Getting to UK :: Hire a Cheap Cars in UK

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Getting UK

As you'd expect of such a small and densely populated island, just about every place in Britain is accessible by train or bus. However, costs are among the highest in Europe - London's commuters spend more on getting to work than any of their European counterparts - while cross-country travel can eat up a large part of your budget. It pays to plan ahead and make sure you're aware of all the passes and special deals on offer - note that some are only available outside Britain and must be purchased before you arrive. It's often cheaper to drive yourself around, though fuel and car rental costs again are among the highest in Europe and will seem prohibitive to North Americans. Congestion around the main cities can be bad, and even the motorways are liable to sporadic gridlocks, especially on public holidays when what seems like half the population takes to the road.

Internal Flights

Since the distances involved are so small, internal flights are not the most obvious choice for getting around Britain. However, with several regional airports - including Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh - well served by low-cost airlines - flights can be a cost-effective as well as time-saving way of travelling.

Trains

In the recent past Britain's rail network has suffered a foolhardy privatization process and a chronic under-investment, resulting in a severe decline in services. With the ownership of the track and stations put into the hands of Railtrack, but the trains and services run by a tangle of private companies, there has been no little confusion when it comes to trying to figure out routes and prices.

Bus and Coach

Inter-town bus services (known as coaches in Britain) duplicate many rail routes, very often at half the price of the train or less. The frequency of service is often comparable to rail, and in some instances the difference in journey time isn't great enough to be a deciding factor; buses are generally comfortable, and the ones on longer routes often have drinks and sandwiches available on board. There's a plethora of regional companies operating buses and coaches, but by far the biggest national operator is National Express , whose network extends to every corner of the country. With rail prices becoming exorbitant, National Express services are so popular that for busy routes, and on any route at weekends and during holidays, it's advisable to book ahead, rather than just turn up.

Car

In order to drive in Britain you need a current full driving licence . If you're bringing your own vehicle, you should also carry your vehicle registration or ownership document at all times. Furthermore, you must be adequately insured : check your existing insurance policy.

In Britain, you drive on the left , a situation which can lead to a few tense days of acclimatization for overseas drivers. Speed limits are 30-40mph (50-65kph) in built-up areas, 70mph (110kph) on motorways and dual carriageways (freeways) and 50mph (80kph) on most other roads. As a rule, assume that in any area with street lighting the speed limit is 30mph (50kph) unless otherwise stated.

Fuel is expensive compared to North American prices - unleaded petrol (gasoline) and diesel cost in the region of 77p per litre, leaded 4-star 80p. The lowest prices of all are charged at out-of-town supermarkets; suburban service stations are usually fairly reasonable; and the highest prices are charged by motorway stations.

Hire a Cheap Car in UK

Travel guide to UK