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A 10 Day UK Trip Itinerary by Public Transport

Last updated: August 1, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 31 Comments

In today’s post I’m going to share with you a 10 day itinerary for a UK trip, specifically covering England and Scotland, which will let you visit and travel around the UK entirely by public transport, and in particular by bus or train.

I have written a couple of posts giving detailed itineraries for the UK , but those are focused on self-drive trips. I’m often asked if they can be done by public transport, and whilst the answer is usually yes, it does come with caveats as the itineraries aren’t really designed around the public transport system in the UK.

With that in mind, I’ve put together the below itinerary for ten days in the UK that is designed to be done by public transport. The UK has an excellent public transport system, especially between the major cities, making it relatively easy to see quite a lot in a short space of time. So if you are interested in travelling the UK by train or bus, this itinerary is for you!

Let’s get started with my guide to taking a trip around the UK forb ten days by public transport.

A 10 Day UK Trip Itinerary

Here’s the detailed day by day itinerary for your 10 days in the UK

Days 1 & 2: London

I firmly believe that no trip to the UK is complete without spending some time in London, and that’s why this itinerary is kicking off with two days in the capital.

10 Day UK Itinerary - St Pauls Cathedral London

There is so much to do in London, and even if you have visited before, I guarantee you will find plenty to do. From classic sights like the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace to visiting the Tower of London , through to afternoon teas and shopping at iconic stores like Harrods – truly, everyone will find something they love to do in London.

We have visited London a number of times, and have put together a number of guides to the city to help you out. Our first tip for inspiration would be to check out our guide to spending two days in London , which should give you some ideas, and if you have more time to spend in London check out our detailed six day London itinerary .

We’ve also written a guide to getting into the city centre by public transport from all the major London airports , which you should find helpful for planning your arrival and departure if you are flying into the city.

Finally, if you’re planning on doing some sight-seeing, we definitely suggest checking out the London Pass , which will likely save you money. You can see our full review of the London Pass here .

For accommodation, London has options to suit every budget. Start your search by taking a look at the London listings on booking.com , which is our preferred way of booking accommodation when we travel. For apartments, we love the curated selection on Plum Guide .

Day 3: Oxford

From London, it’s about an hours train ride to Oxford, or around an hour and a half by bus. Oxford is a stunning small university city that has served as the inspiration for numerous novels and films, and was one of the locations that the Harry Potter films were shot at. It’s a definite must for any visit to the UK.

10 Day UK Itinerary - Oxford Radcliffe Camera

A day is enough to see the city as it’s quite small. We’d recommend taking a walking tour of the city and universities , dropping into one of the beautiful old pubs like the Turf Tavern , and perhaps trying your hand at a spot of punting. There are also several great museums to explore in Oxford.

Otherwise, we’re sure you’ll just enjoy wandering the gorgeous streets of this city. For a lovely view across said streets, take a walk up to the top of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin , which is right next to the Radcliffe Camera.

For more inspiration, take a look at our guide to spending a day in Oxford, a city we love visiting so much that Jess also wrote her thoughts on visiting Oxford for a day !

For accommodation, see the options for Oxford on booking.com here .

Days 4 & 5: Bristol

From Oxford, it’s an hours train ride to the next city on our 10 day UK itinerary – the lovely port city of Bristol. Buses are also available from Oxford to Bristol, and the journey is around three hours by bus.

In Bristol you’ll find a rich history of ship-building and trade, as well as Victorian engineering marvels like the Clifton Suspension Bridge. There’s an old city center to explore, one of the most vibrant street art scenes in the UK , beautifully coloured houses to photograph and of course, a number of excellent museums.

10 Day UK Itinerary - Bristol colourful houses

One highlight not to miss is the SS Great Britain . Originally built in Bristol in 1845, this was the world’s first ship to boast both an iron hull and a screw propeller.

She’s been beautifully restored and is now Bristol’s top visitor attraction. Note that tickets are slightly cheaper if you book them online, which you can do online here .

If you visit in August, you’ll also be able to attend Europe’s largest annual Balloon Fiesta – the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta . This takes place over four days in early August every year, and is free to attend.

For more ideas for your visit to Bristol, take a look at our guide to things to do in Bristol , as well as our guide to visiting the Bristol Balloon Fiesta , should you be lucky enough to be in town during this epic event.

For accommodation in Bristol, take a look at the Bristol accommodation page of booking.com .

Days 6 & 7: Liverpool

From Bristol, it’s time to turn north and head up to the home of the Beatles – Liverpool! You’re looking at around a three hour ten minute train ride from Bristol, which includes a change of trains (usually at Birmingham or Stafford). There are also buses available, which take in the region of 5 to 7 hours.

There’s plenty to do in Liverpool to fill two days of your time. Fans of the Beatles will want to head to Liverpool’s most popular museum – the Beatles Story . This is the world’s largest permanent exhibition devoted to one of the UK’s most successful rock bands.

Liverpool has more than the Beatles though. Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock waterfront area has been revived, and turned from a 19th century dock complex to a modern thriving attraction with shops, accommodations, museums and attractions. As well as the Beatles Story, you’ll also find the Merseyside Maritime Museum , the Tate Liverpool , and the International Slavery Museum .

Finally, football fans might want to take a stadium tour of Anfield – the home of Liverpool FC.

For accommodation in Liverpool, see all the listings for Liverpool on booking.com here .

Day 8: York

Now we’re going to head north east across England, past Manchester and Leeds, to the beautiful historic city of York – just under three hours train ride away. Buses are also available, and these generally take between four and six hours.

The walled city of York was founded by the Romans nearly two thousand years ago, and has seen it’s fair share of history – for a time it was even ruled by the Vikings, and was known as Jórvík.

Today, there are still many reminders of the cities medieval past. A walk through “the Shambles” is a must – a winding medieval street overhung by old, timber framed houses and lined with pretty shops.

You’ll also want to check out the city walls – York has more miles of intact city wall than any other city in the UK. Originally built in Roman times, the surviving walls largely date from the 12th – 14th centuries, and you can see both the walls and their gatehouses, also known as “bars”.

Finally, no visit to York is complete without a visit to York Minster, York’s Cathedral. This is one of the most impressive religious buildings in the UK, built in the Gothic style, and with the present building dating from the 13th century. A highlight of any visit has to be a walk up to the top of the towers, from where you’ll get a gorgeous view.

For more information on your trip to York, see our guide to spending two days in York , which should give you lots of inspiration.

For your accommodation in York, check out the listings on booking.com here .

Days 9 & 10: Edinburgh

Our last stop on our ten day UK itinerary has you crossing the Scottish border and visiting the Scottish capital – Edinburgh.

From York, it’s around a 2.5 hour train ride to Edinburgh, or 5 – 8 hours by bus.

This is a fantastically beautiful medieval city which features a castle built atop a volcano, lovely old cobbled streets, a whole Georgian era town, quaint villages to explore and of course, all the things you would expect from Scotland – haggis, tartan, bagpipers, and whisky!

There is a lot to do in Edinburgh. We very much recommend a visit to Edinburgh Castle , a stroll down the Royal Mile and some whisky sampling at the Edinburgh Whisky Experience.

If you’re planning on visiting a number of the Royal sights in Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Yacht Britannia , then you should consider a Royal Edinburgh Ticket . As well as giving you access to those three attractions, it also gives you a two day hop on hop off bus ticket for Edinburgh. See our full review of the Royal Edinburgh ticket to see if it might save you money.

For more ideas in Edinburgh, check out our suggestions for two days in Edinburgh , as well as our guide to some of Edinburgh’s hidden gems . For accommodation, see Edinburgh’s listings on booking.com .

For returning home after your UK tour is done, you have a number of options depending on where you are returning to. Edinburgh airport is just eight miles outside the city center, and offers a wide range of flights to both domestic and international destinations. To get to Edinburgh airport you can take the tram or AirLink Bus directly to and from the city centre.

If your return flight is from London, you have a number of options for returning to the capital city (including flying of course).

The main train station in Edinburgh (Edinburgh Waverley) is centrally located, and there are a number of train services that run directly to London, taking around 4 – 5.5 hours. There is also the option to take an overnight sleeper train from Edinburgh to London – read our experience doing that here . You can also take a bus from Edinburgh to London, which takes between 9 and 11 hours.

For more options, check out our detailed guide to getting between Edinburgh and London .

And that sums up our route for a ten day UK trip across England and Scotland! Now for some helpful hints and tips to help you plan your perfect adventure.

Map of Route for 10 Day UK itinerary

Here’s a map of the route to help you out with visualizing our 10 day UK trip itinerary, which you can see on Google Maps here .

10 Days in the UK: Summary Itinerary

Here’s a quick overview of this itinerary for reference:

Days 1 & 2 : London

Tips for Using Public Transport in the UK

When it comes to taking public transit in the UK, you have two main options, the train or the bus, more commonly known as a coach.

As you can see from post, the train service in the UK is going to be the fastest way to get around for this public transport itinerary, especially between the major cities.

To get the best prices on trains, it’s essential that you book in advance. Tickets purchased on the day are nearly always going to be more expensive. Advance purchase tickets will save you money and usually come with a seat reservation.

There are a number of websites for booking UK train tickets online. We recommend the Trainline service, who have been around for a long time, and who we usually find to be the easiest for booking train tickets across the UK.

Opt to collect your ticket at the station to save on the ticket delivery fee – you will need the booking reference number and your credit card to pick up the ticket. Note that this will usually require a PIN enabled credit card. Alternatively, they usually allow you to print your tickets at home or use e-tickets.

They also let you book tickets for destinations all across Europe, and so are a handy one stop shop for all your ticket needs.

If you’d prefer not to have to worry about booking all the train tickets individually, or figuring out the pricing structure, another option is to invest in a UK rail pass. These are only available to UK visitors who don’t have a UK passport. If that’s you, you can likely save time and money by buying a UK Britrail pass .

For this itinerary, the best pass would likely be the 8 day consecutive pass, which would get you from London to Edinburgh through all the locations on this itinerary. These are available in first or second class, depending on your budget and travel style. Get yours here .

By Bus or Coach

You can also easily do this itinerary by taking long distance bus services (called coaches in the UK). Coach fares are often cheaper than train fairs, although as you can see from the itinerary, they usually take quite a bit longer. We therefore would only advise them if you are looking to save the maximum amount of money, or for the shorter legs like London to Oxford, or Oxford to Bristol.

They can also sometimes be a little easier, such as in the case of Bristol to Liverpool, as that route by train requires a change.

There are a number of long distance coach operators in the UK. The two we would recommend are National Express and Megabus , both of which offer a wide range of routes across the country.

From London to Oxford specifically, you have more choices, as well as the above options you can take the Oxford Tube . We’d suggest finding the route that departs from closest to your hotel to make it easier to get to it with your luggage.

As with the train, in most cases the best deals are available if you book as far in advance as possible for a specific bus time.

Is this UK Itinerary Achievable with Children?

So first, I have to say that Jess and I don’t have kids, so we don’t have first hand experience of travelling with children. However, a common question from readers is whether or not this UK itinerary can be done as a family.

Of course, every family is different, and there is no one size fits all answer. It will depend a lot on your individual family and travel style.

That said, speaking to friends with children and other family travel bloggers, as a general rule you will want to adjust your trip pace somewhat to suit the needs of your family. With this in mind, I would probably advise slowing the pace a little bit for the trip, and in this case of this itinerary, perhaps skipping one or two towns so you can travel a bit slower.

Obviously what you choose to leave out is up to you, but I would overall suggest focusing on Edinburgh, York, Oxford and London as an example, with 2 – 3 days in Edinburgh / London, and 1-2 days in York / Oxford.

Other Options for Touring the UK

If, having read all the above, you are feeling a bit overwhelmed at the idea of planning your UK trip yourself, don’t worry. We have a couple of other options for you to consider.

First, you could take a group tour of the UK. This will take you to a wide variety of sights, with someone else handling all the logistics, and letting you just relax and chill out.

We have used and can recommend Rabbie’s Trail Burners for this sort of thing – they’re a small group tour operator with lots of experience and great guides. As an example, they have an eight day tour that departs from London and goes to Edinburgh . Whilst the route isn’t quite the same, you will still see plenty of cool stuff.

Finally, you can also arrange a private tour. This will usually be a more expensive option, but will mean you can put something totally customised together. This is a service offered by a number of companies, we would again recommend Rabbie’s Trail Burners who offer a customised tour service .

Another option we are happy to recommend is professional driver-guide Robina Brown, who is a blue-badge guide offering tours across the UK. See her website here .

Where to Stay in the UK

For accommodation, there are a great many options to choose from, ranging from cosy B&B’s through to upmarket hotels, and everything in between. We’re big fans of Plum Guide , but for shorter city stays like those outlined in this itinerary, you will probably find hotels to be more convenient.

Our go-to choice to find the best deals on accommodation is with Booking.com . We find they usually have the best prices, they will price match if you happen to find a better deal, and they have a huge range of accommodation options – including apartments.
If you prefer an apartment or more of a hosted stay, then we recommend Plum Guide . We’ve tried many options, and have found Plum Guide to have the most consistent experience in terms of quality places to stay.
If you can’t find the room or apartment you want on Plum Guide, or you want some new options to try out, we have some alternatives we also use. We suggest trying Vrbo to start with. For even more ideas to help you save money and get the best choice, we wrote a whole post on the best holiday cottage and apartment rentals options in the UK .

Between these options, you should find the best prices and places to stay for your trip, as well as a good selection of reviews and feedback to help you make an informed decision.

When to Visit the UK

The UK is good to visit at any time of year, although for the best weather and longer daylight hours, we’d definitely suggest visiting in the warmer months – from May to September. May and September are probably our favourite times of year, the weather is usually quite reasonable but the tourist crowds are not too intense.

Christmas, and the period leading up to Christmas, can also be a wonderful time to visit, when the streets and shops are all brightly lit and decorated for the festive season.

For a good example of this, check out our guide to visiting Edinburgh at Christmas .

