Top 10 Tips to Travel Cheaply Around the UK Without Compromising Comfort
- Jamie Reid - Credit, Loans & Everyday Money Writer
- Feb 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Travelling across the UK doesn't have to cost a fortune. From scenic rail journeys to affordable city stays, it’s possible to explore the country on a tight budget — if you know the tricks of the trade.
Whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend away, or an extended holiday around the UK, these top 10 money-saving tips will help you cut costs on transport, accommodation, food, and more — all without sacrificing quality or experience.
Let’s dive into the smartest ways to travel cheaply across the UK.
1. Book Train Travel Early and Use Railcards
Train fares in the UK can be notoriously expensive — unless you plan ahead.
Smart rail travel tips:
Book tickets in advance (typically 8–12 weeks) to access the cheapest fares.
Use a railcard to save up to 1/3 on tickets. Options include:
16–25 Railcard
26–30 Railcard
Two Together Railcard
Senior Railcard
Split ticketing can reduce fares on longer journeys. Try websites like TrainSplit or Split My Fare.
Travel off-peak to avoid inflated prices.
Read our guide on: Cheapest Ways to Travel in the UK
2. Travel by Coach for Rock-Bottom Prices
Coach services are often the cheapest way to travel around the UK — and surprisingly comfortable for short to medium distances.
Why coach travel works:
Services like Megabus and National Express offer fares from as little as £1.
Ideal for budget city-to-city travel (e.g. London to Manchester).
Free Wi-Fi, charging points, and flexible luggage allowances.
Tip: Book in advance and avoid peak Friday/Sunday travel slots for the best prices.
3. Use Local Transport Smartly
Instead of taxis or driving everywhere, make use of cheap public transport in towns and cities.
Tips to cut local transport costs:
Buy day travelcards or group passes.
Use contactless cards for cheaper fares in places like London, Manchester, and Liverpool.
Download local transport apps for journey planning and digital ticketing.
In London, for example, the daily cap on contactless/Oyster travel means you’ll never pay more than a set amount no matter how often you travel.
4. Consider Off-Peak Accommodation Options
Hotels in big cities can be expensive, but there are always ways to find a bargain.
Affordable accommodation strategies:
Use comparison sites like Booking.com or Kayak.
Stay during weekdays, not weekends.
Look beyond hotels — budget options include:
Hostels with private rooms
Guest houses or B&Bs
University halls (available during holidays)
Private rentals in outer areas with good transport links
Read our guide on: How to Travel Smart on a Budget
5. Explore Free Attractions and Walking Tours
Many UK cities offer a wealth of attractions that cost absolutely nothing.
Free (or very cheap) things to do:
Museums (most national museums in London, Liverpool, and Edinburgh are free)
Art galleries
Historic sites and churches
Free guided walking tours (just tip the guide at the end)
Coastal walks, national parks, and public gardens
For example, the British Museum, Tate Modern, and National Museum of Scotland are all completely free.
6. Pack Smart to Avoid Extra Costs
Overpacking or forgetting essentials can result in extra spend — especially if you're flying or moving around a lot.
Packing tips:
Pack versatile clothing that works for layers.
Bring reusable water bottles and travel-sized toiletries.
Avoid checked baggage if using budget airlines — stick to cabin-sized luggage.
Bonus tip: A compact umbrella and foldable rucksack can save you money on rainy days and unexpected shopping.
7. Bring Your Own Food and Snacks
Food can quickly eat into your travel budget — especially in tourist hotspots or transport hubs.
Money-saving food tips:
Bring packed lunches or snacks for travel days.
Visit local supermarkets or bakeries for meal deals.
Stay in accommodation with cooking facilities or breakfast included.
Use discount apps like Too Good To Go to grab end-of-day food from cafes and restaurants for cheap.
Read our guide on: How to Save Money on Your Utility Bills
8. Use Cashback and Voucher Sites
Many people forget that you can earn money back or get discounts just for booking through the right platforms.
Cashback opportunities:
Use Quidco or TopCashback when booking trains, hotels, and attractions.
Apply discount codes from VoucherCodes or HotUKDeals before finalising bookings.
Some cashback credit cards also offer travel-related perks and refunds.
Read our guide on: Best Cashback Credit Cards in the UK
9. Travel in Groups or with Family Discounts
Travelling with others? There are plenty of group deals to take advantage of.
Group travel savings:
Group train tickets or day passes
Family admission discounts at attractions
Shared Airbnb or holiday rental costs
Group coach bookings
If you're travelling with kids, look for Kids Go Free offers on certain train and coach routes — especially during school holidays.
10. Use Fee-Free Bank Cards and Avoid Currency Hiccups
If you're travelling near the borders (e.g. Northern Ireland or taking day trips to Ireland), currency and card usage can catch you out.
Smart banking tips:
Use fee-free debit cards like Starling or Chase.
Always pay in local currency when offered the option.
Check if your current account offers cashback or rewards for travel spending.
Read our guide on: How to Choose the Best Bank Account for Your Lifestyle
For wider budgeting help, the MoneyHelper Budget Planner can help manage travel alongside other financial commitments.
Bonus Tip: Try a Rail Rover or Explorer Pass
An overlooked option, rail rovers and regional explorer passes can offer unlimited travel for a fixed price over several days.
Examples include:
Spirit of Scotland Travelpass
North of England Rover
South West Explore Pass
These passes are perfect for slow travel or flexible itineraries, and ideal if you're not sticking to one destination.
FAQs: Travelling Cheaply in the UK
What’s the cheapest way to get around the UK?
Coaches (Megabus, National Express) are usually cheapest. Trains can be affordable with advance booking and railcards. Walking or cycling is free — and often the best way to explore cities.
When should I book UK travel to get the best price?
Book train and coach tickets as far in advance as possible — especially for weekends or holidays. Accommodation is cheaper midweek and outside major cities.
Are there travel passes that cover multiple regions?
Yes. Regional rail rovers and explorer tickets offer great value if you're visiting multiple places in one area. Look for passes valid over 3–8 days.
Can students or pensioners get extra discounts?
Absolutely. Students can use 16–25 Railcards, NUS discounts, and student coach fares. Pensioners can access Senior Railcards and local authority bus passes.
Is it worth using loyalty schemes or cashback sites for travel?
Yes — you can often get 5–15% back just by clicking through a cashback site before you book. Combine this with voucher codes for even better deals.
Final Thoughts
Travelling across the UK doesn’t have to be expensive — you just need to know where to look for savings. By combining early bookings, railcards, free attractions, smart accommodation choices and cashback opportunities, you can explore more for less.
Budget travel isn’t about missing out — it’s about making informed choices that stretch your money further. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the UK’s best destinations without blowing your budget.
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