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Public Transport in the UK

bus | rail | plane

Bus, train or plane? - It's your choice.

Bus
Bus travel is the cheapest way to get around. Most bus companies offer student discounts for local or long distance travel.

Bus Discount Card
How much does it cost?Some companies make no charge for a local bus pass. Long distance services may offer discounts on individual journeys or a discount card for regular travellers. For example, National Express does a Young Person's Coach Card or a Student Discount Card for £8.
How long does it last?Most passes last for a year. (National Express has a coach card that lasts three years for £19)
Who is it for?Local bus passes are often for young people in full-time education. Longer distance coach cards are for all young people under 26 or in full-time education.
What does it give you? Concession prices on all bus fares. Individual Bus Companies determine these, but they usually average at around 30%.

How do you get one?

Checklist:

  • Get the form
    You can get a form from the office at a bus station. If you want a card for long distance travel, such as a National Express Card, you need to contact a national agent. For National Express Tel. 0990010104.
  • Get two passport photos of yourself
    There are photo booths in most towns or shopping centres. Costs around £2.50 for 4 passport sized photos
  • Money
    Make sure you have enough money to cover the cost of the card if necessary.
  • Prove your age
    This can be a birth certificate, passport, or NHS medical card.
  • ISIC Card
    If you are a student make sure you have an ISIC (International Student Identity Card). These are available from ISIC or through your student's union at college.
Complete the form and take it back to the station (with the correct money), your proof of age, your ISIC Card and two passport photos. Your card will probably be issued straight away.

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Rail
Travel by rail is quick and easy and will get you to most places in the UK. To save money buy a Young Person's Rail Card.

If you live in London there are special deals available for travelling on the underground (See Resources: London Transport)

Young Person's Rail Card
How much does it cost?£18.
How long does it last?One year
Who is it for?Young people under the age of 26, and people over 26 who are still in full-time education
What does it give you? 34% (one third) of most rail fares, including Savers and Supersavers.

How do you get one?

Checklist:

  • Get the form
    You can get a form from the station office at a rail stations.
  • Get two passport photos of yourself
    There are photo booths in most towns or shopping centres. Costs around £2.50 for 4 passport sized photos
  • Money
    Make sure you have enough money to cover the cost of the card if necessary. A Young Person's Railcard costs £18 (1998 prices).
  • Prove your age
    This can be a birth certificate, passport, or NHS medical card.
  • ISIC Card
    If you are a student make sure you have an ISIC (International Student Identity Card). These are available from ISIC or through your student's union at college.
Complete the form and take it back to the station with £18, proof of your age, your ISIC Card and two passport photos. Your card will probably be issued straight away.

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Plane
Travel by plane may be the quickest way to travel but it can also the most expensive and least convenient because you have to get to and from airports. However, there are discounts available for students and young people within the UK.

Sky Trekker Ticket
How much does it cost?Ticket prices start at around £120 for 4 flights (minimum). Departure Taxes are not included.
How long does it last?You must book your first flight when you buy your ticket. The other can be left open.
Who is it for?Young people in full-time education.
What does it give you? Cheap air fares within the UK using British Airways UK domestic network

How do you get one?

Sky Trekker Tickets can be bought through Campus Travel, the student travel company, (See Resources: Campus Travel)

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Last modified on: Sunday, June 14, 1998.