There are 31 comments on this post

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Vittorio says

28th June 2022 at 4:12 am

Hi Laurence,

Thank you very much for putting this itinerary together, it’s been really helpful and I’m actually thinking about following it quite closely. To give you a little bit of context: I’m from Argentina and I’m 23. I’m traveling in end of September, and I’m gonna spend a couple of days in London, then go to Dublin and back to London due to certain events I’ll be attending. After that, I have two spare weeks. I’m a little bit unsure about Bristol as a destination. I’m not exactly a museum-kind-of-guy so I’m actually afraid it might not be a destination for me? In addition to that, I think I have exactly 13 days after I leave London. Do you think there’s any other place I should definitely add to my list? Bath? Cardiff?

Any advice you might have or any tweaks to this itinerary that you can think of will be greatly appreciated. Once again, thank you for your work, you make planning so very much easier.

Best, Vittorio

Laurence Norah says

28th June 2022 at 9:23 am

Hi Vittorio,

Great to hear from you and it sounds like you have a fun time ahead 🙂 So Bristol definitely has a lot more to offer than museums, it’s one of the best places in the UK for street art, it has a vibrant student and arts culture and there is definitely plenty to see and do as you would expect from a medium sized city. It is hard to know if it is right for you specifically as I’m not sure what your interests are. Many city destinations are going to offer a range of attractions. Somewhere like Bath for example is known for its pretty Georgian architecture, and there is lovely walking in the area around. Oxford and Cambridge have lovely colleges you can explore. However all three of these are smaller than Bristol. Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham are larger cities with a bigger feel and more choice of things like dining etc. However, it really depends a lot on what you want to see and do. So if you could give me an idea of what you would love to do then I can perhaps offer some more specific advice 🙂

30th June 2022 at 9:43 pm

Hi Laurence!

Thank you for such detailed answer, and sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I hope I will have a good time in the UK, I’m super excited!

You asked me what I would love to do… I love sports, so finding cities with a sports culture and history is always amazing. When I travel, I really like walkable cities where you can wander around and get lost in the streets and find little places to have coffee or a couple of drinks, or maybe just snap a picture of a beautiful alley. I’m also really fond of street art and architecture. I love meeting new people, so if the community is friendly is always a plus. Music is one of my great passions as well, so if there are places where one can go and check out local bands with a beer in hand, that’s amazing. Shopping is not a must, to be honest. Apart from that, I like nature so coastal cities or parks within big cities are usually places where I like to take a break from the hassle of the city.

I’m still young and discovering what I like to do when I travel, but that’s mostly what I like to do when I’m abroad. Get up early, have a good breakfast and walk until dawn 🙂

Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it. Cheers! Vittorio

1st July 2022 at 11:30 am

Hey Vittorio,

My pleasure, and there’s no rush! So in terms of sports obviously London has a rich history with multiple football teams, the Olympic Park and locations like Wimbledon. Manchester and Liverpool are also well known worldwide for their football teams. Most of these locations you can either go see a game (depending on schedules) or take a tour of the stadium. So definitely consider that.

If you like street art Bristol is probably one of the best cities in the UK for street art. It’s where Banksy started his career, and many of his originals can still be seen. Bristol also hosts a massive street art festival every year, and the street art around the city is really good. You can see my guide to street art in Bristol for more.

For live music, London is good for that for sure, just because the city is so big that there are so many venues. Check out the Camden area in particular. Liverpool is also good for this, it was the home of the Beatles after all! For parks, London also has excellent parks, but smaller cities like Bath and Oxford are surrounded by nature so it is easy to get out. Bath in particular has some lovely countryside around it and the six mile Bath Skyline walk is a lovely countryside walk you can do from the city centre on foot.

I would definitely include Edinburgh and York as well. York makes for a nice day of exploring, it’s small but the medieval streets are lovely. The same can be said for the old town of Edinburgh.

So I would probably say that this itinerary should overall work for you, every location has something a little bit different to offer. You could tweak it a bit in terms of how long you spend in each location, but overall I think it should be a good match!

Shemna says

18th January 2022 at 4:45 pm

Thank you for this itinerary! My sister and I are planning to travel in 2 weeks time for 10 days. We were thinking of covering London extensively and york. We have already been to Edinburgh before so not doing Scotland this time. We’re more interested to spend time visiting quainter villages. So we were thinking of having London as a base and doing day trips from there to Cotswolds, bath, the Stonehenge – what other place wud you recommend? And would you suggest any other place to make base rather than London?

Thanks in advance! Shemna

21st January 2022 at 10:52 am

It’s my pleasure! I would say you have a good plan. London is probably the best base as you can either take a train to the locations you describe, or book a day trip. I’d suggest maybe adding Stratford Upon Avon, Oxford and or Cambridge to your list, they are all worth visiting and easy to do as a day trip from London. Bath makes a good base for the Cotswolds, but I’m not sure if there are many tours from Bath specifically. Let me know if I can be of any more help!

17th January 2020 at 5:39 pm

This is precisely what I am looking for, for my upcoming 2-week ‘milestone birthday’ tour of Great Britain. I don’t want to drive, rather wanted a train journey with stops and day tours. Thank you for providing such detailed information! You’ve saved me a great deal of planning time! Susan

18th January 2020 at 10:00 am

Our pleasure Susan! If you have any questions as you plan, feel free to get in touch 🙂 We also have a travel facebook group with lots of folk keen to help out, which you can see here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

Have a lovely trip!

Tracy Lewis says

1st January 2020 at 5:49 pm

Hello, Just happened upon your website; can’t wait to share it. We are 4 seniors (2 married couples) planning a trip to Scotland, Ireland and Wales in mid to late Apr. 2020. We do not want to rent a car. I have a teacher friend in Welshpool Wales that I want to see. Please tell us the best way to visit these 3 places – train, ferry, plane? Which would you do first? We are leaving from NC in the USA. Thanks so much. I do have a concern that if we’re not with a tour group we’ll only be able to see the cities and not much of the countryside. I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks again!!

1st January 2020 at 5:50 pm

This is Tracy Lewis again. I think I forgot to mention that we can only be gone 16 days.

1st January 2020 at 8:23 pm

Thanks for your messages! So train is going to be the best way to get around England, Scotland and Wales. You can definitely get the train to Welshpool as I have done it myself many times as my grandparents used to live in that direction, you can get the train from Birmingham, which in turn you can reach easily from most of the rest of the UK.

In terms of seeing the countryside, certainly, you will be a little restricted without a car but all hope is not lost. If you combine the train with local buses you should be able to see quite a lot without needing a car. Of course, a tour is another good option, but obviously you have to go where the tour goes rather than at your own leisure. One option in this scenario is to base yourself in some of the cities and then take day trips out into the country. This can be a great way to get your countryside fix and see some of the sights that might be harder to see otherwise. In Scotland for example, there are a range of day trips from Edinburgh we’ve written about .

Between the UK and Ireland you can either fly or take a ferry. Without a car, I’d say flying from either Glasgow / Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin would be easiest. From these two cities you can also take a number of day trips, or even 2 day tours. I think that would be what I would do – base myself in the city and then take the tours in the day, either day trips or two days tours.

I hope this helps a bit, let me know if I can offer any further advice and assistance 🙂

Have a great trip, and Happy New Year!

30th December 2019 at 5:12 am

Hi there. This site is a great find. I will be travelling to the UK in May/June spending a week in London visiting family and sites, then possibly following your itinerary afterwards. Just wondering if taking an 8 day rail pass to all the locations you mention, after my week in London, whether I could manage a return trip from Edinburgh to London on that same pass? Also, do you recommend one direction over the other? That is, based on time of year, would starting in Edinburgh, or London be best? Thanks in advance….

30th December 2019 at 3:23 pm

Thanks very much! So the rail pass will work for travel as long as you are within the 8 days of the passes validity. In terms of direction – I don’t think it matters too much! I would probably start in London as it’s the UK capital, but really it doesn’t make difference. The only difference would be around flights and where you want to fly to / from, and if this makes a difference to price. Don’t forget to check flight prices from Glasgow – it’s not far from Edinburgh and often has some good prices.

Have a great trip!

Karen Street says

20th October 2019 at 12:43 am

Hello, First of all thank you for this information. I appreciate it. My husband and I are planning to travel december 2020 for our 10 year anniversary. (I know it’s a little bit early but planning ahead is good for us.?)This is our first UK trip and planning for 10 days. Public transport or car? We are debating with that and we have experienced left side of the road driving because we just got back from Ireland. With public transport less stress right? Please advise for December season.

Thanks again.

21st October 2019 at 8:32 pm

Our pleasure. So if you are used to driving on the “wrong” side of the road, you should be fine driving if you choose to. However, if you are happy sticking largely to the cities, as outlined in this itinerary, then public transport would be my preferred option. It’s usually quicker (especially the train), can be more affordable if you book in advance, and most UK cities are not really car friendly so you have to park the car and pay for parking. So yes, I’d go for public transport 🙂

Have a great trip and let me know if I can help any more!

PS – it’s never too soon to plan!

karen street says

22nd October 2019 at 7:50 pm

Hello Laurence,

Thank you for the reply. Can you give me an advice during Christmas time where to stay? Planning leaving LA on 12/16/2020 to 12/28/2020. Help! Thanks 🙂

24th October 2019 at 12:48 pm

It’s really up to you in terms of your budget and requirements. For that time of year I’d recommend booking in advance, and I link to the website for booking.com on each city section so you can search 🙂 I have recommendations for some of the cities specifically in some of our other posts, including our London , Edinburgh , Oxford and Bristol content, which should also give you some more specific ideas!

Kathy Jones says

12th April 2019 at 6:30 am

Hi Laurence…..2 queries!!….we leave London ( staying in E Putney ) on train bound for Truro, with our luggage. Which station most practical to use please? Paddington the closest? Hiring a car at Truro ( probably Enterprise…hoping they’re as good as their website!) driving around U.K. for 10 days and returning car to Edinburgh before catching train to London again. Some have advised to drop hire car off at airport as Edinburgh city driving is a nightmare?!…but I see Enterprise have a depot in Waverley, which makes more sense to me as we are staying in Great King St in the centre. Would we manage the city streets?! Really grateful again for your help.

12th April 2019 at 12:06 pm

So I’m not sure you have a choice of train stations, unless I’m misunderstanding the question. The train you are booked on will have a specific departure station, so that’s the one you’ll have to go to 🙂 It’s it departs from Paddington, that’s an easy tube ride from East Putney, direct on the district line.

It’s hard for me to comment exactly on driving in Edinburgh. Personally I drive in Edinburgh all the time and have no problems, but I know friends of mine visiting from the US did not enjoy it (although this was exacerbated a great deal by them accidentally hiring a manual car that they weren’t used to!). Given that you are already used to driving on the left hand side of the road in a manual car, I don’t think you’ll have any problems. Bear in mind that many people coming to drive in the UK are used to driving automatics on the other side of the road, which can make the whole process a lot more nerve wracking. So I think you should be fine. Just make sure you have Google Maps with Edinburgh downloaded so you can get navigation instructions 🙂

Hope this helps! Have a great trip – let me know if I can help any more!

26th March 2019 at 11:56 pm

What do you do with your luggage while you’re sightseeing? Thanks.

27th March 2019 at 11:02 am

We usually leave it with the hotel we are staying at. If that’s not an option, we try and find a secure storage locker. However, that’s not normally an issue, most hotels are happy to hold onto it 🙂

31st October 2018 at 8:28 pm

Hi, Thank you for sharing such a detailed information! I’m really interested to plan my trip in december based on your guides. However, I will also be travelling with a baby, do you think this guide will be doable while travelling with a baby around 9 months old? What do you think I should adjust given the situation?

1st November 2018 at 1:38 pm

Thanks for your comment. I have to preface my response by saying that I don’t have children, so I don’t have any first hand experience. I know from speaking with other families who travel though, that it does tend to add a fair bit of overhead to the trip. I think with a 9 month old this may be reduced as they can sleep a lot, so you can take them to more places perhaps than a toddler who will need more consideration. But I would still suggest perhaps cutting the trip down a little bit and maybe skipping a couple of destinations. You can see a suggested reduction in the trip itinerary in this comment here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/10-day-uk-itinerary-public-transport-train-bus/#comment-8660

Hope this helps!

Alana Gaymon says

23rd October 2018 at 12:42 pm

This is a great itinerary! We may need some modifications, but I love the idea of seeing the U.K. by rail. Thanks so much!

23rd October 2018 at 1:04 pm

Our pleasure! Thanks for stopping by and letting us know!

Puspita says

23rd October 2018 at 6:46 am

Hi! This is going to be our first trip to UK and we found your itinerary here is so helpful..very detail and interesting! However, is this itinerary doable with family with young children? I am concerned with the luggages too! Lastly,.. Is it possible (& sensible to go to Edinburg straight from Gatwick airport and then following your itinerary backward all the way down to London ? Thanks a lot for your reply!

23rd October 2018 at 2:06 pm

Hi Puspita,

Delighted to have been able to help. So first, I have to say that Jess and I don’t have kids, so we don’t have first hand experience of travelling with children. That said, speaking to friends with children and other family travel bloggers, you certainly have to adjust your trip pace somewhat to suit their needs, which will vary individually of course. So I would probably advise slowing the pace a little bit, and in this case of this itinerary, perhaps skipping one or two towns so you can travel a bit slower.

Obviously what you choose to leave out is up to you, but you might perhaps focus on Edinburgh, York, Oxford and London as an example, with 2 – 3 days in Edinburgh / London, and 1-2 days in York / Oxford.

You can definitely go straight from Gatwick to Edinburgh. The easiest way is going to be to fly, although of course that is the mode of transport with the most restrictive luggage allowances. Other types of transport such as trains and coaches are less restrictive.

I hope this helps – have a great trip!

27th August 2018 at 5:25 am

Hi guys, thanks for the fantastic info! My wife and I will be visiting Birtain from Canada for 10 days next month and will be virtually mirroring your itinerary. How do you suggest packing for a trip using public transportation? Suitcases or backpacks? And how do you deal with trinkets purchased along the way?

