Bus and Coach Travel

Throughout the UK buses operate a variety of routes into towns, cities and some villages. The bus routes have been reduced in recent years but it is still a convenient way to get around if you can find a bus timetable in your local area that suits your needs.

Most scheduled coach services are run by National Express and Scottish Citylink, allowing you to tour at your own pace on coaches which run to every major town and city in Britain. They are inevitably a little slower than trains but they are an economical alternative. Most coaches are very comfortable and many include refreshments on board. Details about local town and city buses can be obtained from local tourist information centres.

Brit Xplorer

This is a low cost alternative for discovering the UK for overseas (non-British) passport holders. Brit Xplorer allows you to travel on an unlimited amount of journeys operated by National Express within a given period of time, depending on which Brit Xplorer pass you've opted for. Travel tickets do not need to be booked. All you have to do is show your Brit Xplorer pass to the driver at time of departure. So as long as the coach is not full, you can go on board and travel. Passes and prices: 7-day pass = £79; 14-day pass = £139; a 28-day pass = £219. Visit the website www.nationalexpress.com

Mega Bus

For low cost inter-city travel, also check out www.megabus.co, which operate discounted bus services between London and 22 major cities within Britain.