travel options uk

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Top Cities to Visit

Best U.K. Destinations

Traveling by Train

Driving in the U.K.

Power Adapters

Tipping Etiquette

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Family-Friendly Attractions

Outdoor Adventure Destinations

National Parks

Must-Try Food in the U.K.

Guide to the United Kingdom: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to the United Kingdom: The Complete Guide

There’s a lot more to the United Kingdom than the usual list of top 10 London sights. For a start, there are four separate countries—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland   —each offering city and country pleasures, wilderness adventures, scenic villages, landmarks, free museums, and miles of challenging coastal paths. The food is a lot better than you may have heard as well. Use this guide to fill your trip with the best choices for you.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit :  Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit when the days are long, and there’s a good chance of mild, dry weather. Prices are lowest in January and February, but it’s also cold and wet. A lot of attractions are closed, but if you enjoy theater, museums and indoor activities, this is a way to visit on the cheap.

Language:  English. A lot of popular attractions offer tours or audio tours in European languages and Chinese.

Currency:  The pound sterling (£)

Getting Around:  Train service in the U.K. is very well developed and is the best way to get between cities and regions. Though bad weather and industrial action may interrupt services from time to time, the number and frequency of both long-distance, regional and local trains will amaze many North American travelers. Most fares are cheaper for off-peak travel and when bought in advance. The website National Rail Enquiries is a comprehensive online guide to times, prices, and service status across the country.

Long-distance buses (called coaches in the U.K.) are the cheapest way to get around. Since they use the country’s motorway system, they are also the most boring. One company, National Express , runs most of the intercity coaches, and four other large regional companies run networks of local services. Local buses provide short, practical everyday journeys, so the routes are not well coordinated between regions. But if you are interested in taking day trips from specific urban or tourism hubs, you may find buses—such as the Greenline buses between London and Windsor Castle —that serve the purpose. Traveline , a partnership between transport companies, local authorities, and passenger groups, has a website that can help you plan a trip using local resources.

Travel Tip:  Round trip tickets (called return fares) are often a more expensive way to buy bus and rail tickets than pairs of one-way tickets (called singles). Check before you buy.

Things to Do

The United Kingdom packs several thousand years of history and culture onto an island slightly smaller than Michigan. As you might imagine, there’s quite a lot to see and much of it is within easy day trips of major cities or transportation hubs. But a surprising amount is covered by vast wilderness areas. It’s easy to try to pack too much into a visit. Instead, try to focus your trip around a few themes:

• Day Trips from major cities. London in the Southeast and Edinburgh in central Scotland are both hubs of culture, centers for free museums, shopping, theatre, music, and dining out. They are also surrounded by areas rich in historical attractions and natural beauty, so they make excellent bases for day trips and short breaks.
• Spend time in a National Park. National parks protect landscapes, coasts, moors, and mountains. But they also contain working farms, quaint villages, castles and hundreds of ancient monuments. Try hiking the Lakeland Fells ( fells is a Scandinavian word for hills) in England's Lake District or marveling at the mountain views and clear mountain lakes in Snowdonia National Park in Wales (which is also full of castles). Walk through the South Downs’ grass-covered chalk hills. There’s skiing in Cairngorm National Park and pleasant walking and cycling trails in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs . Each national park offers something different.
• Shop in traditional markets. Some, like the permanent outdoor market in Norwich , or the covered markets in Oxford, Birmingham, and Leeds, haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. London has its share of wonderful markets too—from Borough Market for adventurous foodies, to Portobello Road, a vast, heaving antique market that’s a must.
• Catch up with Shakespeare in his hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon . The Royal Shakespeare Company stages Bard’s works with surprising irreverence and imagination that’s hard to resist. There’s plenty to see and do, including visits to the Shakespeare family homes and Anne Hathaway’s cottage .
• Visit royal and traditional sites. There’s a good reason why Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle , Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral are so popular with visitors. Try to visit these traditional sights outside of school vacation seasons, though.

What to Eat and Drink

Forget the clichés about awful British food . That’s ancient history. These days you’ll find nearly as many Michelin stars in London as in New York and lots more scattered all over the U.K . Whether you are talking about fine dining or neighborhood bistros, it’s easy to find modern European cuisine with vegetarian and even vegan options in most British cities and tourist destinations.

Outside of the main population centers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the picture is a bit more hit and miss. But there are some traditional British specialties you really should try.

• Sample a full British breakfast at least once. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland add regional touches to the classic eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and tomatoes breakfast. If you are on a tight budget, this breakfast will set you up for the whole day.
• Indulge in afternoon tea with all the trimmings—scones with jam and cream, crumpets, sandwiches, fresh cream cakes, and endless pots of tea.
• Try different regional ales on tap . They won’t be ice cold, but cellar temperature is still pretty cool.
• Fish and chips can be great —crispy and hot—or dire (greasy and lukewarm). Ask a local where to find the best.
• Eat seafood and shellfish in Scotland; it comes from cold North Atlantic and North Sea waters and is terrific. And if you are in Whitstable, have some oysters.
• It’s easy, and often cheaper, to find good quality ethnic food anywhere in Britain. Indian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese cuisines are widely available.

Where to Stay

Accommodations range from five-star luxury and glamping to international budget chains and vacation rentals, called self-catering in Britain. Some kinds of accommodations are particularly British and worth considering.

Consider a bed and breakfast, which range from fully-serviced guest houses to small inns. In rural areas, you may find rooms to rent in private homes. Or try a caravan; this is what Europeans call camper vans, and some caravan parks rent them like cottages. Bigger trailers in caravan parks are known as "statics." Country house hotels , which range from large comfortable houses to very grand country estates converted to luxury accommodations, are another option. Also, more and more pubs are offering boutique-style hotel rooms as an alternative style of accommodation.

Getting There

Visitors usually fly into the U.K. from North America through London’s main airports—Heathrow and Gatwick, or by charter flights to London Stansted and London City. There are public transportation options from Heathrow and Gatwick to central London.  

But the U.K. has quite a few more airports receiving international passengers with either direct or connecting flights from North American airports. Depending upon your ultimate destination, you could save money on ground transportation by flying into Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, East Midlands or Bristol Airport. Find out more about alternative U.K. destination airports.

Travelers from continental Europe can cross the English Channel by ferry, drive through the Channel Tunnel, or travel by Eurostar passenger train. There are also good connections—by air or boat, from Dublin or Belfast.

Money-Saving Tips

• Don't rent cars in cities. Wait until you've left London or other big cities. You'll save on parking fees and congestion charges (it costs 11.50 pounds a day to take a car into central London). Public transportation—buses, trolleys, and subways—are available in most major cities as are city bicycles, parked everywhere and easy to use with a credit card.
• Consider self-catering. That's what Europeans call vacation rentals. There's plenty of choices, ranging from short let apartments in cities, cottages, and village houses to rent. If you can't find what you want online, the local tourist authorities will have plenty of information.
• Take advantage of what's free. Almost all of Britain's essential museums are free to visit.   Historical attractions have reduced admissions for senior citizens and students.

The Commonwealth. " United Kingdom ."

Museums Association. " Frequently Asked Questions ."

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

Your Trip to Birmingham, England: The Complete Guide

10 Great Reasons to Visit the United Kingdom

The Pembrokeshire Coast: A Complete Guide

Your Trip to Edinburgh: The Complete Guide

A Guide to Airports in Scotland

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

Manchester Airport Guide

The 16 Most Beautiful Natural Features in the UK

The Top 20 Things to Do in the UK

Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors

Your Trip to London: The Complete Guide

10 Little Known Roman Ruins in England, Scotland and Wales

Your Trip to England: The Complete Guide

12 Best Beaches in Scotland

7 English Pubs Worth an Overnight Stay

How to Travel the UK on the Cheap

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

The UK is one of the most expensive countries in Europe — and if you’re planning a trip, you might be daunted by the cost of transportation within the UK.

But it is very possible to travel the UK for cheap!

Since settling in Chester, I’ve found a host of ways to save money on transportation.  And all of them have one thing in common:

BOOK EARLY.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling by train, bus, or air — booking early will nearly always save you money, and booking last minute will always be exponentially more expensive.

Now that that’s out of the way, here are some ways to save money on different kinds of UK transportation:

Cheap UK Train Travel

Train travel in the UK is incredibly romantic, and you can easily watch the scenery go by for hours — bright green hills, sheep, newly plowed fields, tiny villages…it’s my favorite way to travel the UK.

Most of the time, it’s also the easiest and fastest way to travel — though not the cheapest.

If you’re not a UK resident and planning on traveling lots of long distances in the UK by train, look into a Britrail Pass .  If you’re just booking occasional journeys, read on.

Check the Megatrain and Virgin Train sites first for absurdly cheap train routes.  These two sites tend to promote the same routes.

Next, no matter which destination you choose, check out The Trainline’s Fare Finder — it will show you the cheapest tickets for various dates and times.  Either way, booking on The Trainline is usually cheaper than other sites.

On all the aforementioned sites, you buy tickets online, then use the same credit card to retrieve your tickets at the station.

What to know:  Be flexible on stations.  I was looking for Chester-Edinburgh round-trip fares and couldn’t find anything for less than an astounding £150.  Then I found out that there are cheap fares on Megatrain from Warrington Bank Quay to Glasgow, a short trip from Edinburgh.  I had never heard of Warrington Bank Quay, but it’s only a few stops away from Chester!

I paid normal fares from Chester to Warrington and from Glasgow to Edinburgh — but from Warrington to Glasgow, the longest part of the journey, I found a super-cheap £9 fare.

Cheap UK Coach Travel

The thing about bus (or coach) travel is that you need to evaluate the positives and negatives.  Yes, bus travel can be much cheaper than the train, but it can also take a lot longer, and most find it less pleasant (though all the coaches I’ve seen have been immaculate).

I usually book a coach when traveling from Chester to London.  The fastest trip is five hours (while the train takes 2.5 hours and costs at least three times as much).   To me, five hours on a bus is definitely doable, while 11 hours to Scotland is not worth it.  I may have managed a 32-hour bus journey in Southeast Asia , but I have no intentions of repeating that here!

First, check out Megabus for the cheapest fares of the bunch, then check out National Express  for cheap fares but more convenient times.

What to know:  Again, book as early as possible, especially on Megabus — they even have £1 fares!  Also, keep in mind that you must wear a seatbelt at all times — it’s UK law.

Cheap UK Air Travel

I wouldn’t recommend air travel in the UK most of the time — the sheer act of flying requires so much more time and effort, that it’s not worth it.  But it can be useful for exceptionally large distances, like London to Aberdeen or Inverness.

My go-to flight search engine is Kayak  because it’s the best.  Be sure to check airline sites as well for unpublished fares.  Budget airline  Easyjet has several domestic routes in the UK.

What to know: Budget airlines usually fly at inconvenient times from out-of-the-way airports. Take this into account and make sure you have someone to drive you, or your Uber might be more expensive.

Creative UK Travel Options

None of these float your fancy?  There are a few other options.  Rideshare sites are growing more popular in the UK.  My friend Dylan swears by hitchhiking.  And you could also do Britain’s most intimidating walk: Land’s End to John O’Groats (also known as walking from Great Britain’s lower left corner to its upper right corner.)

One thing that I’d love to do: rent a narrow boat in Chester and travel by the canals in the northwest, going through canal locks and everything!

The one thing you should NOT skip to save money in the UK? Travel insurance ! I never travel with it and it will save you a lot of money if something happens on your trip. I use and recommend World Nomads.

Any more tips for cheap transportation in the UK?  Share in the comments!

This article was updated on July 24th, 2023.

The United Kingdom is a place packed with attractions and easy travel options. When it comes to getting around, you’ve got two choices – using your own car for the freedom to explore even remote spots, but keep in mind the expenses like rental fees, fuel costs, tolls, and traffic.

On the other hand, public transportation is a great option. England has an extensive network of trains and coaches (buses) that’ll whisk you away with ease. It’s often the more budget-friendly choice for getting around, and once you’re in the city, walking is the way to go!

No worries, we’ve got you covered with this handy guide to navigating England. From the best companies to the coolest ways to reach your destinations, we’re here to make your life easier and help you save money by finding the best deals on bus and train fares. Get ready to explore the UK efficiently and on a budget.

Travel by Bus and Coach in the UK

Traveling by bus and coach in the UK offers a cost-effective and scenic way to explore the country, and is usually the go-to option for budget travelers. Numerous companies operate extensive networks, connecting cities, towns, and tourist destinations. Here are some popular bus and coach options:

National Express:  National Express is one of the largest coach operators in the UK, covering a wide range of routes throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. They offer comfortable coaches with amenities like air conditioning and onboard restrooms. 

Megabus UK : Megabus UK is known for its budget-friendly fares, with tickets starting as low as £1. They have a broad network of routes, making it an excellent option for travelers on a tight budget. While the prices can be incredibly low, it’s essential to book in advance to secure these deals.

Stagecoach : Stagecoach operates in most regions across the UK, offering convenient services in cities like London, Manchester, Cambridge, Edinburgh and more. They also have regional day passes and travel cards, providing flexible options for frequent travelers.

FlixBus : FlixBus is a well-known European bus company that has expanded its services to the UK. They offer international connections to destinations like France, Belgium, and Germany, making it a great good for those planning a broader European tour.

BlaBlaBus (formerly Ouibus): BlaBlaBus is another European bus operator that provides affordable travel options in Europe. They offer routes connecting London to major cities in Europe, like Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.

For an overview of all your bus and coach options and compare prices, view all coach routes in the United Kingdom .

When to choose the bus/coach for traveling around the UK

Traveling by bus and coach in the UK offers a host of advantages, making it an excellent choice for specific situations and preferences. Here are some scenarios when opting for bus or coach travel can be the ideal option:

Exploring the Countryside and Scenic Routes: One of the standout advantages of coach travel is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the UK’s countryside. Coaches often take routes that offer breathtaking views of rolling hills, picturesque landscapes, and charming villages. If you’re a nature enthusiast or simply want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, traveling by coach allows you to savor the stunning vistas along the way.

Cost-Effective Travel: If you’re on a budget-conscious trip, coaches can be a more affordable option compared to trains. Companies like Megabus UK and National Express offer incredibly low fares, with tickets starting from as low as £1. By booking early and taking advantage of special promotions, you can save significant money on your travel expenses.

Flexibility in Itinerary:  Coaches serve a wide network of routes, connecting cities, towns, and even more remote areas. If you have a flexible travel schedule and want to explore multiple destinations without being tied to fixed train timetables, coaches can offer greater flexibility and convenience. They are particularly useful for travelers who wish to visit off-the-beaten-path locations, where the train tracks don’t go.

Comfortable Onboard Amenities: Most coach operators in the UK provide modern coaches equipped with amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and comfortable seating. These amenities make long journeys more pleasant and allow you to stay connected or entertained throughout the trip.

European Connections:  If you’re planning a broader European adventure, some coach companies, such as National Express and FlixBus, offer international connections to neighboring countries like France, Belgium, and Germany. This can be an economical and hassle-free way to explore multiple European destinations in one trip. The hours are longer, for sure, but you can save some money.

Avoiding Urban Traffic and Parking Hassles:   When traveling to popular cities where parking can be a challenge and traffic congestion is common, taking a coach can save you the hassle of navigating busy urban roads. Coaches usually have designated drop-off points in central locations, providing convenient access to major attractions.

Travel by train in the UK

When it comes to long-distance travel within England, trains offer a clear advantage over buses, providing a faster and more comfortable option for exploring the country. With an extensive network of train tracks, several companies cater to even small cities in the United Kingdom, ensuring convenient connectivity for travelers.

The well-equipped trains and train stations enhance the overall travel experience, providing passengers with comfortable and pleasant journeys. It’s no surprise that British trains have earned a reputation for their punctuality, with the majority of services running on time, earning the trust of both locals and visitors alike.

However, one drawback of train travel in the UK is the potential cost, particularly when tickets are booked close to the travel date. For budget-conscious travelers, planning ahead and purchasing tickets early is highly recommended, as it can result in substantial savings, making train travel a more affordable option for most of us.

By opting for trains, travelers can look forward to an efficient and enjoyable way to explore the diverse landscapes and charming destinations that England has to offer. While fares may pose a challenge, early booking allows you to embark on your journey with both comfort and budget in mind, ensuring a rewarding travel experience across the scenic landscapes of the United Kingdom.

Train travel in the UK offers a convenient and efficient way to explore the country, connecting major cities and regions with speed and comfort. You can still find the best option by comparing bus and train ticket prices on platforms like Busbud, which allows you to make the smartest choice for your journey.

Top Train Companies in the UK:

• GWR (Great Western Railway): GWR operates services between London and the West of England, including popular destinations like Bath, Bristol, and Cardiff. They also offer scenic routes through the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds.
• LNER (London North Eastern Railway): LNER operates on the East Coast Main Line, connecting London to cities such as Edinburgh, Newcastle, and York. Their Azuma trains offer a comfortable and smooth travel experience.
• TransPennine Express: TransPennine Express specializes in connecting cities in the North of England and Scotland, providing convenient routes between locations like Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.
• CrossCountry: CrossCountry operates a vast network of routes, connecting cities in the South West, Midlands, North East, and Scotland. Their services provide connections to various locations, making it a versatile choice for travelers.
• Eurostar : For European journeys, Eurostar remains a popular choice, offering high-speed connections from London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and other European cities. You can easily find and book Eurostar train tickets on Busbud, where you can compare train and coach ticket prices to travel all over the world.

When the UK trains are your best choice:

Speed and Efficiency: Trains are generally faster than coaches, making them a preferred choice for longer journeys between major cities. High-speed trains can significantly reduce travel time, allowing you to cover more ground in a short period.

Comfort and Amenities : Many train services in the UK offer comfortable seating, onboard facilities, and amenities, such as WiFi, refreshments, and restrooms, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.

Convenient City-Center Locations: Train stations are often located in the heart of cities, providing easy access to local transportation and major attractions. This saves time and effort when arriving at your destination.

Reliable Schedules: Trains in the UK generally operate on reliable schedules, with frequent departures, allowing you to plan your travel with confidence.

Eco-Friendly Option : Train travel is a more environmentally friendly choice compared to other modes of transportation, making it a sustainable option for conscious travelers.

Whether you choose to travel by bus or train, the UK offers an extensive transportation network to cater to various travel preferences and needs. To make the best decision for your journey, compare ticket prices, consider the distance and convenience, and enjoy exploring the rich cultural and natural wonders of the United Kingdom. busbud.com/en/r/gcpvj0-gcuvz1

Comparing Prices Between Coach and Train

Here are the minimum prices you should expect when travelling from London.

Prices Comparison For National Journeys by Coach and Train

Prices comparison for european journeys by coach and train.

* Prices based on lowest adult fares (no railcards required) available on busbud.com for coaches and nationalrail.co.uk for national trains and eurostar.com, thetrainline.com, bahn.de and capitainetrain.com for European trains for a one month advance booking for Friday, February 27th 2015.

Car Rentals in the UK

If you prefer the flexibility of driving, car rentals are available throughout the UK. However, it’s important to be mindful of the left-hand traffic system, which can be confusing for foreigners from most Western countries. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and road signs before embarking on your journey.

Plan your trip around the United Kingdom

The UK offers a well-developed transportation network, catering to all types of travelers and their needs. If you’re in a hurry to reach your destination, the train may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy sightseeing or are on a budget, the bus or coach can be a fantastic option. 

Check out Busbud for the best deals on trains and bus tickets! Don’t miss out on scenic views, comfy rides, and incredible savings. Start planning your journey now at Busbud and get ready to hit the road for an unforgettable UK travel experience!

Hi! I would like to know how safe is to travel by bus with your family? The reason why I asked this is because in USA, for example, many citizens recommend you to take the train or plane, since buses are sometimes full of weird people, and that makes them a little bit dangerous.

thanks for this research! that is very informative and helpful!

Good research

Thanks for the tips! Indeed, the UK is rich in tradition, complex in culture and endlessly diverse – a great place to visit. However, many tourist targeted scams are found here as well.

Do be wary of the mock auction scam, sob story beggars, pickpockets, fake police, fake charity collectors, fake luxury products, the shell game, fake transport/theatre tickets, fake vouchers, bird poo scam, fake monks, falling lady scam, used travel card scam and many more! Hope this helps!

While I realize it may not be the cheapest travel service, one option most people don’t consider in visiting the UK is to travel in style with a chauffeur service like Cars Exec at https://www.cars-exec.com . People think of such high-class taxi services for airport transfers only, but some also offer tourism trips. And over the past several years pricing has come down and it’s actually quite competitive with traditional taxi services. If you aren’t local to England and don’t know your way about, it’s nice to have a professional, knowledgeable driver to show you the best spots to visit.

• Pingback: 4 Great Ways to Get Cheaper Student Travel Around the UK - Style Motivation

I am having a very difficult time locating the place to buy the Brit Xplorer Pass the link takes me to national but there is no offer there for passes only to book

Awesome Blog!!!

Thanks for sharing the prices of public transport in London. I was searching for it.

Thanks for sharing the great post of cheap travel options in the UK. I have been looking for blogs that helps me in offering the things that suit my budget.

Louis, I really liked your blog. You have share great information for budget friendly travels in UK. Thanks.

• Pingback: Planning a Road Trip Around the UK - 2020 Travel Guide - The pool

Travelling UK by bus mode is not so easy as you need to change buses moreover if you are travelling in private bus which provides you cheapest deals is suitable to you but you need to look for travel agent or agency before booking it.

This is useful information! I have a question though, is it possible for a ferry journey to be as much as £140!!?? I thought they would be cheaper! I really want to travel by sea but it seems cheaper to book a flight! Can someone tell me please? Thanks! (This is of course, based on info before the whole Covid issue)

Louis, buddy thanks for sharing an informative article.

If you wish to get a cheap train ticket book 11 or 12 weeks ahead. Train rovers are a great bargain for exploring an area. Look for one on The National Rail website.

• Pingback: When’s Taking a Taxi to the Airport Your Best Option?

Can you suggest cheapest way to travel Weymouth Dorset to Aberdeen please

i will visit UK Soon its very beautiful country

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Bus companies in the US: who they are & how they compare

What to know about bus traveling in brazil, 10 tips & tricks for bus travel in argentina, who are the major bus companies in mexico & how they compare.

Travel to and around England

Road, rail, boat, bike, aeroplane… There are so many transport methods to choose from, but whatever your favourite way to travel, you’ll find it’s easy in England.

In this section

Travel around England

Getting around by bike

Getting around by pedal power is cheap, good for you and the environment, and an up-close-and-personal way to experience England.

Airports in England

England’s cities and regions are linked by a network of well-connected airports. Air is the quickest way to travel long distances within the country.

Getting around by car

Road trip! Four wheels give you the ultimate freedom to decide where and when you go. Mix motorways and winding lanes for quick and scenic travel.

Ports in England

England’s beautiful coastline and waterways have a maritime history to match. Boats and ferries are a great way to explore the country, with spectacular views thrown in.

Getting around by train

England’s historic rail network is fast and vast, covering major cities and remote countryside. Simply sit back and watch the world go by.

Getting around London

London is an enormous city with a transport network to match. Explore it by bus, taxi, Tube, overland train, water taxi, bike or on foot.

National Express

National Express operate a coach and bus network across the UK with tickets for travel to over 900 destinations throughout the UK including transfers to and from all major airports.

Megabus operate a low cost intercity coach network across the UK.

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England Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

England is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. While most travelers tend to stick to London (which is understandable as it’s a great city!), the rest of the region has a lot to offer and sees a fraction of the crowds.

In fact, backpacking around England was one of the highlights of all my travels in Europe .

England’s smaller cities, like Bath and Oxford , are both fascinating and culturally rich. (And, since they aren’t as crowded as London, they’re a bit cheaper too.)

Liverpool , the birthplace of The Beatles, boasts a rich musical history while the countryside has fascinating estates and natural beauty. There’s the mountainous north, the rolling hills of Lancaster and Cornwall, Stonehenge , Hadrian’s Wall, and Tudor cities like Chester.

In short, there is a ton to see and do in England. This England travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time here!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on England

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in england.

1. Tour London

You can’t go to England without visiting London — it’s one of the most popular cities in the world. It’s home to charming pubs, world-class museums, tons of history, some of the best theater performances in the world, a diverse population, incredible food, and a wild nightlife. It might be a city that often breaks the bank, but fortunately, London has a plethora of free markets, museums are often free, and it has a ton of relaxing parks that you can enjoy on a budget. There are lots of free walking tours here too!

2. Drive the coast

England’s coastal towns make for a relaxing holiday (especially if you have a vehicle). The most popular destination is Brighton , well-known for its summer parties and festivals. But don’t overlook places like Weymouth, Salcombe, Dover, Hastings, St Ives, or Newquay — and that’s just a handful of them in the south of the country. You could literally spend months just discovering each new place. The towns offer everything from old-world traditional charm (think cobbled streets and Tudor houses) to bright lights and fun fairs (Brighton’s pier is similar to LA’s Santa Monica).

3. See Cornwall

Cornwall is like mini-New England — you can see why English settlers felt at home in the New World. Just like the USA’s New England , Cornwall has rolling hills, beautiful lakes, small towns, rural farms, wonderful hiking trails, tiny fishing villages, great food, and even a winery. The area has been populated since the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Eventually, the Britons (who were Celtic in origin) claimed the region, with the first written account of the region dating back to the 4th century BCE. It’s also been an important maritime region for centuries. The laid-back pace of life here is one of the reasons why it’s one of my favorite places in England. Don’t miss it!

4. Spend a day in Bath

Bath is named after the famous (and marvelously well preserved) ancient Roman baths located in the heart of the city that date back to 70 CE and were in use through to the 5th century. The audio guide by Bill Bryson is a must and adds a lot of context and details. The baths are the main attraction in town, though the abbey, Georgian and Victorian houses, and river are also nice to see. Literature buffs can also explore Jane Austen’s heritage as she lived in Bath for most of her life.

5. Explore the Lake District

Located in Cumbria, in Northern England, and about an hour from the border with Scotland, the Lake District is home to one of England’s best national parks. The lakes in the region are a result of the last ice age and receding glaciers cut the U-shaped valleys that are now filled with water. It’s perfect for hiking mountain passes and sailing around pristine lakes. It’s very popular (and crowded) during the summer. It is to northern England what Cornwall is to the south: a natural, rural paradise that embodies the best of England and, outside of Cornwall, it’s my favorite region in England.

