Travel - English

Transport in the UK

Public transport in the UK is reasonably reliable, although you should always be prepared for delays. To find out the best route, go to traveline for train, bus and coach information.

Trains

Train services connect most towns, villages and cities, and timetables and updates can be found at national rail. You should buy your ticket from a machine or the ticket office before boarding. Rail travel is more expensive in the UK than in many other countries. If you are aged 16-25 or in full-time education, you can buy a young person’s railcard which gives you a third off your rail travel. You can buy your railcard at most stations if you present a passport photo and passport.

Buses

Local buses are a scenic way to travel, but can be slow because they often stop at more places than the trains. They can also be expensive so if you’re going to be using local buses regularly in your area, it’s a good idea to ask the local bus company about money-saving travel cards.

Taxis

Taxis usually wait outside train stations and airports, or you can pre-book via a taxi company. You should always pre-agree a price or ask to have the meter on to avoid getting conned. Lone female travellers in particular should be wary of unsavoury individuals parked outside stations posing as taxi drivers. It’s safest to book one at a licensed taxi office or ask your student union or hostel for the phone number of a reliable company.

Car

Driving often saves time and it’s a good way to explore the British countryside. Car drivers must have a valid licence and be 17 years old or over, and you must also be insured to drive a particular car. For details about licenses, contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

Bicycles

If you want to use a bicycle in the UK, you might want to take a familiarisation course. These are sometimes provided by the local authority or police and they teach you how to ride safely on British roads. Your student union may have information on this.

Coach

For long distance trips, often the cheapest option is coach, especially if you book some weeks in advance. Megabus National Express and Citylink all run intercity services. Check out their websites for student deals.

If you don’t want to go it alone, your student union or international students’ office will probably organise coach tours to famous places like Stonehenge, London and Oxford. Ask for information on planned activities when you arrive.

Transport in London

London has its own unique public transport system, consisting of the Underground train network, buses and overland trains. The Underground usually stops around midnight, while some buses run all night. For maps and fare information, go to the Transport for London homepage. You can plan your journey on: journey planner.

You can buy tickets for the Underground at any station, and you can buy a bus ticket from machines at some stops. Tickets for buses can also be bought from bus drivers, but if you want to get on a “bendy bus” (one that can bend around corners), you must buy a ticket before you board. If an inspector finds you without a ticket on any of the public transport systems, you could be fined.

A better option is to get an Oyster card. This can be used instead of a ticket on any Underground train or bus, and you should swipe it on the readers available. You can get one by paying a deposit at the ticket desk of any Underground station. It works on a pay-as-you-go basis, and can be used on all Underground trains and buses. You should talk to your student union about getting a special student Oyster card.

Taxis in London come in the form of large black cabs and mini-cabs (which look like normal cars). Be aware that only blackcabs are allowed to be flagged down. When they are free, they have their lights on. The same safety precautions should be taken in London as in the rest of the UK. If you need the number of a licensed taxi firm, you can text send a text message to Cabwise, who will reply with several numbers.

Hostels

The UK is notoriously expensive for travellers, but if you want to take a weekend break from studying, hostels are a cheap and cheerful way to see Britain. You can use websites like hostelbookers and hostelworld to book your bed in advance, although it’s worth doing some research into which hostels are of an acceptable standard. Accommodation is listed in guidebooks like the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide series’. You can also surf the web for reviews of hostels, or ask your student union for ideas.

Hostelling International is a reputable international hostel association which can usually be trusted in terms of safety and cleanliness. Check out their website to find out which of their hostels are in the area you want to visit, and to book. If you sign up to become a member, you can get a discount at some hostels.

For lone female travellers, it’s a good idea to book into hostels which have all-female dorms. Always ask for a locker to keep valuables in, and keep an eye on your belongings. Check before you book hostel rules on curfews and visitors. Many hostels will organise day trips, which are an excellent way of siteseeing and making friends, so ask for information when you arrive.

Travelling to and from the UK

Travelling in and out of the UK is easy, as there are flights everyday from nearly every major international city. The main airports near London are Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted. Other main international airports in the UK are in Aberdeen, Cardiff, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Belfast. Most of the airports have excellent connections with public transport; visit their websites for information.

Europe and beyond

If you plan to explore other countries during your studies in the UK, there are a few things you should consider. Check with your country’s foreign office to see if you need a visa and the restrictions you may be subject to. You should also get travel insurance if your trip is not already covered by existing insurance. Your travel agent or flight operator should help you with this.

Europe is the easiest place to get to from the UK, and there is plenty of choice in terms of transport. The Eurostar runs from London to Paris, Lille, Calais and Brussels, and from there you can connect with many other European destinations. See Eurostar for details. It’s fast, but perhaps a little too expensive for some student budgets.

Budget airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet fly to most European countries, although to get the cheapest flights you could find yourself flying very early in the morning and from an inconvenient airport. You can also visit Europe on a coach, and some companies offer tours. Talk to your local travel agent for details.

If you are planning an extended tour of Europe, you might consider the Interrail pass. The pass is pricey, but it gives you unlimited rail travel for an extended period of time in most European countries. Go to interrailnet and raileurope for information.

STA Travel is a travel agent specialising in travel for students and young people. You can visit their website, or drop in on them if they have an office on your campus. They may be able to offer special student discounts on travel and accommodation. Remember that Hostelling International have hostels all over the world, so check their website if you are unsure of where to stay on your trip.

Safety

Transport in the UK is generally safe, but there have been a few rare instances of attacks and muggings. If you are worried, avoid travelling alone on deserted buses, tube trains and train carriages at night. It’s a good idea to carry a zip-up bag and keep an eye on your belongings at all times to avoid pickpockets.

Most people have heard about the several bomb scares the UK has experienced in the last few years. You are extremely unlikely to be involved in one yourself, but if you are worried by unattended bags or a suspicious individual, you should inform transport staff.

As in other countries, it’s wise not to be overly trusting of strangers. People in the UK can be friendly and generous, and chatting to locals is a great way to find out about British culture. However, if you are alone, it’s best not to accept an invitation from a stranger to stay at their house or ride in their car.

If travelling outside the UK, get travel safety advice from your country’s foreign office or that of the UK.