27th August 2018 at 12:27 pm

Our pleasure 🙂 We usually travel with rolling luggage, specifically something like the Osprey Sojourn 60L. The UK is an easy place for rolling luggage, but luggage with slightly larger wheels will be easier to manage we think. We find backpacks are better in countries where there is less paving, but in the UK you can roll your bags pretty much everywhere, so it’s a lot easier. On trains there is nearly always a luggage area either at the end of the carriage or in the middle, whilst buses will have a dedicated luggage area under the passenger area. We’d advise having a smaller bags for your valuables (camera / passport etc), which you can keep with you.

For trinkets… we have two options. We usually try and leave enough space in our bags so they fit in as they go. Alternatively, for larger items it can just be easier to mail these back to yourself, but just be aware of any tax implications or import fees. But we generally try to avoid picking up anything too bulky (hence our extensive collection of fridge magnets)

I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip and do please check back in to let us know how it was!

Richard says

23rd July 2018 at 3:22 am

Hello, Thanks for the wonderful information. As a suggested show to see this summer at the Fringe, stop by the Bedlam Theatre to see Theatre Movement Bazaar’s “Grail Project”. Our son is performing in this play about the King Arther days. This will be his third time at the Fringe as a performer. Your 2 week agenda of London -Edinburgh – Ireland – London is great. We can expand the time along the way to make it work for our 4 weeks. Big question though is it possible to make it work and see all the sites you mention by way of train or bus, or will we need to rent a car? I was hoping not to have to rent a car.

24th July 2018 at 9:44 pm

Hi Richard! Thanks for the recommendation! We’ll do our best to look him up, we’re in Edinburgh the for festival this year 🙂

For the 10 day itinerary here, you can definitely do it by public transport.

For the 14 day itinerary, it is possible for most of it, but the more remote castles, stately homes and national parks would be more of a challenge. No problem though, there are loads of tour companies that run short 1 day or half day tours to many of the attractions listed, so you could take small group tours to some of the attractions and thus circumvent the need to either hire a car, or figure out the (sometimes, rather challenging!) rural public transport system!

This article was updated on July 24th, 2023.

The United Kingdom is a place packed with attractions and easy travel options. When it comes to getting around, you’ve got two choices – using your own car for the freedom to explore even remote spots, but keep in mind the expenses like rental fees, fuel costs, tolls, and traffic.

On the other hand, public transportation is a great option. England has an extensive network of trains and coaches (buses) that’ll whisk you away with ease. It’s often the more budget-friendly choice for getting around, and once you’re in the city, walking is the way to go!

No worries, we’ve got you covered with this handy guide to navigating England. From the best companies to the coolest ways to reach your destinations, we’re here to make your life easier and help you save money by finding the best deals on bus and train fares. Get ready to explore the UK efficiently and on a budget.

Travel by Bus and Coach 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. Here are some popular bus and coach options:

National Express: National Express is one of the largest coach operators in the UK, covering a wide range of routes throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. They offer comfortable coaches with amenities like air conditioning and onboard restrooms.

Megabus UK : Megabus UK is known for its budget-friendly fares, with tickets starting as low as £1. They have a broad network of routes, making it an excellent option for travelers on a tight budget. While the prices can be incredibly low, it’s essential to book in advance to secure these deals.

Stagecoach : Stagecoach operates in most regions across the UK, offering convenient services in cities like London, Manchester, Cambridge, Edinburgh and more. They also have regional day passes and travel cards, providing flexible options for frequent travelers.

FlixBus : FlixBus is a well-known European bus company that has expanded its services to the UK. They offer international connections to destinations like France, Belgium, and Germany, making it a great good for those planning a broader European tour.

BlaBlaBus (formerly Ouibus): BlaBlaBus is another European bus operator that provides affordable travel options in Europe. They offer routes connecting London to major cities in Europe, like Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.

For an overview of all your bus and coach options and compare prices, view all coach routes in the United Kingdom .

When to choose the bus/coach for traveling around the UK

Traveling by bus and coach in the UK offers a host of advantages, making it an excellent choice for specific situations and preferences. Here are some scenarios when opting for bus or coach travel can be the ideal option:

Exploring the Countryside and Scenic Routes: One of the standout advantages of coach travel is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the UK’s countryside. Coaches often take routes that offer breathtaking views of rolling hills, picturesque landscapes, and charming villages. If you’re a nature enthusiast or simply want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, traveling by coach allows you to savor the stunning vistas along the way.

Cost-Effective Travel: If you’re on a budget-conscious trip, coaches can be a more affordable option compared to trains. Companies like Megabus UK and National Express offer incredibly low fares, with tickets starting from as low as £1. By booking early and taking advantage of special promotions, you can save significant money on your travel expenses.

Flexibility in Itinerary: Coaches serve a wide network of routes, connecting cities, towns, and even more remote areas. If you have a flexible travel schedule and want to explore multiple destinations without being tied to fixed train timetables, coaches can offer greater flexibility and convenience. They are particularly useful for travelers who wish to visit off-the-beaten-path locations, where the train tracks don’t go.

Comfortable Onboard Amenities: Most coach operators in the UK provide modern coaches equipped with amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and comfortable seating. These amenities make long journeys more pleasant and allow you to stay connected or entertained throughout the trip.

European Connections: If you’re planning a broader European adventure, some coach companies, such as National Express and FlixBus, offer international connections to neighboring countries like France, Belgium, and Germany. This can be an economical and hassle-free way to explore multiple European destinations in one trip. The hours are longer, for sure, but you can save some money.

Avoiding Urban Traffic and Parking Hassles: When traveling to popular cities where parking can be a challenge and traffic congestion is common, taking a coach can save you the hassle of navigating busy urban roads. Coaches usually have designated drop-off points in central locations, providing convenient access to major attractions.

Travel by train in the UK

When it comes to long-distance travel within England, trains offer a clear advantage over buses, providing a faster and more comfortable option for exploring the country. With an extensive network of train tracks, several companies cater to even small cities in the United Kingdom, ensuring convenient connectivity for travelers.

The well-equipped trains and train stations enhance the overall travel experience, providing passengers with comfortable and pleasant journeys. It’s no surprise that British trains have earned a reputation for their punctuality, with the majority of services running on time, earning the trust of both locals and visitors alike.

However, one drawback of train travel in the UK is the potential cost, particularly when tickets are booked close to the travel date. For budget-conscious travelers, planning ahead and purchasing tickets early is highly recommended, as it can result in substantial savings, making train travel a more affordable option for most of us.

By opting for trains, travelers can look forward to an efficient and enjoyable way to explore the diverse landscapes and charming destinations that England has to offer. While fares may pose a challenge, early booking allows you to embark on your journey with both comfort and budget in mind, ensuring a rewarding travel experience across the scenic landscapes of the United Kingdom.

Train travel in the UK offers a convenient and efficient way to explore the country, connecting major cities and regions with speed and comfort. You can still find the best option by comparing bus and train ticket prices on platforms like Busbud, which allows you to make the smartest choice for your journey.

Top Train Companies in the UK:

GWR (Great Western Railway): GWR operates services between London and the West of England, including popular destinations like Bath, Bristol, and Cardiff. They also offer scenic routes through the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds.
LNER (London North Eastern Railway): LNER operates on the East Coast Main Line, connecting London to cities such as Edinburgh, Newcastle, and York. Their Azuma trains offer a comfortable and smooth travel experience.
TransPennine Express: TransPennine Express specializes in connecting cities in the North of England and Scotland, providing convenient routes between locations like Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.
CrossCountry: CrossCountry operates a vast network of routes, connecting cities in the South West, Midlands, North East, and Scotland. Their services provide connections to various locations, making it a versatile choice for travelers.
Eurostar : For European journeys, Eurostar remains a popular choice, offering high-speed connections from London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and other European cities. You can easily find and book Eurostar train tickets on Busbud, where you can compare train and coach ticket prices to travel all over the world.

When the UK trains are your best choice:

Speed and Efficiency: Trains are generally faster than coaches, making them a preferred choice for longer journeys between major cities. High-speed trains can significantly reduce travel time, allowing you to cover more ground in a short period.

Comfort and Amenities : Many train services in the UK offer comfortable seating, onboard facilities, and amenities, such as WiFi, refreshments, and restrooms, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.

Convenient City-Center Locations: Train stations are often located in the heart of cities, providing easy access to local transportation and major attractions. This saves time and effort when arriving at your destination.

Reliable Schedules: Trains in the UK generally operate on reliable schedules, with frequent departures, allowing you to plan your travel with confidence.

Eco-Friendly Option : Train travel is a more environmentally friendly choice compared to other modes of transportation, making it a sustainable option for conscious travelers.

Whether you choose to travel by bus or train, the UK offers an extensive transportation network to cater to various travel preferences and needs. To make the best decision for your journey, compare ticket prices, consider the distance and convenience, and enjoy exploring the rich cultural and natural wonders of the United Kingdom. busbud.com/en/r/gcpvj0-gcuvz1

Comparing Prices Between Coach and Train

Here are the minimum prices you should expect when travelling from London.

Prices Comparison For National Journeys by Coach and Train

Prices comparison for european journeys by coach and train.

* Prices based on lowest adult fares (no railcards required) available on busbud.com for coaches and nationalrail.co.uk for national trains and eurostar.com, thetrainline.com, bahn.de and capitainetrain.com for European trains for a one month advance booking for Friday, February 27th 2015.

Car Rentals in the UK

If you prefer the flexibility of driving, car rentals are available throughout the UK. However, it’s important to be mindful of the left-hand traffic system, which can be confusing for foreigners from most Western countries. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and road signs before embarking on your journey.

Plan your trip around the United Kingdom

The UK offers a well-developed transportation network, catering to all types of travelers and their needs. If you’re in a hurry to reach your destination, the train may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy sightseeing or are on a budget, the bus or coach can be a fantastic option.

Check out Busbud for the best deals on trains and bus tickets! Don’t miss out on scenic views, comfy rides, and incredible savings. Start planning your journey now at Busbud and get ready to hit the road for an unforgettable UK travel experience!

Hi! I would like to know how safe is to travel by bus with your family? The reason why I asked this is because in USA, for example, many citizens recommend you to take the train or plane, since buses are sometimes full of weird people, and that makes them a little bit dangerous.

thanks for this research! that is very informative and helpful!

Good research

Thanks for the tips! Indeed, the UK is rich in tradition, complex in culture and endlessly diverse – a great place to visit. However, many tourist targeted scams are found here as well.

Do be wary of the mock auction scam, sob story beggars, pickpockets, fake police, fake charity collectors, fake luxury products, the shell game, fake transport/theatre tickets, fake vouchers, bird poo scam, fake monks, falling lady scam, used travel card scam and many more! Hope this helps!

While I realize it may not be the cheapest travel service, one option most people don’t consider in visiting the UK is to travel in style with a chauffeur service like Cars Exec at https://www.cars-exec.com . People think of such high-class taxi services for airport transfers only, but some also offer tourism trips. And over the past several years pricing has come down and it’s actually quite competitive with traditional taxi services. If you aren’t local to England and don’t know your way about, it’s nice to have a professional, knowledgeable driver to show you the best spots to visit.

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I am having a very difficult time locating the place to buy the Brit Xplorer Pass the link takes me to national but there is no offer there for passes only to book

Awesome Blog!!!

Thanks for sharing the prices of public transport in London. I was searching for it.

Thanks for sharing the great post of cheap travel options in the UK. I have been looking for blogs that helps me in offering the things that suit my budget.

Louis, I really liked your blog. You have share great information for budget friendly travels in UK. Thanks.

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Travelling UK by bus mode is not so easy as you need to change buses moreover if you are travelling in private bus which provides you cheapest deals is suitable to you but you need to look for travel agent or agency before booking it.

This is useful information! I have a question though, is it possible for a ferry journey to be as much as £140!!?? I thought they would be cheaper! I really want to travel by sea but it seems cheaper to book a flight! Can someone tell me please? Thanks! (This is of course, based on info before the whole Covid issue)

Louis, buddy thanks for sharing an informative article.

If you wish to get a cheap train ticket book 11 or 12 weeks ahead. Train rovers are a great bargain for exploring an area. Look for one on The National Rail website.

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Can you suggest cheapest way to travel Weymouth Dorset to Aberdeen please

i will visit UK Soon its very beautiful country

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VisitBritain/ Peter Kindersley

Man using a wheel chair and woman about to go into the ticket office of Grosmont Station

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 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 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 was 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 or Scotland or almost anywhere else. Journey lengths aren’t too onerous either - hop on a train in London 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.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Woman leaning out of window of steam train

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

Rear view of two people walking down a countryside road

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. You can discover more about ferry routes and timetables by visiting local destination websites.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A couple seated on a bench on deck in evening sunshine

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Getting Around England: Transportation Tips

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Getting where you need to go isn’t always half the fun, but in England, at least, the country’s vast transportation resources make traveling relatively painless. Whether you’re nipping about London in one of its red double-decker buses or heading off into the countryside via motorcoach, rental car or train, getting around England is reasonably easy.

Still, visitors should plot their journeys well in advance and take into consideration the costs and practicalities of their travel decisions. And for those who plan to drive in England, the most crucial piece of advice we can offer is this: We drive on the left here (and the steering wheel is on the right). It can be a bit daunting until you get used to it.

Following are a few practical tips about England transportation.

Flying to and Around England

Most visitors arrive in England by plane, with the majority of international flights landing in one of London’s international airports. Heathrow and Gatwick are chief amongst these, with Luton and Stansted also fielding a large daily influx of flights. Almost all of America’s major airlines fly to London, but you’ll find that other international carriers, such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, Finnair and SAS, among others, offer nonstop or connecting service.

Regionally, Manchester and Birmingham also have busy international timetables, and are the destinations for many domestic flights. Budget airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair and Flybe offer potentially cheap fares for exploring the country internally by air.

England Air Travel Resources: BritishAirways.com EasyJet.com Flybe.com GatwickAirport.com Heathrow.com Ryanair.com

Renting a Car in England

A drive in England’s verdant countryside can be an invigorating experience, bringing the small towns and natural wonders that the country is known for within easy reach of everyone, without the need to rely on public transport. Most places are well connected, with the country’s motorway network providing easy access to everything from major cities to rural villages.