Other Things to See and Do in England

1. see buckingham palace.

Buckingham Palace, home to the Queen of England, is a fascinating sight that’s only open to the public during the summer. If you can’t (or don’t want to) visit the palace, you can catch the changing of the guards at 11am four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). If you want to check out the palace, admission is 30 GBP when purchased online (33 GBP on the day), while exclusive guided tours are 90 GBP. Check the Royal Collection Trust website for details on other events happening throughout the year.

2. Visit the Tower of London

Built in 1070, the Tower of London has expanded many times over the years. It was built as a double-leaf bascule bridge in the middle (both sides lift up) to maintain river access to the Pool of London docks while easing congestion on each side of the river. You can visit inside the tower and walk along the glass walkways. Weapons, armor, and coins were made here until 1810 and today you can view the famous crown jewels, walk the battlements, wander recreated medieval palace rooms, see the iconic Yeoman Warders (known as the Beefeaters as they were allowed to eat as much beef as they wanted from King Henry VII’s table), and spot the legendary black ravens that live in the tower. Skip-the-line tickets are 29.90 GBP. Be aware that lines are long so it’s best to plan ahead.

3. Relax in Brighton

Brighton is a great little seaside resort town on the southern coast of England that’s perfect for a weekend getaway. Considered the hippest city in the UK, Brighton is known for being quirky, bohemian, artsy, and very LGBTQ-friendly. It’s a popular summer destination for locals who come here to relax on the beach, enjoy the fleeting summer sun, and wander the pier where there are amusement rides, carnival-style stalls, and street food.

4. Listen to music in Liverpool

Liverpool has spectacular museums, but as the World Capital City of Pop, the real reason to go is for the music, or more specifically, for The Beatles. The Beatles Story museum has all kinds of memorabilia and information about the famous band, who were from Liverpool. Besides the music, Liverpool has a rich history and culture as well as fun pubs, so don’t sell it short.

5. Check out Chatsworth House

Located in Derbyshire, this massive and lavish mansion was built in 1549 for the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. While there are many beautiful houses and castles throughout the UK, this is one of the most astonishing. It’s so striking in fact, that countless films and TV series have been filmed here (including Peaky Blinders, Jane Eyre , and of course Pride and Prejudice ). The home has played a role in popular culture since it was mentioned in Jane Austen’s book, Pride and Prejudice in 1813. On your visit, you can wander the 25 stately rooms, stroll the 105-acre gardens, and make new furry friends in the operating farmyard. Admission to the house and garden costs 26 GBP (just the garden is 15 GBP).

6. Tour Oxford University

Founded in the 11th century in Oxford , this university is one of the oldest in the world. You can visit the many beautiful colleges within Oxford for just a few dollars, or you can take a 90-120 minute guided tour of the entire university with Bodleian Libraries (20 GBP). You can even see the colleges in which they filmed parts of Harry Potter ! For art history buffs, stop in at the free Ashmolean Museum on campus for impressive Eastern and Ancient Egyptian art collections.

7. Attend the festivals

England is known for its festivals, especially during the summer. For music, be sure to check out the famous (and muddy!) Glastonbury festival or the Liverpool International Music Festival. Also, the UK has three huge annual Pride events in London, Brighton, and Manchester. This is just the tip of the festival iceberg though as every city and town has a lot on offer.

8. See Stonehenge

Stonehenge , located just 15 minutes from Salisbury, is one of the oldest man-made structures in the world (dating to 2,500 BCE!). You can’t go up to the stones anymore, but it’s quite a fascinating site, especially since we still have very little idea how they dragged the stones there. The audio tour is worth getting so you can get some historical context on the site. Admission starts at 22 GBP.

9. Visit Old Trafford

I highly recommend a visit to Manchester United’s home stadium. With over 74,000 seats, it is the largest club football stadium in the UK and the 11th largest in all of Europe. The tour is awesome and takes you below the stadium seating into the player’s lounge, and even into the pitch-side dugout. Dig deeper into some football (aka soccer) history at the onsite museum. Admission is 35 GBP.

10. Admire Ely Cathedral

Also known as the ‘Ship of the Fens,’ this cathedral is visible everywhere in the small city of Ely in Cambridgeshire (and from miles around too). Originally built in the 12th century, it’s renowned for its Romanesque architecture, complete with a stunning entrance and an octagonal lantern tower. The Lady Chapel is the largest in all of England. The cathedral is also home to the National Stained Glass Museum, whose collection spans 800 years and includes stained glass from across the UK and Europe. Visiting the cathedral only costs 9 GBP (online, or 10 GBP on the day), entry to the museum is 5 GBP. Booking in advance is recommended if you want to join one of the tours which cost between 1.50-12 GBP.

11. Relax in Greenwich Park

Considered to be one of London’s largest parks, it is also one of the most beautiful — and a perfect escape from the city’s bustle. There are several historic sights here as well as a rose garden, meandering pathways, a tea house, the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, a café, and even a deer park. It is the oldest enclosed royal park in London and a relaxing place to spend a few hours with a book.

12. Hike Hadrian’s Wall

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian’s wall has been standing since the 2nd century. It was built by the Romans to keep the Celts out of Roman England (though that didn’t work so well). While you can make a brief visit to see the fortifications and ancient walls in many spots of the country, if you’re up for it, you can also hike the entire 83-mile (135-kilometer) length of the wall itself (most people do it in 6-8 days).

13. Go to Salisbury

Not far from Stonehenge is the beautiful town of Salisbury . Just 1.5 hours from London by train, it has a breathtaking 750-year-old cathedral that is home to the Magna Carta and tombs dating back to 1099. Salisbury is one of the few places that wasn’t bombed during the World War II Blitz so it is beautifully preserved. Cathedral Close and Market Square are both worth visiting in Salisbury as well as Old Sarum (what is thought to be the original site of Salisbury) and Salisbury Museum.

14. Stay in Chester

I love an under-visited destination and, for me, Chester is one of those places. Chester’s center looks like something out of an old novel by Charles Dickens. The homes in Chester are typically Victorian in design and the old taverns, hotels, and little shops all have retained their charm and original look. There’s plenty to do in Chester, including walking along the city walls and seeing the rows of medieval houses that showcase the historic architecture. Chester Cathedral is over 1,000 years old and well worth a visit (it has been added to and restored but has kept its medieval feel). For something a little more contemporary, go on a river cruise.

15. Visit the colleges at Cambridge University

Like Oxford, Cambridge University is made up of different colleges. Founded in 1209, the University is an architectural delight and wandering around the many buildings in the city. Most notable include the stunning buildings at Kings and Queens Colleges as well as the iconic quads at St. Johns and Trinity. There are lots of walking tours to choose from if you want to learn more about Cambridge’s history and some are even led by the students themselves. Expect tours to last around 90 minutes and cost 20 GBP.

16. Enjoy afternoon tea

Tea is a scene unto itself in England. With a history dating back through the centuries, this tradition can be enjoyed at every level of your budget. Starting with just the drink, you can find quaint tea shops literally all over the country. There you can try different types of tea and a selection of cakes to go with it should you need a sweet treat. In Devon and Cornwall, you can have cream tea which is tea with scones, cream, and jam (although these are now often served in other places too). Afternoon tea, or high tea, is a more lengthy affair and comes first with finger sandwiches and tiny savory pastries, then with scones (with cream and jam) and little cakes. Some places offer a glass of champagne to go with it. Most traditional tea houses offer afternoon tea but if you’re after more of a sense of occasion and your budget can stretch to it), the big hotels also offer it every day.

17. Visit Bristol

Many people only pass through Bristol on their way to Bath but it’s really worth a visit of its own. With a population of 500,000, Bristol is a hip college town with amazing eateries, great food, wonderful things to see, lots of green space, and plenty of things to do. Aside from taking a walking tour (my must-do in any city!), some of my favorite things to do include a tour of Bristol’s Romanesque Cathedral that was built in 1148, wandering King’s Street, and admiring Clifton Suspension Bridge. Bristol has a great museum and art gallery that is worth a visit and I also really enjoyed St Nicholas’ Market. Other things worth doing include the S.S. Great Britain, the Avon Railway, and Blaise Castle.

  For more information on specific cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Bristol Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

England Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels cost 10-30 GBP a night for a dorm room. Amenities usually include free internet, breakfast, a common room, TV, and kitchen facilities. Private rooms in hostels start at around 50 GBP and go up from there. Campgrounds can be found all around the country, and most have basic facilities (such as bathrooms, electricity, and Wi-Fi). Expect to pay 10-20 GBP per night for a place to pitch your tent.

Budget hotels offer similar amenities and start around 60-80 GBP per night for a twin room but can be more like 120 GBP in peak season. Apartment rentals (like Airbnb) cost anywhere from 35-90 GBP per night for a private room depending on the city, while entire apartments/homes start around 90 GBP per night but average 110-120.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds in recent years, it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

A kebab costs around 5-6 GBP, burritos and sandwiches cost 6-10 GBP and traditional fish and chips cost about 10 GBP. Indian and Asian food can be purchased for 8-10 GBP. Pizza is usually 8-10 GBP. Fast food (think McDonald’s) is around 6-7 GBP for a combo meal.

A meal at a casual pub or restaurant costs 12-16 GBP and you can expect to pay at least 30-35 GBP for a three-course menu with a drink in a mid-range restaurant. A meal in a higher-range establishment costs upwards of 70 GBP.

Beer is around 6 GBP while a latte/cappuccino is 3-3.50 GBP. Bottled water is about 1.20 GBP.

A week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 GBP. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat. The best places to buy cheap groceries are Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco.

Backpacking England Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget, you need at least 55 GBP per day. On this budget, you can stay in hostel dorms, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, use public transit to get around, take the bus between cities, and take advantage of all the free sites in the country (free museums, parks, beaches, etc.). It’s a tight budget so if you want some more wiggle room, I’d add another 10-15 GBP per day, especially if you plan on drinking while you’re there.

On a mid-range budget of around 135 GBP per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or private Airbnb, cook some meals and eat out at cheap pubs or fast food stalls, do some intercity travel by train (if you book early), have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and visit some paid attractions like Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London.

On a “luxury” budget of 255 GBP per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out wherever you want, drink more, take taxis and the train to get around, and do more tours and activities. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

England Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

England isn’t a cheap place to visit. You’re going to spend a lot of money here, especially if you stick to cities (and London will be about 30% more expensive than the rest of the country). However, there are plenty of ways to save if you know where to look. Here are my top ways to save money in England:

• Take advantage of the free museums – Public museums offer free admission in every city throughout England and the United Kingdom. It’s a great way to learn about influential artists, immerse yourself in the country’s history, and spend a rainy day without paying a cent.
• Book early – Book all transportation well in advance. You can find fares for around 2 GBP with a little planning. Megabus not only runs buses but also provides trains throughout England and is the best option for cheap travel throughout the country.
• Get a Taste of UK card – The Taste of the UK card offers up to 50% off and 2-for-1 deals at selected restaurants. You don’t need to be a United Kingdom resident to get the card and the first month’s membership fee is waived, which is perfect for most travelers.
• Eat pub food – Eating out in England can get quite expensive, but for good, cheap, and filling meals, visit the local pubs. Most serve food, and you can get a good meal for 10-15 GBP or less. Plus, the pubs are a great way to meet people!
• Take a free walking tour – Most major cities in England offer free walking tours. They usually last a few hours and are a great way to see the city. Some tours even have a specific focus, such as history, food, or architecture. Just make sure to tip your guide!
• Eat the lunch specials – Another way to lower your food expenses is to stick to eating out during lunch only. I typically do my eating out during lunch and then cook my dinner to lower my food costs.
• Visit the cathedrals – Many of England’s cathedrals are free to enter. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see some of England’s 15th to 19th-century architecture. just make sure to dress and act appropriately.
• Get a London tourist pass – If you’re planning to do lots of sightseeing in London, the London Pass provides access to over 80 attractions via its 1-10 day passes. Other passes available include the London City Pass from Turbopass (which includes an option to add transport costs), and the London Sightseeing Pass. Compare prices and activities to see which pass is the best choice for you and your budget.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in England

England has tons of awesome and budget-friendly hostels. Here are my favorite places to stay in England:

• Astor Hyde Park (London)
• St. Christopher’s (London)
• YHA Manchester (Manchester)
• The Full Moon Backpackers (Bristol)
• Seadragon Backpackers (Brighton)
• Embassie Liverpool Backpackers (Liverpool)

How to Get Around England

Public transportation – England has excellent transportation in nearly every town and city, including buses, trains, and trams. Getting a travel pass is often far cheaper than buying single tickets as well. For example, in London, a one-way fare on the tube in Zone 1 costs 6.30 GBP, but getting a Visitor Oyster Card reduces that to 2.50 GBP per ride.

Train – In the United Kingdom, the National Rail service is always expensive. It’s one thing the locals love to complain about. A journey from London to Liverpool can cost as little as 25 GBP or as much as 150 GBP! Who knows? Prices flucuate a lot! The earlier you book the better.

You can use the National Rail website or Trainline to research schedules and prices.

A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option. For more information, here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work .

Bus – The cheapest way to travel around the country is via Megabus, where fares start at 1 GBP. You need to book at least a month in advance, but even if you miss that deal, fares are rarely more than 10-15 GBP. Flixbus also has cheap fares starting at just 3 GBP.

National Express is the other main bus company in England, and they offer great discount passes to full-time students and people under 26 years old. The passes cost 12.50 GBP and give 30% or more off adult fares.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Domestic flights around England are cheap when booked in advance. A flight from London to Manchester or Liverpool costs around 49 GBP and takes about an hour. However, once you factor in getting to and from the airport, it ends up almost always being faster to take the train unless you’re traveling far (such as from London to Scotland).

Car Rentals – Car rentals can be an affordable option in England, costing as little as 20-30 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Don’t forget you have to drive on the left, and most cars are standard rather than automatic. Additionally, drivers need to be at least 21 to rent a vehicle here.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to England

Thanks to its temperate climate, visiting England year-round is enjoyable as there are very few weather extremes. Summer is peak tourism season, and temperatures are the warmest during this time — but rarely are they ever above 30°C (86°F). Although tourist sites and attractions are teeming with people, there’s also a great atmosphere in the air. People make the most of the warm weather, and there are tons of events and festivals happening all over the country.

Spring (late April-May) and autumn (September-October) are also fantastic times to visit, as temperatures are still warm and the crowds are a bit thinner. Plus, with the seasons changing, you either see gorgeous spring flowers in bloom or the leaves turning color in autumn. Just be prepared for a little rain.

Winter lasts from December to February and tourism crowds thin out dramatically. You can still do plenty of sightseeing, although further north (or in mountainous areas) some attractions may be closed for the season. Temperatures dip below 5°C (41°F) so dress warmly. Snow is not uncommon.

Keep in mind that England is famous for its gloomy, dreary weather. It can rain a lot, so make sure you pack some weather clothes and some waterproof gear no matter when you visit.

How to Stay Safe in England

England is very safe and the risk of violent crime here is very low. Scams and pickpocketing can occur around high-traffic areas, however, especially in London around tourist attractions like the Tower of London. Pickpockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Solo travelers, including solo female travelers, should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

While break-ins are rare, if you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight just to be safe.

Scams here are rare, however, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

England Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of England.
• Fat Tire Tours – For bike tours, use this company! They have fun, interactive tours led by expert local guides. You’ll get to see all the main sights without breaking the bank!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

England Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

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40+ London Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

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Whenever people say they dislike London, I get weirdly defensive.

I mean… Not like London? How dare you?!

In a city with attractions, shows and restaurants catered to every whim, I find the prospect outrageous. Which is why I’ve come to the following conclusion: most of those who ‘dislike London’ simply fail to prepare for it properly… an easy failure, given the many, many mistakes tourists can make here.

… But that won’t be you. You’re going to love London, because I’m arming you with every London tip and must-know you could ever possibly need, accumulated over a dozen visits ranging from two days to two months.

So, read on for a truly maniacal range of London travel tips for first timers, from London planning tips and culture shocks to niche, practical must-knows upon arrival.

Soon, you too shall be a violently defensive London fangirl. See you on the other side.

Save this List of London Travel Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Avoid visiting London in peak season

First, in terms of when to visit London… my number one rule is to avoid London in peak peak season, meaning July and August.

Sure, the city draws tourists year-round, but summer time is next level in terms of crowds, and there’s a bonus villain that comes in to guest star: muggy London heat , an absolute menace if you use public transport.

Overall, there’s a compelling reason for every season (you know it’s true because it rhymes), just avoid summer if you can, and also try to avoid school and bank holidays because London is a super popular family destination.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what every (other) season can offer:

• Spring: Flowers in bloom, May for wisteria hysteria, plenty of fun events like the Chelsea Flower Show/Chelsea in Bloom
• Fall: Gorgeous foliage and comfortable temperatures, fun events like the London Film Festival
• Winter: The sheer magic of London at Christmas (though this can be crowded too – plan for weekdays/earlier in the season for a slightly quieter experience). Winter can otherwise be a bit gloomy, but the relatively thinner crowds and lower prices help compensate

2. Plan to be in London for minimum four days

One of the best ways to hate London is to rush through it.

This is a city best enjoyed somewhat slowly – otherwise burnout is guaranteed.

I personally think first time visitors need at least four days to get a good feel for the city. You definitely won’t see everything in this time, but it’ll give you a good grasp of the main must-sees. I’d advise adding a few more days if you want to do some cool day trips too.

3. Research your airport to accommodation commute in advance

First time visiting London? Great news – the confusion starts before you even arrive!

When booking flights, you may find that there are actually six airports that service the Greater London area: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead, Luton, London City Airport, and London Southend Airport.

For most visitors coming from overseas, Heathrow and Gatwick will likely be your main point of entry, whereas the others are popular for shorter flights, typically from elsewhere in Europe (often with budget airlines like Ryanair , easyJet and Wizz Air , especially with Stanstead and Luton ).

When planning, you should remember to factor in costs getting from these airports to central London, as it’s often not cheap.

While the options vary by airport, the most convenient (and most expensive) is of course by taxi or private transfer. Welcome Pickups can be a good option for pre-booking, if you are prioritizing convenience and ease.

There are also public transport options for all of them which are much more cost-effective.

One general word of warning though: regardless of which airport you arrive at, make sure you research different ways to get to the city centre. Often times, the most popular and most advertised options aren’t the best solution.

For instance, with Heathrow, often visitors will hop on the Heathrow Express, a ride notorious for being the UK’s most expensive train journey per mile (though a new train from Luton is set to dethrone it) … only to find out they need to complete their journey with further means because their hotel is nowhere near Paddington Station.

So, definitely explore different options for getting into the city!

4. Prioritize comfort when booking accommodation

In terms of places to stay, there are thousands of hotels and accommodation options to choose from in London. Unfortunately, their prices will make you want to cry, regardless of quality.

As I discuss in my guide on how to book the best accommodation every time , often sacrifices must be made depending on whether you’re prioritizing price, quality or location.

For London, I would advise prioritizing quality or price.

Whereas in other cities, I’m more inclined to prioritize location, the truth is London and its attractions are very spread out, so booking a hotel close to one attraction won’t necessarily put you at an advantage when it comes to seeing other places.

Plus, staying in touristy areas can mean noise, crazy prices, and a lack of good-value places to eat nearby. Rather, in London, I think it’s smarter to prioritize an area with good food options nearby and proximity to a Tube station (preferably in more central zones like Zone 1 and Zone 2).

Apart from that, to make your decision, I think you should be looking more at the specifics of the hotel and whether they suit your needs in terms of amenities and comfort. At the end of a long day of sightseeing, you’ll want somewhere nice to come home to!

5. Thoroughly research your accommodation before booking

Related to the London planning tip above is the simple fact that many of London’s hotels are terrible value for money.

You’d assume (based on prices) that you’re getting a great place to stay, but oftentimes hotels will lack the amenities you typically expect.

This is because many (smaller) London hotels weren’t purposely built to be hotels, and are converted from old buildings, which may mean a lack of elevator and/or ‘quirky’ plumbing and temperature control issues.

So, be extra careful when you’re vetting hotels. Read the descriptions, comb through reviews, scroll through all the photos, and if amenities like Air Conditioning are important to you, triple check the hotel has it because many older ones do not.

Don’t automatically assume every hotel will have standard amenities (especially if the price seems too good to be true!)

6. Make sure you have a data plan

Another important London tip is to get a local SIM card or make sure you have an international data plan because having access to Internet in London is pretty crucial these days, with many restaurants/pubs offering their menus on QR code or confusingly stumbling around using Google Maps.

Three has really cheap data plans and you can pick up a card straight at the airport! You can also find their SIM cards on Amazon. An unlimited one costs less than my 5GB data plan back home in Canada. It simply doesn’t make sense.

7. Make sure you have a travel-friendly credit card

Another important London travel tip? Make sure you have a good credit card that travels well.

London these days is becoming very much a cashless city and you’ll be relying on card a lot more than cash, which is why it’s important to have a travel-friendly credit card like Wise , which doesn’t charge you foreign transaction fees or overinflated currency conversion fees.

8. Do not rent a car for your London trip

When in London, I wouldn’t advise renting a car. Driving in the city is a horrific pain, with copious weird fees that tourists aren’t used to.

Public transport is definitely the way to go. Renting a car may make sense for further trips out in to the countryside, but just know that when you’re in London itself, public transport or taxis should be your pick.

9. Learn how to book taxis quickly and easily

On the topic of taxis, I’d recommend downloading an app called FreeNow which is basically Uber but with licensed taxis.

This is way easier than flagging down a taxi on the street, plus you can see how much the fare will be, which helps you avoid getting scammed.

10. Avoid hop on/hop off buses to get around

Another London tip for getting around: I wouldn’t advise using those ubiquitous hop on/hop off buses as a means of transport.

Not only are they wildly expensive compared to local buses, their schedules also aren’t as consistent or reliable as regular public transport, so it’s really a lose-lose situation.

Instead, just use the vast public transport network that serves millions of locals everyday! Sure it’s stuffier and you might get lost or meet some characters, but it’s all part of the experience.

NOTE: I do think the open top buses are fun, but I’d advise doing a tour for the experience, rather than use it as a way of getting from Point A to Point B. Local transport will cost you far less, and will make you feeling more like a Londoner, if that’s what you’re after.

11. Make sure you have a contactless card for public transport

If you DO end up using public transport in London, the good news is it’s quite easy. Both buses and the Underground (AKA the Tube) rely on a card tap system that automatically charges you.

As a tourist, the easiest option is to just use a contactless card for all payments. You tap in on the bus as you board, then you can just get off at your stop without worrying again. Or, you tap in at Tube stations at the gates on your way in, and at the gates on your way out. Easy!

There is a reloadable card called an Oyster Card that you can buy to tap in/out easily, like a gift card you fill up with travel credit, but the prices and caps are the same for both contactless cards and Oyster cards.

Plus there’s a 5GBP activation fee for Oyster cards, so it’s not worth it for a short trip, unless you’re dealing with some specific scenarios which I’ll outline below, after this cute photo of a tap in/tap out machine.

12. Get an Oyster Card (in some situations)

There are only two situations where I think getting an Oyster card makes sense if you’re a tourist.

First, if you plan to buy a RailCard, this saves you 1/3 on all journeys, including on the Tube so you will need to get an Oyster Card and link the two to take advantage of that. Of course this only makes sense for visitors staying longer or who plan to come back often.

Second, you should maybe consider an Oyster card if you don’t have a travel friendly credit card and get charged individually for foreign transactions, as those costs might add up.

In most cases though, just using a contactless card is the simplest solution because it deducts amounts automatically. You can even use this to get far out to popular day trip destinations like Hampton Court Palace.

Just make sure you use the same card all day though because there are daily caps on how much they can charge you!

13. Understand when to take buses vs. the Tube

In terms of public transport in London, there’s Underground trains AKA the Tube, buses, and overground trains which connect to suburbs and neighbourhoods that are farther out.

As a tourist, you’ll most likely be relying just on the Underground and buses. 

Both have their pros and cons.

I do think buses are fun for tourists because they’re above ground so you see a lot more, especially if you ride at the front of a double decker (which is a mandatory must-do in my opinion), plus you can get phone service on them and they are cheaper as well, especially because it’s one price across zones.

The downside is they’re not as punctual (the time tables on Google Maps are notoriously inaccurate, so focus on the digital estimates at the stops themselves whenever possible)… and you can get stuck in traffic.

So, keep these pros/cons in mind when choosing how to plan your journey. If traffic a mess, the Tube may be a better choice. If you need phone service, want views, or are prioritizing low cost, then the bus may be better.

NOTE: Contrary to popular belief, the Tube does not run 24/7. It actually stops running surprisingly early, so check times before you head out, or prepare to get comfy on the night bus.

14. Always plan for lots of buffer time in case there’s delays with public transport

Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to plan things with buffer time in between obligations, especially if you need to be somewhere at a specific time.

The Tube may not get caught in traffic like buses do, but there’s still often random delays and unexpected failures.

So, if you have a tour, show or attraction booked, be sure to add in 30 minutes or more of wiggle room, just in case.

15. Walk as much as possible

Truthfully though, while I’m a big fan of London public transport, my preferred way to get around is walking as much as possible within neighbourhoods, then taking the Tube or bus to cover huge distances.

In busier tourist areas, there’s often signs you can follow to find big attractions so don’t worry too much about navigating on foot, and walking can sometimes even be faster than the Tube depending on how far you’re going.

16. Learn to ride the Tube like a pro

If you want to navigate the Tube system like a slick, terrifyingly efficient professional, then there are some basics to keep in mind.

First, I would never ride the Tube by choice between 7:30-9am and 5-7pm. It’s more expensive at this time so it’s a lose-lose, plus it’s rush hour when everyone and their mom’s landlord is trying to get to/from work. Don’t get caught in this as a tourist. Remember, you’re here to escape that kind of minutia!

Second, remember, when riding the Tube, you need to tap out to leave, so have your card ready to tap out upon exit, and don’t block everyone’s way as you shuffle through the deepest depths of your chaotic tote bag.

Also make sure you have your full journey loaded on your phone or written down before you head out. There’s usually no service so you won’t be able to Google directions when you’re down there, hence why you may want to bring a book or some form of entertainment.

