Great Britain
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Approximate point-to-point one-way 2nd class fares in $US by rail (solid line) and bus (dashed line). Add up fares for your itinerary to see whether a railpass will save you money. For 1st class rail fares, add 50%. Based on Saver/Cheap Day fares. Source:
nationalrail.co.uk.
Since Britain is not included on the Eurail Global or Selectpass, and pay-as-you-go train fares are the highest in Europe, BritRail passes can be very useful. Traditional BritRail passes cover the whole island (England, Scotland, and Wales) and pay for themselves quickly if you travel at least from London to Scotland. Regional variations cover just England, just Scotland, or just southeast England. Read beyond the "BritRail" brand name to choose the coverage you want. Those on a budget will find that standard class (British for second class) is fine, and first-class passes are not worth the extra 50%. In fact, many "milk run" trains have only standard-class cars. Seniors get discounts in first class, but can choose the adult standard rate to save money.
Seat reservations are free in Britain, and recommended for weekends, but not required for railpasses or full-fare tickets on daytime trains. On overnight trains, a bunk in a twin sleeper costs about $75. Overnight journeys begun on your BritRail pass's final night can be completed the day after the pass expires — only BritRail allows this trick. If you're making just a couple of trips and can commit to dates and times in advance, look into Britain's advance purchase discounts on point-to-point tickets (see below on this page).
BritRail Extra Day Free — Order Passes May 16 - June 29
BritRail Consecutive and Flexipasses, BritRail England Consecutive and Flexipasses, and Freedom of Scotland passes will include an extra travel day when purchased May 16 through June 29 (fax or mail orders must be received by June 27). You will receive a voucher for a free day with your pass, though this will not be reflected in your order confirmation. If you're traveling to Britain in 2008, you can get this deal and start using the pass within 6 months of issue. Not available with BritRail Plus Ireland, Central Scotland, nor London Plus passes.
London Airport Shuttle & Eurostar Discount
Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted Express trains are covered by BritRail Consecutive and Flexi, BritRail England, and BritRail Plus Ireland passes (starts use of a travel day). The London Plus pass includes two separate vouchers for airport trains. If you don't use your pass, London airport express tickets cost about $31 one-way or $60 roundtrip (half price for kids 5 - 15). Eurostar Passholder Fares are available for travel at any time during the validity period of the above passes.
Family Pass — Free Kids
For each adult or senior pass you buy at regular rates, one child (5–15) travels with you free (specify which child with which adult when you order). Additional kids pay the normal half-adult rate. Kids under 5 free. The Family Pass is available with regular Britrail and Britrail England passes but not with BritRail Plus Ireland, Scotland, nor London Plus passes.
Party Pass — Group Discount
From 3 to 9 adults (and youths) can travel together on a BritRail Party Pass. Two travelers pay the full adult rate for regular Britrail and Britrail England passes, and the 3rd to 9th passengers each pay 50% of the regular adult price, plus up to two free kids can bring the total group to eleven. You must order through the Party Pass section in the middle of this page in order to get the deal (or fill in Party Pass prices on fax or mail orders).
NEW — Youth Discount with Eurail Pass
Youths under age 26 who have any Eurail Pass (Global, Select, Regional, Ireland, etc.) can save about 37% versus regular youth prices on BritRail Consecutive or Flexipasses, or England Consecutive or Flexipasses. You must present the Eurailpass when validating the discounted BritRail pass in Europe. Most passes earn you the discount, except a few non-Eurail independents (no France, Swiss, German, European East, Balkan, nor other BritRail passes). You must order through the Eurail Passholder Youth Discount section in the middle of this page in order to get the deal (or fill in discount prices on fax or mail orders).
Off-Peak Special — 20% Off for Winter Travel
Britrail and Britrail England passes are sold at a 20% discount in fall and winter for travel November - February. Expected to go on sale in October for travel in winter 2008-09.
