Travelling the UK made easy: your transport guide! 2025

Whether you’re planning your first trip to the UK or you are a local looking to explore more of your home country, one of the biggest questions is: What is the best way to get around?

This guide breaks down the main transport options, highlighting their pros and cons to help you decide.

 

Travelling by Car

If you have never driven in the UK before, it can seem intimidating at first. The country has a mix of modern motorways, historic city streets, and winding rural lanes that can be challenging for visitors. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Driving on the left: Unlike many other countries, the UK drives on the left side of the road, which can take some getting used to.

Narrow country lanes: Many rural roads are extremely tight, sometimes only wide enough for one car at a time, requiring drivers to use passing areas.

Roundabouts: The UK has a lot of roundabouts, and knowing when to give way and how to navigate multi-lane ones are important.

Busy motorways and junctions: Major roads like the M25 around London can be heavily congested, and complex interchanges such as Spaghetti Junction in Birmingham require careful navigation.

Despite these challenges, most roads aren’t as difficult as they’re made out to be, and with a little preparation, driving can be a fantastic way to explore the UK at your own pace.

Pros of Driving in the UK

• Complete freedom: Travel on your schedule without being tied to train or bus timetables.
• Privacy and comfort: Enjoy a personal space without crowds or disruptions.
• More luggage space: ideal if you’re travelling with a lot, whether it is camping gear, hiking equipment, or shopping.

Cons of Driving in the UK

• Longer journey times: Traffic and roadworks can make driving slower than public transport for some routes.
• Parking challenges: Many Cities have expensive and limited parking, sometimes requiring park-and-ride options.
• Tricky roads: From single-track countryside lanes to complex city layouts, driving can be stressful if you are not used to UK roads.

Personally, driving is my preferred way to travel around the UK. The flexibility and convenience outweigh the drawbacks and as a local, I’m already comfortable with the roads. If you are confident behind the wheel and up for the challenge, renting a car can be a great way to see more of the country, especially in rural areas that are harder to reach by public transport.

Travelling by Train

Britain is home to the world’s oldest railway system, dating back to 1825, and it remains one of the most popular ways to travel around the country. With 2,578 stations across England, Scotland, and Wales, train travel offers a convenient and often scenic way to get from city to city.

Most major cities, including London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow, have well-connected train stations and high-speed services trains can make long journeys much faster than driving.

Pros of Train Travel in the UK

• Relaxed and comfortable journey: no need to worry about traffic, parking, or navigation.
• Scenic views: Many routes pass through stunning landscapes, including the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District, and the Cornish coast.
• Fast connections between major cities: Routes like London to Edinburgh or Manchester to London can be faster than driving.

Cons of Train Travel in the UK

• Unreliable service: Delays, cancellations, and strikes are frequent issues.
• Limited coverage in rural areas: Some locations, like the Cotswolds or parts of Wales, require additional transport after reaching the nearest station.
• Expensive if not booked in advance: Last-minute tickets can be costly, though rail passes and advance bookings can help save money.

As much as I enjoy a train ride, the unpredictability of UK rail services can make it frustrating. If you plan to travel by train, I highly recommend booking in advance, checking for service updates, and having a backup plan in case of delays.

Travelling by Bus

Buses are one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel around the UK. Most cities and towns have well-connected bus networks, making it easy to get around without a car or train.

Buses are particularly useful in rural areas, where train stations may be scarce. For example, if you are exploring the Lake District, Cornwall, or the Scottish Highlands, buses can be the best way to reach smaller villages and scenic spots that aren’t easily accessible by train.

Pros of Bus Travel in the UK

• Generally, the most affordable option as tickets are often cheaper than trains or car rentals, especially for long distances.
• Extensive coverage; Many towns and rural areas have frequent local bus services, making them accessible without a car.
• A relaxed way to travel, Ideal for shorter journeys where you can sit back and enjoy the ride without worrying about driving or parking.

Cons of Bus Travel in the UK

• Traffic delays; Especially in busy cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, buses can be affected by congestion.

Travelling by Coach

For budget-conscious travellers, coach travel is one of the cheapest ways to get around the UK. Operators like National Express and Megabus run services between major cities, airports, and even smaller towns, often at much lower prices than trains. If booked in advance, you can find incredibly cheap tickets – sometimes as low as £1 for promotional fares.

Coaches are also a comfortable option, with modern vehicles offering reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and charging points on most routes. While not as fast as trains, they can be a reliable alternative, especially when train strikes or cancellations disrupt train travel.

Pros of Coach Travel in the UK

• Budget-friendly – Often the cheapest way to travel between cities, especially when booked in advance.
• Comfortable seating – Modern coaches usually have Wi-Fi, power sockets, and reclining seats.
• Good coverage – Coaches serve many towns, airports, and cities that trains may not reach.

Cons of Coach Travel in the UK

• Long journey times – Coaches take longer than trains or cars due to multiple stops and potential traffic.
• Limited flexibility – Services run on set schedules, and delays can extend journey times.
• Toilet and facility issues – Some coaches lack onboard toilets, and those that do may have maintenance problems.

FAQs

How many days in the UK is enough?

It can depend on what you want to do while visiting, however, to have a fully immersive English experience, I would recommend 10-14 days with 3-4 days in each location you wish to visit.

What is the cheapest way to travel around the UK?

The cheapest way to travel around the UK depends on how flexible and organized you are. Coaches like National Express and Megabus are often the most affordable.

Trains can be budget-friendly if you book in advance, travel off-peak, or use a Railcard for discounts. Split ticketing can also reduce costs. Ride-sharing services let you split fuel costs, making long journeys cheaper than public transport. Planning and being flexible with travel times will help you save the most.

Conclusion 

Ultimately, the right choice comes down to your priorities. Hopefully, this guide has helped you weigh up the options on transport in the UK. Have questions? Drop them in the comments below.