One random hack I have for finding the right exit to take from a Tube station is to plot your journey on Google Maps, and then rotate your map to make it look like your train is headed straight North. This way, you have a sense of which direction you need to move towards once you get off the train, and which exit makes the most sense.

In this example for instance, as you exit the train, you will know your end destination is behind and to the left of you:

Some busier stations will also have an exit guide:

Lastly, be sure to exercise proper Tube etiquette:

• Let people off the train before you try to get on
• If there’s a crowded train, take off your bag or have it on your front so you’re not in everyone’s way
• Don’t stand on the left side of the escalator – this is meant to be left empty for people who choose to walk up

17. Consider a BritRail Pass if travelling farther

If you’re staying a while in London and plan to do many day trips or side trips, one potential pass worth considering is the London Plus BritRail Pass .

With it, you can get unlimited train journeys for a set period (either a consecutive few days or a set number of days within a month).

The London Plus Pass is especially good value because it covers the Greater London area, plus many of London’s most popular day trip destinations like Bath , Winchester , Windsor, Salisbury, Brighton , and Bournemouth.

This is a great option if you need a bit more flexibility and don’t want to buy tickets in advance, but overall if you plan to only do a handful of day trips, buying tickets well in advance will probably be cheaper. 

18. Don’t overload your London itinerary

Now let’s move onto some London itinerary planning tips. The first and most important one? Resist the urge to overload your itinerary!

London is a gargantuan city packed with fun attractions, so many in fact that even people born and raised there haven’t seen it all.

Which stands to reason that you, as a first time visitor, will not be able to see it all in one go either.

I would recommend limiting big paid attractions to 1-2 per day, then dedicating the rest of the day to just wandering, enjoying food, and pursuing more relaxed activities.

19. Plan your days by neighbourhood

Another important London must-know is that you should be organizing your itinerary based on strategic neighbourhood hopping.

London is really spread apart so planning things by neighbourhood is crucial for avoiding the inefficiency of doubling back. If you need help, I have a 3 Days in London itinerary you can steal.

Needless to say, it’s really worth getting out of Central London to explore other neighbourhoods during your visit. Notting Hill, Camden, and Shoreditch are super popular ones for instance, but if you want something quieter, Hampstead Heath or Greenwich are also great.

20. Consider the London Pass for potential savings

London is expensive, so I highly recommend you cap your paid attractions to only a few that you desperately want to do, then devote the rest of your time to free attractions.

That said, if you do intend on seeing lots of paid sights I can highly recommend the London Pass , especially if you can grab one on sale.

It’s essentially one card you pay for that then gets you into tons of paid attractions. If you plan correctly, this can save you SO much money. I bought a ten day one recently so that I could test out all of London’s paid attractions in one go. It was busy but I ended up saving a crazy amount of money.

Again, this would only be worth it if you planned to see a bunch of paid sights anyway, but it’s worth looking into if you’re a ‘see it all!’ type of visitor.

21. Prioritize uniquely ‘London’ attractions

We’ve already established that there’s a ton to see in London… so how can you decide which sights to prioritize above the rest?

Well, my advice would be to prioritize uniquely London attractions. There are many big name attractions in the city now that are fairly random and completely unrelated to the city, for instance Shrek’s 4D Adventure or Madame Tussauds.

And… Unless you are travelling with kids and need to entertain them, I think there’s way better attractions to be prioritizing, so try to pick ‘Londony’ attractions whenever possible.

22. Time your attraction visits strategically

Of course, it’s worth emphasizing how busy London can be when it comes to tourist sights, so if you want to enjoy attractions with minimal selfie sticks in your eyes, then avoid going to big attractions in the middle of the day.

Early morning or (even better) just before closing time is often way less busy.

23. Familiarize yourself with all the free things to do in London

I’ve mentioned this already, but it’s worth noting again just how many great free things there are to do in London!

You can visit parks, go to free museums, or simply absorb London’s most wonderful sights on a (very free) walk.

In terms of free/by donation museums, the V&A is my personal favourite – it’s full of amazing decorative art and also located very close to other free museums like the Science Museum and Natural History Museum.

There’s also the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the Imperial War Museum, the British Museum and more. So if you’re looking to save money, prioritize these sights over others.

There are some great free viewpoints as well, like at…

• Tate Modern – the views over the Thames from the viewing level terrace are too good to pass up
• Primrose Hill – a farther away view of the skyline in a very pretty park/colourful neighbourhood
• Greenwich Observatory  – the perfect place to see the London skyline at sunset

24. Learn when to book London’s most exclusive free/almost free tickets

While London is swimming with free things to do, some are harder to pursue than others due to limited tickets that are pre-released at set times before quickly being gobbled up by the eager freebie goblins.

SO, to help you prepare, here are some cool experiences in London that are free or almost free, but need to be booked in advance:

• Barbican Conservatory: Really beautiful and free green space in the heart of the City! Tickets released for next week Thursdays at 10am here
• Sky Garden: Free and stunning viewpoint, but you need to book in advance and the tickets go QUICKLY. Usually tickets are released every Monday up to a week in advance. Click here to book.
• Mithraeum: Cool ancient Roman temple underneath all the huge skyscrapers in the City of London. Tickets can be booked up to four months in advance here although they do accept walk-ins depending on availability.
• Ceremony of the Keys: Secret, centuries-old ceremony at the Tower of London where they lock up for the night. SUPER cool. Not free, but only costs 5 GBP. Tickets need to be booked in advance on the 1st working day of the month at noon, for the next month. You can book it here.

NOTE: If you don’t manage to book Sky Garden  for free, another fun way to see it which I prefer is to book it for breakfast to see it without crowds. It does cost 8.50 per person but you get a drink and a pastry so it’s not a bad deal!

24. Book important must-dos well in advance

From West End shows to reservations for popular restaurants, planning ahead is key in London, especially during peak season.

Some key attractions that tend to book out months in advance include the Harry Potter Studio Tour and tickets for shows at the Globe .

So, remember: preparation is key to avoiding disappointment! If you know what attractions you want to see, book in advance online and get a skip the line ticket. If there’s a special restaurant you want to visit, book a table. If there’s a non-negotiable show that you need to see, book those tickets.

… You can always book cancellable ones to secure your spot, then decide later!

25. Learn how to get the best deals on West End shows

On that note, if you’re hoping to get West End show tickets during your time in London, then here are some tips for saving money:

• If you’re flexible with what show you watch, get the TodayTix app – they always have great sales and deals and within that app you can enter different ticket lotteries and do day-of rush tickets
• In advance of your trip, enter different ticket lotteries – they have ones for Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and other popular shows. This is how I got these seats in Hamilton for only 10 GBP!
• And in a pinch, you can also visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted day-of tickets

26. Read local blogs/websites to find special events

Another VERY underrated London travel tip is to scour local blogs and websites for fun events/pop-ups.

In a city like London, there’s always cool things happening, so if you want to spice up your itinerary beyond the tourist must-sees, there’s plenty of opportunities. London is home to millions of locals after all!

Some good local websites to check out include London x London , Time Out London , Londonist , Secret London.

27. Be sure to try plenty of English classics

Ahh, now for London food and drink tips!

I know most visitors will flock to London to try fish and chips, but besides this English classic, there are many other great British foods to try (alongside excellent international options, but more on that later).

If you’re craving local food, be sure to try some…

• Savoury pies
• A full English breakfast
• Sausage rolls
• Sticky toffee pudding

Those visiting on a Sunday should also make sure they try a Sunday roast, which tends to be eaten as a heavy lunch or early dinner, although booking for this in advance is strongly advised. 

28. Visit food markets if you have trouble with decisions

Beyond English classics, be sure to head out to some food markets in London as well (the city is famous for them!)

These vibrant foodie hubs offer a taste of London’s incredibly diverse food scene, all in a ‘grab and go’ manner that’s ideal for those who are indecisive, or simply bottomless pits of sustenance like me.

Borough Market is a foodie favourite that’s always busy but fun. Other markets I love for food include Greenwich Market, Brick Lane Market, nearby Old Spitalfields Market and (the much smaller) Maltby St Market… although these all have their own specific opening days, so be sure to research before you head out!

29. Learn where to grab a quick, cheap bite

If you’re in a rush, on a budget, or both, the most cost-effective and quick lunch you can get for yourself in London is a Meal Deal. These are set combos that include a main, a snack, and a drink for a set small price like 4 or 5 pounds. Most major supermarket chains do them.

Another place to get cheap snacks is bakeries or chains like Greggs, where you can get pastries and sausage rolls for less than 2 pound each.

I know how savage London can be on one’s budget, so keep these money saving tips in mind do help ease the pain a bit on some days.

30. Learn proper pub etiquette

Now, let’s have a quick chat about pub etiquette.

Going to a pub in London is an essential activity, even if you don’t drink. Pubs can be a great place to grab food, socialize or even listen to live music if you plan properly, so don’t write off the experience just because you’re not a drinker!

Of course, visiting a London pub for the first time can be an awkward experience for first timers, full of random little culture shocks, so here are some must-knows to help you prepare.

First – not all pubs in London have table service, so the most typical way to order (especially if you’re just getting drinks) is to go up to the bar and order from there. You can usually place food orders at the bar as well. If you plan to do this, take note of your table number (usually somewhere on the table) so that they know where to bring your food!

When ordering at the bar, you tend to pay on the spot, and not after the meal is over.

These days, it’s also common for pubs, especially chain ones, to have a QR code or app where you can order directly from your table using your Table number. If you’re feeling a bit anti-social, this can be an easy option.

Lastly, in terms of what to order, beers are most commonly ordered as pints which in the UK are 20 fluid ounces, but if you want something smaller, ordering a half pint (AKA just a half) is also possible, although not too common.

Bear in mind pubs don’t tend to have as wide a selection for drinks as in bars, so you’re probably best sticking to beer, wine, cider or whatever simple cocktails they list on their menu. Don’t go asking for anything too fancy or they may look at you like you’re an alien.

31. Learn how tipping in London works

Now, in regards to tipping, you’ll find that many restaurants in London these days add on a Discretionary Service Charge of about 12.5% which is automatically tacked onto your bill.

This isn’t a mandatory fee and you can ask them to remove it if you don’t think the service deserves that amount.

Otherwise, if you pay it, don’t worry – you’re not usually expected to pay an additional tip on top of that, unless you found the service to be really exceptional.

32. Be careful when crossing the street

Now, for some London safety tips.

Please, for the love of Peppa Pig, make sure you look the right way when crossing the street.

The first time I visited London, I almost died about five times. Brits drive on the left, which sounds cute enough until you realize it turns every street crossing into an auto-fuelled death trap.

This has become such a problem that most crosswalks in touristy areas literally have “LOOK LEFT” and “LOOK RIGHT” painted on the pavement in aggressive white block letters, so read them.

33. Keep your phone close at all times

While pickpockets do exist everywhere, the more common crime these days in in London is phone snatching. 

What thieves will often do is come by you on a bike or scooter, then snatch the phone from your hand and escape so be sure to avoid having your phone out when you’re in a busy area, especially next to the road.

… And review my guide on how to avoid pickpockets too.

34. Beware of commonly mispronounced words and names

If you’re a first time visitor to London, you may be shocked to find that many of the names you’ve been reading in your head actually sound nothing like how you’ve been pronouncing them.

That’s because British English is filled with fun little traps!

So, let’s review some of the most commonly mispronounced names in London:

• Thames is pronounced like “temz”, not THEY-mz
• Leicester Square is pronounced like “LEST-ER Square”, not like LAY-SESS-TER Square
• Greenwich is pronounced like ‘GREN-itch”, not green witch
• Clapham and Fulham are pronounced like Clap-mm Full-mm, not Clap-HAM or Full-HAM
• Southwark is pronounced like “Suth-irk” not South Wark

And trust me, that’s barely scraping the surface. SO, when in doubt, keep an ear out on the announcements at train stations and tube stations for the proper pronunciation of things. I still learn new pronunciation traps all the time!

35. Beware of differing words in British English

On a related note, remember there are quite a few day to day words that are different in England compared to North America, so remember…

• Bathroom = the toilet or loo
• Elevator = lift
• Garbage can = bin
• Line-up = queue
• Sidewalk = pavement

… Just to name a few examples.

36. Learn some basic London etiquette

Of course, norms vary from destination to destination. Here are a few to bear in mind for London specifically:

• Never jump a queue – this might as well be a punishable crime in England
• Avoid talking too loudly – North Americans have a reputation for being obnoxiously loud in public
• Don’t take up a seat on the bus or train with your bag if it’s busy
• And most importantly: don’t put on a fake English accent! You might think it’s funny or convincing, it’s probably not

37. Don’t bring too much cash out

I mentioned before how London is mostly a cashless city these days… but it’s an important must-know so I’ll mention it again!

Remember: there are now some places in London that are “card only” so you won’t be needing cash too often, hence why I’d recommend carrying very little with you at all times.

A good rule of thumb is to never bring more cash out than you could stand to lose. I usually just walk around with £20 juuust in case, but I’ve rarely had to use it.

38. Learn where to find free public toilets

If you need to find a public toilet while exploring London, either look for big train stations, McDonalds, Starbucks and department stores OR in a pinch, duck into a pub and order a drink.

39. A hooded jacket > an umbrella

If you’re running low on space and can’t decide what to pack, I would recommend packing a hooded jacket over an umbrella for your trip to London.

London’s rain can often come unexpectedly, and honestly the wind can be pretty vicious too, so having a hooded jacket is a better defense.

Because yes, it does rain a lot quite randomly in London, so make sure you’re prepared!

40. Remember to be respectful

Getting to the end of our list of London travel tips, please remember the importance of being a kind and respectful tourist!

Some examples of what NOT to do include…

• Trespassing private property to get a fake candid in front of a colourful wall
• Being loud and disruptive if you’re wandering around a cute residential neighbourhood
• Blocking the escalator/sidewalk/train door with huge suitcases and bags
• Stopping suddenly on the sidewalk to look at directions/take a photo

At the end of the day, there are a lot of tourists in London, sure, but there’s even more locals who call this city home… so let’s make sure we don’t ruin their day to day lives with our tourist debauchery.

41. Binge watch movies/shows set in London before your visit

Finally – last but not least, a very dorky tip: watch lots of movies and shows in advance of your visit which showcase London as the backdrop.

This will make your trip 1000x more delightful… trust me!

There’s way too many to choose from, but here’s a list to get you started:

• About Time (one of my favourite movies ever – please watch it)
• Paddington 1 & 2 (not just for kids. These are great and showcase London well)
• Bridget Jones’ Diary or Notting Hill (if you want a good rom com)
• Anything Sherlock Holmes related
• Love Actually (at Christmas time – a must!)
• The Harry Potter series (not a TON of London scenes, but still magical)

I hope this list of London Travel Tips was helpful!

I appreciate you trudging your way through this lengthy list of tips for London, my London fangirl in training. Hopefully this post answered most of your questions, but if you have any more, let me know in the comments. Safe and happy travels!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

How to Get Around London: A Guide to Public Transport in London

Last updated: May 28, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 25 Comments

So you’ve decided to visit London! Fantastic idea, it’s an excellent city, with enough activities to keep you busy for however long you choose to stay. Today though, I’m not going to give you advice on what to see in London. Instead, I’m going to share with you my advice for how to get around London.

London is a city with an absolutely fantastic public transport network, but the plethora of choice can be a bit overwhelming for the first-time visitor.

This information on getting around London comes from my experience living in London for 2 years, our subsequent visits as a tourist, and some online research (there are so many options!).

In this guide, I’m going to share with you the various options you have for getting around London, from the tube, to taxis, to the bicycle! Let’s get started.

How To Get Around London

London is divided into nine fare zones, with zones 1 & 2 being central London, and then increasing in number the further outside the city you get. Heathrow Airport for example is in Zone 6. The below transport options will cover all the zones.

Transport in London is operated is by TfL , which stands for “Transport for London”. TfL are the government body responsible for all aspects of the transport system in London, from roads to rails and ticketing to maintenance.

There are a number of ways to pay for transport inside London, including buying an individual ticket, using a contactless card, using an Oyster card , using a visitor Oyster Card or purchasing a travelcard.

I have written a whole post on the best way to pay for transport in London , which you can read, as a summary though, currently in most cases if you have a contactless card that works in the UK then this is the best way to go, followed by the Oyster card.

1. Underground – “The Tube”

The London Underground, or “Tube” as its nicknamed, is the oldest underground metro network in the world, with parts operating since 1863. Today, the London Underground carries over a billion passengers a year, across 270 stations and 250 miles of track. Interestingly, less than 50% of the track is actually underground, despite the name.

In the majority of London, you will usually find that there is an underground stop within easy walking distance, and a train arriving within 10 minutes or less. Because the underground doesn’t have to worry about traffic and streets, it is one of the most efficient ways to get around, and usually the best choice.

For the most part, services operate from 5am through to midnight, and as of August 2016, there will be a 24 hour service offered on some lines as well. You can check times and plan your journey here .

Tube stations are easily recognizable with the distinctive London Underground logo, a red circle with the text “Underground” featured in a blue box.

The Underground operates in fare zones 1 – 6, which cover London in expanding concentric circles, with zone 1 in the centre and zone 6 at the outside. Generally, the more zones you cross on your journey, the more expensive it will be.

Most tube stations have a barrier for entry and exit, and you can purchase tickets from machines or ticket offices at the station.

As a tip, if you’re a visitor to London, try to avoid the Underground during rush hour on weekdays as it gets very crowded with commuters. Generally, this is between around 7:30am and 8:30am in the morning, and from 4:30pm to around 7:00pm in the evening from Monday through Friday.

Also, the tube is the most cost-effective way to get from Heathrow Airport to central London, with a direct link from all the Heathrow terminals to the centre of London. See more on getting to central London from London’s airports here .

2. Overground

The Overground is similar to the Underground, except its above ground. I know – a lot of the Underground is also above ground. That’s just how it is. The Overground is a lot newer than the Underground though, created in 2007, and helps to fill in a number of coverage gaps that the Underground has.

In terms of pricing, the Overground has the same fare pricing as Underground, and follows the same zone-based rules.

In most cases, you also don’t need to touch in and out if you’re using Oyster or contactless payment when switching from Overground to Underground services as they fall inside the same fare zone, although there are some stations where this is required.

The Overground logo is very similar to the Underground logo, except the circle is orange, and of course the title is different.

3. DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

Oh, London. So many transport options, and we’re only on number three! The Docklands Light Railway , or DLR as most people call it, is an automated rail system that specifically covers the docklands area of London, which is the area directly east and south east of central London. The main difference between this train system and the those above is that the DLR is fully automated, which means no drivers.

The DLR links London City Airport to the rest of the tube network, and you will likely find yourself using it if you are taking trips around east and south east London. For instance it is the best way to get to the ExCeL , which hosts a number of large trade shows and events.

In terms of fares, the DLR is the same as the Overground and Underground, part of the overall London fare zone, and in fact some tube stations also contain DLR stations.

If you’re using an Oyster or contactless payment you don’t need to touch in and out when switching from tube to DLR, but you should be aware that many DLR stations do not have barriers, so you mustn’t forget to touch in and out (or have a valid ticket) at the start and end of your journey in order to ensure you pay the correct fare.

4. Rail Services

Yes, I’ve already discussed three rail-like services, but, just in case that wasn’t enough, London also has actual railways too, both suburban rail that links central London to its suburbs, and fast trains that link London to the rest of the country (and the world).

There are also direct rail links to London’s three major airports, namely Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead. See more on getting to and from London’s airports here .

In the majority of cases, trains in and out of London are separate from the Transport for London system, so for example you can’t use your Oyster card on most national rail services, and would have to buy a separate fare.

There are some exceptions, with all suburban trains in zones 1-9 for example, and to select destinations, covered. Trains to Gatwick, including the Gatwick Express, as well as trains to Heathrow, including the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express, are also covered by the Oyster system – you can see more about what’s covered here .

If you asked someone what the most used form of public transport in London was, they might guess Underground. And, with over a billion users a year, that’s not a bad guess. It would be wrong though, because the number of journeys taken on London buses is over two billion a year.

This is likely because there are just so many bus routes in London, serving a huge area – you can basically get anywhere in London by bus. Bus fares are also cheaper, at a fixed price of £1.75 (as of March 2024) for a single journey for Oyster users, regardless of distance.

You can also take advantage of the “ hopper ” fare with Oyster and contactless cards, whereby every bus journey that you take within the first hour of touching in is included in the price. So you can change buses and not have to pay any more – although you must still touch in to the new bus in order to have a valid ticket.

To use the public buses in London, all you have to do is touch your Oyster or contactless card on the big yellow card reader when you board the bus – there’s no need to do it when you get off the bus as fares are fixed. There are also many bus services that operate round the clock, meaning you can still get home after a night out on public transport in many instances.

Buses are generally a little slower than rail services because they have to contend with traffic, which in London is pretty terrible most of the time. However, an advantage is that normally there are no steps involved and no lengthy walks around the Underground system.

As well as public buses, there is also the option to take a Hop on Hop off buses . Whilst these aren’t a form of public transport, for a visitor to London they can be a good way to travel as they visit the main visitor attractions and also include commentary. However, they are priced separately, and are of course more expensive than a standard bus.

You can buy Hop on Hop off bus tickets here . They are also included with city-sightseeing passes like the London Pass .

In south London, and specifically from Wimbledon, through to Croydon and Beckenham, there’s a tram service, known as London Tramlink . The tram has four lines and 17 miles of track, so this definitely isn’t a huge network, but it’s a well used one in the region.

The tram works the same as the bus in terms of payment – it’s a fixed fee per journey, and you just have to touch-in with your Oyster card or contactless card when you board to validate your ticket. You do not need to touch out when you disembark. Trams are also a part of the Hopper fare system.

7. IFS Cloud Cable Car

Now, for something a little bit different. Did you know that London has a cable car service ? It’s the only urban cable car in the UK, and it’s there to get you across the River Thames, from Greenwich to the Royal Victoria Dock.

As well as being a handy way to get to the ExCeL exhibition centre and the O2 Arena from the south side of the river, it also offers panoramic views of this part of the city as you cross.

The Cable Car is part of the TfL system, so you can pay with your Oyster card or contactless card. There are only two stations, one at each end, so it’s also one of the easiest modes of public transport to navigate in London!

8. River Boat

London has a big old river running through it, so it makes sense that this waterway is also used as a public transport system. And so it is, with Thames Clippers operating a service under license from TfL.

There are four “routes”, starting all the way to the west of the city in Putney, and going as far as Woolwich in the east. Essentially this gets you from one end of London to the other.

On board the Thames Clipper in London. 

It’s a fun, scenic way to travel and tends to be a little less busy that many of the other routes. It is used by commuters though, so rush hours can be a little busier. As with other TfL services, the easiest way to pay is by Contactless card or by Oyster card, touching in and out as you board and disembark.

Alternatively you can buy tickets online and print them out, or you can buy tickets in person at the pier. The last option is the most expensive – contactless, Oyster and online ticket purchases are the most cost-effective.

Note that Thames Clipper is a little more expensive than services like the tube or buses, but the point to point service and relatively fast speed, plus the views of London from the river, can make it worth it.

A 24 hour pass is also included on the London Pass (you can buy that here ), if you invest in that money saving attraction pass for your time in London.

London definitely has some iconic modes of transport, from the famous red bus through to the tube. But perhaps most famous of all is the black cab.

With a history dating back to 1662, London’s Hackney Carriages have been carrying people around the city for over 350 years, with drivers having to learn the infamous “Knowledge” – basically a detailed map of London meaning they can navigate the city efficiently, without relying on maps or technology.

Taking a black cab in London is definitely an experience. All you have to do is flag one down by waving at them (the taxi light will be illuminated if it is available), and the driver will stop to pick you up.

Black taxis are certainly more expensive than any of the other forms of transport regulated by TfL, but for the convenience of getting from one part of the city to another, they sometimes can’t be beaten, and if you’re travelling in a group they can work out to be fairly cost effective.

Note that taxis don’t accept Oyster cards, so fares need to be paid by cash or credit card. Fares are paid on completion of the journey, and are set based on distance and time using the meter in the cab.

10. Bicycles

In 2010 London rolled out a new public transport option – the bicycle! There are public cycle points all around the city, and with the increase in cycle lanes, these are becoming a popular way to take short trips.

Hiring a bicycle is relatively easy – it costs £1.65 for 24 hours access to the system, which includes 30 minutes of actual ride time. After your first 30 minutes, each additional 30-minute segment costs you £1.65.

If you think you will use the cycles a lot, then a £20 membership will give you a month of access with unlimited rides of up to 60 minutes each, after which each additional 60 minutes costs £1.65.

To use the cycle hire system you just need a credit or debit card. Because of the need to guard against theft, the system doesn’t accept Oyster cards. You pay your activation fee by card, and then you can access bicycles at points all across the city – there are literally hundreds of them to choose from.

Note that the above pricing is for standard bicycles only. E-Bikes are also available, but for a higher price and for registered users only.

Find out more about the London cycle system here .

11. Walking

Not exactly a public transport option, but don’t discount walking as a way to get around London! Many visitors don’t realise that many parts of London are very pedestrian friendly, and in fact in central London you can get to most of the attractions just by walking.

As a rule of thumb, if somewhere is less than two tube stops away, it’s likely going to be quicker to walk (although worth checking on a map to be sure there’s not an inconvenient river in the way!). Walking is by far the cheapest way to travel around London, and a personal favourite of ours.

Accessibility on Public Transport in London

Given the range of public transport options in London, the accessibility situation is definitely varied. Buses for example are pretty good, with every route serviced by low-floor vehicles and offering a wheelchair space.

The tube on the other hand isn’t so great for step-free access, with only around a quarter of stations offering step free access. An aging network, built well before accessibility was something to consider, has not helped efforts to improve the situation, although certainly efforts are being made. Some stations do have platform to street step free access, but you will need to plan your tube journey carefully.

For a full map and information to help you plan your trip around your needs, take a look at the official accessibility section  of the TfL website.

Which is the best way to get around London?

There’s no really easy way to answer this question. If you’re getting around the majority of central London, the Underground will likely be the most convenient. It’s fast, regular, and doesn’t have to contend with traffic.

Before riding the tube though, it’s worth checking the actual walking distance because the tube map isn’t geographically accurate. So sometimes walking can actually be quicker. This map shows the walking time between stations as a reference point.

