UK Transport

If you are not planning to rent a property in London, or you are interested in visiting other places in the United Kingdom whilst a resident in the capital, the best method of public transport is National Rail. National Rail is the collective term for the various train companies which operate throughout the UK. Many services run directly into London, and there is a huge range of high-speed city to city services networking the UK as well as slower services stopping at many smaller towns and villages throughout the country. Rail travel is notoriously expensive in the UK, but there are student travel cards available which allow students to reduce journey costs by a third. There are frequent special offers advertising intercity travel at low prices, and you will usually be able to travel more cheaply if you book tickets in advance. Typical fares include:

• Birmingham to London - open single £45 (€57)
  - advance single £7 (€9)
  - saver return £30 (€38)
  
  
• Manchester to Birmingham - open single £25.50 (€32.50)
  - advance single £6.50 (€8)
  - saver return £30 (€38)
  
  
• Edinburgh to London - open single £126 (€160)
  - advance single £45.50 (€58)
  - saver return £102.50 (€130)
  

For more details, see nationalrail.co.uk.

Often travelling by coach is a cheaper option, although it will usually take longer to reach your destination. There are several coach companies which run services connecting cities throughout the UK. Again, you will usually be able to find cheaper fares if you are booking in advance, and coach companies have regular special offers enabling you to make cheap journeys. Typical fares include:

• Birmingham to London - standard return £23 (€29)
  - saver return £8 (€10)
  

• Manchester to Birmingham - standard return £18.50 (€23.50)
  - saver return £10 (€13)
  

• Edinburgh to London - standard return £45 (€57)
  - saver return £39 (€49.50)

Most towns and cities have their own rail and bus networks, and many also have a metro or tram system. Different cities will charge different amounts for using the public transport system, but you will always be required to purchase a ticket and you will face heavy fines if you fail to do so and are caught by a ticket inspector. Ask at local ticket offices for information on local and national services and fares, and be sure to ask whether there are any special travel offers.