Getting Around the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has a well-developed transportation system
with an extensive network of motorways and roads, railways, ferries
and airline services.
Car Rental
For the independent traveller renting a car is often the best
solution, but bear in mind that in the United Kingdom the roads
are very crowded and parking in urban areas can be very difficult
and expensive. For most visitors from outside the United Kingdom
driving on the left side of the road can be challenging, and the
streets seem crowded, narrow and full of obstacles compared to
those of newer countries. That said, private driving gives a freedom
and saves relying on a public transportation system that in many
areas is now quite unreliable. It can be a very positive travel
experience to discover a new country by road with one completely
in the driver’s seat.
Rental car rates vary and it is best to shop around locally as
well as with the international car rental companies. A wide range
of vehicles is available. Petrol or gasoline in the U.K. is very
expensive when compared to North America and other parts of the
world. Check the Internet and local newspapers. A foreign driving
license is good for one year from arrival in the U.K., after that
time a U.K driving test must be taken to obtain a local drivers
license. An International Drivers License is useful if a traveller’s
own license is written in a language other than English.
For those travellers used to driving a vehicle with an automatic
transmission remember that most rental vehicles in the U.K. have
a manual transmission. An automatic transmission has to be requested
and will inevitably be more expensive.
Long Distance
Bus/Coach Travel
The U.K. has an ever-growing network of long distance bus
(or coach) services, brought about in great part by the relative
decline of rail travel and the burgeoning motorway system. Long
distance bus travel is relatively cheap and works well. However
due to the common occurrence of road congestion journeys can be
long and somewhat arduous. On the plus side it offers a great
way to see the country and buses are mostly modern and comfortable.
Unlimited travel passes over a pre-designated period of time are
available, and for those who don’t need these, booking in
advance always offers the best discounts over tickets purchased
without notice.
Rail Travel
Britain’s once glorious rail network is sadly depleted.
However the U.K. rail network is still one of the most extensive
in the world, and most places are in easy distance of a railway
station. Even though the service is less reliable than in the
golden days of rail travel, it is still relatively efficient,
despite the recent privatization of the system that has led to
a confusing number of private rail travel companies in comparison
to the once monopolistic and government owned British Railways.
Privatization certainly hasn’t improved things. Nevertheless
one can still reach most points in the UK by train with relative
convenience. The latest in train travel of is the Eurostar service
utilizing the Channel Tunnel to link England with Continental
Europe.
Various rail passes are available for visitors from outside the
U.K. These offer unlimited travel over a designated number of
days for a fixed or within a fixed number of days. For example
passes are available for seven days unlimited travel, or for four
days unlimited travel within a seven-day period. Sometimes reservations
are necessary - always check ahead of the commencement of your
journey. For those not availing themselves of the advantages of
rail passes, tickets are cheaper when booked in advance, and day
returns (there and back in the same day) are particularly good
value.
Several companies offer centralized information and reservations
systems for all the various rail companies. Information can be
gained over the Internet or through your travel agent in your
home country. Once in the UK the yellow pages will provide a resource
for contact information for the relevant rail company, or your
hotel or lodgings will certainly be able to put you on the right
track.
Air Travel
The United Kingdom has an extensive network of airports and
airline routes. Air travel is particularly essential in the remote
islands of northern Scotland. Otherwise air travel is competing
with land travel. While air travel is obviously quicker, journey
time from downtown to airport and vice versa often takes away
the advantage of flying on shorter stretches, particularly as
train travel between major centres is fairly fast now.
The advent of various low-cost carriers has meant that cost is
often competitive with the railways. The low cost carriers frequently
offer remarkably low-priced bargains. Once again it is advantageous
to book as far ahead as possible. Check the websites of the various
airlines for deals. The major airlines will often compete with
some of these bargain prices.
Boat and Ferry Travel
The United Kingdom has many islands, and an efficient network
of boats and ferries serves these. Modern car ferries that are
fully equipped for the comfort of their passengers serve the various
islands of Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
In some cases high-speed catamarans make these crossings in half
the time of a conventional vessel. Additionally ferry and catamaran
services to Ireland and Continental Europe are also extensive.
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