For parts of London that aren’t served by the Underground, DLR or Overground services, then the bus is the next most convenient option. There are services all over the city, often running through the night.

If you don’t mind a bit of exercising, then either cycling or walking are both great ways to get around.

If you want to try something a bit different, then the Emirates Air Line or the Thames Clippers will provide that.

The former is certainly excellent for one specific route, and the latter can be a good way to get across London, with water views to boot – although in my mind it’s more of a one-off experience than something to regularly use as a visitor.

Further Reading for Visiting London

We have plenty of further reading to help you plan your trip to London, both content we’ve created based on our experiences, and third-party content we think you’ll find useful.

• The official TfL website , which will give you information on tickets, routes and any updates to services in the forms of delays or cancellations
• If you’re coming into London by air, check out our detailed guide to getting into central London from the airport , which covers all six of London’s airports.
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• Jess’s detailed guide to the London pass , which will help you decide if this is a good way for you to save money on your London sight-seeing. The London currently includes Hop-on, Hop-off bus passes, which can be a great transport option.
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• Our detailed itineraries for one day in London as well as two days in London , three days in London and six days in London
• Harry Potter fans will want to check out our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
• We have a complete guide to the best food tours in London , which also details all the food and drink you might consider trying when in the capital
• Jess’s guide to 1-day walking tour of the highlights of London .
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it for out guide to public transport options in London! What’s your favourite way to get around in London? Any tips to share? Pop them in our comments below!

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There are 25 comments on this post

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Mr. Christopher Twining says

17th February 2023 at 7:13 pm

This is the first, and most likely last and only article I will need to read. Thank you so much for the thorough information. I was last in London in 1972 and I am looking forward to seeing it all again.

Laurence Norah says

18th February 2023 at 7:50 am

My pleasure Christopher, have a lovely time in London. I imagine it will have changed a bit but many sights will surely be familiar 🙂 Safe travels!

6th June 2022 at 5:46 pm

Hi, Thanks for this extremely useful information for a newbie like myself! We are arriving late Saturday evening and plan to take a sightseeing bus on Sunday to get the lay of the land. I see that most attractions are closed on Sundays. Is there anything you can recommend? I’m thinking the market might be a good option? I’ve also heard of Covent Gardens? We will be closest to Paddington Station and will research what areas we should visit first. We are also off to Paris for only 1.5 days. I’ll read your guide on Paris as well! Any feedback is appreciated. Warmly, Pam

6th June 2022 at 5:55 pm

It’s my pleasure, thanks for stopping by! So I would say that a lot of attractions in London are definitely open on a Sunday, such as the Tower of London, however it will depend somewhat on what you are interested in seeing and doing. If you give me some direction in terms of your interests, I’d be happy to advise!

samanta says

17th May 2022 at 4:28 pm

Hi there! Very interessting, thanks for sharing Did I correct understand you have to buy a new ticket if you change the tube line? Even when you are going in one direction (I mean from A to B with no intermadiate stops) and have no other option but to change the line? Many thanks

17th May 2022 at 4:37 pm

Hi Samanta,

My pleasure! No, you don’t have to buy a new ticket when you change tube lines, as long as you stay in the same station. So for example, Oxford Circus tube station has the Central Line, Victoria Line and Bakerloo line. If you get off a Central Line tube and get on a Victoria Line tube, there’s no charge. Tube lines are well signposted inside the stations.

The only time a fee would apply is if you left the station, or went through the ticket gates. You have to scan in and out of the gates when entering or exiting a tube station, so this would not be something you would do by mistake.

Hopefully this answers your question, if you have any more questions do let me know!

Ginge Robinson says

31st March 2022 at 8:19 pm

I have been reading a lot of blogs like this in anticipation of my July 2022 trip to London. Your articles are well written for the unfamiliar traveler and your sight is easy to navigate. Thank you for the time you put in.

1st April 2022 at 10:19 am

Hey Ginge, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this comment. It means a lot to get such nice feedback! Have a wonderful time in London and do let us know if you have any questions!

11th September 2019 at 5:02 pm

Thank you so much for the articles! Exact, relevant, full, helps really!

11th September 2019 at 5:47 pm

Thanks Irina, my pleasure!

23rd May 2019 at 9:28 am

Really good and comprehensive article. I have been living in London for almost a year now but still used to find myself confused with different types of train services. But not anymore! 🙂

23rd May 2019 at 10:52 am

Thanks very much Sonia 🙂

Pedro Zamuner says

2nd April 2019 at 9:17 am

Thanks for the article. Funny, well written and complete! Just got in London last night and now I feel ready to discover the city.

Cheers guys!! 🙂

2nd April 2019 at 10:06 am

Our pleasure Pedro – have a great time in London!

11th November 2018 at 8:12 pm

A minor edit is needed, you list that bicycles cost “30 minutes” for each “30 minutes” past the first 30 minutes.

11th November 2018 at 8:15 pm

Thank you for the feedback – I’ve fixed that now 😀

19th October 2018 at 8:27 am

This is cool. Super helpful and detail! Thank you 🙂

19th October 2018 at 2:44 pm

Our pleasure Mike 🙂

Vikram Badshah says

25th September 2018 at 1:05 pm

Wonderful insight on how to get around in London.

26th September 2018 at 4:17 am

Thanks Vikram!

Anil Palan says

19th September 2018 at 5:26 pm

Thanks for sharing such a nice article on London transport system. It will be very useful to me as I am visiting London for the first time very shortly.

19th September 2018 at 9:11 pm

My pleasure Anil! We have lots more content on the site about London – hopefully you found it. Have a great trip to London!

3rd September 2018 at 1:18 am

This whole post is incredibly useful!! Thank you

3rd September 2018 at 1:20 am

Our pleasure Joana 😀

wassah saw says

23rd June 2018 at 6:52 am

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Savvy Travel Advice

11 Ways to Get from London to Paris (& Vice Versa)

Last updated: December 18, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 44 Comments

London and Paris are two of the most iconic cities in Europe, rich in history, culture, and attractions. Many visitors to Europe want to visit both capital cities and need to figure out how to travel from London to Paris.

Did you realize that these two capital cities are only 214 miles (344 km) apart? And thanks to the creation of the Channel Tunnel (the Chunnel) it’s incredibly easy to get back and forth between them.

It is easy to combine visits to London and Paris into the same trip, due to their proximity. If you would like to plan a visit to both cities, you might be wondering what is the best way to get from London, England to Paris France?

To help answer that question, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to get from London to Paris (or from Paris to London). We’re going to list all the options you have for getting from London to Paris, as well as give you an idea how long each option takes, the cost associated with each method, the main companies and ways to book each route, and cost-saving tips.

We also provide advice on how to choose a method based on your budget, time, and travel style, and we also share our own preferred way to travel from London to Paris.

Table of Contents:

How to Get From London to Paris

Here are 11 different ways to get from London to Paris or Paris to London. We cover all the most popular ways such as taking the Eurostar train, flying, driving, taking a coach, guided day tours, and taking the ferry. We also cover less conventional ways such as walking, biking, and even swimming, as well as lesser-known options such as ride-sharing and private transfers.

It is important to remember that no matter how you plan to travel from London to Paris that you are crossing an international border and transitioning from the UK to the Schengen Area. You will have to go through border security and customs, so you need to make sure you have all the necessary travel documents before your trip to enter and leave each country.

Here are 11 ways to get from London to Paris in no particular order:

1. Eurostar Train

This is perhaps the easiest way to get from London to Paris and is usually our recommended way to travel between the two cities. The Eurostar is fast and efficient, and direct from the heart of London to the heart of Paris. All you have to do is get on the train on time and then you can relax the rest of the journey.

Although I think it is now taken for granted, taking a train directly between London and Paris is the newest way to get between these two European capitals. Before the Channel Tunnel, or Chunnel as it is often called, was opened in 1994, the only way to cross the English Channel was by boat or plane.

The Channel Tunnel is an amazing feat of engineering and it has the longest underwater section of any tunnel in the world!

Which train companies operate between London and Paris?

Only one passenger train company is able to use the Chunnel, and that is the Eurostar train. The high-speed train goes directly from London St. Pancras Station to Paris Gare du Nord. They run a number of trains each day between the two cities.

The Eurostar also offer direct trains from London to other places, including Disneyland Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

Note that the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train operated by Belmond travels between London and Paris and used to allow you to book a trip from London to Paris and vice versa. It was an approximately 11-hour luxury train journey that included a ride on the British Pullman from London to Folkestone, a luxury coach ride across the Eurotunnel, and then the Venice Simplon Orient Express train from Calais to Paris. However, when I checked in 2020, they were no longer offering this route, and we are not sure it will return in future years.

How much does the train cost from London to Paris?

A one-way Eurostar ticket can cost anywhere from starting at about €44 for a standard ticket to up to €375 for a business premier ticket.

There are no set costs for the Eurostar train tickets, and like airline tickets the price fluctuates based on how long until the travel date and how many tickets have been sold. There are currently three classes of tickets you can buy.

The three types of tickets are Standard Class, Standard Premier, and Business Premier. Your ticket type determines your access to food services, how spacious your seat is, lounge access, how many pieces of luggage you can bring aboard, and whether you will be charged change or cancellation fees if you need to change your ticket.

Currently, all classes offer comfortable seats, access to food and drinks (food is included with the Premier tickets), and up to 2 pieces of luggage per person (Business Premier allows for up to 3). For the most up to date information about the classes and what is included with your ticket, you can check that out here .

To save money, we recommend booking well in advance to get the best rates. Although you can sometimes get a good deal at less busy times of the year at the last minute, you could pay up to 10X the standard fare at busy times of the year if you book at the last minute.

Also if you have flexibility on your dates, the best availability and fares are often on midweek trains.

Can I use a Rail Pass to travel from London to Paris?

Yes, your Eurail Global Pass (European rail pass for non-Europe residents) or Interrail Global Pass (European rail pass for residents of Europe)   can be used on the Eurostar. To travel with Eurostar using your pass you need to book your seat in advance and pay a seat reservation fee. You’ll be traveling in either Standard or Standard Premier, depending on the class of your rail pass.

Eurail and Interrail users only pay a fixed reservation fee, instead of the full price. At last check, the reservation fee was €30 for Standard class (available for 1st and 2nd class pass holders) and €38 for Standard Premier (available for 1st class pass holders only).

A reservation is mandatory and can be made up to 12 weeks in advance. Once you have your pass, you can do this on the Eurail website , in person at the Eurostar terminal, or by calling +44 (0) 1233 617 575.

Remember that your Eurail pass isn’t valid on other transport in the UK, so you should probably do this leg at the beginning or end of your pass’ validity.

How long does the train take from London to Paris?

The train from London to Paris takes an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes station to station, although in perfect conditions it could be as short as 2 hours and 16 minutes.

Passport checks are done at St. Pancras station before leaving for Paris, so you will want to get to the Eurostar terminal at least 45 minutes before your train.

Note that events such as worker strikes, protests, and adverse weather can affect the running of the train. You can check for Eurostar service updates and delays online here .

Where to buy train tickets?

You can buy Eurostar tickets directly from the company’s website , as well as from a variety of other online train ticket websites such as Trainline . Normally prices are the same across websites when we’ve checked.

You can also purchase tickets in-person at the ticket office in the Eurostar terminal at St. Pancras or Gare du Nord. However, if you are attempting to buy same-day tickets, this could be very expensive.

You can usually book Eurostar tickets from London to Paris up to 180 days in advance of your travel date.

Flying is another popular way to get between London and Paris because it is very quick flight and flights between the two cities are often inexpensive.

Remember though that between getting to and from the London and Paris airports, going through security and boarding procedures, it may be more time-efficient to simply take the train. But it is another good option to consider.

Which airlines fly between London and Paris?

Several airlines offer nonstop flights between London and Paris. At last check these include EasyJet, CityJet, Vueling, British Airways, and Air France.

Many more airlines offer flights that include layovers, including KLM, Swiss Air, Lufthansa, and Austrian Air. Although if time is a factor, these flights are going to take much longer than taking the train.

How much does it cost to fly from London to Paris?

The cost can fluctuate quite a lot depending on the time of year, availability, and proximity to travel.

You can often get a flight between London and Paris for under €100, sometimes much lower if you find a good sale with one of the budget airlines. We’ve seen them as low as €29 on sale. Just be sure to factor in any baggage fees when comparing prices.

If you have a large budget and want to avoid standing in long security lines, you can also charter a private plane from London to Paris. Private hire costs start around 5,000 euros for a light jet. You can check prices here .

How long does it take to fly from London to Paris?

Depending on the airline and airplane, it takes between 1 hour and 5 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes to fly directly from London to Paris or vice versa.

Make sure to confirm which airport your flights depart and arrive at. London has 6 major airports and all are in different directions from London, with different transportation options. You can see our London airport transport guide for more information on the best ways of getting to and from each one.

In Paris, flights to and from London land in one of its three major airports, Charles de Gaulle, Orly, or Paris Beauvais.

Also be sure to factor in the time to get to and from the airports. It can take up to an hour to get to London Heathrow from downtown London for example, and 45 minutes to get from Charles de Gaulle to the center of Paris.

Where to book flight tickets?

You can buy tickets from your preferred booking engine or directly from the airline. To compare flight ticket prices across airlines, we like to use Priceline , and Kiwi   to search for the cheapest, most convenient options.

3. Car / Driving 

Driving from London to Paris is another popular way to get between the two cities. It gives you a certain amount of flexibility, plus the comfort of staying in your own car the entire journey. You don’t need to worry about luggage restrictions or paying fees per person, and the timetable is more flexible than traveling by train or plane.

You have two options when traveling by car on how to cross the English Channel, you can take the Eurotunnel or you can take a ferry. The Eurotunnel is the fastest option and the one we’ll talk about most in this section. See the Ferry section later in the article if you prefer to cross by ferry.

You can transport pretty much any vehicle, including a car, truck, motorcycle, trailer, or campervan by the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. Those on motorbikes get reduced fares compared to car drivers and those with larger vehicles pay a bit more.

It is also the easiest way to travel with pets between the UK and France. However, you must have all the proper documentation, microchipping, and vaccinations for each pet to be allowed entry. You can see the pet requirements here .

It’s important to note that France and the UK have different driving regulations that must be followed. In addition to knowing the differences in traffic laws (e.g., people in the UK drive on the left and people in the France drive on the right), there are also different things you need to do to prepare to bring a foreign car across the border.

For example, all those driving UK cars in the EU are required to have a valid driver’s license, passport, vehicle registration certificate (V5 document), proof of motor vehicle insurance, UK sticker on their car (GB sticker no longer valid), have reflective safety vests in the car, and put stickers over their headlights so as not to “dazzle” oncoming traffic. You can view the full requirements here.

Additionally, France requires all vehicles visiting Paris (and a few other cities) to have a Air Quality Emissions Certificate , which can be purchased online.

For those wanting to bring a car into the UK from France, the main requirements are passport, registration, and proof of motor insurance valid in the UK. You can also check out these tips for driving in the UK .

Although driving is an easy option, it still requires preparation as you must have a number of documents and car supplies to take a car from the UK to mainland Europe, and these requirements do change fairly regularly. We recommend checking the most recent border crossing and driving requirements at least a month before your trip so you can obtain any necessary documentation or supplies.

If you have traveled between the UK and France prior to Brexit, note that some requirements have changed and you should be sure to check all changes to ensure you have done everything you need before your trip. You can check this page for post-Brexit travel changes.

Can I drive across the Channel Tunnel?

No, nobody actually drives through the tunnel. Instead, you drive up into a special container shuttle and then sit in your car while a special vehicle called the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle carries you and your car through the tunnel.

These transport shuttles can carry all types of vehicles including cars, motorcycles, passenger vans, motorhomes, tours buses, and semi-trailer trucks (lorries).

Note: Vehicles that use flammable gas (e.g., LPG, BiFuel, Autogas, Hydrogen, CNG or CGH2 ) cannot be transported by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle because of safety reasons. This includes vehicles where the gas is only being used as a secondary or back up fuel source. Similarly, any flammable gas containers (e.g. for use in a campervan) and their size is regulated and these must be declared for inspection.

Taking a Car on Channel Tunnel versus Ferry?

Both the Eurotunnel and the ferry will take you from Folkestone/Dover to Calais (or vice versa). Taking the Channel Tunnel is much quicker and more direct than taking the ferry. It takes only 35 minutes to cross the channel via the Eurotunnel, as opposed to 90 minutes by ferry.

However, the ferry tickets can often be less expensive so good to price compare if you are on a tighter budget. Also, there are multiple ferry routes between the UK and France so you have more options in terms of where you depart and arrive.

How long does it take to drive from London to Paris?

It takes about 6 hours to drive and take the Channel Tunnel from London to Paris, excluding potential traffic and delays. The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle leaves regularly, with up to 4 shuttles per hour at busier times of the day/year.

However, note that 6 hours is about the shortest drive time under optimal driving conditions and so it can take much longer if there is bad traffic, construction, or Eurotunnel delays. We recommend allowing a couple of extra hours in your schedule so that you handle potential delays.

Before your journey, we recommend checking Traffic England for relevant UK road conditions and delays and this website for France’s highways. You can monitor the route using a service like Google Maps or a GPS unit to keep abreast of potential delays. You can monitor Eurotunnel service and potential delays here .

Fastest driving route from London to Paris?

There is really only one driving route from London to Paris, which is through the Channel Tunnel. If you take the most direct route it is about a 258 mile (415 km) drive from London to Paris plus about 34 miles (54 km) for the Eurotunnel crossing.

The fastest route is to drive from London to Folkestone along the A1. You then check-in and go through border security, board the Channel Tunnel transport, and then the journey across the Channel should take about 35 minutes. Once you arrive in Coquelles (near Calais), you’ll leave the shuttle, go through border security, and then head to Paris via the A26 and A1.

Cost of driving from London to Paris?

Prices for the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle vary based on the size of your vehicle, whether you have any trailers or attachments, and the kind of ticket you buy. One way fares start around £79, but round trip fares can be as low as £29 each way. You can check prices here .

Don’t forget to also factor in the cost of fuel which can vary widely depending on your vehicle and current fuel prices. If you are driving an electric car or hybrid car, there are electric charging stations that you can use at both Eurotunnel Le Shuttle terminals in the UK and in France.

If you are renting a car, you will also need to take into account your rental car fees and any additional charges (e.g., cross border surcharge). If you are considering renting a car, keep reading.

Should I hire a car to drive from the UK to France?

Generally, we don’t recommend renting a car and driving it from the UK to France (or vice versa). If you own your own car or campervan and live in the UK or Europe, then it may make good sense to take your car across the Channel via Channel Tunnel or by ferry. You’ll save money and be able to drive in your own vehicle.

However, we find this is often more problematic for those with a rental car. First, several rental car agencies don’t allow rented or leased cars to be taken across the border, aboard ferries, and/or on one-way trips. Some do of course, but it limits your options.

Second, it requires you to learn the driving rules and regulations and have the proper documentation for both countries. Finally, it will mean that in at least one country you will be driving a car designed for driving on the wrong side of the road with the steering column and wheel on the opposite side.

Our advice would be to rent a car only where you need it and to rent the car in the country you plan to drive it. So if you need a car both in the UK and France, you can rent a car in the UK and then return it before you go to France. Then in France, you can rent a different car there for your time in France.

There is no reason you need a car to get from London to Paris. In fact, since you can’t actually drive across the Channel, you can’t use a car for the full journey anyway. And certainly, you don’t need a car in either London or Paris as both cities are not desirable places to get around by car. Public transportation is efficient and easy to use in both cities.

What do I need to take a rental car across the Channel?

For those renting, borrowing, or leasing a UK registered car, you still need to ensure your car meets all the standards and that you have all the necessary documentation and equipment. As noted earlier, these include a valid driver’s license, passport, insurance card, GB sticker, safety vests, and stickers on headlights. Those planning to drive to Paris, also need to have an Air Quality Emissions Certificate. You can view the full requirements here.

You will also need to ensure that you have permission to take the car aboard across the Chunnel (some rental car agencies do not allow this) and have a VE103 certificate .

Where to rent a car in London ?

There are lots of car rental agencies based in London. Most of them center around one of the airports but there are some downtown locations too. You can find all the major international car rental brands in London.

Note that some rental car agencies do not allow cars to be taken out of the country, which means you would not be able to take them across the border by ferry or by Eurotunnel to France. Car rental agencies that do normally allow border crossing from the UK to France include Avis , Budget , Europcar, and Hertz . But you will want to double-check when making your booking and check your rental contract.

If you plan to take the car to France (and elsewhere in Europe), an extra fee may apply. You’ll want to be sure to let the agent know when you pick it up to ensure you have the proper insurance, stickers, and documentation (e.g., VE103 certificate ).

In terms of renting a car in the UK, you also normally need to have held a valid driving license for at least a year (some require up to 3 years) and the driver’s license must be in English or use the Latin alphabet. If not, you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country before your trip.

The minimum age to rent a car in the UK is 21, but some companies will charge an additional fee for drivers under 25. Note that there also may be further restrictions on those under 25 such as no access to premium level cars and no taking the car across any borders. You usually need a valid credit card to complete the rental transaction, but some places will accept a debit card.

Automatic transmissions are usually available but many car rentals have manual transmissions (“stick shifts”). Make sure you are comfortable using a car with the steering wheel on the right, which will mean shifting with your left hand.

Where to rent a car in Paris ?

There are lots of car rental agencies based in Paris. Most of them center around the airports but there are some downtown locations too. You can find all the international car rental brands like Avis , Budget , Europcar and Hertz here.

If you are planning to drive to the UK from France, as discussed above, you want to make sure you choose a rental car agency that allows for cross-border crossings.

The rental car agency requirements in France are similar to those noted above for the UK. The minimum age to rent a car in France is also 21, with some companies charging extra fees for drivers under 25. Again, automatic transmissions are available but many car rentals have manual transmissions (e.g. “stick shifts”).

4. Bus / Coach

Taking a bus from London to Paris is usually the least expensive transport option. While not as fast as a train or flying, it is an easy way to get between the two cities.

Which coach companies operate between London and Paris?

The most popular companies that service this route are Flixbus and BlaBlaBus .  

Flixbus is the largest bus network in Europe. their buses have large comfortable seats, bathrooms, wi-fi and power outlets. They pride themselves on being timely and energy-efficient. They run about a dozen buses a day from London to Paris, at intervals, although only about half of them are direct (the rest involve a transfer in Lille). They also own the Eurolines buses that run this route. The trip usually takes 7 to 9 hours.

BlaBlaBus (formerly Ouibus) is a French bus company that covers ten countries in Europe, and 300 destinations. They have an app that allows you to use e-tickets instead of printed ones. They offer about half a dozen buses a day, some go to the city center and others straight to the airport. The trip takes 7 to 10 hours.

Most buses from London to Paris leave from the Victoria Coach Station in London (164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP) and then end at the Bercy Seine Bus Station (210 Quai de Bercy, 75012 Paris). But you can also get buses from London to the Paris airports, Disneyland Paris, and a couple of other places as well.

You can check schedules and purchase tickets directly from the bus companies above, or you can compare across all buses doing this route by using an aggregator site like trainline or Omio .

Can coaches cross the Channel Tunnel?

Yes, buses and coaches use the same EuroTunnel shuttle service as cars do. So the buses do not actually drive across the Euro Tunnel, instead, they drive into a transport vehicle and are shuttled across.

How much does the bus cost from London to Paris?

Bus tickets prices from London to Paris can fluctuate a little but typically cost between £12 to £40 per person. Taking a coach is usually the cheapest way to get from London to Paris.

How long does the bus take from London to Paris?

The bus can take between 7 to 10 hours based on traffic and the number of stops. This makes it a bit longer than driving yourself.

How to book a bus ticket?

You can book your bus ticket directly on the bus company’s website, such as Flixbus , or you can try an aggregator like Omio or trainline to find the best rate.

Taking a ferry across the channel is a unique, slower, and scenic way of getting from London to Paris. If you want the best view of the White Cliffs of Dover and the Cap Blanc-Nez (similar white cliffs of Calais), the ferry is our recommended option.

The ferries take foot passengers, cyclists, and vehicles. They are the most popular way for cyclists to cross between the UK and France.

The ferry is also a popular option for pet owners as most ferries allow pets to be brought aboard for those traveling with a vehicle. Pets must stay within the pet owners’ vehicle during the crossing, but there are pet exercise areas at each of the ports. If you want to travel with a pet, be sure to check the pet guidelines for your crossing in advance as they must have the proper documents and vaccinations.

There are three main ferry routes from England to France or vice versa. For the goal of getting from London to Paris, the quickest and most popular option is to get the ferry from Dover to Calais. We’ll focus on this route, but we’ll also talk about your other ferry options, including an overnight ferry option.

What are the ferry routes between the UK and France?

There are about a dozen possible routes you can take between the UK and France. Here are the main ferry routes between the UK and France:

• Dover to Calais
• Dover to Dunkirk
• Newhaven to Dieppe
• Portsmouth to Le Havre
• Portsmouth to Caen
• Portsmouth to Cherbourg
• Portsmouth to St. Malo
• Poole to Cherbourg
• Plymouth to Roscoff

For those planning a trip from London to Paris, we recommend the Dover to Calais as the fastest and most efficient route for most people. The Newhaven to Dieppe route is popular for cyclists and long-distance walkers. The Portsmouth routes by Brittany Ferries are a good option if you are looking for an overnight sleeper ferry.

How to get to the ferry from London?

You have the option to drive, take the train, or get a bus to reach the ferry ports. So this is going to depend on which ferry port you need to reach.

For all the ferries, it is recommended that you plan to arrive 60 minutes before your ferry is scheduled to leave in order to give you plenty of time to check-in and go through security and customs checks.

We’ll cover three of the ferry routes in detail below:

Getting to Dover Ferry Port from London

You can take a coach, high-speed train, regular train, or drive to get from London to the Dover ferry port.

If you are driving, the drive is about 80 miles (128 km) and takes about 2 hours. Traffic, especially leaving London, can really affect the drive time.

The fastest option to get from London to Dover is to take the high-speed train. The least expensive way is to take a coach from London.

The high-speed train to Dover leaves from St. Pancras Station in London and takes just over 1 hour. Other trains leave from both Charing Cross and Victoria Station in London and take about 2 hours to reach Dover.

