England isn’t big, but getting around it can feel complicated if you’ve never done it before. You might think renting a car is the easiest way, but for most tourists, it’s not even the best one. The truth? England’s transport system is one of the most connected in Europe-and you don’t need a car to see everything worth seeing.

Trains: The Backbone of English Travel

If you’re visiting cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, or York, trains are your best friend. The UK rail network covers over 10,000 miles, with trains running every 10 to 30 minutes between major hubs. A journey from London to Manchester takes just over two hours. London to Edinburgh? Around four and a half hours. You can book tickets months in advance through National Rail Enquiries or apps like Trainline, and prices drop dramatically if you’re flexible.

For tourists, the England Rail Pass is worth considering if you plan to take three or more long-distance trips. It costs around £150 for three days of travel within 15 days, and it’s valid on most operators including Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, and Great Western Railway. But here’s the catch: it doesn’t cover London Underground, buses, or regional services like the Manchester Metrolink. So if you’re staying in cities, you’ll still need separate tickets or contactless cards.

Pro tip: Avoid peak hours (7-9:30 AM and 5-7 PM) if you want to sit down. Trains get packed, especially on Fridays and Sundays. And always check for delays-rail strikes still happen, though they’re less common than they used to be.

London: Forget the Car, Use the Tube

London’s Underground, or the Tube, is the most efficient way to move around the capital. It’s not just for tourists-it’s how locals get to work. The network has 11 lines, 272 stations, and runs from 5:30 AM to about 1 AM on weekdays. On weekends, some lines run 24 hours.

Buy an Oyster card or use contactless payment (Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay). There’s no need to buy a paper ticket. The system automatically caps your daily spending at £8.50 for zones 1-2, no matter how many trips you take. That’s cheaper than a single day pass. If you’re staying for a week, the weekly cap is £44.30. You can refill your Oyster card at any Tube station or convenience store with a PayPoint logo.

Bus travel in London is just as easy. Buses run 24/7 on major routes, and they’re included in your Oyster or contactless fare. You can even use them to reach places the Tube doesn’t, like Greenwich or Hampstead Heath. And unlike trains, you don’t need to plan ahead-just hop on, tap your card, and go.

Coaches: The Budget Option

If you’re trying to stretch your budget, National Express and Megabus are your go-to choices. They connect nearly every town and city in England, from Cornwall to Newcastle. A ticket from London to Liverpool might cost as little as £10 if booked weeks ahead. Even last-minute fares rarely go over £30.

Coaches are slower than trains-London to Edinburgh takes about 8-9 hours-but they’re reliable, clean, and come with free Wi-Fi and power sockets. Most stops are right in city centers, so you won’t need extra transport to get to your hotel. They’re also great for reaching places trains don’t serve well, like the Lake District towns of Keswick or Windermere.

Just don’t expect luxury. Seats are comfortable, but legroom is tight. If you’re over six feet tall, you might want to book an aisle seat. And always check the departure point: some coach stations are outside central areas, like London’s Victoria Coach Station, which is a 15-minute Tube ride from the West End.

Rental Cars: When You Actually Need One

Most tourists don’t need a car in England. But there are exceptions. If you’re planning to explore the countryside-think the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Dales, or the Northumberland coast-a rental car gives you freedom you can’t get on public transport.

England drives on the left. If you’re from the US or mainland Europe, this takes getting used to. Roundabouts are everywhere. Speed limits are in miles per hour, not kilometers. And parking in cities like Bath or Cambridge can be expensive and confusing. Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 and have held a license for at least one year.

Expect to pay £40-£70 per day for a compact car, plus fuel and insurance. Petrol costs about £1.60 per liter. Many rural roads are narrow and winding. If you’re not confident driving in tight spaces, stick to trains and buses. And never rent a car without checking if your insurance covers you in the UK-some U.S. policies don’t.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing: For Short Trips and Late Nights

Taxis are easy to find in cities. Black cabs in London are iconic, but they’re also the most expensive. A short trip across central London can cost £15-£25. Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are cheaper and let you see prices before you book. They work everywhere in England, even in smaller towns like Stratford-upon-Avon or Lyme Regis.

Always use the app to book. Street-hailing taxis is risky-you might end up with an unlicensed driver. And never pay cash unless you’re sure it’s an official black cab. Most drivers now accept card payments automatically.

For late-night travel after pubs close, ride-sharing is often the only option. Trains and buses stop running around midnight, but Uber runs all night in major cities. Just expect surge pricing on Friday and Saturday nights.

Bicycles: A Healthy and Scenic Way to Explore

Many English towns have bike-sharing schemes. London’s Santander Cycles are the most famous-you can rent one for £2 per day with a £150 deposit (refundable). Other cities like Cambridge, Oxford, and York have similar systems, often with lower prices.

England has over 1,000 miles of dedicated cycle paths, including the famous National Cycle Network. Routes like the Thames Path or the Sea to Sea (C2C) are popular with tourists. If you’re comfortable riding on roads with traffic, cycling is a great way to see villages, countryside, and coastlines up close.

Most bike rentals include a helmet, lock, and basic repair kit. But always check the brakes and tires before you ride. And remember: England’s weather changes fast. Pack a lightweight rain jacket, even if the forecast looks clear.

Walking: The Free and Most Rewarding Option

Don’t underestimate walking. England’s cities are compact and walkable. In London, you can stroll from Trafalgar Square to the Tower Bridge in under an hour. In Bath, the Roman Baths, Abbey, and Royal Crescent are all within a 15-minute walk of each other. In York, the medieval walls encircle the city center-you can walk the full loop in 90 minutes.

Many tourist spots are intentionally designed to be explored on foot. The Lake District has trails for all levels, from gentle lakeside walks to challenging hikes like Scafell Pike. The Jurassic Coast in Dorset offers stunning coastal paths that are free to walk and don’t require any transport at all.

Wear good shoes. England’s pavements are uneven, and rain makes them slippery. Carry a small umbrella or foldable raincoat. And always check local walking guides-many towns offer free self-guided walking tours you can download or pick up at visitor centers.

What Not to Do

Don’t assume taxis are cheap. They’re not. Don’t rent a car unless you’re heading to the countryside. Don’t rely on Google Maps for real-time train schedules-it’s often outdated. Use National Rail Enquiries or Trainline instead.

Don’t try to cram too much into one day. England’s train delays, bus cancellations, and weather can throw off even the best plans. Build in buffer time. And don’t forget: many attractions close early on Sundays and public holidays.

Final Tip: Get a Visitor Pass

If you’re staying in London for more than two days, get a Visitor Oyster card. It’s the same as a regular Oyster card but comes with discounts at museums and attractions. You can buy it at Heathrow Airport or online before you arrive.

For outside London, consider the England Explorer Pass from VisitBritain. It bundles train travel, bus tickets, and entry to over 100 attractions like the Tower of London, Warwick Castle, and the Peak District Visitor Centre. It’s not cheap, but if you’re hitting multiple sites, it saves money and time.

Bottom line: You don’t need a car to enjoy England. The train, bus, Tube, and walking network is efficient, affordable, and designed for visitors. Plan your route, buy the right ticket, and let the country come to you.