Any trip to England is certainly an enjoyable one, as there are numerous impressive, historically significant, and entertaining sites to see. However, naturally, they are all scattered across different cities, and travelers might find it challenging to navigate through the area quickly and comfortably. So we have prepared you the best tips for getting around England so that your trip is the most efficient!
England, London
Renting a Car
For those who enjoy their complete freedom during their travels and do not like to be restricted by timetables, renting a car might be the best choice. Here is what you should know!
Know your cars
While this does not apply to absolutely every choice, most rental cars in England have manual transmissions. Of course, you can request a car with an automatic gear system, but that might be more difficult and more expensive, as it is rarer. Our suggestion is, if possible, to designate this task to someone who knows how to drive a stick shift. It will make your trip much more manageable!
Prepare a budget
While super comfortable, renting a car in England is also quite pricey. So you should be prepared to spend a lot of money on this luxury. Not only the rent fee is expensive – the petrol too! So you should do your research beforehand and prepare your budget accordingly so that there are no unwelcome surprises for you.
Also, this will depend on your itinerary, but parking spaces in England are also crazy steep! Especially in the most popular tourist areas. Though, the experience is worth it in the end.
Traffic in England
Traveling by Train
Public transportation in England is very well developed, so if you want to save a bit of cash, and get places quickly, you should do that by train!
Be prepared for delays
As efficient as the railway system in England is, no one can avoid unexpected delays. Here, that happens quite often. So on many occasions, trains are late, which could be anywhere from a couple of minutes to an hour. While this is entirely normal for the locals, you should be prepared for that too, and know that there is nothing unusual about that. So just keep that in mind going in, and you should be fine!
We also suggest planning your day in a way that you can allow yourself to be late to places.
The worst-case scenario is that the train gets canceled, but that does not happen often. If so, there is always another one coming along!
Check out the London to Manchester train for a great example of fees, timetables, and routes!
Check your baggage
In this case, we are talking about bikes and scooters. While many trains allow this, there are some exceptions, so if you plan on carrying any small vehicle, we suggest you do thorough research before buying the ticket so that you do not have to leave any of your belongings behind!
England trains
Traveling by Bus
If you do not like spending time on the train, or if you do not enjoy the clattering of the railway, it might be best for you to travel by bus. In terms of prices and comfortability, they are just as reliable as trains, if not more so!
Consider getting a Travelcard
If your itinerary takes you to many places and requires you to spend a lot of time on the road, you might think about buying a Travelcard. Essentially, this allows you easy access to buses and the Tube. You can buy a daily or weekly pass, and they are available at both automated machines and ticket office personnel. Both accept cards and cash!
Consider the famous double-deckers
Many tourists see the red double-deckers of England as more of an advertising trick or an expensive city tour. However, as popular as they are, they are an excellent choice for navigating. While you will probably have to wait a bit more than getting on a Tube, double-deckers are just as inexpensive, and you will definitely see many stunning places along the way. So, do not be discouraged, and keep them in mind!
Double-deckers
Book in Advance
This is a general rule that applies to every single transportation mentioned above. Whether you will be driving a rental, getting on a train, or bus, you should plan everything beforehand. Especially trains and buses! Not only will you save money, but you will also guarantee a seat, as they are often sold out on the day of departure.
So, if your itinerary allows you – book online, the earlier, the better!
England
And that is about it! Every essential detail you need to know before deciding how you want to travel around England. So do your research, and we hope you have a great trip!