The first big decision when visiting England is whether to travel by private car or use the extensive public transport system. Having your own car means you can make the best use of time and reach remote places, but rental and fuel costs can be expensive, and there are always traffic delays to put up with. Public transport, which includes a reliable system of trains and coaches (buses), is often the better choice for getting around in the United Kingdom. Aside from London, England’s city centres with multiple pedestrian streets are very walkable, too.

For long-distance travel around England, trains are generally faster and more comfortable than buses but are usually much more expensive. The English like to moan about their trains, but around 85 % run on time, and major stations are well-equipped – with super helpful staff and a range of food outlets. If you leave booking your ticket to the last minute, fares can be disproportionally high, so it is always worth booking as far in advance as you can. Sometimes buying two single tickets can be cheaper than buying a return.

Long-distance buses are known as coaches in the UK, and services run between most major towns and cities. If you are on a tight budget, coaches are nearly always the cheapest way to get around England, although they are also the slowest and sometimes late. If you book early or travel at off-peak periods, coach tickets can be very cheap. If you are going to the airport, then take a faster train or taxi for peace of mind that you will make it in time for your flight. The two major coach companies are National Express and Megabus.

Travelling by car or motorcycle around England means you have more independence and flexibility, and you can reach more remote parts of the country. Minuses for drivers include regular traffic jams, the high price of fuel, the cost of insurance, and parking fees in cities and tourist towns. Compared with many countries, car-hire is expensive in England. If you have time, by using a mix of train, bus, taxi, walking and occasionally hiring a bike, you can get almost anywhere in England without having to drive

Hiring a bike – for an afternoon, a day, or a week or longer – is a great way to really explore a small region or see England’s great outdoors. Some cities have bike-share schemes, while others have longer-term bike-rental shops. England also has a growing network of long-distance cycling routes that may inspire you to explore more of the country by bicycle. Only a handful of cities have an adequate system of dedicated bike lanes, so it is best to enjoy cycling in more rural and off-the beaten-track locations, particularly during the warmer seasons.

England doesn’t have a big network of domestic flights due to its small size, but there are some long cross-country routes that are awkward, costly and time consuming if you travel by train (e.g. the trip from Exeter or Southampton to Newcastle). However, you’ll still pay at least a hundred pounds for one of these flights, and the time saved becomes less beneficial once transit times and the journey to and from the airport are taken into account. Considering the short distances and high carbon cost, many people prefer not to fly.

English cities usually have good public-transport systems. These services can be run by a puzzling number of separate companies. There is usually enough information at each stop or station to find the right one. Staff in tourist offices are always happy to help. Local bus services work year-round in cities and towns, except on Christmas Day, and sometimes also Boxing Day. Sundays also see fewer services. CityMapper is a handy app for planning the quickest journey between points, especially if you are combining transport options.