In the UK, we’re lucky enough to have our pick of public transport options. This is especially the case when exploring big cities, where you could potentially have the choice of trams, trains, buses, and car rentals. If you’re going off the beaten path to more rural areas, transport can be more temperamental but there are still always one or two options available.
In general, there are three main transport options that you can rely on when exploring England. These forms of travel are perfect for both short and long-distance journeys and are generally cost-effective.
Trains
The rail network in England is well developed so the majority of places are reachable via train, including major cities. Between January and March 2023 alone, 389 million rail passenger journeys were recorded across the UK, making it one of the country’s most popular forms of travel. Making your journey by train is a green, scenic and low-stress way to explore England.
The rail network covers the entire swatch of England, meaning you could hop on a train in London and be in the North of the country in just under three hours. Unlike cars, you can leave the worries of traffic at home and travel at your own pace.
Whether you’re travelling into a big city or the countryside, tickets are easily purchased on money-saving train apps or at the local train station.
Car rentals
If you’re travelling on a budget, then car rentals are a great way to make the most of travel expenses. Renting a car will give you the flexibility to explore areas that are harder to reach via public transport and you can do away with any worries about timetables or rushing to catch your train.
Once you’ve collected your car, you won’t have to cart heavy luggage around to and from your next destination. You decide when you travel and how long for as it suits you.
For maximum convenience, you could even hire a motorhome to travel in, so your accommodation is sorted too! If this sounds like the plan for you, make sure that you have the right motorhome insurance to keep you safe on the road. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with England’s highway code.
Coaches
If you’re doing some long-distance travelling, coaches are a more affordable option for trains. They often come with tour packages that allow you to get a more extensive view of an area and range from minimal to extensive options.
Not only is it cheap and cheerful, but coach services are simple to book and easy to navigate. Make sure to bring your headphones along, sit back and relax as you move towards your journey.
Most major UK cities and towns have a coach station, and will typically have routes that will take you to local places of interest.