Renting a car in the U.K. is relatively easy (though it can be expensive), with many of the larger car hire companies, like Avis and Europcar, operating from airports and also near major train terminals in large cities. To save money on the rental cost, it’s best to prebook your car before leaving for England. Aside from the car rental fee, gas, known as petrol, is very expensive in England (and is priced per liter, not per gallon, so beware). Parking fees are also pricey. And in London, special congestion-related fees apply to driving within certain inner city limits.

Most rental cars in England have manual transmissions, so if you don’t know how to drive a stick shift, you’ll need to request an automatic car. Make sure your request is confirmed in writing. Note that public transportation in major English cities is so good that you really don’t need a car for inter-city jaunts. Take the bus or Tube instead.

U.S. drivers do not need an International Driving Permit. The average minimum age for car hire is 23, but this varies from one rental agency to the next.

Motorway signage is up to international standards, but this tends to deteriorate once you’ve gotten off the beaten track — so make sure you’re equipped with GPS and/or good maps.

To learn more, see International Car Rental Tips .

England Car Rental Resources: AutoEurope.com Avis.com Europcar.com

England by Train

Whether you’re traveling to major cities or small towns, England’s vast train network, which operates under the National Rail entity, is one of the most thorough in Europe. The best place to start is with RailEurope.com , where you can investigate prices, itineraries and rail passes, or at NationalRail.co.uk . You can buy tickets in advance or at train stations throughout the country. Most train lines are open for reservations about 12 weeks before the train’s departure.

National Rail is essentially the gateway to all train operators in England. Unlike Amtrak in the U.S., major routes (say from London to Liverpool) are run by more than a dozen different train companies. Great Western Railway, for instance, operates itineraries from London to the Cotswolds, Cornwall and Devon, Bristol and Cardiff, among others. East Midlands Trains offers London to Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield. Virgin Trains offer a range of inter-city routes, linking London with Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester. The bottom line is you probably won’t notice who’s operating on the routes you choose because you can buy your tickets through National Rail. That said, policies on transporting bikes and other matters do vary between lines, so you may want to check them out.

Not part of National Rail but integral to transportation in England are services such as the Heathrow Express, with its nonstop service between London and the airport (a 15-minute trip). The Gatwick Express offers a similar service between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria station, with fast trains departing regularly for the city center. The journey takes about half an hour and, once in London, it’s usually just a quick platform hop to trains departing for all corners of the country.

Within the city of London, the rail network can be the quickest and easiest way of getting from A to B, with underground and overground stations being conveniently positioned for many of the city’s popular attractions. Tickets are available in the stations, either from automatic machines or, in the larger stations, from a vendor, with both cash and credit cards being accepted in most cases. A daily or weekly Travelcard can be a great way to save money, while an Oyster Card, which can be bought online on a pay-as you-go basis for the duration of your time in the city, will offer a ticketless alternative to catching the Tube. For more info on Travelcards and Oyster Cards, see TFL.gov.uk .

Other operations such as Docklands Light Railway (DLR) serve many parts of London. Set up in order to bring sustainable transport links to London’s redeveloped docklands area, the DLR operates a largely automated service with a minimal staff, and provides light rail links to the London City Airport, Lewisham and as far north as Stratford.

England Train Travel Resources: GatwickExpress.com HeathrowExpress.com NationalRail.co.uk RailEurope.com TFL.gov.uk

England by Bus

Buses and coaches are often a viable alternative to trains and, being substantially less expensive, can offer significant savings over the duration of your stay.

The famous red double-decker bus is a familiar sight around London and, while you may have to wait a little longer than you would for the Tube, they can be an inexpensive way of getting around the city with a better view thrown in to boot!

Buses are modern and comfortable and, thanks to designated bus lanes in the inner city areas and surrounding motorways, can beat the choking congestion that makes driving in the city such a hassle.

Passengers on London buses can pay their fares onboard with cash. Drivers do offer change, but passengers are advised to do their best to present the correct fare, just in case! Outside London, bus companies are operated on a regional basis, either by a private company or by the local council. They can still be a great way of getting around, but fares vary across the country, as does the propensity for change giving. If in doubt, have a good pocket of loose coins ready.

If you’re in London, a Travelcard (which can be bought on a daily or weekly basis from automated machines in Tube stations or online at TFL.gov.uk ) will grant you access to the city’s buses as well as to the Tube. Ticket office personnel, as well as most automated machines, will accept both cash and credit cards.

While in the capital, an Oyster Card may help to reduce the hassle of paying for transport. These can be bought from Transport for London’s Web site, TFL.gov.uk , on a pay-as-you-go basis and can be used on the city’s buses as well as on the Tube and rail networks. An Oyster Card can be bought and registered online, and can be tailored to suit the duration of your stay in London. Oyster Cards are, however, of no use outside the city.

For traveling between cities and touring the country, many coach operators offer a cheap (but slower) alternative to catching the train. Stagecoach and National Express run regular services up and down the country, linking London with other major destinations across the U.K. Budget coach companies like Megabus also travel a wide range of routes and can offer significant savings to passengers who book early. Most of the major coach lines operate out of London’s Victoria Coach Station.

Tickets need to be booked in advance, as spaces on buses are quite limited. The best way to book is online, with most of the bigger companies preferring a ticketless, email-driven system as used by some airlines. Passengers will receive a booking reference to present upon boarding the coach.

For longer holidays and tours of the country, National Express offers a Brit Xplorer pass, good for unlimited travel over a period of 7, 14 or 28 days. The pass can be purchased at NationalExpress.com and will save you considerable money over catching the train.

England Bus Travel Resources: Megabus.com NationalExpress.com StagecoachBus.com TFL.gov.uk

You May Also Like Where to Stay in England: Lodging Tips Planning a Trip to Europe in 10 Steps Survival Tips for Long-Haul Flights The Best Uber Alternatives Around the World

–written by Josh Thomas

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Traveling by Train

Getting Around Britain - A Guide to Transportation Options

If you need to get around the United Kingdom without a private car, there are several options to choose from. Will it be trains, buses or long-distance coaches? Time, cost and environmental concerns are all part of the mix. This guide will help you find the travel choices that best fit your plans, time, budget and conscience.

Using British Trains to Get Around

British trains have been around, in one form or another, since the early 1800s. The network is well established and extensive, making train travel the easiest and, usually, the fastest way of getting around England, Scotland and Wales. It is also acknowledged to be the most eco-friendly way to travel in Britain. Most major towns are connected to London and to each other by either direct trains or by links through stations that are regional hubs. Smaller communities may have less frequent service or may require changing trains a few times but chances are there's a train station nearby.

How to Plan a Train Trip

Government-owned Network Rail is responsible for the tracks and the 20 largest train stations, managing timetables and regulating fares. Many different private companies own and operate the trains themselves. Figuring out which train company goes where can seem confusing but it's easier than you think.

The private companies belong to the Rail Delivery Group (RDG ) and one of the great services they provide together is National Rail Enquiries. This is a website and an app that enables you to find trains and fares and directs you, by link, to the train companies to buy tickets. It has tools to find the cheapest fares and service alerts.

The good news is that any UK train company can take your booking and payment for any other train company on the system. The British train fares are nationally regulated so the fare for a given journey will be the same regardless of which train company sells you the ticket or operates the trip.

Find out more about National Rail Enquiries and how to use it.

Types of British Train Tickets

Tickets are 1st or 2nd class or classless. Unless you are taking one of the few overnight train journeys, there is little point in spending extra on first-class service.

Most trains have open seating; once you have a ticket, you can sit wherever you like within the class of service you've bought. An exception is for particularly busy routes when you may have to book a seat along with your travel ticket. Usually this is free or costs a nominal fee.

Do pay attention to the difference between advance fares and anytime fares, single (one-way) or return (round trip) tickets, because the savings can be considerable.

Main Categories of Train Fares and Ticket Prices

What you pay for a British train ticket usually depends on when you buy it and when you plan to travel. Here are the main categories of ticket prices:

Anytime - The most expensive tickets are "buy anytime-travel anytime". They have no restrictions on the date or time of travel. For some trips, they can cost ten times more than an advance purchase or "off-peak" ticket.
Off-peak - Buy off-peak tickets at any time but only use them to travel on off-peak services. They are cheaper than Anytime tickets though not the cheapest. One confusing aspect is that "off-peak" time is not standard but varies from one train company to another and from one service to another. Trip planning tools such as National Rail Enquiries can find you the off-peak services for the trip you want to take.
Advance - Advance fares are the cheapest. They are one-way tickets purchased and booked in advance for specific trains. How far in advance depends on the popularity of the journey. For some trips, you can book the cheapest fare as little as the day before while for others you need to book your train at least 14 days in advance. These tickets commit you to a specific train at a specific time. If you miss that train, there may be another one coming right along but catching it will cost you the full fare for the trip. And the difference can be gobsmackingly huge. For example, in January 2020, a one-way ticket from London to Lincoln at 8 p.m, purchased a week in advance would cost thirty-two pounds and 50pence. Show up at the last minute and the same trip would cost eighty-eight pounds and 50 pence.

Where to Buy Tickets and How to Pay

At the station: Most of the big mainline train stations have ticket offices where agents sell tickets. But, unless you are buying advance tickets, you won't be offered any discounts or savings.

By Phone: The train companies that National Rail Enquiries directs you to usually have phone numbers on their websites but you may be left hanging on for quite a long time.

Online: Choose journey and fare and let the National Rail Enquiry tool guide you to a train company to buy your ticket, using a debit card or (for international customers) a credit card. You'll get an email with a confirmation number. Print and save it. Then get your ticket:

By mail, if purchased four or five days in advance from a UK address.
At a fastTicket machine at the station. Bring the credit card you used to pay for the ticket, along with the confirmation number you've printed out. Follow the directions on the machine. Arrive early enough for the queue at the automatic machine. Any fastTicket machine can dispense booked tickets for any departure station as long as you have your booking number and credit card. So as soon as you are at a station, save time and pick up all your tickets at once.
At a manned ticket booth . Present credit card and confirmation number at a manned ticket window.
When the station is unmanned Smaller stations may not be manned. If you board at an unmanned station, you can buy a ticket on the train. But make sure the station really is unmanned because if staff is available and you board without a ticket, you may be fined or have to pay the highest available round-trip fare.

Using Rail Passes

BritRail Passes are prepaid tickets valid for unlimited travel during specified periods. They are sold as:

Consecutive Passes , good for a fixed number of days of unlimited British rail travel.
Flexipasses , for a specified number of days (4, 8 or 15) - not necessarily consecutive - during a longer period, currently two months.

BritRail passes are available for UK, Scotland-only or England-only travel; and as Senior, Youth, Party or Family passes. They are not sold in the UK and must be purchased online or through a travel agent before you arrive.

Because the tickets are prepaid, most of the time all you have to do is show up on time and hop on the train. If you want to book a seat or sleeper accommodation, you need to do that at a manned railway station. Seats are usually free, as are reclining seats in overnight trains, but there is a charge for sleeper births.

Are they worth it? - So many cheap rail fares are now available when purchased online in advance, you may not save anything by buying a BritRail Pass . It is worth comparing the cost of the pass with the fares listed on National Rail Enquiries before buying one. If, however, you like to travel spontaneously, you probably should buy a pass because last-minute train tickets bought any other way are much more expensive.

Public Transportation in Northern Ireland

Unlike the rest of the United Kingdom, all public transportation in Northern Ireland is operated and coordinated by one umbrella organization, Translink . They provide coach, bus and train services connecting at a province-wide network. That includes urban mass transit in Belfast, airport transfers from Dublin or Belfast airports to Belfast city center and, in partnership with Irish Rail, cross border routes into the Irish Republic. Buy tickets online because they are much cheaper. A mid-day train from Belfast to Dublin (February 2020) cost ten pounds and 99 pence online but 30 pounds for cash at the station.

Use the integrated travel planner on their website. It gives a choice of searching for bus, train or combined services and an easy link with to buy tickets.

Other Ways of Getting Around Britain

Coach Travel- Long-distance buses are known as coaches in the UK. Several intercity bus companies provide some of the cheapest ways to get around. Fares vary with operators, generally ranging from five-pound promotional fares to upwards of 35 pounds for longer trips. Coach tickets are usually offered as one-way or "singles."

These are the main coach operators in the UK:

National Express- Intercity travel in England and Wales, tickets online or at main coach terminals
Megabus - A stripped-down service offered to some destinations with tickets only available online
Scottish Citylink - Intercity services across Scotland
TrawsCymru - Medium and long-distance express buses in Wales
Ulsterbus - Part of Northern Ireland's Translink service described above.

Regional Bus Services - Different bus operators run networks of regional buses. Tickets for some of these buses can be purchased online but usually you just buy them on the bus. Finding out fares for these services is pretty hit and miss but you can get a general idea from the operator's website. Some of the main companies for regional buses are:

The Oxford Tube One of the most popular long-distance bus routes, this is an express service between several stops in Oxford and several stops in London. It runs 24-hours a day, with peak time buses leaving every 12 to 15 minutes. Tickets can be booked online or from the driver using contactless credit or debit cards, or via mobile payment apps. Single adult fare is nine pounds.
Stagecoach A major operator of regional bus services all over the country. They use a variety of local names but their website has a very good journey planner that integrates all the information with maps, timetables and a ticket-buying widget.
Arriva - Another major operator of regional bus services in London and the home counties, England's northwest and northeast, and Wales. Their website has maps, journey planners and ticket buying options.

Travel Tips

Check a map - Sometimes a better (cheaper, more direct, faster) train may be scheduled for a station just a short taxi ride from your chosen destination.
Compare prices Two singles can be cheaper than return tickets.
Buy before boarding . You can be fined for boarding without a ticket or be made to pay the highest price for the tickets.
Keep your train ticket even after it has been checked on board. You may be asked to show your ticket or put it through a machine to leave the platform.
Use online information sites to plan coordinated journeys using different modes of transportation. The two most useful are:
Traveline - a partnership of transport companies, local governments and passenger groups. With its journey planner, you can plot door-to-door journeys that include trains, buses, walking and local taxis.
Trainline - An international organization of 270 train and coach companies across the UK and Europe that helps you combine train and coach travel and book tickets.

