The UK’s public transport system is a lifeline for millions, offering a reliable way to travel across cities, towns, and even rural areas. From double-decker buses and inter-city trains to the London Underground (or ‘the Tube’), the country’s transport network is extensive. At Remitly we know that whether you’re a new immigrant or a seasoned traveller, understanding the UK’s transport options can save you time and money. Here’s our guide to contactless payments, travel cards, essential etiquette and more, to make your journeys smooth and enjoyable.
Overview of the UK’s public transport landscape
The UK has a country-wide network of heavy rail, light rail, and bus services. As of 2023, buses were the most frequently used form of public transport, with 4 billion passenger journeys made that year. Passengers also completed 1.6 billion National Rail journeys, 1.2 billion London Underground and Glasgow Subway journeys, and 200 million light rail and tram journeys.
Generally, public transport use has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels—in fact it’s actually increased in many areas. And compared to many other places in the world, the UK has a very reliable public transport system that connects cities, towns, and even rural areas well.
As an immigrant, it’s a convenient and handy way to get where you need to go in the country. But it can be expensive, so if money is tight it pays to know your way around the system.
Types of public transport available in the UK
UK public transport can take many forms, and what’s available largely depends on where you live. In general, larger cities have well-developed networks. However, smaller cities and rural areas may have systems that are infrequent, prone to cancellations, and relatively expensive.
Trains and the National Rail network
There’s a long and proud history of train travel in the UK, and it shows in the amount of trains available. It has an extensive (2,597 total stations) long-distance train network run by National Rail that connects cities, small towns, and even rural areas.
The UK doesn’t have an extensive high-speed rail network like China or Spain, but trains are still fast, clean, and comfortable. However, train travel tends to be more expensive than in comparable European countries, particularly when you buy tickets on the day of your trip.
Buses
Local buses are the most common form of public transport in the UK. However, their quality, efficiency, and cost can vary widely.
Normally, you get on a bus at a marked bus stop, either marked with a post or a shelter. Some bus stops have screens that tell you when the next bus from each route will arrive. All bus routes have timetables that show when they are scheduled to come, but buses don’t always arrive on time.
Currently, no trolleybuses or dual-mode vehicles operate in the UK. There are still a few tram networks around, though.
Underground and metro systems
The following areas operate underground train services:
- London
- Glasgow
- Tyne & Wear
- Liverpool and Merseyside
While these places operate tram or light rail lines:
- Blackpool
- Edinburgh
- London, including Croydon
- Manchester
- Nottingham
- Sheffield
- Tyne & Wear
- The West Midlands
Taxis, ride sharing, and alternatives
Taxis are a common, if quite expensive, way to get around in the UK. Almost all towns and cities in the UK have taxi services, and most larger towns and cities have taxi ranks where you can find a taxi easily. If you’re not near a taxi rank, you can always call a local taxi company and request one for a specific time and place.
Importantly, only taxis run by a city’s local authority—like the black cabs in London—can be hailed in the street. Private cabs are usually not allowed to accept fares that way, though the rules are set by the council in each area. You can pay your drivers with cash and (usually) by card.
Ride sharing is also very common in the UK. Uber, Bolt, and Ola are three of the most popular taxi/ride sharing apps in the country, although there are many others available.
Understanding routes and schedules
No matter your area, you can search online for bus or train routes and schedule information, or find it at your local rail station or council website. Routes will usually have a map that shows where the vehicle goes, as well as a timetable that shows scheduled arrival times at certain stops along the route.
Most public transport systems run from early morning to late at night, and those that do run overnight tend to have a reduced schedule. Most routes also have a different timetable on Saturdays and Sundays. There are also some routes, like those to shopping centres, that may only run on weekends.
Learning cultural norms and etiquette
Some of the most important public transport norms and etiquette are:
- Let people off a bus, train, tube or tram before trying to get on.
- Queue in an orderly fashion when necessary, and be patient, even if you’re in a rush.
- If you see a group of people at a bus stop or train station in any queue-shaped formation, it’s good to ask and confirm if and where they’re queueing. If not, you may be accused of jumping the queue, even if you didn’t mean it.
- Listen to music with headphones on.
- You can talk on the phone, but don’t shout.
- If a disabled, pregnant, or older person boards a crowded carriage, offer your seat to them if possible.
- In some areas, it’s still common to say “thank you” to the bus driver when getting off.
- You can put bags on empty seats, but it’s best to take them off if the carriage is otherwise full.
- People in the UK strongly respect personal space, so try and avoid standing too close to others. Avoid sitting next to people if there are empty areas available.
Practical tips for easy commuting
Using contactless payments and travel cards
Contactless payments and travel cards make paying for public transport simple. Most underground and bus systems accept contactless payments, but consider checking online beforehand to make sure. In addition, if you don’t yet have a UK bank card and you’re using one from an overseas bank, it’s a good idea to bring some cash in case the card is rejected.
If you know you’re going to be using a certain public transport service a lot, it may be a good idea to look into getting a travel card–for example, the Oyster Card in London. These allow you to purchase or top up daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly, giving you freedom to use public transport in a specific zone or region.
When getting on a bus or tube, you validate them the same way you’d validate using any contactless card or mobile, by touching them against an automatic gate or card reader. Pre-paid cards like this are increasingly available on some train networks, too.
Many transport systems also have a local app where you can purchase single-use tickets or travel passes and validate them on a bus, train, or tram.
Exploring transportation apps and planning tools
To make planning your trips easier, there are a variety of apps and planning tools that can tell you the best route to take, or give you alternative routes if there’s an issue with your journey. They can even help you find and buy the best coach or rail tickets for longer journeys.
