1️⃣ Trains & Intercity Travel (National Rail)

The UK has an extensive rail network connecting cities, towns, and airports.

• National Rail Enquiries – Real-time timetables, route maps, ticketing
• Trainline – Book tickets with student/railcard discounts
• Avanti West Coast – London to Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow
• Great Western Railway (GWR) – London to Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff
• LNER – London to York, Newcastle, Edinburgh
• Southern Railway – South London and Sussex
• ScotRail – Scotland regional trains
• TransPennine Express – Manchester, Leeds, York, Newcastle

🎟️ Student Tip: Apply for a 16–25 Railcard for 1/3 off train fares.

2️⃣ City Metros, Underground & Trams

London (TfL)

• Transport for London – Tube, buses, DLR, Overground
• Use Oyster Card or contactless card for travel
• Plan routes with the TfL Journey Planner

Other City Transit Systems

• Manchester Metrolink – Light rail system
• Tyne & Wear Metro – Newcastle–Sunderland metro
• Nottingham Express Transit – Trams in Nottingham
• Sheffield Supertram – Trams in Sheffield
• Glasgow Subway – Underground loop system
• West Midlands Metro – Birmingham–Wolverhampton tram

3️⃣ Buses & Coach Travel (City + Intercity)

Local Bus Services

• Arriva – Nationwide city bus routes
• Stagecoach – Scotland, Midlands, South
• First Bus – Across UK cities
• Go-Ahead Group – Operating in Oxford, Brighton, London

Long-distance Coaches

• National Express – UK-wide & airport routes
• Megabus – Cheap student-friendly intercity bus travel
• FlixBus UK – Affordable Europe and UK coach network

🎟️ Tip: Use your university ID or student card on select buses for student discounts.

4️⃣ Taxis, Ride-Hailing & Airport Transfers

App-based Cabs & Rides

• Uber UK – Available in most UK cities
• Bolt – Cheaper alternative in London, Birmingham, Manchester
• Ola UK – South Asian-friendly app
• Free Now – Black cabs and private hire

Traditional Taxis

• Licensed “Black Cabs” – Hail on the street or at train stations in London
• Local taxi firms – Check Yell or Google Maps
• Addison Lee – Executive taxis and airport pickups

Airport Transfers

• National Express Airport – From Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton
• Hoppa – Pre-booked private & shared rides
• Heathrow Express / Gatwick Express – High-speed trains to/from central London

5️⃣ Maps, Traffic & Travel Apps

• Google Maps – Public transport & walking directions
• Citymapper – London & big cities travel
• Trainline App – Real-time train data and tickets
• National Rail App – Train updates
• TfL Go App – Tube and bus travel planner
• Uber / Bolt / Ola – Real-time cab booking
• Google Traffic – Live congestion & delays
• AA Roadwatch – Road traffic conditions

🚲 Bonus: Cycling & Student Travel Cards

Bike Rentals

• Santander Cycles (London) – Docked bike rental system
• Beryl Bikes – Shared bikes in Norwich, Bournemouth, Birmingham
• Lime Bikes – Electric bikes/scooters in some cities

Student Travel Cards

• 16–25 Railcard – Save 1/3 on train travel
• National Express Coachcard – 1/3 off coach fares
• Oyster Student Photocard (London)