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London to Berlin
London to Birmingham
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London to Frankfurt am Main
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Cities with the most bus connections in the United Kingdom

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Travel to and around England

Road, rail, boat, bike, aeroplane… There are so many transport methods to choose from, but whatever your favourite way to travel, you’ll find it’s easy in England.

In this section

Travel around England

Getting around by bike

Getting around by pedal power is cheap, good for you and the environment, and an up-close-and-personal way to experience England.

Airports in England

England’s cities and regions are linked by a network of well-connected airports. Air is the quickest way to travel long distances within the country.

Getting around by car

Road trip! Four wheels give you the ultimate freedom to decide where and when you go. Mix motorways and winding lanes for quick and scenic travel.

Ports in England

England’s beautiful coastline and waterways have a maritime history to match. Boats and ferries are a great way to explore the country, with spectacular views thrown in.

Getting around by train

England’s historic rail network is fast and vast, covering major cities and remote countryside. Simply sit back and watch the world go by.

Getting around London

London is an enormous city with a transport network to match. Explore it by bus, taxi, Tube, overland train, water taxi, bike or on foot.

National Express

National Express operate a coach and bus network across the UK with tickets for travel to over 900 destinations throughout the UK including transfers to and from all major airports.

Megabus operate a low cost intercity coach network across the UK.

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Bus & coach travel in Great Britain

Considering the relatively short distances in the UK and the savings against train travel, many travellers choose bus or coach travel as their main travel option.

Scheduled bus & coach services

National Express is the most comprehensive coach operator with services to over 1200 destinations in England, Scotland and Wales. There are a number of other bus companies such as Arriva , First , Green Line , Megabus , Scottish Citylink and Stagecoach which provide comprehensive services in a specific region or along a particular route.

MULTI-JOURNEY SAVER TICKETS

There are day and weekly tickets for most towns and cities served by Arriva. The day and weekly tickets that cover a wider area are the best deal for most travellers, these include the following tickets:

Midlands Saver

Covers the Midlands area from Stropshire to the East Midlands including Strewsbury, Ironbridge, Telford, Stafford, Tamworth, Birmingham, Derby, Leicester and Nottingham. Midlands Saver Zone Map Day Saver ticket £6; Weekly Saver ticket £25

North East Saver

North east England including Darlington, Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Teeside. Day Saver ticket £7.50; Weekly Saver ticket £26.50

North West Saver

Covers the north east cities including Chester, Liverpool, Manchester, Wigan and Bolton. North West Area Map Day Saver ticket £4.80

North West & Wales Saver

Covers North Wales and the north west cities (basically the area from Aberystwyth to Bolton) including Caernarfon, Bangor, Llandudno, Chester, Liverpool and Manchester. North West & Wales Area Map Day Saver ticket £ 6.50; Weekly Saver ticket £19

Shires & Essex All Zones Explorer

Western and northern home counties including Reading, High Wycombe, Oxford, Luton and Stevenage. Shires & Essex All Zones Map Day Explorer ticket £8.50; Weekly Explorer ticket £26

Yorkshire Saver

Covers West Yorkshire and parts of South and North Yorkshire. It includes the Leeds-Bradford area plus Doncaster, Selby, Goole and York, but is not valid on Dales Bus services. Yorkshire Zone Map Day Saver ticket £5.40; Weekly Explorer ticket £20

First operate local bus services in over 40 towns and cities across the UK. They also run buses in rural areas including connecting services between towns and cities. There are a number of regional day tickets that are a good value way to get around using First buses. Weekly passes are also available. FirstDay tickets include:

FirstDay (South West)

One day unlimited travel on all First buses in Devon and Cornwall plus many First buses in Dorset and Somerset. Cost £7.70

Freedom Travelpass (Bristol, Bath and Weston-super-Mare)

One day unlimited travel on First Great Western train services between Bristol and Bath and First buses in Bristol, Bath, northeast Somerset and south Gloucestershire. £13.50 peak; £12.30 off peak

FirstDay Explorer (Berkshire-Thames) & Green FirstDay (Berkshire-Thames)

One day unlimited travel on First buses in Berkshire and the Thames Valley including Reading, Bracknell, Slough, Windsor and Heathrow. The Green FirstDay ticket is similar to the FirstDay Explorer except it is also accepted on express bus services between Slough and London (with stops in Hammersmith, High Street Kensington and Victoria Station), but it is not valid for travel in London before 9.30am. FirstDay Explorer £8; Green FirstDay £9.50

FirstDay (Hampshire)

One day unlimited travel on First buses in Hampshire. Cost £5.90

FirstDay Explorer (Dorset)

One day unlimited travel on most First bus services between Exeter and Bournemouth. Cost £7.70

FirstDay (Staffordshire & South Cheshire)

One day unlimited travel on First bus services in Staffordshire and South Cheshire. £5

FirstDay (Norfolk & Suffolk)

One day unlimited travel on First buses in Norfolk and Suffolk including travel in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Kings Lynn, Ipswitch and Bury St Edmonds. Cost £14

FirstDay Peak Explorer

One day unlimited travel on the following First bus services in the Peak District 215, 218, 240 and 272. Cost £6.50

FirstDay (South Yorkshire)

One day unlimited travel on First bus services in South Yorkshire. Cost £5

First Day (West Yorkshire) & MetroDay (West Yorkshire)

First Day pass gives you one day unlimited travel on First buses in West Yorkshire. MetroDay gives you one day unlimited travel in West Yorkshire on all bus operators. First Day £4.60; MetroDay £5.40

FirstDay (Pembrokeshire)

One day unlimited travel on First bus services around Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire, Wales. Cost £5.50

FirstDay (South & West Wales)

One day unlimited travel on First local bus services in South Wales (except Shuttle services). Cost £6.70

Green Line operate coach services between London and the Home Counties. The most useful service for most travellers is route 757, which runs between London and Luton Airport.

Megabus have an ever-improving network of cheap bus routes across the UK. Pricing is with a yield-management model – like low-cost airlines – with fares starting at £1 (plus a 50p booking fee), but even the more expensive tickets usually work out cheaper than National Express. Megabus is the cheapest way to travel around England and Scotland, as long as you book in advance to secure the cheapest tickets.

National Express

National Express is the only complete national bus network with services to over 1200 destinations in England, Scotland and Wales (although Megabus are closing the gap in regard to network coverage). They serve most towns and villages and have particularly good service between the major cities.

16–26 COACHCARD

The 16–26 Coachcard gives discounts of up to 30% off National Express bus travel in the UK. The card costs £10 and is available to anyone aged between 16 and 26.

BRIT XPLORER PASS

The Brit Xplorer pass is good for unlimited travel on the National Express network, but it is not available to British passport holders. The pass is valid for seven, 14 or 28 consecutive days of travel. It is a simple pass to use, as you don’t need to book your travel, you need to turn up at the coach terminal and show your pass to the driver. If there is space on the bus you can hop on board. This pass is only available to international travellers.

National Express’s Fun Fares are limited seats available at just £5 (plus a 50p booking fee) on selected routes. Fun Fares are only available online and as availability is limited it is best to book in advance to get these low cheap tickets.

Oxford Tube

The Oxford Tube is an express coach service that runs between London and Oxford, 24 hours a day. Services are frequent with departures up to once every ten minutes (less frequent at night).

Fares are £14 (£11 students) one way, £17 (£13 students) for a same day/next day return and £20 (£15 students) for a three month return fare.

Scottish Citylink

Scottish Citylink ( tel 08705 505050) provides an extensive bus network in Scotland with service to over 200 towns and cities.

SCOTTISH CITYLINK EXPLORER PASS

This good value pass can be used for coach travel in Scotland on Scottish Citylink. This pass also gives you discounts on Caledonian Macbrayne and Northlink ferries allowing you to visit the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland islands. It also gives you discounts at over 200 Scottish.

SUPER SINGLES

Like Megabus, Scottish Citylink also offers £1 tickets, but only on a limited range of routes (notably the Glasgow–Edinburgh route). However they also have Super Single fares at £5 and under on many of their other routes. Only a limited number of these tickets are available so you’ll need to book your travel online through the Scottish Citylink website , in advance to secure the cheapest tickets.

Stagecoach operates a very extensive network of local buses although it can take a while to get around with a network comprised mostly of local routes.

Like Arriva and First buses, Stagecoach is best for exploring a specific geographic area. Stagecoach operates buses in the following regions: the southeast coast; Cheltenham, Oxford and the Cotswolds; northwest England including the Lake District; Ayrshire, Scotland and northeast Scotland.

DAY TICKETS

There is a day ticket for each of the the regions where Stagecoach operate. These are a very good value for exploring an area for a day or two.

Most towns and cities covered by Stagecoach offer day tickets but the best deal for travellers are day tickets that cover a larger area such as an entire county. These tickets are covered in detail under the Local Transport section of each destination.

EXPLORER TICKETS

The Explorer ticket is brilliant value allowing travel on Stagecoach as well as some other local bus operators. Most Explorer tickets are valid for one day but some regions also have three, four and seven-day Explorer tickets.

The Goldrider ticket gives you unlimited travel on Stagecoach buses outside London.

There are also Goldrider tickets that give unlimited travel on Stagecoach buses within a wide area (usually within a specified county).

Alternative/backpacker transport

There are several small bus companies catering specifically to the backpacker. Some of them run good flexible transport options, but stopping directly at the hostel door rather than the central bus station. These can be a good way to get around and because they are minibuses filled with other backpackers they can be good fun, most backpacker bus operators have stopped running flexible hop-on hop-off trips to concentrate on running tours.

SHAGGY SHEEP

Shaggy Sheep run hop on hop off trips around Wales. The trips visit the main spots in Wales including the Wye Valley, Brecon Beacons, Cardiff, the Pembrokeshire Coast, Aberystwyth, Snowdonia and Caernarfon. The main drawback is that it is a weekly service, which means a long wait for the next bus. Fare £79 Departs London Overnight stops Cardiff, Carmarthen, Machynlleth

There used to be several other companies running hop-on hop-off backpacker trips around Great Britain including Haggis, MacBackpackers and Roadtrip. Unfortunately these companies now run structured tours rather than offer an independent travel option. There are some cases when this sort of travel option is the best way to get around especially in remote areas with poor public transport. However if you have the option of choosing a tour or the more independent hop-on hop-off option, choose the hop-on hop-off or opt for a regular scheduled bus instead.

30+ England Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: February 29, 2024

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

If you’ve clicked over to this frighteningly long list of England travel tips, that must mean you’re soon headed to England for the first time… and I won’t lie – I’m irrationally jealous of you.

My first visit to England was a glorious mix of bucket list check-offs, giggling at things like “spotted dick pudding”, and trying not to accidentally die while crossing the street. It was an incredible time, and I still nostalgically look back on that trip fondly.

Now, years later (thanks largely to my English boyfriend) I’ve spent the better part of a decade exploring all corners of this scenic country, and I’m condensing that experience into this list of travel tips for England.

So, if you want to travel England with my sage (and weirdly specific) wisdom on your side, read on. In this post, I’ll share all sorts of England travel tips that your typical travel guides might not include, from all the words/names you’re saying wrong to where locals actually eat on a budget.

… I hope you find it helpful!

NOTE: It goes without saying that these England travel tips are written from a North American perspective, so apologies if some seem like common sense. I just wanted to cover all our bases!

Save this list of England travel tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Know the difference between England, Great Britain and the UK

First off – you might have noticed that this post is titled “England travel tips” rather than UK tips or Great Britain tips.

… And there’s a good reason for that!

These names are oftentimes used interchangeably, but there actually is a difference. And because I’m an annoying nerd, I’m going to tell you all about it.

Put simply, the UK (United Kingdom) is an umbrella term that includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as seen here:

In contrast, Great Britain refers to just the island, i.e. the piece of land that includes England, Scotland and Wales. (Essentially the UK, minus Northern Ireland).

And then of course England refers to one of the constituent parts of Great Britain – the part that houses all those famous English places you’ve no doubt heard of, from South Coast towns like Bournemouth , Brighton and Poole to Northern hotspots like Liverpool and Durham Cathedral (as seen in Harry Potter).

Why am I rambling about this? Well, culturally, there’s MANY differences between the different parts of the UK, so just be mindful of that and don’t do silly things like ask English people if they wear kilts.

2. Beware the variation in accents

For my fellow period drama bingers, I have some bad news: the so-called “British accent” that we’ve collectively swooned over for years? Yeah – that doesn’t really exist.

Or, more accurately, there’s hundreds of “British accents” out there, only a small percentage of which sound like the generic sort of posh accent we’ve come to label as “THE British accent”.

In reality, people across England have wildly different accents and dialects. You can watch this video for an example of 20 different ones.

So, just be prepared for the fact that you may have difficulty understanding/keeping up, depending on where you are, and try to avoid complimenting people on their “British accent” because that term in itself doesn’t really mean anything.

3. Understand there’s way more to England than just London

London is one of the most visited cities in the world, and in fairness, I do think it’s an absolutely incredible place to go, whether you only have three days there or more.

BUT – there’s so much more to England than just London.

I’ve already written about all my favourite places in England besides London, but just a few of my favourite favourites include…

The South Coast, with its soft sandy beaches and dramatic coastline
The gorgeous villages of the Cotswolds
The hilly hikes of the Peak District
The droolworthy scenery of the Lake District

… and the list goes on.

Luckily, England is quite compact, so you can definitely fit in a lot of destinations in one trip if you wanted to. So… want to. Please 🙂

A list of stunning bucket list destinations in England, including historic sights, quaint villages and beautiful must-sees.

4, Learn where to find budget-friendly stays

Now in terms of booking places to stay, there are of course a ton of options, with a wild range from backpacker hostels and cozy inns to the most opulent of castles and manor houses.

Trust me when I say in England, there’s something for every budget.

But if you’re reading this article right now, I’m assuming you’re not a Swiss billionaire with limitless ‘castle’ money, so I’m going to focus more on budget-friendly accommodation tips for England. If I’ve assumed wrong…. call me.

Now, you can check out my step by step process for booking cheap accommodation if you want a more thorough overview, but here are some quick tips for England budget accommodation.

