Train: If you live close to a train station like I do, it might be easier for you to travel by train. Here are somethings you should know.
- If you are traveling with 3 or more people, you can get discounted tickets, see the ticket window for more information.
- If you are traveling with a family, you can get a family and friends rail card which can save you money.
- If you are in a couple, consider the two together rail card. It has been worth the money for me.
- Travel off-peak hours and on weekends, to save money.
- If you travel by train, you can get 2 for 1 admission to some of the tourist attractions with proof of your train ticket.
- If you are going from Cambridge, go to Liverpool St instead. You could save as much as £15 per person. I have just moved out to the outskirts of Cambridge, and catching the train from Waterbeach to Liverpool St is still cheaper. I have to purchase my tickets this way: Waterbeach to Cambridge and Cambridge to Liverpool St. Tickety Split is a tool can give you an idea how to do this.
Bus/coach:
- You can also take the coach. It does take about 2 hours but only cost me £8 and dropped me off at the Victoria Station in the centre of London. Check out the National Express for more details. I always suggest coaches when someone is visiting as they only have to get on one bus and very comfortable. Also accommodates those that do not know how to pack light!
- Get an Oyster card. It only charges you the amount for your journey and if you are like me and can't be bothered to figure which zones I will be going to. It also has a ceiling amount of how much you will be charged per day- you will never pay more than a travel card but can pay less! You can top up at stations when you run out :) It can save you up to 50% of travel costs.
- You can drive to Epping or Red Bridge and cut out the train ride. Just watch out and make sure you park where you are allowed to. I have heard of people getting their car clamped. I park off the High Street in a parking lot in Epping as the station lot gets filled up quickly. Parkopedia can help you locate a place to park.
- There is no congestion charge on the weekends after 18:00 Friday and before 07:00 on Mondays and on public holidays, between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day inclusive, or between 18:00 and 07:00. The congestion charge is only for the very centre of London near Westminster.
- There is a carpark on Lower Thames Street which is right across from the Tower of London. It would be considerably cheaper if you are coming down in a car full of people and more convient.
All the Best!
American to Britain