Top Methods for Traveling in England

With its multitude of attractions, England is a relatively small country featuring good roads and an extensive rail network, making travel easy regardless of the time of year.

One of the first major choices when exploring England is deciding between renting a car or utilizing the comprehensive public transport system. While having your own vehicle allows you to optimize your time and access off-the-beaten-path locations, expenses like rental fees, fuel, tolls, and potential traffic delays can add up. Alternatively, the public transport system, comprising trains and buses, often proves to be a more economical and efficient option. Additionally, most city centers in England, aside from London, are quite pedestrian-friendly.

From budget travel passes to the most effective modes of transport to reach your destination, here’s our guide for navigating England.

Opt for trains for quick long-distance journeys

When traveling long distances across England, trains typically offer a faster and more comfortable option than buses, although they tend to be pricier. While many Brits complain about their train services, about 85% are punctual (with delays primarily affecting daily commuters), and major stations are well-equipped with helpful staff, a variety of food options, and solid amenities.

Currently, the main challenge for train travelers is the pricing. If you wait until the last minute to book your ticket, you might face exorbitant fares. It's wise to secure your tickets as early as possible—generally, they become available about 12 weeks before the travel date. Occasionally, purchasing two one-way tickets can be more economical than buying a return ticket.

Around 20 different companies provide train services in England, while Network Rail manages the tracks and stations. This variety of train operators can be initially confusing for some travelers, but most information and ticket purchasing options are centralized for convenience.

If you need to switch trains or utilize multiple train operators, you can purchase a single ticket that covers your entire journey. Major railcards and passes are accepted across all train operators and can provide significant savings.

For journey planning, your first resource should be National Rail Enquiries, the national service for timetable and fare information. Their website highlights special deals and offers real-time links to station departure boards, along with downloadable maps of the rail network.

Tickets can also be purchased directly from the rail companies or through other ticket retailers, many of which offer user-friendly websites and apps. Options include Rail Easy and The Trainline. The ticket-splitting service Tickety Split is an excellent way to save on fares, especially for one-way trips.

Buses typically offer a more affordable option for long-distance travel.

In the UK, long-distance buses are referred to as coaches, connecting most major towns and cities. If you're on a budget, coaches are often the most economical choice for getting around England, although they can be significantly slower than other options.

Booking early or traveling during off-peak hours can lead to very low coach fares, but if you're heading to the airport, consider taking a quicker train or taxi to ensure you arrive in time for your flight. The two main coach companies are National Express and Megabus.

Tip for coach travel: Many towns have distinct stations for local buses and long-distance coaches; be sure to go to the correct one!

Consider renting a car if you're planning to visit remote areas.

Driving a car or riding a motorcycle in England offers greater independence and flexibility, allowing access to more remote areas. However, drivers face challenges like frequent traffic congestion (even on motorways), high fuel prices, insurance costs, and parking fees in urban and tourist hotspots.

Car rentals in England can be pricey compared to many countries (especially the USA), with fuel prices often shocking. Small cars start around £130 per week, while basic motorcycles begin at £215 per week. If time permits, you can navigate almost anywhere in England by combining train, bus, taxi, walking, and occasional bike rentals without the need to drive.

Tip for car rentals: Numerous major rental companies exist, but you might find better rates with smaller, local businesses or through comparison websites. Airport rental services can offer good deals and are easily accessible by public transport, even if you're not arriving by air.

Reserve cycling for outdoor adventures.

Renting a bike – whether for a few hours, a day, or even longer – is an excellent way to truly explore a small area or experience England's natural beauty. Some cities offer bike-share programs (along with e-scooters), while others provide long-term bike rental options. England is also developing a network of marked long-distance cycling paths that may encourage you to discover more of the country on two wheels.

Bikes can frequently be rented in national parks or forested areas, especially at sites known for recreational activities such as Kielder Water in Northumberland and Grizedale Forest in the Lake District. In certain regions, former railway lines have been converted into cycling routes, notably in the Peak District in Derbyshire and the Bristol and Bath Railway Path in Somerset.

Nonetheless, England remains a predominantly car-oriented country, and most cities are not particularly accommodating to cyclists. Only a few cities feature a sufficient network of dedicated bike lanes, making it advisable to enjoy cycling in more rural settings, especially during the summer months.

A handful of domestic airlines are available.

Due to England's relatively small size, there isn't a widespread network of domestic flights, but certain lengthy cross-country trips can be cumbersome and expensive by train (for example, traveling from Exeter or Southampton to Newcastle).

Nonetheless, you’ll typically spend at least £100 for one of these flights, and the time advantage diminishes when you consider the transit times and the journey to and from the airport. England's domestic airlines include British Airways, Loganair, easyJet, and Ryanair, but given the short distances and significant carbon footprint, many choose to avoid flying.

Consider taking a boat to the Isle of Wight or the Scilly Isles.

The main ferry routes in England connect Portsmouth or Southampton to the Isle of Wight and from Penzance to the Scilly Isles. If you're not pressed for time, exploring by canal boat is an option; narrowboat rentals are primarily found along the Oxford Canal and the Grand Union Canal near Rugby.

Local buses and trains facilitate travel between towns and cities.

English cities typically offer robust public transport systems, featuring a mix of buses, trains, and sometimes trams. However, these services can be operated by multiple companies, which may be confusing. You'll usually find clear information at stops or stations, including route maps and ticket details, and staff at tourist offices are always ready to assist.

Local bus services operate throughout the year in cities and towns, with exceptions on Christmas Day and sometimes Boxing Day, when services may either cease or run on limited schedules. Sundays typically see reduced service. The CityMapper app is useful for planning the quickest routes, especially when using multiple transport options.

In rural areas, buses operate year-round, but timetables often cater to schools and businesses, leading to fewer services during midday and weekends. Some routes may stop entirely during summer school holidays, or buses may connect local villages to market towns only once a week. It's wise to research beforehand if you plan to rely solely on rural bus transport.

In tourist regions, particularly in national parks, you can generally find more frequent services from Easter through September. However, it's advisable to check with a tourist office to confirm bus availability before organizing your day's plans around a service that might not be operating.

Catching a taxi in England

England has two types of taxis: licensed cabs with meters that can be hailed on the street, and 'minicabs,' which are less expensive but must be booked by phone. In London and other major cities, traditional black cabs provide official taxi services, charging based on distance and time. Additionally, ridesharing apps like Uber are available in cities and many larger towns.

In rural areas, you'll typically need to book licensed taxis by phone. It's helpful to look up local taxi company numbers online while planning your trip, or you can inquire at a nearby pub or your place of stay. Taxis are often found waiting at country train stations, or there may be a cab office nearby.

Tip for taking a taxi: The Traintaxi website serves as a resource that connects minicab providers with train stations, making it easier to 'bridge the gap' between the station and your ultimate destination.