Raise your hand if you're headed to the UK! You'll be pleased to know that the transportation system here is top-notch. Offering a diverse range of transportation options that cover every corner of the country, making it incredibly easy to get around. Whether you're hopping between cities or embarking on a cross-country journey, the UK's public transportation has got you covered!
Here, BACCOM will guide you through 9 public transportation services in the UK, along with handy tips for buying tickets. Let’s dive right in!
1. Underground / Tube
Photo credit: britannica
The London Underground is widely known as “the Tube”. It’s renowned for being the oldest underground railway in the world and is hugely popular among Londoners. It has 11 lines and over 270 stations around London, which makes it effortless to hop between different districts. Moreover, some lines even operate 24 hours a day! Another reason for its popularity is the speed of the Tube. For example, you can travel from West London to East London in just 30-45 minutes! It's no wonder the Tube remains the go-to choice for Londoners seeking swift and convenient transportation.
How to purchase a ticket
You can buy the ticket right at the ticket vending machine at station entrances, which accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
For those who frequently use the Tube, BACCOM recommends registering for an Oyster card or a contactless payment for quick and easy travel.
If you are a student, you can pay with an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard for discounted fares on the Tube. You can find more details about the card in How to save on travel expenses in London or register for the card, visit Transport For London.
BACCOM TIPS
Tube ticket prices in the UK vary based on distance and time of day, with peak hours having higher fares. So, planning your travel during off-peak times can save you a lot!
Did you know
Q: What is the difference between Tube and Underground?
A: They are the same. The terms "Tube" and "Underground" are often used interchangeably, with “Tube being” a widely recognized slang term among Londoners. It comes from the round tube-like tunnels that some of its lines run beneath the ground.
2. Tram
Photo credit: tautonline
Trams are similar to trains but are shorter and lighter. While the Tube is known for speed and convenience, trams offer a more affordable alternative. However, they are only available in a few cities, including London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Newcastle-Sunderland, Blackpool, Edinburgh, and Birmingham-Wolverhampton. Be sure to give them a try when you visit these cities! :D
How to purchase a ticket
You can purchase a ticket at
Ticket vending machines right at the station entrance, they accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. (Except for London, machines don’t accept cash.)
For those of you living in London, make sure to carry an Oyster card or a contactless card to buy your tickets :DD
If you're a student, pay with an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard to enjoy discounted fares.
3. Rail / Train
Photo credit: 123rf
Another form of public transport that covers the entire UK is trains or rail. It’s an enormous railway network that links distant cities and counties seamlessly. You can hop on the train to travel within cities or nearby countries, and it’s super speedy! Like reaching Edinburgh from London in just 4 hours! But the train isn’t only about speed; it offers comfort as well. You can enjoy the comfort of spacious seating, onboard dining, and a quiet environment perfect for work or relaxation. And there’s more – rail travel in the UK is known for its reliability and safety, ensuring you reach your destination on time and making it perfect for planning your adventures hassle-free!
How to purchase a ticket
You can purchase a ticket at
Ticket vending machines right at the station entrance and ticket office, they accept cash, credit cards and debit cards. (Except for some stations in London that don't accept cash).
BACCOM suggests carrying an Oyster card or contactless with you because some stations in London do not take cash.
For frequent travellers seeking discounted rail fares, BACCOM recommends getting a Railcard. It's a great way to reduce your travel costs!
“UK National Rail Routes Map”
Photo credit: thetrainline
4. Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
Photo credit: city-guide.london
The Docklands Light Railway, also known as DLR, is a driverless train system operating exclusively in East and South-East London. While it shares similarities with the Tube, such as connecting stations for easy transfers. However, there are a few differences: the DLR has fewer stations, but the trains are newer, the stations are larger, and more modern compared to the Tube.
How to purchase a ticket
You can grab your ticket right at the ticket vending machine in front of the stations just like the Tube, take your pick to pay with cash, debit cards, or credit cards.
BACCOM suggests you register an Oyster or contactless for your convenience if you are a regular traveller on the DLR.
Pay with an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard if you are a student for a discount!
5. Bus
Photo credit: londonblog.tfl.gov.uk
For a true taste of British public transport, you simply can't miss the iconic red double-decker buses! Unlike ordinary buses, they possess a unique charm with their striking shades of red and distinctive double-deck design, allowing you to admire the beauty of the city as you travel. Plus, these buses have spacious interiors that accommodate kiddie strollers and special wheelchairs, with the driver able to lower the floor for easy boarding.
Travelling by bus in London can be incredibly economical, thanks to the Hopper fare policy. For just £1.75, you can make unlimited changes between bus routes within an hour.
How to purchase a ticket
You can purchase a ticket via ticket vending machines right at Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail Stations.
Buses in the UK do not accept cash, so it's essential to have an Oyster card or contactless on hand for payment.
If you're a student, use an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard to pay and get a discount!
