Travelling around Britain
Introduction
Whether it’s lush green countryside, dramatic coasts, cute villages or bustling cities, here’s all you need to know about the different ways you can get around Britain.
Travelling around Britain by train
Travelling by train is a green, scenic and relaxing way to discover Britain. The rail network here covers whole swathes of Britain, with more than 2,500 stations serving England, Scotland and Wales. It’s an easy and efficient way to travel, with different train companies serving different parts. You can plan your journey using the National Rail Journey Planner, and before you know it, you could be in Brighton, Cardiff, or almost anywhere else! Journey lengths aren’t too onerous either – hop on a train in London and you can be in Scotland within four hours.
It’s easy to travel within regions and towns too. Plan your journey and buy tickets from large travel agents, online ticket providers, and at all railway stations.
Buying your ticket further in advance can save you money and sometimes it’s even cheaper to buy two separate singles than one return, so it pays to check this before booking. If you opt for a BritRail Pass – exclusively for tourists – it offers unlimited journeys and various discounts, giving you the freedom to travel around at your own pace.
Travelling around London
Britain’s busiest, most populated and diverse city is England’s capital: London. While lots of the central areas are easy to explore by foot, you will no doubt need some form of transport during your stay. If you know where you want go to, you can find the quickest routes for your journeys in and around London using Transport for London’s (TfL) handy journey planner.
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 Google 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 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 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 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. One in six of these bikes is now an e-bike, so it’s even easier to get around. 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 plenty of minicab 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, and Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays (except between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day inclusive) from midday to 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 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and midday to 6pm 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.
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.
Edinburgh, Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham operate tram services – you can purchase tickets for the tram either from an on-board conductor or from ticket machines at tram stops. Get more information from local tourist offices and local tourist board’s websites.
Taxis and minicabs are available in cities and towns across Britain. Taxi ranks can be found just outside most busy train stations or you can phone for one in advance. Minicab apps, such as Uber or Bolt, also provide services in many of the major towns and cities.
Many city roads have cycle lanes and even dedicated traffic lights. Most destinations have somewhere you can hire bikes, and increasingly scooters.
The National Cycle Network, managed by Sustrans, also covers many different parts of Britain, providing signed routes and paths.
Travelling around Britain by car
Driving around Britain gives you freedom to explore its diverse landscapes, cities, towns and hidden coastal corners when you want. Plus, the extensive network of motorways makes travelling around straightforward.
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.
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.
Driving electric vehicles makes travelling around Britain more sustainable. Most major car rental companies will hire them. There are 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.
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.
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. Dundee’s LEZ has been enforced since May 2024, and the LEZ in Edinburgh and Aberdeen since June 2024.
Find out more about Scotland’s low emission zones.
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.
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 a 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.
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, Stornoway and Lochboisdale in the Western Isles. Most of the ferry companies offer a variety of different ticket types including island-hop passes.
River ferries are an interesting alternative to the more usual forms of transport, like the ferry across the Mersey River between Liverpool and Birkenhead and the London river boats that run from Westminster to Greenwich and beyond.
On England’s south coast, hop across to the Isle of Wight in style with Hovertravel. Their hovercraft service runs every 15 minutes, year-round, connecting Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight in just ten minutes. Whether you’re headed for a longer stay or only have time for a day trip, there’s no faster way to cross the Solent.
You can discover more about boat routes and timetables by visiting local destination websites.