The buses along this route generally take between 2.5 hours and 3 hours. Most coaches leave from London Victoria Coach Station and arrive either at the Dover Ferry Port (recommended), Dover City Centre, or Dover Priory train station. Bus fares generally range between £5 to £12 for a one-way ticket.

To check schedules and compare prices for both trains and buses, you can use the site  trainline or Omio .

From the Dover train station or bus station, it is a short taxi ride (about 5 minute drive), shuttle bus ride, or a long walk (~ 30 minutes) from either station to the passenger ferry terminal. There are regular shuttle buses from outside the train station (fee of £2 per person at last check) that stop at the port. You can check taxi fares and prebook taxis online with minicabit .

Getting to Newhaven Ferry Port from London

The Newhaven ferry port is about 76 miles (122 km) from London and it is about a 2 hour and 15 minute drive. Traffic can really affect the drive time.

If taking the train, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by train. I think all routes require at least one train change to make this journey. From the Newhaven town station, it is about a 3 minute walk to the ferry terminal.

Taking a bus is possible but the direct bus only appears to run on certain days of the week. The bus takes about 3 hours.

To check schedules and compare prices for trains from London to Newhaven, you can use the site trainline or Omio .

Getting to Portsmouth Ferry Port from London

The Portsmouth ferry port is about 75 miles (120 km) from London and it is about a 2 hour or so drive. Traffic can really affect the drive time so be sure to check traffic conditions.

Trains from London to Portsmouth Harbor station take about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is a short taxi ride (~ 8 minutes) or long walk (~ 35 minutes) from the train station to the ferry terminal.

The bus from London to Portsmouth generally takes between 2  to 2.5 hours. Most buses leave from Victoria Coach Station and arrive at Portsmouth The Hard Bus & Coach Station. It is a short taxi ride (~ 8 minutes) or long walk (~ 35 minutes) from the bus station to the ferry terminal. There is a taxi rank outside of the train station or you can check taxi fares and prebook taxis online with minicabit .

How to get from the ferry port to Paris?

It will depend of course on which port you sail to from the UK, but in most cases you have the option to rent a car, take a coach, or take a train to Paris.

The most common ferry port is the Calais Ferry terminal. If you arrive in Calais by ferry, you have the option to rent a car, take a bus to Paris, or take the train. The fastest option, and the one we typically recommend, is to take the TGV high-speed train.

To get to the Calais train station (Gare de Calais Ville), you can either take an hourly bus for €2, take a taxi, or walk to the train station (~ 35 minutes). You can then take a train from Calais to Paris, the direct trains take from about 2 hours to 3 hours depending on route and speed of the train.

The Calais bus station is located next to the train station and direct buses generally take 4 to 4.5 hours to reach Paris. Most buses terminate at the Bercy Seine Bus Station.

To check your options for getting to Paris from any port in France, you can check for train and bus schedules, routes, and book tickets on trainline or Omio .

How long does is the journey by train and ferry from London to Paris?

The entire journey will generally take from about 6 hours to 8 hours, depending on your train times, route, and connections.

The most time efficient way to use the ferry to get from London to Paris is to take a direct high-speed train from London to Dover, take a taxi or the shuttle bus from Dover train station to Dover ferry terminal (check in 60 minutes before departure), make the 90 minute ferry ride, take a taxi from the Calais ferry port to train station, and then take a direct high-speed train from Calais to Paris.

What is the cost of taking the ferry from London to Paris?

Ferry prices are often £30 to £90 per person between London and Calais, and depend on the time of year, time of day, whether you are bringing a vehicle or not, size of your vehicle, and whether you are bringing pets. Prices for other ferry routes between the UK and France often fall within this price range as well.

But you then of course also have to factor in the cost of getting to and from the ferry ports, whether you are driving, taking trains, or going by coach.

If you are going to take the ferry between Dover and Calais and plan to use trains, I’d estimate about £100 to £150 per person for the total journey from London to Paris. Less if you are traveling by coach.

Where to book tickets for ferry?

We recommend booking your ferry tickets directly with the ferry operators. We recommend checking DFDS Seaways . If you prefer to travel from Plymouth, Portsmouth, or Poole, you can also check out Brittany Ferries .

DFDS Seaways – Operate passenger ferry routes from Dover-Dunkirk, Dover-Calais, and Newhaven-Dieppe multiple times a day. Crossing takes between 90 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the route. For their Dover departures, they currently do not allow foot passengers, only those passengers traveling with a vehicle or bicycle. They do allow foot passengers on the Newhaven-Dieppe route.

Brittany Ferries – Brittany Ferries operate ferry routes from Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Poole with most of their UK to France ferries leaving from Portsmouth. Ferries take from 3 hours to 8 hours to get from UK to France, and they also operate overnight ferry journeys. They allow passengers with vehicles as well as those traveling on foot.

If you are driving, we recommend booking in advance. If you are traveling as a foot passenger, you can book ahead of time on their website or you can usually easily buy tickets at the terminal the day of, as they never book up for foot passengers.

What if I want to take an overnight ferry from the UK to France?

Yes, it is possible to take a slow ferry trip across the English Channel between the UK and France. Brittany Ferries offers a number of overnight ferry options between the UK and France.

They offer routes leaving from Portsmouth, Poole, and Plymouth in the UK and going to a number of ports in northern France, including Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg, and St. Malo.

For those wanting to travel by overnight ferry between London and Paris, we recommend booking either the Plymouth to Caen ferry or Plymouth to Le Havre ferry for options best suited for getting between London and Paris. But if you plan to explore the regions of Brittany or Normandy along the way, you have several route options.

Not all Brittany Ferry trips are overnight sailings so do make sure you book the correct one if you do want an overnight voyage. They typically have one daytime crossing and one overnight cruise for each route daily. The ships range from simple to fairly luxurious.

Many of the Brittany Ferry ships offer multiple dining options, cafes, live entertainment, gift shop, children’s play area, and a movie theater.  When we do an overnight trip, we like to get on, check into our cabin, have a nice dinner at the restaurant, go see the live entertainment, and then head off to bed. The food from the main restaurant is usually very good.

Having traveled by overnight ferry a few times now, I would definitely recommend only booking the overnight ferries if you book a cabin. There are nice reclined airplane style seats you can reserve as well, so this is an option if you are the kind of person who can sleep comfortably in reclined seats (I personally cannot). As otherwise you are paying more for a much longer ferry and will probably arrive pretty tired if you aren’t able to get enough sleep.

We take these ferries when we want a slower and more luxurious ferry option. This is often the first day of a trip or the final day of a trip for us so it often makes a nice transition. But if we want a quick option, we’ll book one of the regular 1.5 hour ferries to cross the Channel.

Can I travel in my own boat from London to Paris?

Yes, technically you can travel along the River Thames from London to where it enters the Channel, cross the English Channel, and then navigate the Seine River to reach Paris. But this journey, especially the English Channel crossing, has certain legal requirements and crossing by barges and small boats are weather dependent and can be dangerous.

If this is something you are considering, you should definitely start researching the route and your options well in advance.

6. Take a Guided Tour

If you are wanting to head off on a quick and organized day or weekend away, you might visit Paris from London on a guided day trip. The two cities are close enough together that it’s possible to leave before breakfast and be back by dinner!

How long is a guided tour from London to Paris?

Most of the guided tours from London to Paris are one long day. So you’d leave London early in the morning and leave Paris by train in the evening. Most day trips leave around 6:00 am and return to the city around dinner time, so expect a long full day of travel and sightseeing.

However, if you have more time, some tours stay overnight in Paris for a day or two.

How much does a tour cost from London to Paris?

Tour costs start at about £200 per person and depend on how much is included. Most include Eurostar train tickets, a sightseeing tour, and an attraction ticket or two. Multi-day trips will, of course, cost more.

What are some Tours that go from London to Paris?

There are a number of tour options, especially day tours from London to Paris, that you can take. Here are some of the better-rated options we’ve found:

• Paris Full-Day Trip from London – This full day luxury tour includes a guide who meets you in London at the Eurostar terminal. You take the Eurostar train to Paris, take a sightseeing bus around Paris, take lunch at the Eiffel Tower, cruise down the Seine and then have free time to visit explore (or take an optional Louvre tour), or do what you wish before your return to London by train.
• Paris Rail Day Trip with Options   – This 15-hour full-day round trip Eurostar journey to Paris allows you to choose the type of Eurostar train ticket (standard or first-class) and how you want to see Paris. You can do independent sightseeing on your own which includes a sightseeing bus pass or you can join a guided day trip around Paris with a guide that includes a Seine River cruise.
• Day Tour by with Lunch Cruise  – This tour includes round-trip Eurostar tickets, a fully guided tour of Paris by luxury coach and a 2 hour Seine river cruise with 3-course lunch
• Guided Paris Day Trip with Free Time – This tour includes Eurostar tickets, a sightseeing bus tour of the city, and a Seine River cruise. You then have the afternoon to use as you wish and explore independently.

Note that some of the tours are fully guided with a person meeting you either at the London train station or when you arrive in Paris and then stay with you for the rest of the day. Others are partially guided and some are independent and they just book your tickets and let you explore independently. So just be sure to read carefully what is included and what is not.

Join a Full day Walking Tour of Paris?

Another idea is to book your own train tickets and make your own way to Paris on the Eurostar and then join up with an all-day walking tour of Paris. You can leave London super early to join the tour, but I’d recommend spending the night beforehand so you are well-rested and won’t have to worry about rushing to get to the tour starting point.

For example, this full-day walking tour includes a guided walking tour of several areas of Paris, including Montmartre, Île de la Cité, and the Latin Quarter, a guided visit to the Louvre Museum, a visit to the Eiffel Tower, and Seine River cruise tickets.

7. Carpooling / Ridesharing

If you are looking for an inexpensive option to get from London to Paris but would like to avoid the bus, you could consider a rideshare or carpooling option. It is an option that also gives you a built-in travel buddy for the journey.

Ridesharing services for a London to Paris trip?

For a trip from London to Paris, you can check out carpooling or ridesharing service like BlaBlaCar , Carpling , or Liftshare to find a carpool across the Channel. On these websites private citizens can offer a seat in their car for a fee to travelers headed in the same direction.

Do keep in mind the safety implications of accepting a ride in a private vehicle with a stranger. Make sure someone always knows where you are going and who you are going with. We recommend sharing the location of your ride and journey, such as with Google maps or similar tracking app, so that a family member or friend can see your location in real-time.

It is technically possible to take a mainstream ride share service like Uber from London to Paris. But you are very unlikely to get a driver willing to make this journey and the cost of the trip would be high. If you are looking for a private transfer like that, see our section below on Private Transfers.

Ridesharing travel time from London to Paris?

The timing will depend on the exact route and method of crossing the English Channel, but most drivers estimate it will take between 6 and 8 hours.

Cost of ridesharing services from London to Paris?

Carpool rides from London to Paris seem to be generally be priced between £35 to £50.

This would make it cheaper than renting your own car and about the same price as driving your own car when you calculate fuel costs and ferry or Eurotunnel prices.

8. Private Car Transfer or Cab

If you don’t want to deal with any logistics or changes and don’t mind a more expensive option, you might consider booking a private car transfer. Although most cab companies and rideshare drivers won’t do such a long cross-border journey, there are some private transfer companies that offer this service.

The driver will pick you up from your hotel, train station, or airport in London and then take you to the chosen destination in Paris. You can also do the reverse and get a private transfer between Paris and London.

How to Book a Private Car Transfer or Cab from London to Paris?

As noted, most companies do not offer this service as it is such a long drive and includes a cross-border crossing over the English Channel. So your options are pretty limited but there are a few companies that can arrange this service.

Here are a few options:

• This private transfer service takes you from London to Paris. A driver will pick you up from your lodging, handle your luggage, and offer you a comfortable ride all the way to Paris. They will have water and snacks available and short breaks will be made for toilets and refreshments. Service can include up to 15 passengers.
• If you are traveling from Paris to London, the same company offers private transfers starting in Paris . So you would be picked up in Paris and driven to London.
• This private transfer service picks you up anywhere in Paris and drops you off anywhere in London. The driver picks you up in a Mercedes car that includes air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. Service can include up to 8 passengers.

How long does it take to get from London to Paris by private transfer?

A private transfer between London and Paris will generally take between 6 and 8 hours, depending on traffic. Most use the Eurotunnel to cross between the UK and France.

Cost of a Private Car Transfer or Cab from London to Paris?

Prices for this service start at around £530 and go up depending on the number of riders and the style of car you desire. A group of up to 4 can travel together for about £1,068 and a group of 8 for £1,268.

Although this is an expensive option for a single traveler or couple, it can be a reasonably priced option for a family or large group.

If you are an avid cyclist, it’s possible to ride your bike from London all the way to Paris. You can cycle all the way to the edge of England and then jump on a ferry or take the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle to cross the English Channel to France. Most cyclists take the ferry.

While we’d recommend such a long-distance cycle trip only for those with more experience as a cyclist, most of this route is fairly flat and suitable for beginner level long-distance cyclists. We’ve read of a number of parents with older children who have successfully done the Avenue Verte route

If you plan to do this route, I’d just be sure to do your research in advance.

Bike route from London to Paris?

There are two main routes, and a variety of variations that cyclists may choose in getting from London to Paris. The two main routes are (in very simplified detail):

Dover/Calais Classic Route : Follow the old Roman Road of Watling Street out of London down to  Dover. Cross the channel by ferry to Calais, then follow Napoleon’s Route National 1 from Calais to Paris. This route is 304 miles (490km) and is not waymarked.

Newhaven/Dieppe Avenue Verte Route: Follow the A11 down to the port of Newhaven. Cross the channel by ferry to Dieppe. Then follow the D915 into Paris. This route is about 247 miles (398 km) long and is waymarked.

We recommend getting a guide to help you understand the route and prepare for the journey. There are a couple of good cycling guides for the route. These include this detailed guidebook by Cicerone on how to follow either the Classic Route or Avenue Verte Route. There is also this cycling guide by SusTrans that helps direct cyclists how to get from the London Eye to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris using the Avenue Verte route.

If you are looking for good maps, Ordnance Survey makes the best maps for the UK and IGN makes similar maps for France. For choosing a map, Ordnance Survey recommends the weatherproof active maps of the Landranger series for long-distance cyclists and IGN recommends the Top100 or Top75 series maps for cyclists. Ordnance Survey makes paper maps, digital maps, and also has preloaded GPS units for cycling and hiking.

It is recommended that you pair a guidebook or maps with a cycling GPS to navigate and stay on the route.

A great online resource for planning your trip is london2paris.co.uk , a website dedicated solely to biking from London to Paris. Most people do the trip independently, but you can also join organized rides of cyclists doing this route or organize a group yourself.

Can cyclists bike across the Channel Tunnel?

No, you cannot actually cycle across the Channel Tunnel. Instead, you can have your bicycle taken across in a specially adapted trailer across the Eurotunnel shuttle.

To use the Eurotunnel cycling service, cyclists must book their crossing at least 48 hours ahead of time by calling the EuroTunnel sales department to ensure a space for their bikes: 44 (0)1303 282201 . You can find out more here .

You can also bring bikes across on the Eurostar train; however, this would defeat the purpose if you want to cycle most the route between London and Paris. You can find out more about bringing bikes on the train here .

Can cyclists bring bikes onboard the ferry?

Yes, you can bring your bicycle onboard almost any of the ferry services between the UK and France. Most cyclists prefer to take the ferry rather than the Eurotunnel as it is generally less expensive, requires less pre-planning, and the ferry crossing locations are better aligned with the popular cycling routes.

The most popular ferry routes for cyclists are the Newhaven to Dieppe route which is operated by DFDS and the Dover to Calais route operated by DFDS .

How long does it take to cycle from London to Paris?

It takes most people 2 to 5 days to cycle from London to Paris, but the route can be done in less than 24 hours. It depends a lot on if you are trying to get there as quickly as possible or if you plan to do some sightseeing and exploring along the way.

It seems that 3 days is the most popular amount of time allocated to the route, which allows most people to complete it while moving along at a steady pace. If you want to do some sightseeing along the way, I’d recommend 5 days or more.

Where to rent a bike in London?

If you won’t have your own bike, there are a lot of places where you can hire bikes in London. For rentals, almost all stores require that you return the bikes in London. So if you are planning a round-trip cycling tour to Paris and back, this would work fine.

However, if you are planning to cycle from London and Paris and not return to London, then it is unlikely you’ll find a bike hire shop where you can rent in one country and return in another.

If you need a one-way bike rental, we recommend purchasing a bike for the trip and then selling it at the other end. So you could buy a bike in London and then sell it in Paris. There are a number of places in both cities where you can buy and sell used bicycles and cycling gear.

If you are really committed to slow travel, you can walk from London to Paris. As there is a large body of water in your way, you won’t be able to walk directly, of course, but you can do the crossing on foot via ferry or Eurotunnel.

Walking routes from London to Paris?

The shortest route would be to walk from London to the ferry terminal in Newhaven, walk onto the ferry, and then walk from Dieppe to Paris.

If you trying to figure out your walking route, or at least a place to start, the Avenue Verte Route might be a good one to consider. It is popular with cyclists and you can read more about the route above within our cycling section. There are a couple of guidebooks on the route (although they are geared to cyclists) that might be helpful.

Whatever route you choose, make sure you do research on the route you want to do and have a good map. It is recommended that you pair a good map with a compass and GPS unit designed for hiking .

If you are looking for good maps, Ordnance Survey makes the best maps for the UK and IGN makes similar maps for France. For choosing a map, Ordnance Survey recommends the weatherproof active maps of the Explorer series for long-distance hikers and IGN recommends the Top25 and Blue Series maps for hiking. Ordnance Survey makes paper maps, digital maps, and also has pre-loaded GPS units for hiking.

Can you walk through the Channel Tunnel?

No, you can’t walk across the Channel Tunnel. The only way to get across the English Channel is on a train, in a vehicle through the Channel Tunnel, or on a ferry.

How long does it take to walk from London to Paris?

It takes at least 3 days to walk from London to Paris and most people take 1 week. According to Google maps, it would take approximately 57 hours to walk the 234 miles from London to Paris. That, of course. considers only the most direct route and doesn’t factor in sleep and rest time.

The most direct route itself is approximately 234 miles; however, 75 miles of that is the ferry, specifically the Newhaven to Dieppe one. So the walking distance of that route would be about 159 miles.

How long it will take to make the journey will depend on your chosen route, level of fitness, planned stops, and how fast you want to move. I’d figure out your route and route length first and then estimate your time based on how many miles you think are doable per day on average.

So for example, if you calculate your chosen route will entail about 170 miles of walking and you think you can walk 30 miles a day you could reach Paris in about 5 or 6 days. If you do 20 miles per day you’d get there in about 8 to 9 days, and if you think 10 miles per day is more realistic it will take about 17 days.

11. Swim the English Channel

Ok, you probably aren’t seriously considering this one, but it’s fun to think about!

You can swim from England to France across the English Channel, but not vice versa anymore as the French have outlawed the act of swimming from France to England. Although if you start in England, you can then return on the same swim back to the UK if you want to do a return swim.

Keep in mind there are certain legal regulations, a fee, and necessities for being able to do this very long swim. You will need to train, particularly in cold water conditions, before undertaking this swim.

Once you are committed to doing it, the first step is to complete the Channel Swimming Association registration packet. Then you will need to book a Channel Swimming Association escort pilot to follow alongside in a boat who will provide assistance if needed and will also bring along your documentation.

You will need to book a swim window (usually a span of several days in a warmer month) and wait for good weather to ensure a safer swim.

If you are interested, you’ll want to head over to the Channel Swimming Association website that offers information regarding registration and regulations. It also offers lots of tips, support, and advice to prospective swimmers.

Swimming route across the English Channel?

Swimmers usually start near Shakespeare’s Cliff between Folkestone and Dover, and end at or near Cap Gris Nez, between Boulogne and Calais in France.

At its shortest point, the channel is only about 21 miles (32 kilometers) long; however, most swims are longer because currents often pull the swimmers out of their desired tract.

How long does it take to swim the English Channel?

It depends on the ability and swim style of the swimmer. Swims can take anywhere from 7 hours (lightning fast) to 27 hours.

People have been successfully swimming across the English Channel since 1875 and you can see a list of some of the more notable swimmers and record holders here .

What is the cost of swimming across the English Channel?

The cost of a Channel swim is generally between £3500 and £5000, but can vary widely. At a minimum, you need to pay for a registration packet and pilot boat.

But you also need to consider travel to and Dover, how long you might need to stay in Dover (food and accommodation), supplies, and time in France (unless you swim back). If you are getting any training lessons, you’ll want to add those costs as well.

What is the Best Way to Get From London to Paris?

The best way to travel between London and Paris is going to depend on what you think of as best. If we had to pick one method, we’d recommend taking the Eurostar train. But this will not be the best method for everyone.

Cheapest Way to Get from London to Paris?

The cheapest practical way to get from London to Paris is to take a bus, which will generally cost you between £12 to £40 per ticket. If you book ahead of time and for a less desirable time slot, you can get from one great city to the other for the cost of a movie ticket.

Carpooling is also a low-cost option as well.

Quickest Way to Get from London to Paris? 

The quickest way to get from London to Paris is to take the Eurostar train. On the Eurostar you can get from the center of London to the center of Paris in under two hours.

Most Cost/Time Efficient Way to Get from London to Paris?

Still probably the Eurostar train. It’s possible to get very inexpensive fares and it’s by far the quickest route.

Most Luxurious Way to Get from London to Paris?

A private jet ride is probably the most luxurious and expensive option.

Other more luxurious options, at much lower price points, include a private transfer service, first-class Eurostar train ride, first-class or business class flights, booking a luxury guided tour, or taking an overnight ferry.

Best Way to Sightsee Between London to Paris? 

Driving or cycling allows you to plan an itinerary of interesting stops along the route and allows you to stop and soak up the scenery at your own pace.

Best Way to do a Day Trip to Paris from London?

If you only have a day or two to spare to visit Paris from London, we recommend taking the Eurostar train between the two cities as it is the most efficient. A direct flight can also be a good option although we prefer the train. If this is your plan, we recommend choosing a hotel in London near St. Pancras, see our list of recommended hotels in London for some options.

If you are looking for an option that requires minimal planning, you might consider booking a guided day trip, such as this one , from London to Paris. You just need to make sure you have all the required travel documents with you and then the rest of the planning (including your Eurostar train tickets) will be handled by the travel company.

Most Leisurely Way to Get from London to Paris? 

Walking from London to Paris will take you about a week but you will have plenty of time to reflect along the way. Cycling or a slow drive are also more leisurely options.

Our Preferred Way to Get from London to Paris?

Normally, we take the Eurostar train as its the most efficient method. If we need our car in France, we normally drive and take the ferry to cross the Channel. The Eurotunnel is faster with a car, but we typically choose to take the ferry.

If we have extra time, we enjoy taking an overnight ferry with Brittany Ferries .

What do I Need to Know Before Traveling Between London and Paris?

It’s important to remember that you are crossing an international border when you travel between London and Paris. Many people will need to prepare in advance in terms of reservations, travel documents, vehicle paperwork, and travel plans.

Here are some things to know before you go:

• Everyone needs to have a valid passport to travel between the UK and France. You may also be asked for proof of onward travel. Depending on your citizenship, you may also need a visa and other travel documents. If you are unsure what you need for travel, I’d check with the UK government website and the travel authority for your own country.
• The primary language in the United Kingdom is English and the primary language spoken in France is French.
• The currency used in the UK and France is different. The currency in the UK is the British pound sterling (GBP) and the currency in France is the Euro.
• The electricity voltage is the same in both the United Kingdom and France (230 V); however, the plug types are different. The standard plug type in the UK is Type G and in France is Type C or E. So you will need to pack a travel adapter to plug in electrical items no matter what country you are from if you plan to travel in both countries. You can see our guide to travel adapters if you need to get one.
• Please check the COVID-19 related restrictions for entry into the UK and France (and re-entry when you return). These requirements keep changing, but may include completing paperwork, proof of vaccination, booking COVID-19 tests, and quarantine. Be sure to have testing and needed documentation ready before your trip. You can check current COVID-19 requirements here .
• If you are bringing pets or other animals across the border, you will need to have the proper documents for the animals. This normally includes a pet passport, microchipping, required vaccinations, and vaccination records for each pet to be allowed entry. There may be special requirements depending on the specific type of transportation you use (e.g., ferry versus Eurostar). You can see the pet entry requirements posted by Eurotunnel here . Please be sure to check the latest pet requirements before you travel and have all the supporting documentation on hand.
• If you are planning on driving between the UK and France, be sure to have the proper documentation, permits, and car supplies needed. See our Driving section above for more information as the requirements for drivers are different for the UK and France.
• Note that many rental car agencies do not allow for cars rented in the UK to be driven in France and vice versa and many do not allow for ferry crossings, so be sure to do your research before making a booking. Drivers from some countries will need to get an International Driving Permit before their trip to rent a car and drive in the UK and France. See our Driving section for more information.
• If you plan to drive in either country, the driving regulations are different for the UK and France so be sure to check driving laws and regulations for each country. Notably, the biggest difference is that those in UK drive on the left side of the road and those in France on the ride side of the road. This is one of the reasons we don’t generally recommend visitors rent a car in one country and drive to the next as the cars in the UK are designed for drivers driving on the left and cars in France are designed for those driving on the right side.
• Note that once you cross the border you are also changing international time zones with a one hour time difference. So be sure to reset your watch and plan your travel accordingly. The UK is in the Greenwich Mean Time time zone and France is in the Central European time zone. So, if it is 10:00am in the UK, it will be 11:00am in France.
• If you are planning to do sightseeing in London, we recommend checking out our suggested 2 day London itinerary , 3 day London itinerary , or 6 day London itinerary . For transport, you can check out our London public transit guide and our Oyster Card guide . For money savings passes, you might consider the London Pass .
• If you planning to spend time sightseeing in Paris, we recommend checking out our suggested 1 day Paris itinerary , 2 day Paris itinerary , 3 day Paris itinerary , and our Eiffel Tower guide .  For money saving passes, you might consider the Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass .
• If your travels are also taking you to Edinburgh (or elsewhere in Scotland), see our guide to traveling from London to Edinburgh .
• The United Kingdom left the European Union officially on January 31, 2020 and is no longer a part of the EU. If you have traveled between the UK and EU prior to Brexit, you will want to familiarize yourself with the new laws and regulations (especially if planning to drive or travel with pets).
• If you have any questions about travel between London and Paris, feel free to ask in the Comments section below. We can also answer questions about general travel to either the UK of France. We regularly travel to both and have lived in both the UK and France.

