Travel in the United Kingdom

Travel to United Kingdom

The United Kingdom boasts a vast and efficient public transportation system, offering convenient and reliable connections throughout the country and internally. Whether you prefer flights, trains, or bus connections, you will always find a journey to your preferred destination that suits your needs. National Express is the primary bus company operating throughout the United Kingdom, while Southern and Eurostar services operate train journeys.

Flights are also popular, operating domestic, regional, and international routes. The primary flight operators in the United Kingdom include British Airlines, Ryanair, and easyJet. Also, public transportation allows you to admire the spectacular sceneries and landscapes along the routes, including stunning beaches, the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, and the Cheddar Gorge.

Booking your ticket with Omio for the United Kingdom

Booking your travel tickets with Omio enables you to conveniently plan your journeys in the United Kingdom, utilizing the trip planner on the platform. You can also get insightful tips on planning your journeys in the country on the Omio periodical Window Seat. Also, Omio allows you to compare all journey options on your route, so you can easily find a journey that most suits your travel and budget needs at the convenience of your mobile device. The platform offers a remarkable user experience, making it easy to book your train, bus, or flight tickets with your preferred language, featuring 12 different languages.

Train companies in the United Kingdom

The UK features a well_developed rail system, offering efficient train connections throughout the country and the larger Great Britain. About 28 national companies operate intercity and regional connections in the UK. Typically, larger train companies with more contemporary trains offer long_distance journeys while train providers with smaller trains offer short_distance and commuter services. Most high_speed long haul train journeys are operated by Eurostar and Southern train services.

Travel to the UK. Source: Shutterstock

Bus companies in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom features various bus companies, offering nationwide and regional connections. The main long_distance bus providers in the United Kingdom include National Express and EasyBus. Also, various bus companies offer regional transfers in the United Kingdom, including Metrobus and Arriva bus. The regional bus providers partner with nationwide bus companies to offer reliable domestic and regional trips. Moreover, smaller bus services operate in the most rural areas in the country, making buses a reliable mode of transport in the United Kingdom.

Flight companies in the United Kingdom

British Airways is by far the largest flight operator in the UK in terms of fleet size. However, easyJet is the most popular airline in the UK airspace. This low_cost carrier serves tourists and business travelers from 16 airports around the nation. Ryanair is another well_known airline business in the United Kingdom, with frequent flights to places throughout the country. Other flight providers operating in the United Kingdom include Flybe, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, and Jet2.

Popular international routes in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom features various international routes serviced by trains, buses, and flights. Although surrounded by water, The United Kingdom offers international train connections to the European mainland departing and arriving at London St. Pancras International station. The popular international bus routes in the United Kingdom include direct connections from London to Amsterdam and Paris, operated by Eurostar. Also, flights offer faster international routes in the United Kingdom, with the most popular flights departing from London to various global destinations, including Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, and Rome. While buses offer cheaper transport options, most of the popular bus journeys run intercity within the country.

When arriving in the United Kingdom

If you seek to travel to the United Kingdom, there are unique tips you need to keep in mind. While English is the dominantly spoken language in the United Kingdom, there are other native languages in the country, including Cornish, Gaelic, Scottish, and Welsh. This is particularly essential to remember if you plan to explore the more rural regions of the UK; however, practically everyone in the country can communicate in some form of English. Also, The Pound Sterling is the currency used in the United Kingdom, and it's prudent to have some cash hand when arriving. Nevertheless, ATMs are abundant in the country, and you can withdraw cash when you arrive in the UK, provided you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad.

Train Provider in the United Kingdom

Ariva is the primary rail operator in Wales, servicing about five routes in the country, including Northern Wales to the Midlands and South Wales, North Wales Coast Line to Manchester, and Crewe, and the South Wales Coast Line to Cardiff and Swansea and Cardiff. Eurostar is the only train company offering direct connections between the United Kingdom to various destinations in Europe mainland via Channel Tunnel from London's King's Cross St. Pancras. The train provider operates journeys from London to Lille, Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Brussels. Abellio Greater Anglia is the main provider operating the Eastern England region with frequent journeys from London to Cambridge, Essex, Norfolk, and Hertfordshire.

Bus Provider in the United Kingdom

National Express is the primary bus provider in the United Kingdom and operates frequent connections throughout the country. Popular routes serviced by this bus operator originate from London to Manchester, Edinburg, and Birmingham. EasyBus is another main coach and long_distance connection provider, with popular routes from London to Cambridge, Brighton, and Bristol. Also, Megabus offers frequent intercity connections in the United Kingdom, operating popular routes from London to Bristol, Oxford, and Birmingham.

Flight Provider in the United Kingdom

British Airways is the largest airline in the United Kingdom, offering frequent flights to various destinations globally, mainly from London. Popular routes operated by this flight operator originate from its headquarters, London Heathrow airport, to Aberdeen, Leeds, and Manchester. Ryanair is the most popular and busiest budget airline in the United Kingdom and offers frequent flights on popular routes from London's Stansted airport to Belfast, Birmingham, and Cardiff. American Airlines is one of the most popular flight providers in the United Kingdom, operating direct flights from the US to Glasgow, London, and Edinburgh.

