Transportation in United Kingdom

# Getting Around the United Kingdom The United Kingdom offers an extensive public transportation network that connects cities, towns, and airports throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Visitors can choose from trains, coaches (long-distance buses), local buses, the London Underground, trams in several cities, and taxis. The rail network is particularly comprehensive, with services ranging from budget operators to premium intercity trains. Most major cities also have well-developed local bus systems and taxi services available through apps or at designated ranks. First-time visitors should know that transportation in the UK operates on the left side of the road, and contactless payment cards are widely accepted on public transport in major cities, particularly London. Consider obtaining an Oyster card or using contactless payment for London's transport network, as this typically offers better value than single tickets. For travel between cities, booking train or coach tickets in advance usually provides significant savings compared to same-day purchases. For airport transfers, options vary by location but generally include trains, express coaches, local buses, and taxis. London's airports are connected by dedicated rail services, while regional airports typically offer coach connections to nearby city centers. Check the booking widgets on this site for current schedules and prices for your specific airport route, as service frequency and available operators vary by location and time of day.

Download the Trainline app for easy booking and mobile tickets across all UK rail operators

Contactless payment cards work on London Underground, buses, and Overground with automatic daily caps

Book train tickets in advance for better availability, as walk-up fares have limited allocation

London Underground typically stops running around midnight on weekdays, with Night Tube available Friday and Saturday on select lines