- Google Maps is a classic, with real-time updates and coverage throughout the UK.
- Citymapper is one of the most popular and comprehensive apps for getting around on public transport, covering many of the major cities in the UK: London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol, and Newcastle.
- Most local bus and underground companies have their own apps with timetables, tickets, travel card management, and live bus tracking.
- National Rail Enquiries shows real-time train updates for all National Rail services, alerts you to any service disruptions, and can help you find the best prices for your journey.
- Trainline and Omio check all available trains and coaches to your destination to help you find the best prices. You can even book and pay directly from the apps.
Safety measures and travel precautions
While the UK is a generally safe country, you should still be aware when taking public transport. Here are some key precautions to take:
- The most popular routes in or between the bigger cities can get very crowded. If you’re having to stand on a bus or train, hold onto a handrail or pole.
- Keep your bags zipped up and close to you, especially in crowded areas.
- When taking a bus, wait for it at well-lit, designated stops, particularly at night.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Only use licensed taxis or rideshare vehicles.
- Hold your phone with a secure grip.
Cost of public transport and budgeting
General costs for different modes
Because costs are set by local authorities or private companies, they vary enormously from one place and one company to the next. In general, though, transport costs in the UK have risen along with the cost of living.
There are ways of saving money, though, once you get to know the system.
Options for cost-efficient travel
Find out if you can qualify for discount bus or train passes. Discounts might be available if you’re:
- Aged 16 to 25
- A full-time student
- Over 60
- Dealing with a disability
- A full-time carer who travels with the person you care for
- An asylum seeker.
Check with your local bus or train company to see if you qualify and if any other discounts are available.
Book in advance: Booking train or coach tickets in advance means you’re much more likely to get the best rates.
Travel off-peak: If you can, avoid peak times (usually Mondays to Fridays, 6:30-9:30 am and 4-7 pm) to get cheaper fares, particularly on commuter trains between cities.
Consider alternatives: In urban areas particularly, there may be trips that are actually quicker if you walk or ride a bike. This is obviously cheaper, too.
Find discount codes online: Sign up for train and bus company emails and follow their social media accounts to get discount codes and other offers.
Here are some tips to best navigate some of the UK’s biggest cities:
London: buses, the tube, and cycling
- Try out cycling: Santander Cycles, London’s bike rental scheme, can cost as little as £2 for 30 minutes.
- Late-night tube: The tube runs from roughly 5 am to 1 am, but the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines run all night on Fridays and Saturdays.
- See London from the water: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers commuter services you can pay for with your Oyster Card or contactless debit or credit card. This route connects places like Waterloo and Greenwich.
- Accessibility: Only a quarter of tube stations have step-free access; buses are a much better bet as they all lower to street level.
- Take advantage of the “hopper” fare: You can take unlimited bus and train journeys within an hour of a single fare, so don’t be afraid to transfer if needed.
- London Overground: Greater London is very large, so there’s an extensive suburban train network too.
Manchester: trams and buses
- Use the free bus: The appropriately named free bus has three city centre routes that all begin at Manchester Piccadilly, running from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm.
- Follow the bee: Manchester is one of the most popular cities in the UK outside of London. Its public transport is now consolidated into one transport network, the Bee Network, meaning bus and tram tickets are combined and fares are cheaper. Download the Bee Network App to buy tickets and check routes and timetables.
- Manchester bikes: The new Bee Network Cycle Hire scheme lets you rent bikes starting at £1.25, with a small per-minute usage fee. Manchester has recently added many cycle routes as well.
- Accessibility: All of Manchester’s public transport is accessible to people with disabilities.
Birmingham: navigating local transport
- Different from London and Manchester: Birmingham’s public transport is managed by Transport for West Midlands but many buses are operated by individual companies. Not all buses will be alike or accept the same tickets.
- Contactless is king: Like in many areas of the UK, Birmingham has embraced contactless payments. Many operators will even give you a fare discount for using contactless and you’ll get discounted fares on the West Midlands Metro.
- Swift Card: Birmingham’s equivalent to the Oyster Card, the Swift Card, is a great option if you’ll be spending a lot of time on public transport. You can load it with weekly, monthly, or yearly passes or use it as a pay-as-you-go card. It also offers reduced fares, though not every bus route accepts it.
- Accessibility: Many, but not all, Birmingham buses lower to street level.
Connecting with communities
Public transport isn’t just a way to get around—it’s a gateway to connecting with the vibrant communities that make the UK so unique. You can’t really do that in the same way if you’re driving everywhere.
Whether you’re exploring a new city or commuting to work, take the time to engage with locals and discover hidden gems along the way.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest way to travel around the UK using public transport?
The cheapest method can vary depending on where and when you’re travelling, but buses and coaches are generally the cheapest option. Many bus (not coach) routes currently have a daily fare cap of £3. However, buses and coaches tend to be a much slower option than trains or undergrounds.
How do I use contactless payments on buses and trains in the UK?
In most cases, you touch or tap in at the front of the bus, tram or underground access gates on a card reader. On the underground or trains, you must also tap out. Remember to use the same card or mobile payment when tapping in or out.
Are there discounts available on public transport?
Depending on your area, there are usually discounts for people who are under 25, over 60, full-time students, have a disability, or are a refugee. Many places also offer railcards, where you pay a flat yearly fee to get a certain percentage off all fares.
What are the best apps for planning public transport journeys in the UK?
Google and Apple Maps are popular and reliable public transport planning apps. Citymapps is also popular but only works in certain areas. Most local transport systems have their own trip-planning apps as well, like TfL Go in London.