We hope this helps you figure out how to get from London to Paris, or vice versa!

Planning to travel to London and Paris in the future? Pin this article to Pinterest to save and read it later:

If you have any questions about traveling between these two cities or travel within either one, just let us know by leaving a Comment below.

Which of these methods is your favorite way to travel between London and Paris? If you have any of your own tips or advice about travel between London and Paris, feel free to share below!

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There are 44 comments on this post.

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Rhona Lebner Post author

December 25, 2023 at 1:22 am

Excellent publication, this was so helpful!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

December 27, 2023 at 7:12 pm

Glad you found our article helpful, and do let us know if you have any questions about traveling between London and Paris!

Best, Jessica

Lynn Hicks Post author

October 17, 2023 at 3:23 pm

Could you please send me hotel suggestions for Paris. We will arrive via Eurostar and would like to stay near main attractions. Two nights and one full day in Paris. Taxis or Uber to hotel from train station is fine. Travel group: I am 62 yrs old, husband 71, and disabled son, 39. Thanks for your help

October 18, 2023 at 4:32 pm

Happy to try to help and provide some advice about your trip to Paris. So first what you’ll want to do is to have a list of the places you want to visit so that will help give you a good idea of where you want to stay. For example, let’s say you want to see the outside of Notre Dame, go on a Seine River cruise, go up the Eiffel Tower, and visit the Louvre. Those are all right along the Seine River in Paris, so maybe you’d want to choose a hotel in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 7th arrondissements (Paris is divided into 20 areas known as arrondissements) within walking distance of the river.

Then next you’ll want to determine your budget and type of accommodation. In your case obviously accessibility may be very important. For example, if your son is in a wheelchair you’ll want to make sure the hotel and the room you book are fully wheelchair accessible. I’d probably look at newer hotels (or hotels that have been recently renovated) as they tend to be more likely to have wider doorways, ramps, roll-in showers etc. (Also be sure to check accessibility for all the attractions you want to visit!)

So the Eurostar arrives into Paris at the Gare du Nord (train station) which is in the 10th arrondissement. I would probably recommend getting a taxi to your hotel from there as that area is not the most central if you want to be near main attractions such as the Louvre or Eiffel Tower.

It is hard to give specific hotel recommendations without knowing your itinerary or your stay dates, budgets, and any specific needs (1 room or 2 rooms?, wheelchair accessible needed?). But here are just a few options to get you started that are within the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 7th (based on attractions listed above), offer some wheelchair accessible rooms, and offer triple or family rooms: Hotel de Varenne in the 7th, Hotel Relais Bosquet in the 7th, L’Empire Paris in the 1st, and Hotel Etats Unis Opera in the 2nd.

Hope that helps, and if you want to give me more details, I am happy to try to help to find more specific hotels that better fit your needs.

Wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris!

Audrey Ruland Post author

July 22, 2023 at 11:04 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence,

Thank you for the invaluable information and great detail on your blog! I do not like tunnels, is there a way to get from Heathrow to Paris efficiently, without going through the Chunnel? Maybe a ferry/train combo but get the train on the other side of the Chunnel? Are there any large tunnels beyond the Chunnel?

Thank you, Audrey

July 26, 2023 at 2:08 pm

There is only one international tunnel connecting the UK and France, the Chunnel which is an undersea tunnel. There are no other bridges, tunnels, or roads connecting the two countries.

So in terms of efficiency, the quickest and easiest for you would be to take the train into London (to London St. Pancras station) from the airport and then get the EuroStar to Paris. However, all EuroStar trains, buses, cars, and other types of ground transport goes through the Chunnel obviously (the cars/bus on Le Shuttle). So the only way to avoid it would be to fly to Paris or to take a train to one of the ferry ports and take a ferry boat and then get a train from the ferry port in France to Paris. Or you could rent a car and drive it onto the ferry and then onwards to Paris, although I wouldn’t really recommend that as you probably would not need the car in Paris.

But a ferry is not very convenient from Heathrow in comparison as you have to takes trains on each side, but it can be done but will take you longer. There are a few ferry connections from the UK to Paris, and you can check the ferry section above and investigate your options depending on your date and which ferry connection you prefer. This would definitely bypass any underseas tunnels. You can also compare the price of a ferry and trains to the cost of airfare to Paris as it may be cheaper (and certainly faster) to fly.

If you decide what route/method of transport you want to do, happy to try to help with more specific questions.

Kasey Gupton Post author

June 18, 2023 at 7:11 am

Hello- you mentioned places to stay in London if one was going to travel between London and Paris but I didn’t see a list of recommended Paris hotels for an overnight between the two cities. Also, what do you recommend for transportation from Heathrow to London center? KG

June 18, 2023 at 7:19 am

Happy to try to help and give recommendations!

So for where to stay in Paris, are you driving between them and wanting a place to stay at a location along that drive? Or a place near the Paris airport or in Paris city center? Also good if you could share an idea of what type of hotels you like and your per night budget. If you could clarify your travel plans and where you are looking for lodging, we are happy to give recommendations as we have stayed in several places in and around Paris.

For getting to London from Heathrow, we generally recommend either taking the Underground train (Tube) or the Elizabeth Line between Heathrow Airport and London city center. However, it does depend on where exactly you are staying. You can see our guide to getting from the London airports to London here for a list of all the options. Happy to give more specific advice if you let me know where you are staying.

June 18, 2023 at 8:30 am

Thank you so much for the quick response. Not sure about Paris. We will take the quick train through the Chunnel from London to Paris and we have one full day/night before returning to London. Definitely want to take the River Seine tour- see Tour Eiffel and cafes, Jardin de Tuileries and Montmartre

June 18, 2023 at 9:28 am

You’re very welcome.

If planning to take EuroStar and you know your dates, I’d book your tickets now. Ticket prices have gotten much higher recently and they just go up the later you wait to book. The sooner you book, the more likely you are also to get the train time you want as many services sell out in advance. Since 1 day is not a lot of time in Paris, I would personally recommend trying to come in on a later service from London and spending 1 full day and 2 nights in Paris to give you the most time.

If you are taking the Eurostar to Paris from London, you’ll arrive into (and leave again to go back to London) the Gare du Nord which is within the 10th arrondissement (area of Paris). So my recommendation since you need to arrive and leave from here, would be to just find a hotel within walking distance of the train station, so maybe within a 10-15 minute walk. That will make it much easier for you if taking the train and you won’t need to get a taxi or take public transit to get to your lodging or to the train so it can save you time and money. You might consider this well-reviewed hotel which is located right across from the Gare du Nord. But there are a lot of options near Gare du Nord from chain hotels like Ibis/Holiday Inn/Mercure to apartments to nicer hotels.

But of course for your sightseeing, you still need to take public transit (or a taxi). So I think it just depends if you prefer to be near the train station for convenience or if you prefer to be within walking distance of specific attractions of interest to you like the Eiffel Tower (which is the 7th arrondissement). I personally really love the Marais area. But I think for a 1 day visit, staying near the train station may make the most sense for you this time.

So if you only have one full day, I would just be sure to book your tickets for the Eiffel Tower (especially if you want to use the elevator), museums, Seine river cruise , and any other popular attractions in advance. Especially if you are going this summer, things are very busy and lots of places are selling out tickets in advance and you don’t want to waste time in ticket lines. So I’d plan our your day carefully and leave plenty of time to actually see each place and get between attractions without being too rushed. Start early and have a great full day and night out and about!

What I might suggest if you want to see as much as possible in the day you have is to book a guided day tour like this one that includes all your attraction entry tickets (this particular one includes Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, a Seine river cruise). That way, you don’t have to worry too much about planning and will get to see everything included in the tour and then have the evening free to explore a little more and have dinner on your own. But to do a tour you would probably need to come in from London the night before the tour and I’d recommend trying to staying a second night to have a full day in Paris before returning to London the next morning. So if you can I’d try to have 2 nights and 1 full day minimum here.

Anyway, hope that helps and let us know if you have more questions as you plan your trip to London and Paris!

Arlene Schneid Post author

May 2, 2023 at 7:24 am

Can I take my small chihuahua pup with me on the train to and from London and Paris?

Laurence Post author

May 4, 2023 at 9:44 am

So you cannot take any pets on the Eurostar train, they do not accept pets of any kind with the exception of guide dogs.

However, you can take pets on the Eurotunnel and on some ferry services. You would need to check pet passport, quarantine and vaccination requirements.

Hope that helps!

Jessica & Laurence

Paula Post author

February 27, 2023 at 10:04 am

Have prices gone up so much? I can’t see any train ticket to Paris from london for 30…and I am looking from now to December…

March 1, 2023 at 6:29 am

Sadly, yes, prices have increased a lot recently and I just went and updated the lowest price above in the article. The cheapest ticket they appear to offer is about 44 euros (£39) and the business premier tickets now seem to all be around 375 euros which is a huge increase. Tickets have always had dynamic pricing but ranged from about 30 euros to 300, but that now seems to have changed with prices ranging from about 44 to 375.

When are you wanting to travel? The cheapest tickets I see for most months are 57 euros for a one-day ticket. You will definitely still save money by booking well in advance but you will have to pay more that you would have probably done a year or two ago. If there are no reasonable prices available for your dates, I would compare it to the prices of ferries, flights, and buses. On some days, it is sadly cheaper to fly to London than take the train.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Karen Wilkinson Post author

November 28, 2022 at 9:19 pm

I am trying to find transport from London to Paris, for two people, The Flixbus is $427.00 round trip, The Eurostar is $879.00 . WE are two seniors wanting to go the week between Christmas and New Years. Are there codes or discounts that I am unaware of? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you

November 29, 2022 at 9:21 am

Unfortunately this is just a really expensive time of year and the only way to get “regular” priced tickets is to book well in advance normally for the Eurostar. I don’t know of any special discounts or codes that would likely help in this situation.

So a bus is likely still going to be your cheapest option. I would play around with your dates and times, the further before Christmas and the later after Boxing Day you can travel, the better your chances of getting better prices. On the Megabus website , if you are able to leave on December 15th, I see 2 one-way tickets from London to Paris for 2 travellers as only £55 (London, Victoria Coach Station to Paris, Gare de Bercy) But they don’t offer any tickets for your return so you’d need to find another option for your return. But that could definitely save you money one way.

There is also Union Ivkoni, a Bulgarian bus company, than runs a late night bus from London to Paris on certain days and is pretty cheap. But we have never used the service and it doesn’t have good reviews. BlaBlaCar Bus is another budget option that does run this route.

Another option would be to consider flying. It would be cheaper to take a budget airline and fly from London to Paris than take the Eurostar train service around that time of year. It looks like you can get a round trip flight for around £260 to £300 per person (so around £500 to £600 for both round-trip), depending on your dates. Vueling and EasyJet seems to have some of the lowest prices.

If getting to a ferry port is an option you can also price those tickets. But this means if you are not driving that you would need to get a train or bus to the British ferry port, and then one from the French port to Paris. Then do the same on the way back. This is a lot more hassle, but this would at least avoid the really expensive Eurostar tickets.

Finally, you could also try to find someone else locally who is heading to France same time and driving, and willing to help cover their fuel and travel costs.

Anyway, hope that helps and it would be great if you want to let us know what you decide to do. It might help others trying to travel between London and Paris this holiday season.

November 29, 2022 at 9:41 am

Thank you so much for all your details, I am dashed that is going to cost the same to go to Paris as it did to fly from Houston. Thinking of just do some type of Great Britain tour that week. So disappointing! Thank you again for your prompt response and insightful help. Warm Wishes, Karen

November 29, 2022 at 10:51 am

You’re welcome and hope it helps. You do have options but other than that one bus ticket, I don’t see good deals out there right now. If you do decide to head to Paris, I would recommend booking soon as services will likely become fully booked on certain dates as the holidays approach.

Yes, you would probably be able to get much better value traveling around the UK by train or bus. If you decide to do that, I would just recommend booking any trains in advance. Lots of Christmas markets, pantomimes, shows, and the like will be going on across the UK and Ireland and then the New Years/Hogmanay celebrations and Boxing Day events afterward. Accommodation is going to be higher around the holidays, particularly in the big cities like London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. But you can often find good value options in secondary cities.

Just note that the rail strikes could affect you so be sure to check those dates. As of now, “there will be four periods of strike action by the RMT union taking place between December and January, which will impact Christmas travel. The days affected are December 13, 14, 16 and 17, and January 3, 4, 6 and 7.”

Anyway, hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip.

Arhaan Post author

October 30, 2022 at 12:48 pm

Use A16 only A1 ,A26 is nasty with so many potholes and A16 is a direct straight line I drove there and tried both routes and the A1 and A26 was so much worse than A16. So in conclusion just avoid A1 and A26 and use A16 only until you are at Paris because then you have to use the A1 only once and that section is fine but the other sections of the road are not fine and have tons of potholes

October 31, 2022 at 10:15 am

Thank for taking the time to comment and let us know about the condition of the A1 road. It is sad to hear it is in such a state with so many potholes.

So yes, so once you get to Calais, the A26 and A1 is generally the most direct route but only by a short distance/short amount of time. So taking the A16 is generally takes only slight longer (generally only 10 to 30 minutues). And from your report, the A16 is currently the road to take for the best road experience. Let’s hope that they repair the issues with the A1 and A26 soon.

Thanks again for your comment and I am sure your report will be helpful to those planning a drive between London and Paris in the coming months!

Roy Hinchliff Post author

November 23, 2022 at 6:46 am

Jessica, I think you should be aware that Arhaan was writing about the motorways in the north of France, not England. England may indeed have some bad roads and the ones which run north from Dover, the M2 and the M20 probably get the most heavy traffic of all, but the A1, A16 and A26 are elsewhere in England and do not lead to Channel Ports (except the A26 which connects Tonbridge with Newhaven)

Apart from that, may I compliment you on a very informative and useful guide which I am recommending to an Australian cousin who is asking me exactly the question answered by your website.

November 24, 2022 at 4:49 am

Thanks, glad our post helped answer any of your cousin’s questions about getting between London and Paris.

Thanks for the clarification about the prior poster’s question about the routes and road conditions. Most of my response does relate to the routes in northern France but I will remove the sentence about the ratings of the A1 in England as I think that may confuse future readers (I think I was confusing it with the M20 when writing that)!

Mridula Post author

July 1, 2022 at 11:15 pm

Hi, Thank you for explaining it very clearly. I have got questions related to taking our own vechile. Could you please let me know if it’s cost effective if taking your own vechile when you are travelling with active toddlers? And is it safe for them to sit under the tunnel for few hours?

July 2, 2022 at 3:41 am

Hi Mridula,

I think you are asking about whether you should take the Eurostar passenger train or take you car onboard the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle?

The Eurostar is pretty self-explanatory in that it is a high-speed train between London and Paris. It takes about 3.5 hours and you can take it directly from London to Paris. The least expensive seats (Standard Class) normally start around 30 euros if booked well in advance. But they can get very pricey, especially if booked more last minute or during particularly busy periods. Children fares are lower than adult fares and those under age 4 can travel for free as long as they are with a parent/guardian, have a valid passport, and are sitting in an adult’s lap for the journey.

So if you take your own car aboard the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, you drive you car into the train car and basically stay in your car for the duration of the ride. The journey itself takes about 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, and so you typically spend maybe 45 minutes inside in your car. So you should note that the Le Shuttle does not start in London nor does it end in Paris. If you are trying to get to Paris, you will then need to drive 3 to 4 hours to reach Paris after getting off the shuttle.

Which is going to be more cost effective will depend on your specific trip and the cost of the Eurostar tickets for your dates. If you are just going from London to Paris and plan to spend time in Paris, it often doesn’t make much sense to have a car as you don’t need a car to get around the city as there is good public transport options as well as taxis and rideshare services. You also need to ensure that your car has all the necessary equipment/certificates to be able to drive in Paris. Given that you’ll need to pay for fuel, parking, certificates, and the shuttle, it is unlikely you’ll save much money. But if you are planning to drive around other places in France and don’t want to take the train, then having a car can be a more cost effective and easier option.

But if you are just getting between London and Paris, the Eurostar is often the most simple and easiest option. I would recommend this option if you don’t need a car on your trip.

For the question about the kids in the tunnel, for both options, you are only actually in the tunnel for a total of about 30 minutes or less. Most of the Eurostar train journey is not in the Chunnel but just making its way on land between London and Paris.

Anyway, hope that helps and just let me know if you have further questions as you plan your trip!

July 2, 2022 at 3:55 am

Hi,Yes, we do have plans to go around the Paris and Normandy. How big is Normandy and how many days it will take us to cover?

July 2, 2022 at 8:11 am

If you decide to go by car to get from London to Paris, the car will be useful to explore Normandy. But for Paris, unless you have free parking there, we’d recommend considering leaving it at a car park or Park & Ride just outside Paris and take a shuttle or train into the city. You can see some options here .

Normandy is a fairly big region and you could spend a lot of time exploring Normandy. So it just depends on what you are interested in doing and seeing there and how much time you have there. There are lots of historical sites, the World War II sites (particularly D-day landing beaches), seaside towns, religious pilgrimage sites (Mont St. Michel), museums, etc. Two of the largest cities in Normandy are Le Harve and Rouen, both are worth exploring if you are interested in history and city sightseeing. The Norman region is also known for its gastronomy and particularly cider and apple brandy. I would recommend at least 3 days but you could easily spend a week or so here.

If you are limited in time, here is a suggested 2 day Normandy itinerary if you just have 2-3 days in the region. This itinerary focuses on Mont Saint Michel and the D-Day landing beaches and WW2 history which are two of the more popular things to do in the region for visitors. But again, it really depends on you and your family’s interests. With small children, you’ll want to consider what might be of most interest to them (e.g., seaside family-friendly beaches, outdoor attractions, and theme parks might be of more interest) and how much time you want to sightsee each day.

Normandy is pretty easy to get around by car. You can also take trains to the cities and many of the larger towns. You can also join a tour from Paris, as there are a lot of day tours from Paris to Normandy. You can see some tour options here .

July 2, 2022 at 9:50 am

Wow that’s amazing thank you for giving me a direction on what I should do and for the look out. Thank for your patience.

July 3, 2022 at 3:53 am

Hi Mridula, You’re very welcome and wishing you and your family a great trip to Paris and Normandy. If you have any further questions as you make plans for your trip, just let me know. Best, Jessica

July 5, 2022 at 4:52 am

Hi Jessica,

Thanks for helping me to make my decision. I have decided to go via my own vechile and booked through Euro tunnel as well. Just wanted to check with you can suggest some good family stay at Normandy or near by. I have looked into couple of them but not clear in their websites. Could you please help me?

July 5, 2022 at 10:14 am

You’re very welcome, glad you have got it booked.

Where in Normandy would you like to stay? Normandy is a region not a city, so it really depends on what you plan to do there. But if you give me where you want to stay in the region (e.g., near Caen, walking distance to a beach, or near Mont St. Michel), what type of place you like to stay (e.g., hotel, resort, apartment) and your budget, I am happy to send along a couple of suggestions.

Sundar Post author

August 31, 2021 at 6:15 am

Hello Jessica, It is a nice article to read, in fact you have explained very clearly all the options to get to Paris from London. Just curious if National Express bus service still available from London to Paris. I travelled from London to Paris long back using National Express bus. And P&O ferry actually accommodated all vehicles including our bus along with us. Is this still operating in the same route? Thanks

September 1, 2021 at 11:42 am

You can certainly still take a bus or coach from London to Paris (see the options listed in post). However, I don’t think there is a regular National Express bus service any longer. I just searched and could not find one currently available. I should also mention that National Express is not currently operating all its routes due to COVID-19 and staff shortages that it used to run.

Buses can still go across on some of the ferries; however, generally the fastest buses will cross the English Channel using the EuroTunnel shuttle.

September 2, 2021 at 11:03 pm

Thanks for the reply

Giorgia Post author

July 3, 2020 at 6:52 am

Hi! In this difficult time for everyone due to the coronavirus lockdown, I was pleased to read a nice article about travelling, very useful information…thank you Jessica and Lawrence!! I hope to go to Paris very soon.. Thank you!

July 3, 2020 at 9:10 am

Hi Giorgia,

Yes, it is definitely a difficult period for everyone, especially those in the travel industry.

France, including Paris, is currently open to travelers from certain countries so I would check the latest government guidelines and announcements. If you are traveling from London, I believe that UK travelers will be allowed to visit France (including via Eurotunnel) starting July 10, subject to checks.

You’re very welcome and wishing you a safe trip to Paris.

Marius D Post author

May 19, 2020 at 9:52 am

very useful information…thank you Jessica and Lawrence!!

May 19, 2020 at 10:10 am

You’re very welcome Marius 😉 Wishing you safe travels if planning a trip between London and Paris!

May 19, 2020 at 10:12 am

Jessica, I love to travel, but I have to find a new job…I am not a rich man and I cannot afford expensive destinations…although I did do my share of travelling….:)

Prashanth Post author

March 22, 2020 at 1:11 am

We always enjoy your articles its inspired a lot by reading your articles day by day. So please accept my thanks for your latest ones.

March 22, 2020 at 8:11 am

Hi Prashanth, Glad you enjoy reading our articles. If you are planning to travel between London and Paris, just let us know if you have any questions! Best, Jessica

February 29, 2020 at 9:18 am

Now with the coronavirus I guess its safer just to stay at home and not travel so much.

February 29, 2020 at 10:32 am

I definitely think certain places are to be avoided. I think it is a fine line between try to avoid putting yourself at risk and not overreacting too much to the news headlines. But I definitely think people should think carefully about their travel, use precautions, and do what they feel is best.

But the coronavirus is definitely hurting tourism, not only in the places with documented infections, but everywhere. We’ve heard from companies that are down 50% to 80% in their bookings so it is going to be a hard time for any business related to travel.

Lori Davies Post author

February 28, 2020 at 1:37 pm

HI Jessica – Your post is very timely as we are planning a trip to Europe from NYC right now and trying to get our travel booked in advance for a June trip. We are on a fairly tight budget and definitely don’t plan to hire a car. We are going from London to Paris to Rome on our trip and staying for 3-4 days in each city. There are 2 of us, would taking the bus be our cheapest option? What are the quality of the buses?

Thanks, Lori

February 28, 2020 at 4:32 pm

Yes, if you are on a tighter budget, the bus is almost always the cheapest option in terms of your options on how to get from London to Paris. You can often get the bus tickets for £10 to £20 if you book in advance. But I would definitely also check Eurostar train tickets from London to Paris as well as sometimes the bus and train tickets are pretty similar and you can save a lot of time by taking the train.

It is hard to say anything about the specific bus you may get and it will depend on the company, but they are going to be good quality coaches designed for longer trips. I know the Flixbus coaches all have Wifi, power sockets, snacks available for purchase, baggage storage, and toilets on board.

Hope that helps and wishing you safe travels! Jessica

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Best eSIM Options for the UK in 2024

As someone who travels frequently for both business and pleasure, having reliable internet access abroad is extremely important to me. In the past, I’ve struggled with securing local SIM cards or dealing with expensive international roaming plans.

But recently, I started using eSIM technology which has been an absolute game-changer! eSIMs provide data connectivity without the need for a physical SIM card. As eSIM adoption continues to accelerate globally, it’s essential to understand the best eSIM options currently available, especially when visiting a popular destination like the United Kingdom.

What to Look for in a UK eSIM

When evaluating eSIM providers for use in the UK, there are a few key factors I consider:

Reliable Coverage

Solid 4G LTE and 5G coverage from major UK networks like EE, Vodafone, O2 or Three is vital. Patchy connectivity is incredibly frustrating!

Sufficient High-Speed Data

With heavy video streaming, social media use, and everything in between, I need a plan with ample high-speed data. Throttled speeds won’t cut it!

Reasonable Validity Period

I prefer validity periods aligning with typical UK trip lengths. Having a 30-day plan is useful even for shorter visits in case of unexpected travel changes.

Clear Rates & Conditions

I read the fine print carefully to avoid getting hit by hidden fees or data throttling. Transparency from providers is mandatory.

Strong Customer Service

24/7 multilingual customer service options provide peace of mind while traveling just in case any account issues arise.

Leading eSIM Providers Available in The UK

Taking these criteria into account alongside plan pricing and value comparisons, below are the top eSIM providers I recommend for seamless connectivity in the UK.

Airalo  has become my go-to for eSIMs globally thanks to their customer-friendly plans and awesome rates when buying data bundles or unlimited data packages. I’ve found their UK plan pricing to be very reasonable.

They leverage both Vodafone & O2’s networks to enable high-speed data coverage across the UK. Their Europe 15GB 30-day plan for approximately $33 is a stellar option allowing use across 38 European countries – perfect if doing a Eurotrip including the UK.

Unlimited European data for a month can also be purchased when heavier use is expected. And sharing data is easy with the Airalo eSIM app’s QR code scanning functionality.

With  tens of thousands of App Store reviews , Airalo has earned outstanding customer satisfaction. Their customer support team is also highly responsive whenever I’ve contacted them.

For these reasons, I nearly always default to Airalo for seamless, affordable connectivity including when visiting the UK.

Another eSIM provider I’ve tested several times is  DENT . They offer both small data packs like 500MB for ~$5 and unlimited data plans for the UK and 70+ other countries.

While more expensive than some competitors, their UK unlimited data plan can be used for up to 10 devices – extremely useful for provisioning entire families! 4G LTE and 5G network coverage leverages popular UK providers like Three, Vodafone & O2.

The DENT  mobile app  also enables convenient eSIM account management and instant sharing to other cell phones or tablets.

One great perk when traveling is free incoming SMS functionality allowing text verifications from services like banking or transportation. So I often grab a DENT eSIM even as a backup option.

KnowRoaming

For extensive global coverage beyond just Europe,  KnowRoaming  is a superb choice when traveling with access to networks across 200+ countries and territories.

Their UK plans activated via eSIM boast 4G LTE/5G connectivity by partnering with all major British providers – EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three. Both pay-per-megabyte and recurring options exist with 7/15/30 day renewals after initial purchase.

The company also has an app for convenient account management from smartphones. And their promise of no roaming fees or hidden charges is certainly appealing when regularly moving between countries.

