within the UK road network. For information on toll road charges see GOV.UK .
Travelling around Britain by coach
If you’re on a budget, travelling by coach is a great alternative to train or car, but journey times can be longer.
If you know where you want to go, plan ahead and book your coach in advance from major operators like National Express or Megabus . You can also take a coach tour of places of interest - lasting anything from a couple of hours to couple of weeks. Choose from seaside towns to chocolate-box villages, historic sites to buzzing cities. It’s a good idea to book coach excursions or longer coach trips before you arrive here.
VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough
Travelling around Britain by air
If you’re short on time, then major cities and some towns are well connected by airports. This is an expensive option and once you’ve factored in getting to and from the airports, not always the most time efficient.
You can catch domestic flights from major cities like London to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen in around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Travelling around Britain by boat
Britain has thousands of miles of inland waterways and hundreds of islands scattered along its coastline, many of which can be explored by cruising in a canal boat or by hopping on a ferry.
You can hire canal and narrowboats, or take an organised boat tour. For more information of Britain’s canals, rivers and lakes, visit the Canal & River Trust website .
Ferries in Scotland sail to a myriad of destinations including the Isle of Skye, Stornaway and Lochboisdale in the Western Isles. Most of the ferry companies offer a variety of different ticket types including island-hop passes.
River ferries are an interesting alternative to the more usual forms of transport, like the ferry across the Mersey River between Liverpool and Birkenhead and the London river boats that run from Westminster to Greenwich and beyond.
On England’s south coast, hop across to the Isle of Wight in style with Hovertravel . Their hovercraft service runs every 15 minutes, year-round, connecting Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight in just ten minutes. Whether you’re headed for a longer stay or only have time for a day trip, there’s no faster way to cross the Solent.
You can discover more about boat routes and timetables by visiting local destination websites.
VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett
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