What is the cheapest way to travel around the UK?

If you’re looking to travel around the UK on a budget, here are some of the cheapest and most effective ways, with tips tailored especially if you’re planning to live/work there (as you are interested in moving to the UK).

✅ Top cost-saving travel methods

Coaches / Long-distance buses
- Operators such as Megabus and National Express offer very low-cost fares between cities. For example, some Megabus tickets start at £1 when booked well in advance. The Complete University Guide+3GlobetrotterGirls+3savzz.co.uk+3
- According to travel guides: “Buses are by far the cheapest way to travel around the UK.” Ultimate Travel Guide
- Downsides: slower than trains, may have more stops and longer journey times.
Advance booking + off-peak travel
- For services such as trains, booking weeks ahead can get you major savings. coffeethecanvas.com+2travelvixta.com+2
- Travelling off-peak (not rush-hour) also helps reduce cost. x-ride.co.uk
- Example: With a railcard you might get ~1/3 off many fares. discountagent.co.uk+1
Railcards / Travel-passes / Local cards
- If you’ll be travelling often by train, a railcard (e.g., for under-26s, or “Two Together”) can save ~33%. discountagent.co.uk+1
- City or regional travel cards (especially for local buses/trams) also help for everyday commuting. travelvixta.com+1
Buses, cycling and walking for local travel
- For shorter distances or in cities, local buses/trams are cheap and convenient.
- Also consider cycling or walking (especially if you’re living/working in one place) — zero fuel costs and healthy. Uninist+1

🎯 My recommendation for you, given you’re interested in working in the UK

Since you’re interested in settling into a job (e.g., in London or elsewhere in the UK), the following strategy will help:

For daily commuting: Get familiar with local transport cards (e.g., in whatever region you live).
For inter-city travel (weekends, exploring): Use coaches if you’re on a tight budget, and only use trains when you book well in advance or via railcard.
Always plan ahead: Being flexible with date/time, booking early, choosing off-peak will save you a lot.
If you’ll travel often within the UK (not just once), a railcard is a good investment.

📌 Bottom line

If I had to pick the cheapest single method, it would be: book a long-distance coach (Megabus or National Express) well ahead of time, especially for big journeys (e.g., London ↔ another city). For local transport, use buses/trams, cycling or walking when feasible.