I typically buy a KnowRoaming UK eSIM as an affordable backup connectivity source structured by sensible recurring cycles without lengthy contracts. It’s wonderful to have peace of mind if my main data plan somehow gets disrupted while in the UK.

Key Considerations When Selecting a UK eSIM

To ensure complete confidence in staying connected across trips to the UK, keep the following tips in mind:

Verify eSIM Compatibility

Confirm your device – whether an iPhone, Android smartphone or cellular-enabled tablet/watch – supports activation of eSIM connectivity. Some models still lack eSIM capability.

Check Network Coverage

Research which UK networks the eSIM provider leverages, and cross-reference independent assessments of local network coverage quality. EE and Vodafone frequently lead in ratings.

Read Plan Terms Carefully

Scrutinize relevant fine print outlining data speeds, throttling policies, renewals/cancellations, and roaming details across the UK/EU to avoid surprises mid-trip!

Enable Airplane Mode For Activation

When first setting up eSIM connectivity on my device, I’ve found it useful to enable Airplane Mode temporarily which often smooths the activation process.

Carry a Backup SIM Card

If relying exclusively on an eSIM in the UK, having a backup physical SIM on hand for swap back in case of device issues can be a lifesaver to stay connected!

The Bottom Line

Without a doubt,  eSIM for UK  travel empowers tremendous convenience and flexibility when coordinating trips across Britain.

As adoption accelerates globally among consumers and business travelers alike, competition is heating up between eSIM providers promising reliable high-speed data, excellent coverage via leading UK networks like O2 and EE, competitive bundles and packages to fit any budget or duration, outstanding customer support, and full transparency of rates/charges.

Vetting the comparative strengths of top options like Airalo, DENT or KnowRoaming using key selection criteria while verifying full eSIM compatibility paves the way for stress-free, affordable connectivity in the modern mobile era. With extra precautions like back up SIM cards just in case,  buying an eSIM for the UK  becomes an easy decision!

Allen Parker

Allen Parker is an eSIM expert from The New School and a seasoned contributor to an eSIM-focused blog. With extensive knowledge in mobile technology and digital SIM solutions, Allen provides insightful analysis and updates on the latest trends and advancements in the eSIM industry.

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Accelerating the transition to net-zero travel

The worsening effects of climate change have made decarbonization a top priority for many industries, including global travel and tourism, which accounts for between 8 and 11 percent of the world’s emissions. 1 A net zero roadmap for travel & tourism: Proposing a new target framework for the travel & tourism sector , World Travel & Tourism Council, November 2021. If nothing is done, the sector’s carbon emissions will only rise as it grows. Travel activity is expected to soar by 85 percent from 2016 to 2030. 2 “Tourism’s carbon emissions measured in landmark report launched at COP25,” UNWTO, December 4, 2019.

As more consumers, employees, regulators, and investors consider reducing their trips, they are also ramping up the pressure for the sector to reduce its carbon emissions. In response, more travel companies have pledged to reach net zero. But obstacles stand in the way. The range of decarbonization technologies in the market is limited, and what’s available is expensive.

About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Danielle Bozarth , Olivier Cheret, Vik Krishnan , Mackenzie Murphy, and Jules Seeley , representing views from McKinsey’s Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure practice.

While demand reduction may be part of the answer, there are many practical steps travel companies can take right now to accelerate their journey toward greater sustainability—and potentially create value while doing so. McKinsey and Skift Research have put together a report exploring four high-priority areas for travel companies to focus their decarbonization efforts to catalyze the most meaningful outcomes for the environment, their customers, and themselves. This article provides a summary of the report’s key insights.

Identify and sequence decarbonization initiatives

Being familiar with the relevant decarbonization levers for your business is a good start, but it’s not enough. Many travel companies struggle with implementation and balancing tradeoffs. A robust plan factoring in various potential pathways is critical for success in a quest as complex as deep decarbonization.

The marginal abatement cost curve (MACC) pathway framework provides a cost-benefit analysis of the individual levers and phasing plans, helping companies identify strategic tradeoffs between the various implementation pathways over time. Companies can use the framework as a tool to validate climate-related targets and time their decarbonization initiatives. By assessing the feasibility and tradeoffs between multiple potential paths, companies could be better equipped to select the most appropriate pathway for them to reach their net-zero goals.

Would you like to learn more about our Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure Practice ?

Partner to accelerate decarbonization of business travel.

Business travel represents 30 percent of all travel spend, making it an important segment for travel companies. 3 Getting back to business: Navigating the safe return of meetings and their role in economic recovery , US Travel Association, November 2020. As more organizations—businesses and non-profits alike—set more ambitious emissions-reduction goals for themselves, they’ll almost certainly be reevaluating their travel habits. This opens up opportunities for travel companies to enter into robust decarbonization partnerships with their corporate clients.

The top 100 highest-spending organizations of business air travel spent around $12 billion on domestic and international bookings in the US in 2019. Forty-five of them—together accounting for around half of this business air travel spend—have not only made public decarbonization declarations, but have also committed to a target year of 2030 or before.

These organizations would be eagerly seeking out ways to reduce their emissions and are likely to be more receptive to enter into decarbonization agreements with travel companies. To help organizations that travel achieve their net-zero goals, travel companies could expand their range of sustainability-focused product and service offerings. As examples, car rental companies could encourage clients to pay for electric vehicles, while hotels may command a premium for corporate packages that promote low-carbon and sustainable practices.

Travel companies could also devise other ways to support these organizations in their transition toward greater sustainability. These could include designing booking platforms to nudge users to make more sustainable choices while making reservations, helping employees track their emissions, and providing greater data transparency for organizations to accurately measure their carbon emissions from corporate travel.

Close the “say-do” gap among leisure travelers

Studies suggest that leisure travelers—who generate 70 percent of all travel revenues—are also supportive of decarbonization. 4 Getting back to business: Navigating the safe return of meetings and their role in economic recovery , US Travel Association, November 2020. A recent McKinsey survey indicates that 40 percent of travelers globally say they are willing to pay at least two percent more for carbon-neutral flight tickets.

However, Skift’s latest consumer survey has exposed a “say-do” gap; only 14 percent of travelers state that they actually paid more for sustainable options when they travel. 5 Mishal Ahmad, Frederik Franz, Tomas Nauclér, and Daniel Riefer, “ Opportunities for industry leaders as new travelers take to the skies ,” McKinsey, April 5, 2022; “US travel tracker survey,” Skift Research, August 2022. There are a number of reasons for this "say-do" gap, including a lack of clear sustainability-related information, a scarcity of sustainable booking options, and high cost barriers. Many customers also struggle with balancing competing priorities when purchasing a travel service or product.

Travel companies can bridge this gap and help consumers choose more sustainable actions by focusing on three levers: offering more sustainability-focused travel products and services visibly within the booking journey, presenting decarbonization information in compelling ways to engage and resonate with customers, and using behavioral science techniques to encourage leisure travelers to make sustainable purchase decisions (for instance by actively promoting the most environmentally friendly options first).

A methodical approach is necessary to execute these initiatives while keeping the booking journey seamless for the customer. A dedicated task force armed with digital capabilities, consumer insights, and sustainability expertise could be set up to test and refine these changes for smaller sample groups in each customer segment before implementation is scaled up.

Rebooting customer experience to bring back the magic of travel

Build new sustainable travel options for the future.

Instead of reacting to the latest developments in the transition toward net zero, the travel sector can be a proactive force and pioneer sustainable products and services. Not only will doing so reduce the industry’s carbon emissions, but it will also enable individual travel companies to create new sources of revenue that could be redirected to other green business opportunities.

There are as many possibilities as there are types of travel companies. An airline may consider playing a more active role in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) value chain, perhaps by investing in production plants to increase the supply of alternative fuels or launching a green airline that deploys smaller alternative propulsion aircraft. Hotel and lodging companies can launch green hotels or brands, applying the latest design approaches and green technologies. Larger and more established travel agencies and booking platforms could provide standardized environmental, social, and governance (ESG) measurement services to smaller travel companies that lack such capabilities or brands focused on green travel. Finally, credit card companies could partner with airlines and hotels to offer customers a consolidated view of their emissions across travel providers, giving them additional rewards when they choose more sustainable options.

Launching these new businesses will likely require companies to create special initiatives outside of the current core of the business. The teams leading them will need to be empowered to experiment with and learn from short iterations and pilots without the pressure to be immediately profitable. Fortunately, the first examples of travel companies applying green business-building principles show promising results, which should pave the way for others to follow suit.

The full report concludes by offering a checklist for travel companies to track their readiness in each of the four strategies and to maximize their chances for a successful—and profitable—journey to net zero. Companies that act now could gain a competitive advantage over their peers, while those that stand by and wait may find their value proposition erode as they get left behind.

Download the full report

Danielle Bozarth is a senior partner in McKinsey’s New York office, Olivier Chéret is a senior expert in the Montreal office, Vik Krishnan is a partner in the San Francisco office, Mackenzie Murphy is a consultant in the Seattle office, and Jules Seeley is a senior partner in the Boston office.

The authors wish to thank Seth Borko, Wouter Geerts, Melissa Lukasiewicz, and Haixia Wang for their contributions to the report.

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General Election LIVE: Red-head Transport Sec's joy as she's compared to Little Mermaid

The Mirror brings you all the latest politics news after Keir Starmer was confirmed on Friday as the UK's new Prime Minister following a landslide Labour victory

• Starmer confirms Rwanda scheme is 'dead and buried' 13:31
• BREAKING: Keir Starmer addresses nation in first press conference 13:03
• PICTURED: Keir Starmer holds first cabinet meeting as PM 11:38
• Keir Starmer to hold first cabinet meeting on first full day as PM 09:28
• Meet the new Cabinet as Keir Starmer appoints his top team 16:08
• Updated 15:30, 7 Jul 2024

Keir Starmer is enjoying his first weekend as Prime Minister - wasting no time in appointing his new Cabinet and taking questions from the press in his first news conference.

Mr Starmer revealed his government's ambitions to fix the NHS , tackle knife crime and reaffirm the country's commitment to NATO as he said he's "restless for change".

The new PM tempered expectations by suggesting change would not happen overnight but also insisted Brits would see their lives improve in the coming months and early years of his administration.

Labour returned to government following 14 years of Conservative electoral dominance after securing 412 MPs in a landslide victory. Mr Starmer met with King Charles on Friday to be formally confirmed as the new leader of the country.

Follow the latest updates below.

ID? Who she?

Labour has already ruled out introducing digital ID cards - nearly two decades after Tony Blair's doomed plan to bring in individual ID for everybody in the country.

The former Labour PM, writing in today's Sunday Times, suggested they could be used to help secure the country’s borders. "We need a plan to control immigration" and "we should move as the world is moving to digital ID" to help keep track of who is in the country,” he said.

But new Business Secretary Jonny Reynolds told Times Radio: "I can rule out ID cards for you. That's not something which is part of our plans. We'll be tough on crime, we'll be tough on the causes of crime.

"If we're going to hark back to advice from former Prime Ministers, I think that is the right method."

That's teenagers for you

Keir Starmer's biographer Tom Baldwin, who was with the Labour leader on election night, has revealed Keir's daughter's iconic reaction to her dad becoming PM.

The 13-year-old - in line with all other 13-year-olds across time and space - let out a long "ewww" as her dad's face popped up on the telly as the exit poll was announced, revealing Keir was on track to deliver a historic Labour victory.

Out of the mouths of babes.

And so it begins

After Marcus Fysh tweeted his resignation from the "dead" Tory party, the tattered remnants descended into infighting.

Mr Fysh announced his resignation from the party on X over the weekend, saying: "It's dead. No chance of ever being electable again with its current non-Conservative Parliamentary composition. Move on. Let's do something else."

Sir Nicolas Soames branded him a "total idiot" , and the ex-Yeovil MP hit back: "Mate, you are a total weapon."

Classy stuff.

'Conservative Party should be put out of its misery'

Strong words from ex-Tory MP Marcus Fysh, who lost his Yeovil seat on Friday to Lib Dem Adam Dance.

Mr Fysh quit the Tory party yesterday, and on Times Radio this morning called for the party to be 'wound down'.

"Everyone is wasting their time with it and I'm just calling it how I see it, really. If it was my business I'd wind it up," he said. "The sooner it's put out of its misery the better, and that is what I think needs to happen. I would actually dissolve the corporate entity of the party and I would start again with a new brand, a new leader and everything."

I wanna be where the people are...

New Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has reacted with delight after a commentator compared her to the Little Mermaid.

Striding into Downing Street with her red hair, a long green swishy skirt and a cream jacket, the new Cabinet member looked like she'd taken a leaf out of Ariel's book.

"Is that the new Secretary of State for gadgets and gizmos aplenty, whosits and whatsits galore?" quipped the X user.

"Delighted with this. Ariel is absolutely my inspo," Louise tweeted back.

Delighted with this. Ariel is absolutely my inspo https://t.co/JjcHe7lMHz — Louise Haigh (@LouHaigh) July 6, 2024

"A credible instrument of punishment"

Tony Blair - the last person to win a Labour victory - has had his say on Mr Starmer's monumental win, calling it "the most remarkable turnaround in recent British electoral history and the most stunning in the 120-year history of the Labour Party".

Writing in the Sunday Times, he points out: "There is no doubting that this was also the most peculiar election of recent times. There was a huge desire not just to put the Conservative Party out, but to punish them. Labour was a credible instrument of punishment."

He urges Starmer's government to harness the power of articifical intelligence to cut costs and improve efficiency, and says Labour now needs a plan to control immigration - pushing for a compulsory digital ID rollout.

"If we don't have rules, we get prejudices. In office, I believed the best solution was a system of identity, so that we know precisely who has a right to be here," he writes. "With, again, technology, we should move as the world is moving to digital ID. If not, new border controls will have to be highly effective."

Like rats in a sack

Nadhim Zahawi, speaking on Sky News this morning, said the Tories have been punished by voters for years of infighting - and let slip the most senior Conservatives still standing will have already started manoeuvring for the top job.

The former Chancellor, who stood down as an MP before the election, was the only senior Tory figure willing to go on air - a fact Sky's Trevor Phillips found "extraordinary".

But Mr Zahawi said they were "probably exhausted", adding: "I suspect the very senior ones are working out whether they are going to run or not for the leadership."

A reminder that Mr Zahawi was sacked by Mr Sunak for a "serious breach" of the ministerial code after it emerged that he had settled a multi-million tax dispute - including a penalty - with HMRC while he was Chancellor...

So why DID Rishi Sunak call the election?

It was baffling six weeks ago, and it's baffling now - but a new theory has shed some light on the ex-PM's decision. Former deputy PM Oliver Dowden - who managed to cling on to his seat - pushed for the early poll after realising "every month fixed term mortgage rates were ending for 135,000 homeowners" - forcing Brits to take up ever pricier mortgage deals that add thousands of pounds to their monthly outgoings.

"Oliver was obsessed by it," a source told MailOnline. "He flapped, as usual, as he feared that by November another 800,000 homeowners would have mortgages which had doubled in cost."

The Tories were also worried about more boats crossing the Channel, highlighting their utter failure to stop the wave of immigration through small boats - and so decided to call that snap election.

It didn't take long...

Predictably, the tattered remains of the Tory party are already scrapping among themselves as the knives come out for the next party leadership battle. A number of would-be leaders were toppled as the results came in - notably Steve Baker - but ex Home Sec Suella Braverman is widely expected to throw her hat in the ring in the not-too-distant future.

She said: “We've just got to take our time, we've got to figure out what the situation is. It's been a really bad result. There's no two ways about it. Hundreds of excellent Tory MPs have been kicked out of office."

But there's seething fury at the woman who penned an article declaring the election “lost” days before polls opened - and praising Nigel Farage ’s Reform UK.

Two sources suggested Ms Braverman’s article had cost some candidates the election. “Some people lost by 10 or 15 seats,” one Tory source said. “While they were knocking on doors she was sitting writing op-eds slagging us off."

Good morning

Hello and welcome to the first Sunday morning under a Labour government for 14 years. We're going to be bringing you up to speed on everything that's happened overnight - especially for those of you who went a little too hard celebrating England getting through to the Euros semis on penalties. Penalties! The first time England have won a penalty shootout under a Labour government!

Anyway... here's what you might have missed overnight: A rarely seen clip of the first phone call between a US president and a newly elected UK Prime Minister was put out. In it, Joe Biden congratulates Keir Starmer on "a hell of a victory" from his seat on Air Force One.

The pair are set to meet later this week at the NATO summit in Washington.

RECAP: Starmer proud to have cabinet with ministers who 'didn't have easiest start'

Sir Keir Starmer said he was proud to have Cabinet ministers who “didn’t have the easiest of starts in life” and reflect the “aspiration” at the heart of Britain.

The Prime Minister told journalists at a Downing Street press conference: “I’m really proud of the fact that my Cabinet reflects the aspiration that I believe lies at the heart of our country.

“That aspiration that so many people have, wherever they started from, to make a journey in life for themselves, for their families, their communities and ultimately for their country.”

Sir Keir had to catch himself referring to the “shadow cabinet”, quickly corrected to say that at the Cabinet meeting, he had told ministers “I’m proud of the fact that we have people around the Cabinet table who didn’t have the easiest of starts in life but to see them sitting in the Cabinet this morning was a proud moment for me and this changed Labour Party and a reinforcement of my belief in that aspiration, which is a value I use to help me make decisions.”

He refused to be drawn on the prospect of further peerages being given to experts, saying: “I don’t want to get ahead of myself. We are making further appointments this afternoon in relation to the front bench.”

David Lammy vows 'ironclad' commitment to Ukraine

New Foreign Secretary Foreign Secretary David Lammy has confirmed the UK's "ironclad" commitment to Ukraine.

In a response to David Cameron, Mr Lammy responded to an X/Twitter post from David Cameron, adding: "Thank you @David_Cameron not only for your kind words, but for treating the democratic transition with bipartisan spirit and grace.

"This government will continue the UK's leadership on Ukraine and our ironclad commitment to Ukraine's security."

RECAP: The Mirror's time on the General Election campaign trail

The Mirror's Sophie Huskisson has shared her time on the General Election trail.

From Tory campaign woes to Labour's election journey, there is plenty packed in this clip.

It’s been a totally incredible experience covering my first General Election… here’s a flavour of my camera roll over the last six weeks pic.twitter.com/BA8DaPO7ZV — Sophie Huskisson (@soph_husk) July 6, 2024

Farage brands event disrupted by protesters 'full-on theatre'

Nigel Farage called an event on Friday where he was joined by his fellow parliamentarians which was disrupted by protesters “full-on theatre”.

He said: “Well, it was full-on theatre wasn’t it. We had protesters, I probably enjoyed it more than they did.

“But no, I mean, look, the one thing about press conferences that I do, complete contrast to what Sunak and Starmer have been doing, is we take questions from any press organisation, we’re not afraid of anything.”

Lib Dems share one last stunt following strong election performance

The Liberal Democrats have shared one final stunt as the party returns to Parliament with more than 70 seats.

In a post shared to X/Twitter, leader Ed Davey could be seen cheering as a number of blue-painted jumbo Jenga pieces fell onto the ground.

Throughout the election campaign, the Lib Dems became known for their stunts across the country.

The party ousted the SNP to become the third largest party in the House of Commons.

the blue wall be like pic.twitter.com/fHuEEkRNkW — Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) July 6, 2024

Farage wants Reform UK to become 'movement for real change'

Nigel Farage said his aim is to “build a mass movement for real change leading up to the next sets of elections”.

Speaking from Wyldecrest Sports Country Club in Essex, the Reform UK leader said: “We will do what we can with five in Parliament, what I will do for certain is provide real opposition in the country.

“And my aim and ambition is to build a mass movement for real change, leading up to the next sets of elections.”

Asked how he would sell proportional representation to the public, Mr Farage said: “Well, the fact that for every Reform MP there are 800,000 voters, and for every Labour MP there are 30,000 voters suggests something is very badly, fundamentally wrong.”

He added: “We have five MPs, PR would have given us 97 MPs, but we are where we are.”

Asked who he would like to see as Conservative Party leader, Mr Farage said: “Honestly, I don’t think it matters who they pick as leader. This party is split down the middle, they call it a broad church, well, it’s a broad church with no common shared religion.”

Mr Farage said Reform is “going to do very, very well” in the Senedd election and based on how it performed in Scotland during the General Election, the party would “very much be in the territory of winning seats in the Scottish Parliament too”.

Nigel Farage reacts to Labour cabinet

Nigel Farage said “with a couple of exceptions”, the new Cabinet is “the most inexperienced people ever to have got into a British cabinet”.

The Reform UK leader was speaking from Wyldecrest Sports Country Club in Essex where he has come to watch East Thurrock Community Football Club’s first match.

Asked for his thoughts on Keir Starmer’s new Cabinet, Mr Farage said: “With a couple of exceptions, they are I think the most inexperienced people ever to have got into a British cabinet.

“If you actually look at their life stories, their backgrounds and bear in mind, these are people making executive decisions that fundamentally affect people’s lives, I think they’re going to find it very, very hard. And I say that because the country faces some really fundamental problems, I suspect this Government could be in trouble pretty quickly.”

And asked for his reaction to the Prime Minister scrapping the Rwanda scheme, Mr Farage said: “Well he said he would do it, at least he’s kept a promise I suppose.

“Look, Rwanda was never going to work. What Keir Starmer is proposing, which is, tackle the gangs, well, frankly, you know, the last Government were doing that for the last few years, it’s not going to work. At the minute it’s wild and windy, but we do have some pretty strong first hand accounts that as soon as we get a calm spell, they’ll be crossing the English Channel in their thousands, and let’s face it, Keir Starmer does not have a plan to deal with it.”

Keir Starmer says how he feels as Prime Minister in three-word vow giving hope to nation

Keir Starmer promised that "self-interest is yesterday's politics" in his first press conference as Prime Minister.

The PM said the landslide victory in the General Election gave Labour "a clear mandate to govern in all four corners of the United Kingdom". Mr Starmer said he is "restless for change" and has told his Cabinet "will be judged on actions not on words".

In a bid to show he is getting straight to work, the PM stood at the podium in a Downing Street briefing room for the first time and laid out his plan for the future of the country. He said the "mindset" in Government has already changed. "It's a mindset of service, of country first, of party second," he said.

Mr Starmer's party stormed to victory, winning an historic 176-seat majority in Thursday's General Election. The PM chaired his first Cabinet meeting with his top team on Saturday, which he described as a "moment in history".

Read more: Keir Starmer says how he feels as Prime Minister in three-word vow giving hope to nation

In-DEPTH: Starmer says it's 'impossible' to say government will stop early prison releases

Sir Keir Starmer said it is “impossible” to say the Government will stop the early release of prisoners.

He told a press conference in Downing Street: “We’ve got too many prisoners, not enough prisons.

“That’s a monumental failure of the last government on any basic view of government to get to a situation where you haven’t got enough prison places for prisoners, doesn’t matter what your political stripe, that is a failure of government.

“It’s a failure of government to instruct the police not to arrest. This has not had enough attention, in my view, but it’s what happened.

“We will fix that, but we can’t fix it overnight and therefore it is impossible to simply say we will stop the early release of prisoners and you wouldn’t believe me if I did say it.”

RECAP: Watch Keir Starmer address nation in first press conference as Prime Minister

The Mirror's Sophie Huskisson has published a detailed break-down of Keir Starmer's first press conference as Prime Minister.

Mr Starmer promised that "self-interest is yesterday's politics" in his first press conference as Prime Minister.

Read more: Watch Keir Starmer address nation in first press conference as Prime Minister

First press conference with Keir Starmer ends

The first news conference with Keir Starmer and members of the press has come to an end.

Mr Starmer said he had a mandate from Wales, England and Scotland. He added that he would reafirm the UK's commitment to NATO in the coming days.

The Prime Minister said he wanted to tackle crime and improve the NHS.

Starmer confirms Rwanda scheme is 'dead and buried'

The controversial Rwanda scheme is "dead and buried," Keir Starmer confirmed.

Mr Starmer said the previous Government’s controversial plan to send migrants to Rwanda was “dead and buried”.

Rishi Sunak made the Rwanda scheme a central part of his government's priorities.

It failed to send a single person to the African country, although a limited number volunteered to go to the country.

Starmer vows to reduce knife crime

Keir Starmer said he wants to reduce knife crime in the UK.

The Labour leader told reporters he wanted to see "early intervention" with teenage boys to prevent knife crime from happening.

Mr Starmer also said he wanted to further reduce crime and stop the "escalator" of sending people to prison.

Starmer confirms 2 child benefit cap will remain for now

The two child benefit cap will remain in place for now, Keir Starmer confirmed.

Mr Starmer said "it was all the more urgent" to tackle child poverty but conceded that for the time being the benefit cap would not be removed.

He stressed Labour has a plan to tackle child poverty throughout his government.

Starmer commits to giving compensation to contaminated blood scandal victims

Victims of the contaminated blood scandal will receive compensation, Keir Starmer confirmed.

Mr Starmer was asked if he could confirm that victims would be compensated, to which he answered, "yes."

Brits can expect change in 'early months and years' of government

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Brits can expect to see change in the "early months and years" of his government.

He mentioned change would not happen overnight, but that Brits could expect to see their lives improve in the coming months and early years of his government.

But Mr Starmer added he did not want people to expect everything to be fixed in the short term.

'Tribal' politics held UK back, says Starmer

Keir Starmer said he wanted to end "tribal" politics in the country.

He said the former government had made decisions based on the party's interest and not in that of the country.

'We're going to have to take the tough decisions,' Starmer says

Keir Starmer told the press that the Labour government would "have to take the tough decisions."

He said "tough decisions" would be needed to fix the NHS and other issues facing the country.

The PM also said he wanted to "repay" people who voted for Labour for the first time and that he wanted to "govern for the whole country."

'Mindset of government changed already,' says Starmer

Keir Starmer said his government has already taken steps to deliver in his first 100 days in office.

He referred to Health Secretary Wes Streeting's first message in post where he said the government's view was the NHS was "broken" and needed to be fixed.

Mr Starmer also said the mindset of the government had changed by having a policy of "country first, party second."

Starmer is 'restless for change'

Keir Starmer has said he is "restless for change" as he takes questions from the media.

Answering a question from the BBC's Chris Mason, Mr Starmer said he wanted to "hit the ground running." The Labour leader said his cabinet appointments had already shown he was keen to show he was ready for change.

