Everyday lifeUnited Kingdom

Buses, trains and the Tube in the UK

Use contactless or Oyster in London, book train tickets early, get a railcard, and convert your driving licence within the allowed time.

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Overview

Public transport in Britain is good in the big cities and between cities by train, but costly and may be late, and differs much between London and the rest of the country. In London TfL runs buses, the Tube, Overground trains, the Elizabeth line, DLR and trams, and you pay contactless by bank card, phone or Oyster card.

And in other cities there are local bus companies and trams (Manchester, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Nottingham). For travel between cities there are trains run by several companies under National Rail. And travelling by car is common in the countryside, with rules of insurance, tax and inspection. This guide explains transport in London, buses and trains in other cities, tickets, discounts and railcards, bicycles and scooters, the car and driving licence and its conversion, and safety.

1

London: Oyster and contactless

In London you do not need to buy a paper ticket, but touch your bank card, phone or an Oyster card at the gate (on the Tube and TfL trains) at the start and end of the journey, and on the bus you touch only on entry.

  • The fare is calculated by zones (zones 1 to 9) and time (peak and off-peak), and there is a daily and weekly cap (capping) so you do not pay more.
  • Buses are relatively cheaper at a fixed price (about 1.75 pounds) and allow free transfer within an hour (Hopper).
  • For residents there are weekly, monthly and annual subscriptions (Travelcard) and discounts for students (18+ Student Oyster) and the elderly.
  • Use Citymapper, TfL Go and Google Maps for planning.
  • And do not forget to touch on exit or you will be charged the maximum fare.
  • And there are sometimes strikes so check before travelling.
2

Buses and trains outside London

In other cities buses are run by companies such as First Bus, Stagecoach, Arriva and National Express, and tickets are bought from the driver in cash or by card or via the company's app, and some require the exact amount.

  • And there are daily and weekly tickets for zones.
  • The Bus Fare Cap in England covers a maximum (about 3 pounds) for any journey in many areas.
  • And in some cities there are trams (Metrolink in Manchester and Supertram in Sheffield) with their own ticket systems.
  • As for intercity trains they are booked via sites such as Trainline, National Rail or company sites, and the cheapest tickets (Advance) are bought weeks before travelling for a specific train, and the dearest (Anytime) for flexibility.
  • Off-peak and super off-peak are available.
  • And you receive compensation (Delay Repay) if the train is late more than half an hour or an hour.
3

Tickets, discounts and railcards

For train discounts buy a railcard, an annual card for about 30 pounds (or three years) that gives a discount of about a third: Young Person (16-25), Two Together, Family & Friends, Senior (60+), Disabled Persons and Network (for south-east England).

  • And there are discount systems on buses for the elderly and those under 16, and the Freedom Pass in London for the elderly and disabled.
  • And students benefit from the 16-17 Saver card and the 18+ Oyster.
  • For students and apprentices and those under eighteen there are reductions.
  • Check pricing rules on company sites since they may differ.
  • And if you travel a lot look for a season ticket, weekly, monthly or annual, between two stations that gives better prices.
  • And avoid travelling at peak time if possible to save money.
  • And make sure of the ticket's validity and time limits.
4

Cycling, walking and scooters

The bicycle is a fast and economical means in cities, and there are dedicated cycle lanes and sharing schemes (Santander Cycles in London, and schemes in other cities) at affordable prices.

  • Front and rear lights and reflectors must be fitted at night, and a helmet is advised (not compulsory), with caution at junctions, a good lock against theft, and registering the bike (Bike Register).
  • Riding bicycles on pavements is not allowed.
  • As for private electric scooters they are considered illegal on public roads (only rented ones are allowed in trial areas with conditions: a driving licence and insurance), so do not buy one to use on the road.
  • And walking is pleasant in many cities.
  • And in villages there may not be enough pavements so be careful.
  • And check the rules of carrying bikes on trains, since you may need a booking at peak time.
5

The car and the driving licence

Driving in Britain is on the left.

  • For a car you must have: compulsory insurance (third party at least), road tax (vehicle tax) via the DVLA, an annual MOT inspection for cars over three years, registration in your name (V5C), and a valid driving licence.
  • Your foreign licence is valid for one year from entering the Kingdom (or until reaching a certain age), and after it you must obtain a British licence.
  • For some countries (such as the European Union, Australia and other listed countries) you can exchange the licence directly, while other countries need to pass the Theory Test then the Practical Test after obtaining a provisional licence.
  • The provisional licence costs about 34 pounds, the theory 23 and the practical 62 pounds.
  • Learn at a driving school with paid lessons.
  • And do not drive without insurance or a licence since the penalty is heavy.
  • And late payers pay charges in the ULEZ and Congestion Charge in London.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Download Citymapper or TfL Go or your city's app.

  2. 2

    Use contactless or Oyster in London.

  3. 3

    Buy a railcard if you travel often by train.

  4. 4

    Book Advance tickets weeks before travel.

  5. 5

    Check your licence and its conversion within a year.

  6. 6

    Claim Delay Repay when delayed.

Documents checklist

  • Contactless bank card or Oyster.
  • A railcard.
  • The foreign driving licence and your visa.
  • Car insurance, MOT and V5C.
  • Your DVLA account number.

Key vocabulary

  • ticket
  • platform
  • single
    single ticket
  • return
    return ticket
  • railcard
  • delay
  • fare
  • driving licence
  • roundabout
  • timetable
  • strike

Useful phrases

  • A single to Manchester, please.
  • Which platform does the train leave from?
  • Is there a railcard discount?
  • Does this bus go to the city centre?
  • The train is delayed.
  • How do I exchange my driving licence?

Buying a train ticket

  • Clerk

    Hello. Where would you like to go?

  • You

    A return to Birmingham for Saturday, please.

  • Clerk

    An off-peak return is thirty pounds. Do you have a railcard?

  • You

    Yes, a Young Person railcard.

  • Clerk

    Then it is twenty pounds. Platform four at ten fifteen.

  • You

    Thank you very much.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting to touch out in London.
  • Buying a peak train ticket instead of Advance.
  • Driving with a foreign licence after the year ends.
  • Cycling at night without lights.

Cultural tips

  • Travel off-peak to save money.
  • Use Trainline to compare prices.
  • Ask for a railcard for young people or families if eligible.
  • Keep your train ticket until you exit the station.

Official links

Check yourself

Question 1 of 5

How do you pay on the London Tube?

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