Travelling Nurses
Flights and Holidays
The underground (tube)
It can be quite confusing using the Underground for the first time, but the station representatives in Blue uniforms and Ticket Desk operators are very helpful, so don't be shy to ask for help!
Tube Maps are also readily available, and an essential item for London Travel. More about living in London here.
When taking the correct line, ensure it is going in the right direction (East - West or North - South).
In planning your route, take into account that the underground walking tunnels can be quite long and it may take a while before you find the right exit.
Flights
Main cheap flights options - ryanair.com, flybe.com and easyjet.co.uk
Rail
There are many types of fares depending on the day of the week, the time of day, student status, number of days (or weeks) the ticket has to be valid, family ticket, and so on, that it is impossible to give all the combinations here.
It is best to explain to the ticket salesman what your route is (e.g. only train or train plus underground or bus) so that he can give you the cheapest possible ticket.
Railcards and Network cards are passes that allow the holders to have considerable discounts on certain routes. These can be discounts for any member of the family or people traveling with them. If you plan to use the train quite often, but on an irregular basis, this might be an interesting offer.
Railtrack :timetable information about traveling by train in Great Britain . If you are traveling further, there is a site where you can buy tickets and reserve seats throughout mainland UK, thetrainline.com
Travelcard
You can use the Travel card on London buses, Underground, and certain train networks. You can also buy a booklet of tickets (10) if you travel frequently.
Buses
The destination is shown on the front and the back of the bus. Buses are not required to stop everywhere so signal the bus driver on time if you want to get on or off.
London (and other cities) is divided into zones and your fare depends on the zones of your journey.
You can pay the fare to the driver when you get on the bus. Tickets depend on the destination, number of days (week or months) you want to travel.
Weekend and holiday services are very restricted.
There are also long-distance buses (coaches), express buses and sight-seeing buses. Express buses are usually cheaper than the British rail system.
International trains
The Eurostar is a fast passenger train from London to Paris or Brussels. Booking can be done through your local travel agent or by phoning directly and paying with a credit card. It is useful to know that you can not only board the Eurostar in London but also at Ashford, near Folkestone.
You can take your car on the shuttle train through the Channel tunnel with Eurotunnel in Folkestone (UK) and get off in Calais (France). You can either pay for your ticket on the spot in Folkestone or order it by phone.
It is highly advisable to order your trip by phone in advance, because there are periods when the train is booked full and rates might be higher when you simply show up.
You should remember to arrive 25 minutes before departure, or even longer if you are planning to go to the shopping facilities.
It is important never to forget to take along your passports and those of your children, as you will be going through customs. Otherwise, you will have to go back for them.
• Eurotunnel: Tel, 0870 240 2995
• Points plus number: Tel, 0870 840 0026
Point Plus: If you frequently use Le Shuttle (or Eurotunnel), it is in your interest to become a member of their free Point Plus program as soon as possible.
You will be informed of their special deals and you can accrue travel miles for a free trip.
It is not uncommon that the phone lines of the Eurotunnel are completely occupied for several days and that it is very difficult to get through. So book as far in advance as possible, when you know the dates of your departure, especially if it is at the beginning of a school holidays or July and August, which are peak Summer Holiday months.
Other ways to cross the Channel
• Hoverspeed: Bookings Tel: 08705 240 241
• P&O North Sea Ferries: Bookings Tel: 0990 980 980
• Seafrance: Bookings Tel: 0990 711 711
• Eurostar: High speed train London-Paris, London-Brussels
Since the above companies regularly have promotions, it is worth your while to give them all a call before deciding with which one to book.
Web Sites
Ferryoffers - good rates on channel crossings by ferry.
Bus companies
Car Hire