Main train stations in the United Kingdom

Some of the most popular train stations in the United Kingdom offering vast connections throughout the county include London Kings Cross, Edinburgh Waverley station, Manchester Piccadilly station, Birmingham New Street, and Glasgow Queen Street station. London Kings Cross is a passenger terminus nestled on the edge of Central London and services intercity and international connections to various destinations. Also, Edinburgh Waverley station is one of the main train stations in the United Kingdom and the primary station serving the city of Edinburgh. The station is the second busiest in Scotland and offers various regional connections. Another main train station in the United Kingdom is Manchester Piccadilly station, located southeast of Manchester city center and serving cross country and intercity train connections. Birmingham New Street is the busiest city, located about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the city center, offering convenient access. Lastly, Glasgow Queen Street station is a passenger terminus tucked in the heart of Glasgow city.

Main bus stations in the United Kingdom

Some of the main bus stations in the United Kingdom include Bristol bus station, Piccadilly Gardens bus station, Victoria Coach Station, Edinburg bus station, and Norton Street Coach Station. Bristol bus station is the primary station serving long_distance bus connections throughout the country. The station is located about a mile from the city center and serves as a hub for various bus companies. Piccadilly Gardens is the main intermodal transport hub in Manchester serving various bus routes throughout the United Kingdom. Another main bus station in the United Kingdom is Victoria Coach station, one of London's two primary train stations located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the city center. Edinburgh bus station is the primary bus station serving central Edinburgh. Finally, most intercity and long_distance bus connections to Liverpool arrive at Norton Street Coach Station, a few moments from the city center.

Main airports in the United Kingdom

The main airports in the United Kingdom include London Heathrow, Manchester Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Newcastle Airport, and Bristol Airport. London Heathrow airport is a major international airport serving international and regional flights in the United Kingdom. The airport is located about 13.6 miles (22 km) from the city and features frequent public transportation options. Manchester Airport is the primary airport serving international flights to Manchester and is located about 8.5 miles (13.9 km) from the city center. Edinburgh airport is another main airport in the United Kingdom and the busiest in Scotland, located about 5.8 miles (9.3 km) from downtown Edinburgh. Also, Newcastle Airport is the main airport serving international flights to Newcastle city and the greater Tyneside area. Lastly, another main airport in the United Kingdom is Bristol Airport serving the city of Bristol and is located about 8.1 miles (13 km) from the city center.

Popular journey in the United Kingdom

Train connections in the United Kingdom are typically popular for long_haul journeys, with the most popular routes being from London to Edinburgh and London to Manchester. The prior route takes about 4h 20min and costs about $69, while the latter takes about 2h 5min and costs around $63. For buses, the most popular journeys are intercity connections such as the London to Bristol connection. The journey takes about 8h 15min and costs around $33. Flights mainly service international routes in the United Kingdom, with popular journeys from London to Paris and Amsterdam. The London to Paris flight takes about 1h 15min and costs about $106. On the other hand, flights from London to Amsterdam take about 1h 25min costing around $80.

Night train in the United Kingdom

The UK offers sleeper trains, providing chic, comfortable, and convenient trains for rail travel. The Caledon Sleeper service operates night trains typically from London, with frequent connections to Scotland. The London to Scotland night trains operate six nights a week and include two routes: the Highlander and Lowlander routes.

Good to Know

If you seek to travel by train during your stay in the United Kingdom, consider getting a Railcard. The Railcard helps you get budget_friendly travel deals, offering you a convenient way of saving a few coins on travel costs. There are various national and regional Railcards in the United Kingdom; therefore, it is important to acquire the one that most fits your travel needs.

Flights to the UK. Source: Shutterstock

Travel to the United Kingdom – travel tips

Whether you are a first_timer visitor in the United Kingdom or a local, you will always find a new experience in the country. The country boasts diverse attractions, featuring a unique blend of iconic sites and treasures, ideal for adventure lovers. Foodies will love visiting the United Kingdom, as it offers an eclectic culinary scene with globally_influenced flavors, including classic British, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Italian cuisines. Also, the UK is a melting pot for awe_inspiring scenery, from the rolling hills of Wales to the rugged landscapes of Scotland, and beautiful beaches throughout the country. Sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with the sports scene in the United Kingdom, which hosts one of the best football leagues in the world, the English Premier League, among other global sports. If you are lucky to visit the country during the football season, be sure to catch an exciting match at the stadium or one of the local bars to experience the fan frenzy and spirit in the country. Things to see in the United Kingdom:

• The Eye of London
• Stonehenge
• Windsor Castle
• The British Museum
• Tower of London
• The National Gallery
• Giant's Causeway