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Hurricane Beryl: Travel advice after storm causes severe damage – with ‘life-threatening’ winds forecast

‘weather deteriorating in the cayman islands with strong winds, dangerous storm surge, and damaging waves expected there later this morning’ – national hurricane center, article bookmarked.

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“We have never seen such a strong hurricane this early in the season” – so says Colin McCarthy , an extreme weather scientist, about Hurricane Beryl .

The Category 3 hurricane battered Jamaica and is heading towards Cayman Islands . Beryl has already caused severe damage in some of the eastern islands: flattening buildings, cutting off power and water, and killing up to seven people.

Hurricane Beryl has been bringing 140mph winds and continuous rain and causing severe damage.

At 11pm on Wednesday night, Eastern Daylight Time, the US National Hurricane Service said: “Devastating hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge, and damaging waves are expected to continue in Jamaica for a few more hours and spread into the Cayman Islands.”

A map with estimated timings shows the Cayman Islands likely to be hit from around 2am EDT on Thursday, with western Cuba to be struck a few hours later.

At 5am on Thursday morning, the National Hurricane Service added: “Weather deteriorating in the Cayman Islands with strong winds, dangerous storm surge, and damaging waves expected there later this morning.”

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is in line for the hurricane at around 8pm on Thursday, local time.

“These will quickly increase to near hurricane strength as the centre of Beryl remains close to the island throughout the day.”

In the US, President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the situation, with those in the region urged to follow the advice of local officials.

The UK Foreign Office has said people should “follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities including any evacuation orders.”

This is happening at a time of year when many travellers are visiting the Caribbean . These are the key questions and answers.

What are the effects so far?

The worst damage appears to be in the small islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which are part of Grenada. Carriacou was left “flattened” with more than 98 per cent of the buildings, including the main health facility and airport, damaged.

“We have to rebuild from the ground up,” said Grenada’s prime minister, Dickon Mitchell, after visiting the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Two of the three deaths in Grenada were recorded on Carriacou. “The possibility there may be more fatalities remains a grim reality as movement is still highly restricted,” Mr Mitchell said.

St Vincent and the Grenadines was also badly hit. The prime minister, Ralph Gonsalves, said: “On one island in the Grenadines archipelago, the Union Island, 90 per cent of homes have been severely damaged or destroyed.”

The impact in Jamaica has been devastating. About two-thirds of homes are without power. All flights from the island’s airports were cancelled on Wednesday and the authorities will be assessing the conditions at each before reopening. Damage is reported at the airport serving the capital, Kingston.

What is the outlook?

The government in the Cayman Islands warned on Wednesday night: “The hurricane is exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 130 mph and is moving west northwest at a speed of 21 mph.

“Residents are advised to remain indoors and adhere to stay-in-place guidance until the storm has passed and the government issues all-clear notice.

“Avoid non-essential travel and stay indoors once the hurricane conditions begin to manifest.

“Even if Hurricane Beryl does not make direct landfall to our islands, we can still experience significant impacts from storm surge.

“Storm surge is a dangerous rise in sea level caused by a hurricane’s strong winds pushing water towards the shore. This can lead to severe flooding, extensive property damage, and life-threatening conditions.

The National Hurricane Center says: “Hurricane-force winds, dangerous storm surge, and heavy rainfall are expected over portions of the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize beginning tonight as Beryl approaches that area as a hurricane.

“There remains uncertainty in the track and intensity forecast of Beryl over the western Gulf of Mexico this weekend. Interests in eastern Mexico and southern Texas should monitor the progress of Beryl.

Regardless of the exact track, rip currents could cause life-threatening beach conditions beginning late Friday and continuing through the weekend across much of the Gulf coast.”

What are the options for travellers in the region?

Flights from Jamaica’s airports to the US are likely to resume around lunchtime on Thursday.

UK airlines cancelled flights to and from Jamaica on Wednesday. The Virgin Atlantic flight from London Heathrow to Montego Bay on Thursday has also been grounded.

Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays is telling customers in Jamaica: “Please remain in your hotels and follow instructions issued by local authorities and hotels.

“We have extended your current hotels, therefore you can remain safely where you are. We will be in touch again by email as soon as we have new information for you and appreciate your patience while we work through looking at options for you.”

Hotels have plans for keeping guests safe, and their instructions should be followed.

Friday’s British Airways departure from London Gatwick to Kingston is shown as operating on time.

I am booked to travel imminently to the region. What are my options?

American Airlines says passengers booked to Barbados , Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent, Grand Cayman, Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios up to and including Friday 6 July can defer travel up to 10 July.

JetBlue has a similar policy for passengers to Belize City, Grand Cayman, Kingston and Montego Bay.

Virgin Atlantic is allowing passengers booked this week to defer trips up to 17 July.

“We are contacting affected customers regarding their travel arrangements, including the option to rebook if they no longer wish to travel. We’d like to thank them for their patience and understanding and recommend that all customers due to travel to or from the Caribbean over the next 48 hours check the status of their flight on virginatlantic.com before going to the airport.”

Will travel insurance help?

Christina Tunnah, general manager of Americas for World Nomads, said; “If Hurricane Beryl derails your travel plans, the first point of call should be your airline or travel provider as they may provide aid. The same goes if your accommodation is impacted by the disaster.

“Travel insurance may offer cover for a range of events including trip cancellation, missed connection, and trip delay – but it depends on the type of travel insurance policy purchased and whether you’ve started your journey yet.

“At World Nomads, on our Explorer Plan, if your accommodation is affected, you may be covered for reasonable additional accommodation and transport costs. You may also claim for additional expenses incurred if your pre booked public transport is cancelled or delayed for more than 12-24 hours, depending on the scenario.”

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UK election latest: Starmer makes 'hugely important' visit to Scotland as he kicks off first tour of UK

New PM Keir Starmer is embarking on a "reset" tour of the UK, as he seeks to improve the UK government's relations with the devolved administrations.

Sunday 7 July 2024 22:40, UK

• General Election 2024

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Starmer kicks off UK tour in Edinburgh
• PM holds first meeting with Scottish first minister
• New Northern Ireland secretary rules out border poll
• Home secretary launches search for border security commander
• Senior Tories 'likely putting teams together' for leadership bids
• Analysis: Could Tories take their time to pick new leader?
• Live reporting by Tim Baker

Election fallout

• Starmer's challenges: Tackling exhausted NHS | Looming chaos abroad | Defence to dominate early days | Small boats plan? | Rift with scientists needs healing
• Listen: Politics At Jack And Sam's - what's in Starmer's in-tray?
• Results in every constituency

That's all for tonight from the Politics Hub.

We'll be back tomorrow for Labour's first full week in power.

Before you go, here were today's main stories:

Sir Keir Starmer has met with Scotland's first minister, John Swinney.

Speaking to broadcasters afterwards, both men were asked if Scottish independence had come up in the talks.

After losing the vast majority of their seats last week, the SNP are arguing the Holyrood results in 2021 still give them a mandate to work towards leaving the UK.

Sir Keir - whose party grew sizeably in Scotland - has said he is targeting the next Holyrood election in 2026 to win even more of a mandate.

On the talks today, Sir Keir said he would not go into details of what was discussed - but said that the two "can work constructively together".

He added that he has made a commitment to deliver for Scotland, and that he plans to make good on it.

Sir Keir added that he took the opportunity to "reset relations" with the first and deputy first ministers.

He conceded there were "clearly differences of opinion" between them on constitutional matters, but the meeting was still constructive.

Mr Swinney said he "very much welcomed" the engagement and was committed to improving the relationship between the Scottish and UK administrations.

He said the SNP made clear they have "different views" on the constitution - but also that the SNP is taking time "to reflect and consider" the issues posed by the election.

They lost 39 of their 48 seats on Thursday.

Mr Swinney said the party intends to focus on issues like economic growth, child poverty, public services and net zero ahead of securing independence. 

By Tim Baker , political reporter

The government is to divert tens of millions of pounds from the Rwanda scheme to set up a new Border Security Command (BSC), as it announces its plans to tackle illegal migration.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has also announced an audit of the monies sent to Kigali as the Labour administration looks to find ways to save or recoup cash committed under the Conservatives.

Ms Cooper plans to raise the issue of illegal migration with her European colleagues at the European Political Community Summit on 18 July.

Before the general election, Sir Keir Starmer said his party wanted to send around £75m a year to their new border scheme, from the scrapped Rwanda deportation programme.

The prime minister described the Conservative-era plans to send asylum seekers to Africa as "dead and buried" earlier this weekend.

However, it is understood Labour has not reached out to Kigali to discuss the way forward, as the previous UK government promised hundreds of millions of pounds for migrants to be sent to Rwanda.

Read more below:

Defence Secretary John Healey has already met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with the Labour government making a new pledge on sending arms to Ukraine.

Mr Healey also promised that the equipment Rishi Sunak announced in April will be delivered within the first 100 days of the new government.

He said: "Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute, as is our resolve to confront Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes.

"This government is steadfast in our commitment to continue supplying military assistance and will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian friends for as long as it takes."

The newly promised package of aid includes: 

• A quarter of a million of 50 calibre ammunition;
• 90 anti-armour Brimstone missiles;
• 50 small military boats to support river and coastal operations;
• 40 de-mining vehicles;
• 10 AS-90 artillery guns;
•  61 bulldozers to help build defensive positions;
• Support for previously gifted AS-90s.

The new home secretary has wasted little time in getting started in her role - launching the promised Border Security Command (BSC) just days after her appointment. 

The BSC was one of the cornerstones of Sir Keir Starmer's manifesto - Labour's solution to the small boats crisis.

The set-up is being at least partly funded by diverting £75m from the now cancelled Rwanda scheme. 

Yvette Cooper has set out the first steps for establishing the BSC, which promises to "strengthen Britain's borders security and smash the criminal smuggling gangs making millions out of small boat crossings".

The plan includes the rapid recruitment of an "exceptional leader", which begins tomorrow. 

'We can't carry on like this'

The new recruit, who is expected to take up their post in the coming weeks, will report directly to the office of the home secretary. 

They will be tasked with providing a "strategic direction" across agencies, including the National Crime Agency, police, immigration enforcement, and the Border Force.

Ms Cooper is also preparing early legislation which will introduce new counter-terror style powers for the BSC, and has commissioned an investigation into the routes and tactics used by smuggling gangs.

She said it would be a "major step change" in the UK's efforts to tackle organised immigration crime, working "across Europe" and co-ordinating with prosecutors on the continent.

"We can't carry on like this," she said, adding the BSC will act as a "major upgrade" on the immigration system Labour have inherited. 

Sunday might be a day of rest for many of us, but for prime ministers and political journalists there's no such thing.

Sir Keir Starmer has had a busy day, kicking off a tour of the UK, and there's been plenty else keeping us busy.

Here are the main things you need to know from today:

• Sir Keir Starmer has headed to Edinburgh for the start of a UK tour, where he'll meet with First Minister John Swinney;
• Speaking to Scottish Labour supporters beforehand, he promised to "serve every single person in Scotland" no matter who they voted for;
• The PM hopes his visits to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will signal a "reset in relations" between Westminster and the devolved administrations;
• It comes after Labour enjoyed a revival in Scotland to become the largest party north of the border, and kept that status in Wales too.
• New government ministers are settling into their roles and were quick to rule out introducing ID cards to tackle illegal immigration this morning;
• Labour's top team distanced themselves from the suggestion made by former party leader and prime minister Sir Tony Blair ;
• The new Northern Ireland secretary, Hilary Benn, also denied there was a case for a border poll on the island of Ireland after Sinn Fein became the largest Northern Irish party at Westminster.
• Meanwhile, the Tory leadership race may well be under way after several former ministers refused to rule themselves out;
• Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman were among those on the media round this morning who indicated they could be up for replacing Rishi Sunak;
• But our political correspondent Darren McCaffrey says there are some in the party who want them to take their time before deciding, rather than rushing towards a right-wing candidate looking to stave off the threat from Reform UK.

You can also get the lowdown on the new prime minister's first few days from our Politics At Jack And Sam's podcast below:

Sir Keir Starmer has just spoken alongside the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who introduced the new PM to a rapturous applause of party supporters in Edinburgh.

After a long intro from his Scottish colleague, Sir Keir says it's "hugely important" for him to visit the devolved nations as soon as possible. 

"That was an incredible election result, a historic result and a real mandate for change - we start here," he says. 

He says there's nothing "inevitable" about an election win, adding "we won because we campaigned as changed Labour". 

"We [will] govern in the same spirit… we will serve the entirety of Scotland, we will serve every single person in Scotland because that change matters to everyone."

Our political correspondent  Amanda Akass   says the speech was a reminder of the unique opportunity Sir Keir has to unite the UK's devolved administrations.

Scottish Labour "really rose out of the ashes of their previous defeats" in this week's general election, she says, going from one MP to 37.

The PM wants those new MPs "to be a big part of the government in Westminster to deliver for the people of Scotland as part of that mandate for change".

He'll also be meeting First Minister John Swinney, as part of what he hopes will be a "reset" in relations between Westminster and Holyrood.

Sir Keir Starmer is giving a speech following a meeting with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar in Edinburgh this afternoon.

It comes at the start of the PM's first UK tour - once he's finished north of the border he'll be going to Wales and Northern Ireland.

His Scotland visit will also include a meeting with John Swinney, the first minister and SNP leader.

You can watch his speech in the stream above.

The prime minister has welcomed comments made by the Irish Taoiseach during an interview with Sky News. 

You can see Simon Harris and Sir Keir Starmer's interaction in the embedded X post below… 

It comes after Mr Harris promised he and fellow EU leaders would give the new prime minister a "fair hearing" when it comes to possible changes to the post-Brexit trade deal.

Sir Keir has repeatedly described it as "botched" and said during the election campaign he'd look to improve it - but with no return to the single market, customs union, or freedom of movement.

You can read Ireland correspondent  Stephen Murphy 's full interview with Mr Harris here . 

It's been a busy week and weekend - so it's easy to miss key moments. 

Need a catch-up on the last few days of history-making political drama?

Watch below… 

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Best sim card for UK travel (and other WiFi options for your trip)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: May 26, 2024

Travelling to the UK and wondering what the options are for connecting to the internet? Do you want to use your smartphone but avoid a huge bill when you get home? In this article, we have researched all the options so you don’t have to – read on to find out!

We have all become more and more dependent on our smartphones for just about every aspect of life. Whether it’s writing emails, using apps (we recommend downloading these 16 apps for UK travel) or getting driving directions, smartphones give us instant information at our fingertips.

So what happens when you travel to the UK?

Will your smartphone even work there?

The answer is yes, it can absolutely do all the things you need it to do, but you have to do a little research and make a plan prior to leaving.

Failure to do so could result in a nonworking smartphone on your trip, or even worse, a future bill with astronomical international roaming charges. Never fear, however, because the research has been done for you.

SIM options – quick guide

1. the first step is to understand each of the 5 available options, 2. the second step is understanding which is the best option for your needs., why you need a vpn, 2. a portable wi-fi device, 3. check with your telecommunications provider, option 1 – purchase at home before you travel, option 2 – purchase after you arrive in the uk, 5. use esim technology, choosing the right wi-fi option for you – the best sim card for uk travel.

🏆 What do I use? I use an Airalo eSIM these days and have used them in the UK (and, in fact, all over the world) – so my NUMBER 1 choice is an Airalo eSIM

A quick overview of the options available in the United Kingdom

Most hotels in the UK have free Wi-Fi. You could also plan on using hotspots, those public locations offering free Wi-Fi, like museums , coffee shops or fast food restaurants.

2. A portable Wi-Fi device such as Skyroam Solis

You can either rent or buy one of these. They are portable, about the size of a drink coaster and very easy to use.

3. Use your mobile provider’s international plan or arrange for day passes

Call your provider to see what their options are. Some have international calling built right in, while others offer international day passes. For the day passes, be sure to make a note of the price, the limits on data and the ability to make calls and texts.

4. Buy a SIM card either before you leave or when you get to the UK

For those folks not so technically minded, a SIM card is the small card inside of your phone that stores data unique to the user and to the phone. When travelling to the UK from abroad, assume you’ll need to swap out your existing SIM card for a UK compatible SIM card.

Many new phones come eSIM enabled which means you don’t need the usual SIM card with a chip embedded in it as a reprogrammable chip is actually present within the smartphone itself. This option is only available if you have a compatible phone so you will need to check first.

Ask yourself these questions

• How much data will you need?
• How often and for what reason will you be using your smartphone?
• Will you be using apps that require a lot of data?
• Will you need to watch videos or download information for work?
• Will you need service for multiple devices?

Perhaps you’ll only need your smartphone to occasionally check email or make a quick social media post. Maybe you’re travelling with family and plan to use smartphones to keep in touch with one another via texts and calls.

Luckily, there are options that work for all of these scenarios.

5 options to access WiFi in the UK

Let’s look at all those options in a little more detail

1. Free Wi-Fi

If your hotel offers free Wi-Fi, you could plan to use that exclusively during your trip.

This would work well for someone who doesn’t use their phone very often and is willing to take care of any smartphone needs while in their room.

Outside of the hotel, there are many free hotspots for wifi in UK attractions or public places that could also be used.

Well, it’s free. Also, connecting to it is simple and convenient.

Disadvantages

Free Wi-Fi can be slow. This may not be an issue if you’ll be using your phone infrequently, but if you plan to visit websites, use apps or download information, slow speeds could be frustrating.

Are your game-playing kids travelling with you? They may not be very pleased with this option.

While slow speed is something to consider, lax security can be a serious problem. Using free Wi-Fi in public spaces is risky. Encryption standards may not be adequate, so anyone sitting near you could gain access to your personal information.

So could hackers who know public Wi-Fi can lead them directly into your phone. Talk about a fast way to ruin your trip! This is why we use (and recommend) a VPN service like SurfShark.

A VPN or Virtual Private Network allows you to create secure connections over the internet. This is essential if you are planning to use free WiFi on your travels as it stops anyone from gaining access to your private information.

If you do choose the free Wi-Fi route, the critical thing to remember is to turn off your international roaming. Depending on your provider, failure to do so could result in staggering charges on your next bill.

Thus, the best thing to do is while in the UK is to put your smartphone into flight mode. This will ensure that you won’t receive or transmit cellular data. Don’t worry — you’ll still have access to Wi-Fi in flight mode. It’s also a great way to save battery power on your phone.

Staying in touch with family and friends will still work with apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp — all usable without roaming.

There are also apps that allow you to download information while you have Wi-Fi for later use. These include Google Drive, TripAdvisor and AccuWeather.

The Solis, for example, is a pocket-sized device available for rent or purchase that allows for portable wifi UK. It has 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi speeds and is easy to use via the Solis app on your smartphone.

You know exactly how much it’s going to cost upfront. You’ll either purchase a device and pay for the data you use or you can rent it and pay per day. Devices like these are also secure, unlike public Wi-Fi.

If you would like to connect your iPad and laptop, this would be a great option for you as it allows connection to multiple devices. You can also share it with others who are in close proximity to the person holding the device.

This option does not include phone calls. Also, it may not be the most cost-effective choice if you are travelling by yourself, don’t need much data and only need Wi-Fi on one device.

While this device does allow for multiple users, they all need to be in the same place, so if the family heads in separate directions, someone is going to lose their Wi-Fi.

Finally, you must remember to charge its battery.

Note – the Solis is only available to purchase in the USA at present. An alternative to consider is the TravelWiFi portable device which we recently used during our UK trip in 2022 .

⭐️ USE THE CODE TRACYS TRAVELS AT CHECKOUT FOR AN EXCLUSIVE 10% DISCOUNT

Some plans include international roaming but if they don’t, they may offer an international day pass.

For residents of the United States, Verizon offers its TravelPass for $10.00, which allows up to 500MB per day and calls within the UK or back home.

T-Mobile’s international day pass works much the same way, but it’s only $5.00 and also has the ability to make your smartphone into a mobile hotspot.

Sprint is a little different. They offer Global Roaming, which allows 25 cents-a-minute calls, free texting and unlimited basic data up to 2G. You’ll need to go to their website, however, and make sure this service will work on your device.

Some Australian providers like Telstra and Optus offer a travel pack that allows for a fixed amount of talk, text, and data for a specific amount of days. This is generally cheaper than using pay-as-you-go roaming.

It’s very easy to call your provider or to use their apps to arrange these services. It’s also a good, secure and reliable method for someone who doesn’t plan on using large amounts of data.

With certain providers, there is a data limit per 24-hour period. If you go over, it can be very expensive. The limited data makes this a poor option for someone planning to use their smartphone for everything while travelling.

4. Purchase a UK Prepaid SIM Card

You can buy a prepaid SIM card online and have it shipped to you before your trip even begins.

Here are the three best options for a UK SIM card for visitors that are available for pre-purchase.

• Orange Holiday Zen

This card comes with 8GB of data. You’ll get 30 minutes of calling and 200 minutes of SMS use.

Once you begin using your SIM card, it is good for 14 days. The Orange Holiday Zen might be the ideal choice for someone who won’t use their phone very often during their trip.

For more data, upgrade to the Orange Holiday Europe . You get 20GB of data, 120 minutes of calls worldwide and 1,000 SMS messages. This also lasts for a fortnight after activation.

• 3 Data Pack 8GB

This card also offers 8GB. Unlike the Orange Holiday SIM range, it offers unlimited calls and SMS use within Europe. It works for 30 days after you begin using it.

This card can be used in 71 Go Roam countries worldwide, including some outside of Europe such as Australia and the US. It gives you a UK phone number, and works with any unlocked device. Receiving messages and calls is free with this SIM card. 

For more data or a longer duration, you can also buy the 3 PAYG 12GB card that’s valid for a year, or the 24GB option that lasts for two years after activation. Both also work in 71 Go Roam countries. 

This is our third choice as it’s more basic, but the price tag does match that. It covers all European countries and gives you 10GB of data.

Once activated, it’s good for 30 days of use, so longer than the Orange SIM cards.

The primary advantage is that you can begin using your smartphone as soon as your plane lands in the UK.

Swapping your SIM card ahead of time will give you peace of mind in knowing that all of your data, text and call needs have been taken care of. You will also be guaranteed fast, consistent data speeds throughout your trip.

Once the new SIM card is inside your smartphone, you won’t be able to use it until you get to the UK. If you have multiple phones, this may work for you. If not, it could be a problem.

You also won’t know if the new SIM card has been properly installed and is working until you get to the UK.

Some people may choose to wait until arriving in the country to buy a UK prepaid SIM card. If you don’t mind paying a little more, you can pick one up at the airport as soon as you get off the plane.

You can also find them more reasonably priced at a provider’s store. There are four main providers of UK SIM cards for tourists. Their stores can be found throughout the country.

As long as your phone can be unlocked, they will install it for you without requiring you to show identification or your passport, which had been a past requirement.

SIM cards are also available at convenience stores, grocery stores and tobacconists.

Here are the four main providers who offer a UK prepaid SIM card for tourists.

EE is one of the largest internet service providers and mobile network operators in the UK. They offer several pay-as-you-go packages at different price points depending on the amount of data and call minutes you need.

They are the UK branch of Telefonica which is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. They offer 5 types of SIM cards for UK tourists, varying in available data and minutes.

Their name reflects that they were the first telecommunication company to offer a 3G connection to their customers.

They have six different UK tourist SIM cards, all offering unlimited minutes and texts. The only difference is in the amount of data and, of course, the price.

They also offer a variety of prepaid SIM cards, so again, which one you get would depend on how you plan to use your smartphone. They have a variety of SIM-only deals and pay-as-you-go SIM plans that are ideal for travellers.

There are many options for data or calling with these cards, so you could tailor your purchase to your exact needs. Getting your SIM changed when you arrive will allow for a consistent and fast data speed throughout your stay in the UK.

You may need to unlock your phone. In order to do that you would have to visit one of the providers’ stores. This could potentially cost you time and is probably not how you want to spend your precious vacation minutes.

Also, some smartphones will not unlock if you have had them for less than 12 months, so you would need to contact your provider before you travel to make sure this wouldn’t be an issue.

If you’re not familiar with this yet, then you’re far from alone! An eSIM may already actually be there within your phone, though you’d be forgiven for not knowing it. 

eSim is an entirely online system, so you don’t need the usual SIM card with a chip embedded in it. Set-up is fast, it’s simple to use and it’s all done online. 

Many of the latest smartphones are already eSIM enabled. This especially applies to the top selling brands like Apple, Google and Samsung. For example, compatible devices include the Apple iPhone 11, the Google Pixel 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S20, plus all subsequent models in each range.

With an eSIM, a reprogrammable chip is actually present within the smartphone itself. Before using an eSIM, all you normally need to do is scan a QR code to begin the download. It’s a quick and convenient way to get a SIM without a physical card. 

You can find the right eSIM for your UK trip at airalo.com . Prices start at just $5, and the eSim lasts for anything from a week upwards. 

An eSIM costs from just USD $5, so it’s a very affordable way to stay connected and in touch with your loved ones. 

As it’s solely online, eSIMs are far more eco-friendly than traditional SIM cards. You don’t need to wait for a new SIM to be delivered either. 

You can switch to any mobile network more or less instantly too. Sometimes, you can also use a SIM card in your phone at the same time. This means you can use each for different purposes – such as work and leisure. 

eSIMS are still relatively new, and not offered by all phone networks. You usually need a contract, rather than a Pay As You Go plan, to use this technology via your usual phone network. 

Not all smartphones are compatible with eSIM technology. If you have a phone that’s more than a couple of years old, or is made by certain brands, then you may not be able to use an eSIM. 

So that’s basically all there is to mastering the art of picking which smartphone Wi-Fi option is right for you while travelling in the UK . Whew!

It’s really not such a complicated puzzle when all the information is laid out. You know how you will use your smartphone and how much data you will need, so just pick the option that works best for you. Then enjoy a surprise-free trip to the UK!

More practical planning articles:

• How to get around the UK (Complete Guide to Transportation in the United Kingdom)
• Best booking sites for UK travel
• Best UK Travel Books for 2021 (Travel Guides & maps)
• How much does it cost to visit the UK? A budget planning guide
• When in the best time to visit the UK?
• UK Packing list for all seasons (+ free printable checklist)
• Renting a car? Read our complete guide to car hire including tips and information about driving in the UK