Getting around in London and the UK can cost quite a fortune. To most destinations you have quite a few alternatives though, and it ́s important to consider your comfort and pricing on your daily transport and occasional trips.
In London, the subway for many is the most practical way to get around. Apart from exorbitant prices for parking, driving around in the city is just too stressful. Public transport in general is good and kids travel free in London.
Cycling is also a good option; the city keeps on improving the amenities and safety for cyclists. The bike renting is quite cheap and you don ́t need to worry about theft because you place it in the nearest collection point and you never need to worry about maintenance. Not to mention the good you are doing for your physical condition and the environment!
On longer trips, weather it ́s for business, pleasure, bureaucratic formalities or else, you ́ll need to choose your style. The train is the fastest transport and quite comfortable compared with the bus, though the latter is usually cheaper. If you want the lowest fares take the bus, but ask yourself if you are up for the longer rides (London – Aberdeen 12 hours!) which can be pretty uncomfortable. Another option is a ́Sleeper ́overnight train so you don ́t spend your waking hours on travelling. Of course you could do these farthest destinations by plane and might find a cheap ticket, but for short distances you can definitely better stay on the ground to avoid the security checks and all the time that flying involves. Also don ́t forget travelling to and from airports can be quite an undertaking.
London´s public transport might be one of the most expensive in Europe. If you also think that you are paying over the odds for a transportation service you might want to consider biking as an alternative. Just think about it; cycling is healthy and eco-friendly plus, you will save-up lots of money!
If you have made-up your mind and want to experience biking around town the best option is to go for a second-hand bike. Brike Lane or Brixton markets are famous for selling second-hand bikes, you must be aware though it doesn´t seem like a stolen one, as you do not want to contribute to this crime. Just to be sure, almost every neighbourhood in London has a bike shop where you can also find second-hand options. Otherwise, take a look at the specialized online platforms such as Goingoingbike where they have options to suit all tastes or make a try at Ebay. If you really want a new one and you can afford it, perhaps the best option is to go to Decathlon where you can find bikes from 120£.
Since the economic crisis inception, collaborative consumption is on the rise. It has created a sharing economy with new ways of consumption, which has become increasingly popular triggered by the urge of saving. Under the motto of this concept: Don´t own, share!, and driven by technology we are connected to people who share the same needs, basically products and services which some one owns and other needs. As directories for sharing economy platforms continue to expand, today we will focus on transport, which means a high expense in UK at the end of the month. Here are basic tips that will save you money:
- Carpooling: Share transport on your trip and save petrol and tolls while meeting interesting people. These platforms are growing rapidly in Europe, the most popular ones: Bla bla car, Amovens, Carpolling.com, Funryde and Lyft.
- Car sharing: If you need a car to move around town every now and then, the best way is to rent it per hours. Zipcar is a practical website.