Firstly, one very cheap hotel chain to look out for is Premier Inn. They have locations all around the UK and tend to be some of the more reliable budget-friendly options, and they famously don’t make themselves available on 3rd party sites so be sure to check them directly for availability.

Another option if you’re on a budget is pubs! A lot of first time visitors are surprised to see that you can stay in pubs, but many pubs actually have a few rooms they rent out upstairs or on the property so don’t be afraid of trying those out on your trip.

5. Before you leave, make sure you have a good credit card

Remember that old adage “cash is king?”

Sadly, in England, that throne has been usurped by contactless card payments.

Over the past few years, I’ve found that there are increasingly places that do not accept cash, so if you don’t have a good credit card with minimal fees, get one.

I highly recommend Wise for that purpose. They offer a free card that allows you to “send and spend money around the world at the real exchange rate”, avoiding hidden fees in the process, plus two free ATM withdrawals per month overseas.

You can use my referral link here to transfer your first $500 fee-free.

NOTE: I’ve also had a good experience with Revolut when I lived in Germany, but they don’t offer services for Canadians so I can no longer use them.

6. Be careful crossing the street

Here’s a very unique and unheard of England travel tip: don’t get run over.

No. Seriously. Be careful.

The prospect of ‘left side driving’ might seem quirky and fun if you’re not used to it, but the oft forgotten consequence for pedestrians is that cars will be coming from a different direction than you’re used to, so your natural instincts when crossing the street will be thrown off.

So, be sure to properly check both directions before crossing.

7. Prepare for some common vocabulary differences

It’s no secret that North American English and UK English can differ a lot, not just in terms of accents but also in the words we use.

So here are some basic must-knows that you might encounter:

the loo or the toilet = washroom or bathroom
lift = elevator
boot (of a car) = trunk
queue = line-up
pavement = sidewalk
petrol = gas
football = soccer
quid = pound/unit of currency (e.g. 5 quid = 5 pounds)

Now oftentimes especially in more touristy areas, they’ll still understand if you use the wrong word, but quite often they won’t… And you may get publicly mocked by a pub employee for asking where the washroom is (sad true story).

… So yes, adapt to British English wherever possible. It’ll make your life much easier (and less embarrassing).

8. Know that “You alright? You okay?” is a greeting

Upon your first trip to England, you may discover that people are suddenly very concerned with your well-being.

Choruses of “Are you okay?” and “Are you alright?” are sure to feature prominently in your day to day.

Well, here’s some good news: they don’t think you’re in danger. They’re genuinely just saying hi. These phrases are common greetings, and don’t ask me how long it took me to realize this.

Think of it as a British “hey what’s up?”

9. Beware that many names aren’t pronounced how they look

British English is a trap. There – I said it.

Often first-time visitors are embarrassed to discover they’ve been saying famous place names wrong, and (in meaner cases) are even mocked for it once they arrive.

But it’s not you! It’s the letters! They’re confusing. And yes, I intend to start a “British place name confusion” support group soon.

But to prioritize more… preventive measures, here are some common traps for you to keep in mind so you don’t sound silly and can properly ask for directions:

If there’s a place name that ends in -ham, the H is almost always silent, and it’s more like an mm sound, rather than Ham (like the cured pork). Similarly, “-heim” is usually an mmm sound as well, like in Blenheim Palace.

If there’s a place name that ends in -shire, it’s usually not pronounced shy-er (like the Shire in Lord of the Rings), it’s shurr. A lot of counties will end like this, like Hampshire. Not Hampshire.

If you see a W in the middle of the place name, often it’s silent. So, Norwich is Nor-itch, not Nor-witch. Similarly, Greenwich is Gren-itch, not Green Witch.

If a place name ends in -mouth, it’s almost never mouth (like the thing you stuff food in), it’s usually pronounced myth, so Bournemouth is not Born-mouth, it’s Born-myth.

Lastly, one of the trickiest ones, if you ever see a name ending with -cester, very rarely is it pronounced like that. It’s almost always something shorter, like Bicester is “Bister”, Leicester is “Less-ter”, not Lay-sess-ter and Worcester is “Wuster”.

PS: As a bonus, London’s famous River Thames is pronounced “Tems”, not “thay-ms”.

10. Respect England’s queuing culture

Another important cultural etiquette must-know is to abide by England’s queuing culture.

Queuing or lining up is essential in England, so make sure you don’t accidentally cut queues or budge. That’s the easiest way to instantly anger an English person (that and making tea in a microwave, I guess).

11. And stand on the right side of escalators

Another great way to make English people angry? Blocking their way on the escalator.

Remember: in England, the right side of escalators is for standing, while the left side is reserved for people who are walking.

12. Avoid public transport during rush hours… and during big events like sports games

When you’re a tourist, you have the luxury of flexibility so don’t try to cram into public transport with all the locals during their commute to/from work. It really is the worst.

… Especially if you get stuck on transport while there’s a big football game on. Oof – I can smell it now.

As an added bonus, peak vs. offpeak pricing for transport is quite common, so you’ll actually save money if you choose to travel during offpeak periods (usually early in the morning, in the afternoon, or later at night – basically whenever people aren’t trying to get to/from work).

13. Prepare yourself for scaffolding and restorations

England’s lengthy history is responsible for a lot of things: fascinating ruins, majestic palaces, museums aplenty and… a booming scaffolding industry.

Yes, sadly the downside of England’s old age is that many of its monuments are regularly undergoing restoration work, which involves unsightly scaffolding in the best of cases, and complete coverage in the worst of cases.

For instance, here’s what London’s famous ‘Big Ben’ looked like for a few years:

And here’s what the majestic Manchester Town Hall looked like on my recent visit:

Of course, there’s not much that can be done about this (unless you’re that aforementioned Swiss billionaire) but it’s good to keep in mind just so you can temper your expectations a little bit.

14. Keep your phone out of easy reach at all times

I’ve previously written all about how to avoid pickpockets in Europe , and while pickpocketing does happen in England, the more prevalent threat these days in big cities is actually phone snatching.

… and if you’re like me and consider your phone the closest thing you have to a child, then you’ll want to take special care and attention to ensure it doesn’t get phone-napped while you’re out exploring.

This means not having your phone out in easily grabbable situations (e.g. texting next to a bike lane, where someone could just take it) or leaving it out in easily grabbable places (e.g. on a terrace table).

Avoid having your phone out unless you absolutely need it, and your baby will be fine.

15. Give English food a chance

Thanks to revolting-sounding foods like “beans on toast” and that “spotted dick pudding” I mentioned earlier, English food has suffered some pretty bad bullying over the years.

But don’t listen to the haters – English food can actually be super delicious, especially if you’re into hearty comfort food (usually) slathered in a biblical flood of gravy.

So if you’re looking for England food tips/recommendations, here are my non-negotiable must-tries:

Full English Breakfast
Sunday Roast / Roast Dinner
Fish and Chips (preferably by the sea)
(Savoury) Pie
Sausage Rolls
Bangers and Mash
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Shepherd’s Pie/Cottage pie

16. And give International cuisines a try too

As we all know, the British Empire once covered a quarter of the world’s population.

The history there is dark but one (more positive) consequence has been that England is home to some amazing food from around the world, especially in big cities like London and Manchester.

So, don’t feel like you need to stick to solely English food.

Overwhelmed? Indian food in England is an especially popular choice, but you can always try to find a food market or hall (of which there are many in the big cities) and sample a bunch of cuisines at once.

17. Beware of the many meanings of “pudding”

In North America, pudding refers to a creamy type of dessert, usually served in a little cup, which acts as a beacon of nostalgia and deliciousness for kids across the continent.

In England, the word pudding has a different meaning. Multiple different meanings, actually.

In fact, I might argue it’s one of the more confusing words in British English, but allow me to illustrate my point with a few examples:

Generally, pudding is a word that means dessert, so if someone asks if you want pudding, they’re asking if you want dessert, to which I hope you answer “absolutely”
Yorkshire pudding however refers to a deep fried dough thing that’s served with roast dinners – it’s literally pancake mix prepared differently, but it’s SO good with gravy
Black pudding is a blood sausage sometimes served with a Full English breakfast
There’s also bread pudding which is basically stale bread with eggs and milk, but… also good

In summary, pudding has a lot of different meanings depending on the context, so don’t be too thrown off by this.

18. Know where to find cheap eats

Now, while the choices are endless and enticing, the truth is it can be kind of pricey to dine out in England…

Fret not however, there’s a few easy ways to save.

First off – Meal Deals are a lifesaver. A lot of big chain places in England do them – you basically get a main, a snack, and a drink for a set small price like 4 or 5 pounds. And it’s a great way to fill up quickly and on a budget!

Another place to get cheap snacks is bakeries or chains like Greggs, where you can get pastries and sausage rolls for less than 2 pound each.

For a “nice” sit-down meal with drinks, look into lunch specials or early dinner specials. Many places in England offer special deals if you dine early, which works out well for North American visitors because our meal times tend to be a bit earlier than England’s anyway.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a VERY cheap sit-down meal with drinks, there’s a chain of pubs across the UK known as Wetherspoon, or Spoons.

It’s a bit controversial for a lot of reasons I won’t get into, but there’s literally almost 900 of them across the UK and they’re super popular because their prices are astoundingly cheap for both food and drink.

19. Learn how to tip in England

In terms of tipping, tipping culture isn’t as big in England as in North America. People tend to only tip for good service and it’s typically around 10%.

When ordering at the bar, it’s not even the norm to tip at all (although a bit in a tip jar would always be appreciating).

It’s worth noting however that these days, a lot of restaurants are starting to add something called a Discretionary Service Charge of 10-12.5%. You will see this added to your bill, and they will assume you’re paying it unless you say otherwise.

If however you don’t want to pay the charge (and you lack my social awkwardness/anxiety) you can simply say so and they will remove it.

20. When visiting pubs, it’s common to order at the bar

If you come from a non-pubby culture like mine, this may be new information to you: in England, it’s very common to order up at the bar (meaning where the beer taps, etc. are) rather than wait for table service.

This goes for both drinks and food (if the pub you’re visiting offers it).

Usually this ensures quicker service because you get your drinks instantly, and you don’t need to wait for a server to come along.

… This also means that you don’t need a table to be served drinks, which is why it’s quite common to see people sipping pints out on the street during busy periods.

NOTE: If you plan to order food at the bar, take note of your table number so that you can give it to them when they ask.

21. Avoid renting a car unless you’re going to small villages or nature spots

Alright, now let’s talk about some transport tips for England, and how to get around.

To start, I would say for (most) first-time visitors, it doesn’t make sense to rent a car.

Not only is driving on the left side of the road going to be a challenge for a lot of newbies, it can also be quite pricey and you’ll find that most big cities and towns are well serviced by public transport.

That said, there’s of course a few exceptions. If your itinerary includes a lot of smaller villages or nature spots, then renting a car is probably the best way to see those more remote parts of England… but generally speaking, if you’re just visiting big cities, you won’t need a car rental.

Still considering it? Here is a post to help you figure out how much renting a car in Europe really costs .

NOTE: Renting a car isn’t the only way to see more remote places in England! There are many companies that offer day tours from larger towns/cities so you can enjoy all the scenery without worrying about endangering the British public with your left side driving.

22. Know the difference between individual train companies and “National Rail”

Another common way to get around England is by train.

If you’re unfamiliar with taking trains, you should probably read my step by step guide to train travel in Europe , because it’s actually not that intuitive.

But with the UK, there are some additional confusing things for first time visitors, so I’ll go through them now.

Overall, what you need to know is there are about two dozen different companies offering rail service in the UK, all with their own names (e.g. Southwestern Rail, Avanti West Coast, etc.

However, the term you’ll encounter more often is “National Rail”, which is an umbrella term mainly used for branding and consistency that includes many different train companies.

So, just know that there is no such thing as “National Rail” branded trains – when you are booking tickets or boarding your train, you’ll want to look for the specific company you’ve booked with.

23. Use Trainline to easily look up trains

Of course, you can use the National Rail website to search up trains OR one app I prefer is Trainline.

I love using them to search and book so I can have all my bookings in one place, plus they do other handy things like remind me when I’m entitled to compensation for delayed trains (more on this later), send me notifications when my platform is announced, and more.

NOTE: They do take a small service fee so you can book directly with the specific train company if you want, but I don’t mind paying a bit extra for the convenience.

Another alternative for finding split tickets is TrainPal. Their main selling point is they don't charge a booking fee and they also track the carbon emissions from your trip and allow you to participate in tree planting projects within their app.

Use the code HAPPYTOWANDER for 33% off Railcards & 5% off for EUR/UK rail tickets for new customers and 2% off for existing customers.

24. Buy rail tickets in advance to save big

Now, a huge shock for first time visitors is how expensive train travel can be in the UK.

Yes, especially if you wait last minute for the longer distance trains, the prices are… eye-watering.

BUT, if you plan in advance, actually the prices can be decently reasonable. Trains never get cheaper closer to the travel date, so the sooner you book the better.

There are of course some other tricks as well that you can use to save money on trains, which I’ll explain below.

25. Look into buying a RailCard

If you’re between the ages of 16-30 years old or aged 60 and over, one way to save money on train tickets in England is buying something called a RailCard.

This might only make sense if you plan to take the train a lot, but basically it’s a card that you buy for a set price that then gives you 1/3 off rail fares for the year.

If you’re visiting London, you can also link a RailCard to your Oyster card and save 1/3 on public transport journeys in the city as well.

Because trains in the UK can be so pricey, often you can get the value of the RailCard back within one or two journeys, so it can definitely be a huge money saver!

If you plan to travel by train a lot in the UK, consider buying a RailCard that will save you 1/3 off all fares. This is the ultimate money saving hack if you travel often enough, and it can even be linked to an Oyster Card to be used for London Tube journeys!

Buy through TrainPal and you can use the discount code HAPPYTOWANDER to save 33% off your RailCard!

26. Consider getting a BritRail Pass

Another potential way to save on the train is getting something called a BritRail pass . With it, you can get unlimited train journeys for a set period, whether that’s a consecutive few days or a set of days within a certain time period.