6. Coach
Photo credit: pelicanyutong
Coaches are a public transportation option for city-to-city travel, providing a budget-friendly alternative beside trains. Moreover, they can reach a broader range of destinations, including smaller towns, rural areas, and locations not served by rail. While coaches might not match the comfort levels of trains for longer journeys, they're perfect for keeping costs down on shorter trips between cities. So, if you're looking to explore while sticking to a budget, coaches are the ideal choice for you!
How to purchase a ticket
You can purchase Coachcard via variation ways
Purchase at the station.
Purchase directly with the driver.
Purchase at almost every Post office station.
Purchase via ticket agent.
Purchase via online platform ( You will get a 30% discount for purchasing a Coachcard from National Express).
Cash, credit cards and debit cards purchase options are available.
Oyster Card option is not available.
7. Taxi / Cab
Photo credit: vkguy
Black Cabs are well-loved in London for being one of the safest and most reliable taxi services in London. They're also the only taxis you can hail right off the street! If you prefer booking digitally, you can use the Gett app to secure a ride with a Black Cab. For other options besides regular taxis, ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt are also widely used in the UK. However, they can be pricier than other public transport options like the Tram or the Tube. That's why many locals and visitors often go for these cheaper choices when getting around daily.
Did you know
There are 3 types of taxis in the UK
Hackney carriage vehicles or Black Cabs as we introduced above.
Private hire vehicles or Minicabs
Unlike the iconic Black Cabs, they cannot be hailed directly from the street. You must book in advance, either through the driver or minicabs website. They are typically sedans of any colour other than white; their distinctive features are their green licence plates at the back and no taxi sign on the roof.
Executive Private hire vehicles
This type of taxi is the priciest of the three we've mentioned. It's a fancier version of the standard minicab, features luxurious cars and neatly dressed drivers. It must be booked through a private hire company, as you can't hail these cabs on the street.
8. London Overground
Photo credit: The Standard
The London Overground, also known as The Overground, is an above-ground railway network consisting of a total of 6 lines and 113 stations. It serves the urban area and covers the suburban areas of London, known as Zones 2 and 3, which include vibrant neighbourhoods like Camden and Stratford. If you're considering exploring these zones, we highly recommend hopping aboard the London Overground train. It's the most convenient way to navigate this bustling area!
And if you're travelling on the London Overground and want to switch to the Tube or Rail, you can do that too! There are interchange stations available, such as Canada Water Station, where you can hop onto the Tube, and Clapham Junction Station, where you can transfer to Rail services.
How to purchase a ticket
You can purchase your ticket right at the ticket vending machine in front of the stations.
If you're a regular traveller on the London Overground, BACCOM recommends signing up for an Oyster card and using them to cover your trips.
For students, if you purchase the ticket by using the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard, you'll even get a better deal on fares!
“London Overground Route Map”
9. London River Bus (Boat)
Photo credit: cityexperience
If you’d like to experience a new way of exploring around the city and leisurely enjoying the view, hopping on the London River Bus is the perfect choice for you!
The London River Bus service operates up to 23 stations, starting from Putney Pier to Woolwich Pier. Each station takes approximately 10-20 minutes to reach, offering scenic views as the boat passes by many iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. This is the perfect way for snapping some memorable photos and enjoying the beautiful scenery. What's great is that some tourist attractions have their own piers, like Maritime Greenwich accessible from Greenwich Pier, or the Tower of London accessible from Tower Millennium Pier, making sightseeing incredibly convenient. Plus, you can grab snacks and beverages onboard, but remember, they only accept cashless payments, so make sure to have your card or mobile phone handy!
How to purchase a ticket
You can purchase tickets directly through ticket vending machines and ticket offices at the piers, which accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
You can also purchase your tickets through the Thames Clippers Tickets app and Uber. Plus, you'll get cheaper fares compared to buying them directly at the pier!
For those who already have an Oyster card or contactless, you can use them to pay as well. With these cards, you'll also get a ticket at the same price as buying online.
Did you know
Apart from the River Bus, there's also a River Tour service or Sightseeing Boat, perfect for travellers who want to admire the breathtaking view of the city from a boat. Much like the River Bus, the River Tour cruises along the Thames River. However, the River Tour offers additional amenities such as onboard restaurants, guided tours, and even speedboat rides. Tickets can also be purchased at the pier. The prices for River Tours vary depending on the route and are generally higher than the River Bus. Nonetheless, with amenities like onboard dining and additional services, the experience of sightseeing along the beautiful River Thames is definitely worth trying when visiting London.
“London River Service Map”
Photo credit: Transport for London
And that's a wrap of nine top public transportation across the UK! Now that you know the best ways to get around, it's time to plan your next adventure! If you want to make the most of your travel budget and maximise savings, check out our handy tips on How to save on travel expenses in London. Happy travels, and have an amazing time exploring the UK!
If you need reliable taxi services to travel between the airport and your accommodation or find accommodation in the UK, BACCOM is ready to provide expert advice and handle all your accommodation needs. Feel free to contact us whenever you need a consultant!
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