Accessibility Tools

Skip to main content

Trains, Planes, Buses & Shuttles

Pre Departure

Last 100 Final Out

Official Tourist Information

Check out this site for official advice and information for Great Britain.

Plan Your Trip

Trains

    • Allow plenty of time to buy your ticket, and always ask about any special offers or reduced fares. An advance ticket is usually cheaper than one bought on the day, but often has restrictions on being able to change or cancel the journey.

    • It is best to reserve your seat in advance, especially if you want to travel at peak times.

    • You can buy tickets online from National Rail, The Trainline, or directly from the train companies or at the station.  The cheapest option could be to split the journey and search for shorter trips.

    • Using a contactless credit or debit card is a suitable payment method and may be a quicker option. More details: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/pay-as-you-go/contactless-and-mobile-pay-as-you-go
    • Ticket offices in rural areas may have limited opening hours, in which case you can buy your ticket from the conductor on board the train. Trains are not always on time, so patience is recommended.
    • A yellow line above a train window indicates a first-class compartment. Note that even if the train is full, you cannot sit in the first-class area without paying the full fare.

    • Stations are usually well-signposted to town centers, and buses usually stop outside. Trains on Sundays and public holidays can be slower and less frequent than normal.

If you're often traveling to London you may wish to research the Oyster Card or register touch-to-pay on your phone.

  • Buy your ticket at a kiosk, a counter, or online

  • Activate or validate your ticket before boarding

  • If using the London underground only, scan your oyster card, or your mobile touch to pay at the entrance and upon exit

  • Be sure to board the correct train and class of car, this applies on all trains other than the London underground

  • Tickets are usually cheaper online

Note: Boarded the wrong train? Notify the conductor ASAP and pay the ticket difference. It’s cheaper than a fine!

Planes

Flying throughout Europe is incredibly cheap! There are a variety of options available depending on COVID restrictions. Here are a few:

  • The closest airports are Stansted and Luton

  • Pay for luggage & check-in online to reduce fees

  • Read baggage policies - budget airlines are strict!

Local Buses

  • Always check routes, schedules and fares at the local tourist office or bus station before you depart on a bus to avoid any problems.

  • The largest British coach operator is National Express, and locally https://www.suffolkonboard.com, Travel Line or Train Line may help to find more public transport options.

  • Buy your tickets online, at a bus station, or on a bus.

  • Validate your ticket on the bus each time you board.

  • Use Google Maps to help navigate public bus routes/schedules.

  • Buses are not always on time, patience is recommended.

RAF Mildenhall Calendar

After Arrival Topics