This is a great option if you need a bit more flexibility and don’t want to buy tickets in advance. It’s also great if you plan to do a lot of day trips.

There’s a few BritRail passes but in my opinion the best value is the London Plus pass, which includes London and pretty much every popular London day trip destination.

Of course, it’s honestly probably cheaper to just book train tickets early to secure the best deals, but if that’s no an option or you want to be flexible, BritRail passes are great for that.

27. Claim compensation for late trains

Now, while I acknowledge I have a (frankly, unhinged) obsession with train travel, I can see its flaws too, and I must admit that trains in England can often be delayed or worse, cancelled with little notice.

BUT before you all start sipping tea angrily, there is a silver lining. As I mentioned above, it’s actually VERY easy to claim compensation if your train is delayed.

A lot of train companies have this thing called Delay Repay and you can file claims and get refunds online if your train is as little as 15 minutes delayed. Often if it’s over an hour delay, you get a full refund.

Again, this varies depending on the train company, but I’ve filed claims on Southwestern Railway, Southeastern Railway, Chiltern Railways, and Northern, all of which were super easy.

… So keep that in mind the next time you’re confronted with this dreaded notice:

28. Look into bus travel (AKA coach travel) if you’re on a budget

Besides trains, another common way to travel around England is by bus, or as they call them in England, by coach.

These are usually much more affordable than trains, and super common as well, with plenty of coverage across the country.

Here are some of the main companies to look into:

National Express

I would personally search up your route on Omio , which shows you different options, and then from there you can assess what the best choice would be.

29. Always hold onto your tickets

Whether you’re travelling by longer distance train or just catching a quick trip on the London underground, make sure to always have your ticket handy.

At bigger train stations, there are fare gates so you’ll have to scan your ticket on the way out, and the same applies for underground trains like the tube in London – you have to tap out in order to leave.

There can also often be ticket controls on board (even after you’ve tapped in or scanned your ticket), so don’t throw your tickets away or accidentally misplace them!

30. Remember to flag buses down and always press for your stop

On a random cultural note, you have to flag buses down here if you’re using public transport.

I wasn’t used to this because in Canada the buses automatically come to your stop if you’re standing there, but in England you generally have to wave them over and flag them down so they know to stop.

31. Know where to find free things to do in England

Looking for some more money-saving England tips? Well, here’s some beautiful budget-friendly news: I honestly think some of the best things to do in England are free.

In most major cities for instance, you’ll find many museums that are by donation. Out in the countryside, there are plenty of great walks that are free to enjoy (including national parks!)

And, all over the country, churches are for the most part free to visit as well. So, if you are looking for tips to travel England on a budget, remember just how many free things there are to choose from.

This is one of my top Europe backpacking tips – do not sleep on the many free things to see and do in England!

32. Learn the tricks to saving on paid attractions

That said, while there are tons of great free things to do, if you are visiting a place that is heavy on attractions like London, it might be worthwhile getting a sightseeing pass that includes many attractions for one set price.

Again, this is usually only worth it if you plan to visit a LOT of paid attractions, but if you do, then you can easily save a ton of money. I’ve used the London Pass in the past for instance and the value was unreal.

Of course, if you’re planning a longer stay in England, and you plan to cover a lot of the country, then it might also be worth looking into an annual membership for either National Trust , English Heritage or Historic Houses.

These are organizations that look after hundreds of historical attractions across the country, and when you’re a member, you get unlimited access for the year.

But again, this is only really worth it for those planning longer trips.

33. Don’t bring any suitcases you can’t carry

England is not a country well built for rolling suitcases.

Sure, there’s the big modern hotels that have functional elevators (lifts), and cities with smooth sidewalks (pavement)…… but more often than not, you’ll encounter rickety cobblestones, and older hotels which are converted from centuries-old houses which have unstable stairs and not a single lift to be found.

This is why I’d highly recommend bringing only suitcases that you can carry. This is especially crucial if you plan to use a lot of public transport, because there’s often situations where you have to lift your bag to go up stairs, to get on the train, to lift onto train luggage racks, etc.

So yes, make sure you can carry your suitcase!

My best tip for packing things into a smaller bag: Use Packing Cubes to squeeze more into your suitcase/backpack.

PS: If you’re overwhelmed with what to pack, I’ve already made some packing lists that you can use as a starting point!

My Europe winter packing list
My Europe summer packing list
My versatile minimalist packing list
My toiletries packing list
My free International Travel Checklist

35. Bring a universal adapter

Power sockets in England are Type G, and if you’re visiting from overseas, odds are you’ll need an adapter for your plugs to fit.

I’d strongly recommend buying a universal adapter like this one if you don’t have one already.

It’s cheap, can be re-used for every trip, and covers you in all situations. Definitely some of the best money I’ve ever spent!

PS: In England, you often also need to turn “on” the power outlets for them to work – simply flip the switch that’s next to it.

36. Pack a waterproof/windproof jacket

It rains a lot in England. You’ve probably heard that before…

But instead of just bringing a clunky umbrella and calling it a day, I’d highly advise packing a waterproof and windproof jacket, especially one with a hood.

This is because English wind can be as fierce as English rain, and getting your umbrella flipped inside out by wind is one of the most humiliating things on Earth. That and calling Greenwich “Green witch”, I suppose.

37. Get a mobile data plan

I feel like this England travel tip goes without saying, but in case you were on the fence about getting a data plan for England, get one. Please, for the love of pudding, get one.

These days, there are so many things in England that are dependent on Internet, like restaurant menus accessible only via QR code, or places that require you to register before entering (side eyeing you, BOXPARK Shoreditch).

Luckily, data is super cheap in the UK. If you want something cheap and easy, Three is great.

You can order their cards online in advance from Amazon or they also have stores all over the UK and even vending machines at the airport when you arrive. You can get a month 10 GB data pack with unlimited calls and text, for only 10 GBP so it’s really worth it!

38. Try to not speak too loud

In England, North Americans generally have a reputation for being… loud.

And once you hear it yourself, you really can’t unhear it.

So if you’re out in public, try to lower the volume of your voice to closer match what’s around you (easier said than done, I know, but something to be mindful of).

39. Binge on movies set in your destination before your visit

Last tip, it’s dorky but in advance of your trip, watch as many movies and TV shows set in the England as possible. Period, modern, Love Actually – whatever floats your boat. I promise it will make your visit a thousand times more magical.

After all, I could binge travel quotes all day but nothing will put me in more of a wanderlusty mood than a good piece of media with swoonworthy accents and idyllic scenery.

So, if you’d like to do the same before your trip, here are some travel movies or shows set in England:

If you’re visiting London, watch Paddington, Paddington II, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary
If you’re visiting Bath, watch Bridgerton
If you’re visiting Manchester and/or Liverpool, watch Peaky Blinders (I know it’s set in Birmingham, but it films mostly in other places)
If you’re visiting idyllic little villages, watch The Holiday or Hot Fuzz (for something a little different)
If you’re visiting Dorset, watch Broadchurch
In general, watch Pride & Prejudice (or your Jane Austen adaptation of choice), Harry Potter, or your period dramas of choice

I hope this list of England travel tips was helpful!

Quite frankly, if you made it this far, you deserve some kind of medal! This was a VERY long list of tips for England, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

UK and Great Britain Tours & Trips

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England, Scotland and Ireland end Dublin

All in all the tour was enjoyable. All 3 countries were beautiful but not enough overnight time was spent in key cities. We arrived to our hotels too late to go out to eat dinner in some locations. Then we were up and off to the next city or town the next morning. My phone kept dying so a charger and wifi on the bus would have been a benefit. Met some nice people and enjoyed time together. Our bus had several tour guides and people changes. Our pod on the bus lost its bubble of safety from covid. Came home ill. Overall, saw many places in 12 days. Eduardo was our favorite guide. He always made sure we knew the history before our next destination. The trip was well worth it in part due to him.

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We had a very lovely experience.

Britain and Ireland Experience (12 Days)

' Great Holiday ' We really enjoyed the many sites of the UK. It really was a great 'taste' of the UK. We appreciated our tour guide and his respectful, knowledgeable and professional manner. The coach was comfortable and 'hats off' to our driver for driving safely on some very tricky roads.We also appreciated our cases being delivered and picked up from our room daily. Hotels were better than we expected and breakfast and other meals always delicious! We had a fantastic trip.

Best of UK & Ireland

Our tour leader Peter was amazing! He took such good care of us, entertained us with stories, folklore and history everywhere we went. Lee was shadowing and proved to be an amazing guide as well! His stories and history were such a gift! Lee...you're welcome! Paul has got to be the BEST driver in the UK! It was incredible the way he navigated the narrow roads, bridges and entrances without a scratch to the bus! His humour and general good nature made the bus trip a truly memorable vacation! Expat is exceptional! Thank you for the memories and new friends!

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Wonders of Britain and Ireland (12 Days)

First trip hard to compare. Suited us fine.

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Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland

The tour was very organised, we saw lots of fabulous places. Sometimes we could have received more information about different (buildings, castles etc) but on the most part it was good. Of course some places we wanted to stay longer but I do understand why that isn’t possible.overall I really did enjoy the experience.

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We had a great holiday and highly recommend insight tours . We had lovely hotels and a fantastic tour guide who was very knowledgeable with places and the history.

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Britain and Ireland Panorama (16 Days)

Anna was amazing. I really enjoyed the trip it actually was more than I expected. Our guide ANNA really made the trip.

The Best of Britain & Ireland

As far as Holiday Inn hotel is concerned there rooms are atrocious. 17 hour flight and no shower heads on fixed shower and held shower.Tried to get receipt for a massage £40 sorry we don't give them.Door lock on bathroom door falling of.Toilet would not stop running. For £170 a night i have seen bigger shoe boxes.

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days)

It was a wonderful trip!

Highland Fling

Such an amazing tour of wonderful places. It was all I imagined it to be. Our driver/tour guide, Cara, as so knowledgeable and informative about the places we visited, making for an immersive experience. Just what I wanted. Cara made sure that we all had a great tour. Thanks Cara. You are a champion ????

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Celtic Highlights

I had a wonderful trip and it was because our tour Director and driver Peter and Eion they were so knowledgeable about their country's

10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

This tour checked all the boxes for us. Ireland is gorgeous and to be introduced to her by Finn who clearly loves his homeland and is so knowledgeable of the history and "troubles" that Ireland has experienced. We had a great group of travel mates and Finn went out of his way to make it successful and fun for all. Bless you Finn. Five thumbs up! ????????❤????

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UK government to relax rules to get 18-year-olds driving buses

Shortage in Great Britain prompts moves to lower minimum age requirements for bus and coach drivers

It’s not just police officers: bus drivers will be officially getting younger under government plans to relax laws on 18-year-olds behind the wheel.

A shortage of drivers across the transport industry has prompted moves to lower minimum age requirements for bus and coach drivers in Great Britain, as well as speeding up training for bus, coach and lorry drivers.

Although there are already a small number of teenage bus drivers, qualified drivers under 21 are restricted to driving shorter routes of up to 31 miles (50km), ruling out jobs on most intercity coach services and many rural bus routes.

The Department for Transport said the proposals should bring more reliable services and help passengers travel with confidence. It will tweak rules to allow prospective bus and HGV drivers to start theory and off-road training before receiving their provisional licence, to help tackle shortages in the passengers transport and haulage sector.

The DfT said the changes would not affect safety but would allow drivers to complete training and start work faster.

The minister for roads, Guy Opperman, said: “Being a bus, coach or lorry driver can be an excellent career for young people and these proposals could help get younger talent into transport, encouraging diversity in the sector.”

He added it would go “some way to continue to ease driver shortages, delivering more reliable bus and coach services and a more resilient supply chain”.

While driver shortages have abated since the problems seen during the height of the Covid pandemic , according to industry estimates from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) there are still almost 10% fewer coach drivers than needed and demand is likely to grow.

Graham Vidler, the chief executive of the CPT, said he welcomed the moves. “As 18-year-olds are allowed to drive an articulated lorry already, there is a clear case for allowing them also to drive all types of coach and bus services.”

Meanwhile, Labour has announced plans to accelerate bus franchising, allowing more local transport authorities to take back control and end what it called the “postcode lottery” of bus services.

Labour said if elected it would create a further 250m passenger journeys a year with greater flexibility over funding and support for public ownership.

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The shadow transport secretary, Louse Haigh, said: “Labour will give every community the power to take back control of their bus services, and will support local leaders to deliver better buses, faster.”

She said it would “create and save vital routes and services, end today’s postcode lottery of bus services, and kickstart a revival of bus services across England”.

The policy would bolster rules that have allowed metro mayors to re-regulate bus services in their region, now in operation in Manchester and soon to follow in Liverpool and West Yorkshire.

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West Yorkshire to bring bus services under public control

Oxford becomes UK’s electric bus capital as 159 vehicles join fleet

Liverpool announces it will bring buses back under public control

England has lost at least 1,500 bus routes since 2021, figures show

Rural bus services hit new low after losing out on post-Covid funding

Decision to scrap Glasgow night bus service prompts outcry

Bus fares: £2 cap in England extended to end of October

Labour vows biggest bus overhaul in 40 years with new powers over operators

Train strikes in April and May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, also mean some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

Thursday 11 April 2024 08:46, UK

Drivers at 16 rail companies have started a fresh wave of strikes, plus overtime bans, causing disruption to the rail network.

Update: All rail strikes have now concluded, and the Tube strikes that were due to take place in May have been called off.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay and will take place across April and May.

Tube strikes planned for April and May have been called off.

In an "entirely separate dispute", ASLEF members will also strike and refuse to do overtime at LNER on specific dates in April "because of the company's failure to adhere to the agreed bargaining machinery", the union said.

LNER's alleged failure to adhere to bargaining machinery refers to it using managers to drive trains on strike days.

People are advised to check before they travel.

Here's what's happening when:

Rail strike dates

Friday 5 April

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry.

Saturday 6 April

Strikes will affect Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Trains.

Monday 8 April

Strikes will affect Greater Anglia, c2c, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line.

