How to Travel

By air

Though Britain is a small country, flying can be a competitive option, especially if you book ahead and travel early in the morning or late in the evening, you can get some great deals which can be cheaper than going by train.

Airlines with good regional coverage are listed below:

By train

Trains can be a rewarding, relaxing and, if you book in advance, a good value way to travel around Britain. Lots of different companies run services in Britain so start by contacting National Rail Enquiries (www.nationalrail.co.uk)  (Tel: 08705 484950; outside UK +44 1332 387601). It’s a helpful, centralised service that provides timetable and fare information. To buy tickets, you have to contact individual train operating companies or use a website such as The Trainline (www.thetrainline.com/default.asp?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Evisitbritain%2Ecom%2FVB3%2Den%2Fexperiences%2Fgay%2Fnewcastle%2Fgetting%5Fthere%2Easpx&T2ID=6756_20061130103311).

Some of the major companies are listed below:

Insider info

If you are planning on studying or working in Britain, think about getting a Young Persons Railcard (www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk/). The railcard allows you to save a 1/3 off rail travel for the whole year and even gives a discount on the London Underground.

By coach

The cheapest way to travel long distances, and you see a lot more of the country while you're travelling than by train.

By car

Rental rates can be fairly expensive in the UK but if there are several of you, hiring a car can be a good value way to travel. Try and book in advance for better deals. If you are planning on travelling extensively in Britain it might be worth buying a car to travel round and then selling it on afterwards.

Major rental companies include:

By ferry

The main ferries in Britain service the islands west and north of Scotland. Caledonian Macbrayne (www.calmac.co.uk) (Tel: 08705 650000) is the main operator off the west coast. Northlink Ferries (www.northlinkferries.co.uk) (Tel: 08456 000449) is the main operator to Orkney and the only sea-going option to the Shetlands.

Check out our ferry section for loads more info.

In London

The TfL (tube.tfl.gov.uk/) or ‘Tube’ is of course the easiest way to travel around London with a massive network, which is easy and safe to use.

Depending on where you’re staying or living in London there are a number of different ways to travel. By the London buses you get chance to see a lot more of the city and save money, One Day Bus Passes are only £3.00.

Alternatively, cycling in London (www.lcc.org.uk/) is becoming the new craze. There are excellent cycle lanes and new routes which are getting better all the time and after you’ve paid for a bike, it costs relatively little to maintain and is a great way to stay fit.