Getting Around

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The UK has a public transport system spanning the length and breadth of the country. Essentially major towns and cities are serviced by a National, above ground rail network run by British Rail. Once you have reached your destination a more localised network of bus services are available.

London has a more complex network of public transport, which is made up of Rail services, Underground, double-decker buses, trams, black cabs and river taxis.
Transport for London

The most widespread and popular of these alternatives is the London Underground
(The Tube). Travel by tube offers a comprehensive service that is a fast and effective mode of transport. Stations are grouped into six zones for ease of access. Travel cards provide a cost effective way of buying your tickets and can be purchased, covering a combination of zones, from any London Underground station or from News Agents.

Oyster Card. Oyster is London's ticketing and revenue system. The Oyster card is a 'smartcard' which makes buying and using tickets easier.

How to get an Oyster card:

  • From the Oyster website
  • At most Tube stations
  • At over 2000 Oyster Ticket Stops across London
  • At London Over ground station

Rail
The UK rail network covers all the main cities as well as smaller regional towns. It is a modern and efficient system with over 2,000 stations. National Rail

Bus Services
If you are not living close to a tube station then you are likely to use local Bus services. These services are managed on a local level throughout the UK. Examples include the famous Red Double Decker buses of London Transport to more regionalized services.

Coach
Travelling by coach offers a cost effective alternative to travelling by rail. A comprehensive network of services provides links to all major cities. The UK’s largest coach network, offering great value for money is National Express.

Taxi Cabs
Taxis and Mini cabs operate throughout the UK and are an expensive alternative to public transport. However, if you need to get to your destination in a hurry then it’s probably the best way to go. The famous Black Hackney Cabs operate in London, but you will always be able to find a taxi close to a station, anywhere in the UK, or book one through your local yellow pages.

Car
Buying a car can provide you with the freedom of independent travel. There are plenty of economy models to be had and you drive on the left hand side of the road. You can drive in the UK on your Australian license but you must comply with the following legal requirements:

  • all cars must hold a valid Ministry of Transport (MOT) test certificate. (Safety Certificate)
  • be insured to the minimum third party requirements.
  • have a valid road tax certificate (Registration)

UK Road Regulations can be found in the Highway Code.

If you do not hold a full British driving licence at the end of the 12-month period, you will not be covered to drive in the UK on an Australian licence....


Driving Licence

If you hold an Australian driving licence you may drive in the UK for a period of 12 months.

You may exchange your Australian licence for a British licence for up to 5 years from the date of entry into the UK.

To exchange your licence complete form D1 which is the actual application in addition to form D750 which is the new form for photo licences in the UK? Forms available at a Post Office.

If you do not hold a full British driving licence at the end of the 12-month period, you will not be covered to drive in the UK on an Australian licence.

European Travel

Ferry
Travel by Ferry is a great way to explore Europe. As an island the UK has international ports the length and breadth of the country. You can travel directly to Ireland, Spain, Belgium, France, Holland, Demark and Norway.
www.stenaline.co.uk
www.poferries.com
www.irishferries.com

Eurostar
Eurostar is a high-speed train service for foot passenger only. The service links Paris, Lille & Brussels with London (Waterloo station) and Ashford (Kent) - with connecting trains to over 100 destinations in Europe.
www.eurostar.com

Eurotunnel
Eurotunnel carries passengers and their vehicles through the twin railway tunnels under the English Channel linking Britain and France at Folkestone and Calais. A 24 hour service operates.
www.eurotunnel.com

Eurail
Rail Passes for those interested in exploring Europe by train.
www.eurail.com