Overtime ban dates

Thursday 4 April

Tuesday 9 April

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

LNER action dates

Members will strike on Saturday 20 April and refuse to work non-contractual overtime from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 April .

Why are the strikes happening?

ASLEF says the LNER strikes are because of "the company's persistent failure to comply with existing agreements".

Nigel Roebuck, an ASLEF organiser in the northeast, said the operator had been trying to get "every driver manager and driver instructor to work on strike days".

A spokesperson said: "LNER has used managers - paid £500 a shift - to drive trains on strike days and, after the expiry of the last non-contractual overtime agreement, on most days of the week now.

"There is no agreement in place for management to drive services on mainline infrastructure.

"It results in branch line services - such as Lincoln, Skipton, and Harrogate - being cancelled because of a lack of route knowledge and means virtually no driver training is being done."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Mick Whelan, ASLEF general secretary, said of the rail strikes : "Last month, when we announced renewed mandates for industrial action, because under the Tories' draconian anti-union laws we have to ballot our members every six months, we called on the train companies, and the government, to come to the table for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not had an increase in salary since 2019.

"Our members voted overwhelmingly - yet again - for strike action."

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A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: "Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people's lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

"We want to resolve this dispute, but the ASLEF leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running post-COVID.

"We continue to seek an agreement with the ASLEF leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute."

When the strikes on the London Underground were announced, Finn Brennan, ASLEF's full-time organiser on the network, said in a statement: "ASLEF Tube train drivers will strike in April and May in a long-running dispute over London Underground's failure to give assurances that changes to our members' terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement and that all existing agreements will be honoured.

"Despite a previous commitment to withdraw plans for massive changes to drivers' working conditions, London Underground management has established a full-time team of managers preparing to impose their plans.

Sadiq Khan said they had been called off after "talking and engaging with transport staff and trade unions rather than working against them".

Labour: Expansion and simplification of bus franchising in England

Labour has again pledged to give “every community” in England outside London scope to roll out franchising of bus services and says that under its plans for overhaul, reregulation could be delivered in “as little as two years.”

That will come via legislation passed by the party during a first term in government. It claims that public control in London and Greater Manchester means that “buses have thrived” in those locations, although statistics actually show that usage in the capital fell consistently year-on-year from 2015 and 2019.

Labour adds that its plans will ensure improved taxpayer value, deliver better services, and allow local authorities “a choice over the bus system that works best for them.” The party claims that under such an approach, no additional central government spending will be required.

It is yet to explain how that cost parity will be achieved, although the party notes that local leaders will have “more control and flexibility over bus funding.” The latest announcement largely covers what was first published in policy proposals by Labour during April 2023 .

Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham recently commended the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding approach, which gives a multi-year horizon for transport budgets. He notes that such a mechanism “is really valuable.”

However, Mr Burnham was critical of the current statutory process for franchising services in England, noting that it is “a little too bureaucratic” and “too open to legal challenge.”

Labour adds that Greater Manchester “endured a six-year slog due to unnecessary barriers imposed by central government” in rolling out bus franchising and says that it will support local leaders to deliver reregulation faster.

Labour pledges to simplify and accelerate bus franchising in England

Under its plans, the party says it will create and save up to 1,300 routes and allow 250 million additional passenger journey per year. Networks across England will receive “safeguards” under the proposals.

Describing deregulation as a “failed system,” Labour adds that there were 1.5 billion fewer bus trips per year in 2019 than 1985, that almost 300 million fewer miles per year are covered now compared to 2010, and that “thousands” of services have been cut since 2010.

The party’s comments on loss of services have repeatedly been questioned , with the Confederation of Passenger Transport noting previously that in some cases routes have been consolidated with little or no loss of coverage.

Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is to announce the plans on 11 April at an event with the Labour candidate for Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker. He has confirmed that should he oust incumbent Andy Street, he will look to progress franchising of bus services in the region.

Ms Haigh says that deregulation has “robbed communities of a say over the vital services that they depend on, instead handing power to unaccountable private operators [that] have slashed services.”

She adds: “Labour will give every community the power to take back control of their bus services, and will support local leaders to deliver better buses, faster. Labour’s plans will create and save vital routes and services, end today’s postcode lottery of bus services, and kickstart a revival of bus services across England.”

The party has also underscored its policy of removing the ban on publicly owned bus operators.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse here's what to know.

Geoff Brumfiel

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred. AFP Contributor/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality .

That could mean many millions of Americans will hit the road to get a better view on April 8. If you're still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here's what to consider.

Have some destinations in mind, and check the weather and cloud cover forecasts in advance

It's a good idea to scout out one or more locations within driving distance, so that you have some flexibility if traffic or weather is threatening your plans, says Jonathan Upchurch, a professor emeritus of civil engineering at Arizona State University who has studied travel around solar eclipses.

There are several interactive tools that show the path of totality, including Eclipse2024.org and the National Solar Observatory . You can use them to figure out what sites might work best for you.

In terms of weather, check not just the weather forecast, but also the cloud cover forecast. Some websites, such as Windy.com will predict cloud cover ahead of time, giving you a sense of whether you'll actually be able to see the eclipse in all its glory.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

During the total solar eclipse in 2017, Upchurch says he chose to go to Idaho "because there were some great chances of having sunny skies, and I had the opportunity to be nimble and relocate if I wanted to."

Before driving into the path of totality, make sure your gas tank is full and that you've got everything you need

During the last total solar eclipse in 2017, it's estimated some 5 million people took to the roads, and those numbers will potentially be much higher this year.

Given all that, Upchurch says it's important to make sure you're taking what you need into the path of totality. You should make sure your car is gassed or charged up, and that you have plenty of snacks and water with you in case you get stranded for a while, especially when trying to leave.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Totality stretches from Texas to Maine

Simple tips to safely photograph the eclipse with your cellphone.

Also don't forget to bring eclipse glasses, which must be worn anytime you're looking at the sun, except for the few minutes when it is completely blocked by the moon.

Some state emergency planners also recommend bringing a paper map or road atlas in case cellular networks become overloaded with visitors seeking directions from their phones.

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone! Erika Goldring/FilmMagic hide caption

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone!

Arrive early and stay late

Once you figure out where you're going to watch the eclipse, and you've got your supplies, try to get there early. Although traffic is likely to be heavier than normal on the morning of eclipse day, it still should be possible to reach many destinations without too much hassle, says Upchurch.

"Leaving is definitely going to be more of a problem," he says. As the eclipse concludes, people will take to the roads all at once to try and get home as fast as they can. In 2017, that led to traffic jams that lasted many hours in some areas. If possible, Upchurch says, people should stay put for a while to try and avoid the worst of the post-eclipse rush, which in 2017 stretched even into the following day in some parts of the country.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

And one more thing: If you do find yourself on the move near the time of the eclipse, state officials stress that you should not simply pull over to the side of the road or highway you're driving on. It's important to be parked legally and safely at the moment of totality.

If you're already in the path of totality: Relax and enjoy!

Several major metropolitan areas including Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo are already inside the path of totality, so there's no need to seek a better view, Upchurch says. You'll probably have the most fun simply staying where you are.

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If you're on the edge of the path of totality, however, you might consider making a short trip to get closer to the center of the eclipse's path.

"If you're within about 40 miles of the center line, you'll have two-and-a-half minutes or more" of complete totality, Upchurch says. It's up to you to decide whether it's worth making the trip to a more central location.

Despite studying the potential hassles of traveling extensively, Upchurch says he's still looking forward to seeing the 2024 eclipse, which he plans to watch from Texas.

"Totality is absolutely spectacular," he says. "If you have a chance to witness it, I would do it."

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It’s electrifying: Bus depots and EV charging infrastructure

The past few months has seen a series of major projects across the country as energy companies deliver the necessary infrastructure to support operators in their decarbonisation goals and improve local air quality.

For example, work to electrify Oldham’s bus depot, which started last November, has now been completed to enable charging for a new fleet of modern zero emission buses in Greater Manchester’s Bee Network.

A total of 17 Heliox Flex 180 kW (kilowatt) chargers have been installed, capable of dynamically charging 51 vehicles simultaneously in two and a half hours, giving a range of up to 160 miles on a full charge.

First Bus worked with its decarbonisation partners, Magnus Construction to carry out the installation and Heliox to supply the charging equipment.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) entered into an agreement with First Bus Manchester, as the existing operator of Oldham depot, to carry out the works, ahead of a handover to Stagecoach, who will operate Bee Network services.

A new substation along with other high-voltage equipment supply the power required, which is cabled to the charging points via overhead gantries, along with safety bollards, lining and signing to provide designated charging bays.

New electric buses will operate on three routes around Oldham to replace previous older diesel vehicles.

It is the latest step in upgrading depots and transitioning to an electric bus fleet and follows successful electrification of a depot in Bolton ahead of the launch of the Bee Network there last September.

Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus in Manchester, said: “First Bus has extensive experience in the transformation of depots to electric from our programme at sites across the UK.

“We have brought this knowledge and expertise to Oldham to manage the conversion alongside the continued operation of the depot to serve local communities and the wider region of Greater Manchester.”

Meanwhile, Go-Ahead has installed one of the biggest electric charging hubs in the UK at the depot of its Oxford Bus Company operation.

Zenobē, the fleet electrification specialist worked to install 104 charging points at Cowley House, each offering 150kw of DC power.

Zenobē has also worked with Stagecoach to install 55 chargers at its Network Oxford site for its 55 new electric buses.

To enable the buses to charge overnight, depot charging infrastructure being installed by Zenobē will be powered by an EDF Renewables UK substation at Oxford Bus Company’s Watlington Road depot.

A consortium of bus operators, including the Oxford Bus Company, pledged money towards the scheme, as well as the UK government and Oxfordshire County Council.

All the new buses are being manufactured in the UK and are expected to arrive by June 2024.

Steven Meersman, Co-Founder Director of Zenobē, said: “This is a flagship project for Zenobē. It is an example of what an ambitious operator can do with a strong vision and local support.

“We have worked on more than 50 electrification projects globally and this one stands out for its scale and for the level of collaboration with other operators and government.”

SWARCO Smart Charging, meanwhile, has created a new Electric Bus Charging Hub at Sheffield Interchange on behalf of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), which will operate the all-electric Sheffield Connect route in the city centre.

A total of four electric BYD-Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV single deck buses were introduced at the depot this month and will be charged at the new eBus charging hub equipped with four 100kW CCS chargers which will be managed by SWARCO’s E.Connect system.

The chargers have dual charging points, which means the hub can accommodate charging for eight buses simultaneously and will be able to support other bus operators as they switch to an electric future.

As the main bus station in central Sheffield, the Interchange serves not only the local bus service providers but also National Express coaches that connect the city with destinations across the UK.

South Yorkshire aims to have a zero carbon public transport network by 2040 and SYMCA secured funding from the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme for the works.

Lara Navetta, Sales Director for SWARCO Smart Charging, said “SYMCA has ambitious plans for South Yorkshire and the switch to electric buses for the Sheffield Connect route is just a start.

“SYMCA has taken a very smart approach to creating the charging infrastructure; the charging hub will be able to support the future electrification of fleets running through Sheffield Interchange.”

In addition, First Bus has invested in EV infrastructure at its Roundtree Way depot in Norwich, enabling it to run the first of 70 new electric buses.

UK Power Networks installed new underground cables and equipment at a local substation so the depot could be fully upgraded to power electric buses.

The project is part of UK Power Networks’ Green Recovery programme, which is investing £66 million across 85 sites, to fast-track low carbon energy projects that will help the UK achieve Net Zero by 2050.

Money for the project came from ZEBRA Government funding, bid for and won with Norfolk County Council, and a capital investment from First Bus.

Electric buses are making a huge difference to air quality in urban areas and by working to electrify depot sites in more of our towns and cities, the UK is moving towards decarbonised public transport – stop by stop – for all.

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At least six children dead & 15 injured in horror school bus crash as ‘drunk’ driver overturns coach in India

Tom Malley , Foreign News Reporter
Published : 8:20, 11 Apr 2024
Updated : 10:48, 11 Apr 2024
Published : Invalid Date,

AT LEAST six children have died and a further 15 have been injured after a suspected drink driver overturned a bus in India.

Two students are said to be in a critical condition after the coach reportedly crashed into a tree.

The remains of the bus following the crash

The bus was carrying around 30 students from the GL Public School in Haryana's Mahendragarh district when the tragedy unfolded on Thursday morning.

According to police, the bus driver attempted to overtake another vehicle , local media report.

Following an initial investigation, it appeared that the driver lost control of the bus and rammed it into a tree, the District Education Officer added.

Eyewitnesses present at the scene alleged that the bus driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

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One of the injured students told news agency ANI that the driver was drunk and "kept the speed at 120 kph (74mph) which led to misbalance".

The bus's fitness certificate had also expired six years ago, official documents reveal.

The driver has since been arrested, superintendent of Mahendragarh Police, Arsh Verma, confirmed.

The injured students were immediately taken to hospitals nearby.

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Two have since been moved to a hospital in nearby Rohtak in a critical condition, it has been reported.

Dr Ravi Kaushik of Nihal hospital said four children had already died from their injuries when they were brought in.

"Twenty children were brought here, out of which four were brought dead," he told News 9 . "One of the injured students was put on a ventilator, however, he passed away after ten minutes.

"We saved 15 children who received serious injuries."

Questions have also been raised as to why the school was even open as the country observed Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic holiday.

In response to the incident, Haryana's Education Minister, Seema Trikha, immediately requested local police to visit the injured children in hospital and launch a thorough investigation.

Union home minister Amit Shah paid his condolences to the children with a post on X (formerly Twitter).

He wrote: "The accident of a school bus in Mahendragarh, Haryana is very sad. My condolences are with the bereaved families of the deceased children.

"May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow.

"The local administration is providing assistance to the injured children. I wish them a speedy recovery."

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Six children dead in school bus crash after 'drunk' driver overturns coach

It's also been reported that the mother of one of the students involved in the crash crashed her bike on the way to the site of the accident, breaking her leg in the process.

The student's sister, who was also on the bike with her mum, died in the crash, according to NDTV .

The bus had suffered heavy damage following the accident

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This article was updated on July 24th, 2023.

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