This pass covers trains in England, Scotland, and Wales (no Ireland).
| BritRail Consecutive Pass — with Extra Day Free May 16 - June 29 | |||||
| Type of Pass | Adult 1st Class | Adult Standard | Senior 1st Class | Youth 1st Class | Youth Standard |
| 4+1 = 5 consec. days | $395 | $259 | $336 | $316 | $207 |
| 8+1 = 9 consec. days | $559 | $375 | $475 | $447 | $300 |
| 15+1 = 16 consec. days | $839 | $559 | $713 | $671 | $447 |
| 22+1 = 23 consec. days | $1065 | $709 | $905 | $852 | $567 |
| 1 month + 1 day | $1259 | $839 | $1070 | $1007 | $671 |
Family Pass: One child 5–15 free with each adult or senior when you order here. Youth passes are for travelers under 26 only. If you also have a Eurail pass, use the Eurail Passholder Youth Discount link further down this page to save 37% more! Party Pass: For groups of 3 or more adults and youths traveling together, use the Party Pass link further down this page. Senior passes are for travelers age 60 and up; no standard class discount. All prices subject to change. |
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This pass covers trains in England, Scotland, and Wales (no Ireland).
| BritRail Flexipass — with Extra Day Free May 16 - June 29 | |||||
| Type of Pass | Adult 1st Class | Adult Standard | Senior 1st Class | Youth 1st Class | Youth Standard |
| 4+1 = 5 days in 2 months | $489 | $329 | $416 | $391 | $263 |
| 8+1 = 9 days in 2 months | $715 | $479 | $608 | $572 | $383 |
| 15+1 = 16 days in 2 months | $1075 | $725 | $914 | $860 | $580 |
Family Pass: One child 5–15 free with each adult or senior when you order here. Youth passes are for travelers under 26 only. If you also have a Eurail pass, use the Eurail Passholder Youth Discount link further down this page to save 37% more! Party Pass: For groups of 3 or more adults and youths traveling together, use the Party Pass link further down this page. Senior passes are for travelers age 60 and up; no standard class discount. All prices subject to change. |
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BritRail England Passes cover trains in England only, no Scotland, Ireland, or Wales.
| BritRail England Consecutive Pass — with Extra Day Free May 16 - June 29 | |||||
| Type of Pass | Adult 1st Class | Adult Standard | Senior 1st Class | Youth 1st Class | Youth Standard |
| 4+1 = 5 consec. days | $315 | $209 | $268 | $252 | $167 |
| 8+1 = 9 consec. days | $449 | $299 | $382 | $359 | $239 |
| 15+1 = 16 consec. days | $675 | $449 | $574 | $540 | $359 |
| 22+1 = 23 consec. days | $855 | $569 | $727 | $684 | $455 |
| 1 month + 1 day | $1009 | $675 | $858 | $807 | $540 |
Family Pass: One child 5–15 free with each adult or senior when you order here. Youth passes are for travelers under 26 only. If you also have a Eurail pass, use the Eurail Passholder Youth Discount link further down this page to save 37% more! Party Pass: For groups of 3 or more adults and youths traveling together, use the Party Pass link further down this page. Senior passes are for travelers age 60 and up; no standard class discount. All prices subject to change. |
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BritRail England Passes cover trains in England only, no Scotland, Ireland, or Wales.
| BritRail England Flexipass — with Extra Day Free May 16 - June 29 | |||||
| Type of Pass | Adult 1st Class | Adult Standard | Senior 1st Class | Youth 1st Class | Youth Standard |
| 4+1 = 5 days in 2 months | $395 | $265 | $336 | $316 | $212 |
| 8+1 = 9 days in 2 months | $575 | $385 | $489 | $460 | $308 |
| 15+1 = 16 days in 2 months | $865 | $579 | $735 | $692 | $463 |
Family Pass: One child 5–15 free with each adult or senior when you order here. Youth passes are for travelers under 26 only. If you also have a Eurail pass, use the Eurail Passholder Youth Discount link further down this page to save 37% more! Party Pass: For groups of 3 or more adults and youths traveling together, use the Party Pass link further down this page. Senior passes are for travelers age 60 and up; no standard class discount. All prices subject to change. |
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| Party Pass — Group Discount — with Extra Day Free May 16 - June 29 | ||||
| Two travelers pay the full adult rate for BritRail Consecutive or Flexi, and England Consecutive or Flexi passes, and the 3rd to 9th group members each pay 50% of the regular adult price. Members of party must validate pass and travel together, purchasing same type and duration of pass (all 1st class or all 2nd class at adult rate, no youth discount, max. 2 free kids). As with Saverpasses, a group member may opt out of traveling one day, but cannot use the pass to go a different direction from the group. | ||||
