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Travelling around the UK

Travelling around the UK is easy.  The extensive network of rail, coach and bus services covers both local and longer journeys, the roads are excellent, and even cyclists have their own cycle paths. Frequent air services also connect major UK cities with many European and international destinations.

By Rail

Train stations can be found all over the UK.  Regular intercity services provide fast connections between major cities, whilst local train routes offer a more regional-based service.  Train ticket prices differ widely with the price being determined by the type of ticket you buy and when you need to travel.  Tickets are usually cheaper if you book in advance and specify the day and time that you plan to travel.  Anyone aged between 16 and 25 can purchase a Young Person's Railcard, which entitles you to get a third off most rail fares anywhere in Britain. 

By Road

You can travel by coach to and from most parts of the UK.  Travelling by coach will usually take longer but the fares are cheaper.  National Express, the main coach company in the UK, has an extensive UK network.  Another coach operator that is particularly popular with students is Megabus with fares starting from as little as £1 plus 50p booking fee.

Bicycles are a great way to get around at virtually no cost.  Many cities have bicycle lanes on major roads, so that you don't have to cycle alongside the other traffic.  Wearing a bicycle helmet is not compulsory in the UK, but doing so will help to ensure your own safety and well-being.

By Air

Traditionally considered a relatively expensive mode of transport,  the growth in low-cost airlines operating from the UK's 28 regional airports in not only removing the need for passengers to transit through London Heathrow, but has also made flying an increasingly popular and affordable way of getting around the UK and exploring Europe.


NCL 11 Students standing by Newcastle bridge NCL 08 unidentified Newcastle building NCL 02 Student (f) on reading in res room
Abdulaziz Almubarak
Getting around the city is really easy.  There's an excellent and simple to use Metro service that runs from the the city centre to the coast and the airport.  With my monthly metro pass, I can get unlimited trave on the Metro.
Abdulaziz Almubarak

Foundation pathway in Physical Sciences and Engineering