[Ants]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice for travel in the UK, I'm wondering if it's better value to get public transport around the country or is petrol/car hire enough to justify getting a car? I suppose I'm looking for around 10 days hire with travel being mainly outside cities.

I'm sure that's a fairly vague question with lots of variables to take into account but I thought I'd pop it out there nonetheless.




Oh - and please feel free to post any links, I love collecting them

[NM]

For travel anywhere outside central London, I always rent a car and drive. For travel in and around London I use public transport. Petrol is about 2.5 times more expensive than in Australia, but most rental cars are reasonably economical (and small). Rental costs are reasonable.

[tuapekastar]

I'd second what NM said. A car in rural UK is so very convenient, but in London so very inconvenient. Engine sizes tend to be smaller than in equivalent sized cars here in deference to the petrol prices. Not to say regional public transport there is necessarily bad, but a car offers much greater flexibility in getting to smaller places off the beaten track.

[StevePER]

When we were in the UK we did the public transport thing LHR-Oxford-York-Edinburgh and LHR-Bath-London. Anything more rural than that and you would probably want a car.

[Ants]

Are car hire sites like 1car1 any good in terms of their prices?

[stryker]

Originally Posted by Ants

Are car hire sites like 1car1 any good in terms of their prices?

My advice would be to stick with Avis or Hertz (they are really quite competitive), and under no circumstances should you prepay (if you make a change or cancel it will be a real hassle and will probably cost you quite a bit of money).

Have a look at Avis Rent A Car and www.hertz.com.au.

Just my few bob's worth, based on my own experience. I do visit the UK several times a year and I do hold a British passport.

[Tooner]

I agree with NM and others - public transport in London (especially buses - at least you can see things), and rent-a-car outside London. If you are travelling long distances though, look at a rail pass bought in Oz, and book a hire car from the nearest centre to where you are going - driving long distances in the UK is an absolute pain!

Hope this helps!

[Ants]

Thanks for the help I'll keep looking around at those sites suggested. Sounds like some good advice.

[straitman]

Originally Posted by NM

For travel anywhere outside central London, I always rent a car and drive. For travel in and around London I use public transport. Petrol is about 2.5 times more expensive than in Australia, but most rental cars are reasonably economical (and small). Rental costs are reasonable.

NM,

Any thoughts about the Edinburgh area

[Kiwi Flyer]

Public transport in Edinburgh is reasonable in my experience, but not as good as London. We only hired a car once we were ready to get out of Edinburgh (and further afield than Glasgow - good public transport between these cities).