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| NEW — Eurail Passholder Youth Discount — with Extra Day Free May 16 - June 29 | ||||
| Youths under age 26 who have any Eurail Pass (Global, Select, Regional, Ireland, etc.) can save about 37% versus regular youth prices on BritRail Consecutive or Flexipasses, or England Consecutive or Flexipasses. You must present the Eurailpass when validating the discounted BritRail pass in Europe. Most passes earn you the discount, except a few non-Eurail independents (no France, Swiss, German, European East, Balkan, nor other BritRail passes). | ||||
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| Off-Peak Special — 20% Off for Winter Travel |
| Save 20% on BritRail Consecutive or Flexi and England Consecutive or Flexi passes issued in fall and winter for travel November - February. Expected to go on sale in October for travel in winter 2008-09. Cannot be combined with Party Pass, Senior, or Youth discounts. For groups of 4 or more adults and youths traveling together, the Party Pass is cheaper. |
| BritRail Scottish Freedom Pass — with Extra Day Free May 16 - June 29 | |
| Type of Pass | Standard Class |
| 4+1 = 5 days out of 8 | $247 |
| 8+1 = 9 days out of 15 | $331 |
| Valid in Scotland only, standard class only. Not valid on trains that depart before 9:15am, Mon–Fri. Covers Caledonian MacBrayne and Strathclyde ferry service to Scotland's most popular islands. Discounts on some P&O ferries, some Citylink buses & more. Kids 5–15 half fare; under 5 free. Prices subject to change. | |
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| NEW — BritRail Central Scotland Pass | |
| Type of Pass | Standard Class |
| 3 days out of 7 | $84 |
| Passes are prevalidated at the time of purchase for your specific, 7-day travel window and cannot be refunded after that planned travel date! Covers frequent service between Edinburgh and Glasgow's Queen St Station (not Glasgow Central), some nearby side-trips (see Central Scotland Coverage Map, below), and the Glasgow Underground (on your three travel days). Standard class only. No highlands or islands. Not valid on trains that depart before 9:15am, Mon–Fri, Glasgow Airport Coach Links, excursion trains, nor private railways. The 7 p.m. rule for night trains does not apply. No child discount; under 5 free. Prices subject to change. | |
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| BritRail London Plus Pass | ||
| Type of Pass | Adult 1st Class | Adult Standard |
| 2 out of 8 days | $219 | $145 |
| 4 out of 8 days | $305 | $235 |
| 7 out of 15 days | $385 | $279 |
| Covers much of SE England with Bath, Bristol, and Stratford-upon-Avon added for 2008 (see London Plus Coverage Map, above). Includes vouchers to cover two trips on the Heathrow, Stansted, or Gatwick Express, separate from your counted travel days, which can be used up to 6 months from the date you validate the pass in Britain (but not before pass is validated). Many trains are standard class only. The 7 p.m. rule for night trains does not apply. Kids 5–15 half price; under 5 free. Prices subject to change. | ||
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London Plus now includes two separate vouchers to use between London and one of three major airports, with a higher price to cover those. You may not need these if you're flying only one-way to/from London, using Luton airport, traveling between the airport and a different city, taking the tube between London and Heathrow, or staying longer than the duration of your pass.
| Great British Heritage Pass to Buy in Britain | ||
| Type of Pass | Adult | Family |
| 4 consecutive days | £28 | £62 |
| 7 consecutive days | £39 | £86 |
| 15 consecutive days | £52 | £114 |
| 1 month consecutive days | £70 | £154 |
| Adult prices are per person. Family pass is valid for 2 adults and up to 3 children ages 5 - 15. No separate youth or kids rates, under 5 free. Buy in Britain at one of 50 Visitor Centres. £1.00 = about $2. | ||
The Great British Heritage Pass gets you into about 600 historic properties run by English Heritage, the National Trust, Treasure Houses of England, Historic Houses Association, and other regional foundations or independent owners. A complete list of properties comes with your pass or is online at www.britishheritagepass.com. Passes with new, smart-card technology are sold at more than 50 Visitor Centres around Britain, not at covered sites. Note that passes reserved online for pick-up (or vouchers purchased in the USA) must be exchanged for an electronic pass in one of only eight locations (London, Dover, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, or Glasgow).
| Tube and Bus Passes to Buy in London | ||||
| Adult prices | Zones 1-2 Off Peak | Zones 1-2 All Day | Zones 1-6 Off Peak | Zones 1-6 All Day |
| 1 consecutive days | £5.30 | £6.80 | £7.00 | £13.80 |
| 3 consecutive days | NA | £17.40 | £20.10 | £40.00 |
| 7 consecutive days | NA | £24.20 | NA | £44.60 |
| Passes cover Tube and bus in London and are easy to buy at most Tube stations. For info visit www.tfl.gov.uk or call 011-44-20-7222-1234. £1.00 = about $2.00 or more. | ||||
Since the cash ticket price for a single ride is now £4 per journey, any style of pass is likely to save some money. "Off-Peak" cards are valid after 9:30 a.m. Mon–Fri, and any time on weekends and holidays. 1- and 3-day cards are old-style paper cards, while the 7-day option is an electronic Oyster card. Most sights and many hotels are in Zones 1–2. Zone 1 covers downtown (everything within and slightly beyond the Circle line). Zone 2 extends to many outlying neighborhoods. Heathrow Airport is in Zone 6. More zone combinations and monthly passes are also available. Kids under 11 free on Tube with an adult; under 16 free on bus and tram.
Oyster cards use electronic, rechargeable technology that never expires. You just touch the card to the yellow, circular card reader as you go in and out of stations or buses. You can load on a 7-day pass or just pre-pay cash that is debited at the best available rate (better than real cash) instead of a set weekly or monthly pass period.
British Rail Deals Not Sold in the U.S.
By September 2008, British Rail is consolidating down to three main categories for point-to-point tickets: Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime. Generally, the earlier you book through a British agent, the better deal you’ll get. Advance tickets get snapped up fast in summer, can be booked from one day to eight weeks ahead, have limited seat availability, are non-refundable, and have exchange restrictions. Off-Peak rates apply after 9:30 a.m. and roundtrip prices may be the same as one-way in this category. Both Off-Peak and Anytime fares can be purchased up until the departure of the train. For a London–Edinburgh one-way, the Anytime (full) fare is £126 ($252); the Off-Peak fare (previously called Saver Return) is £102 ($204); and Advance fares range from £70 to £45 to £16 ($140, $90 or $32), with the lowest rate selling out first. You can find more ticket prices and buy online at www.nationalrail.co.uk or call to Britain at 011-44-8457-484-950 for 24-hour information (they'll give you another number to purchase tickets). For credit card approval online, it may help to enter a British hotel address or postal code (not for delivery). Pick up reserved tickets at the station.
For £20 ($40), the Railcard for Youths ages 16–25, full-time students 26+ with ISIC, or for Seniors age 60+, get you a third off most point-to-point tickets for a year. The Family Railcard for £20 ($40) allows adults to travel 33% cheaper while their kids age 5–15 get 60% off for most trips. Not valid on the Heathrow Express, Eurostar, or some busy weekday morning commuter trains. See www.railcard.co.uk.
BritRail
or Britbus...
| Brit Xplorer Bus Pass | |
| 7 consecutive days | £79 ($160) |
| 14 consecutive days | £139 ($280) |
| 28 consecutive days | £219 ($440) |
| Allows unlimited bus travel in England, Scotland and Wales on the extensive National Express bus service. Buy the passes in Great Britain. Youth passes (£10) save 30% for those under 26 who pay as they go. Seniors (60+) save up to 50% in England and Wales on regular coach fares. Visit www.nationalexpress.com. | |
While many small towns and rural areas of Britain are not served by trains, travelers can go anywhere just about any time by coach. ("Coach" is British for any long distance bus. "Bus" means city bus.) Coach travel is the cheap way to explore Britain. While some argue you get a closer look at Great Britain through a bus rather than a train window, I'd bus Britain only to save money and to fill gaps in the train system.
There are a couple of super cheap hop-on-and-hop-off bus circuits that take mostly hostelers around the country. For instance, Backpacker Tours offers one- to 19-day tours of England, Scotland, or Wales (from £65/1day, £90/3 days, £243/5 days, tel. 0870-745-1046, www.backpackertours.co.uk.
| Comparing Train and Coach Travel in Britain | |||
| From London to: | miles | by Train | by Coach |
| Bath | 107 | 30 per day/1.5 hr/$90 | 20 per day/3-4 hr/$35 |
| Cambridge | 56 | every 30 minutes /1 hr/$35 | 34 per day/2-3 hr/$20 |
| Cardiff, Wales | 145 | 30 per day/2 hr/$105 | 10 per day/3.25 hr/$40 |
| Edinburgh | 390 | 22 per day/4 h /$195 | 4 per day/9 hr/$60 |
| Oxford | 60 | 35 per day/1 hr/$35 | every 15 - 20 minutes /1.75 hr/$25 |
| Stratford | 110 | 11 per day/2.5 hr/$55 | 5 per day/3hr/$30 |
| York | 188 | 30 per day/2 hr/$150 | 13 per day/5-6 hr/$45 |