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Planning your journey to London? Budget travel options are available whether you’re arriving by plane, train, ferry or bus

Backpackers on the Tube © VisitBritain/Eric Nathan

Driving to London is often costly, time-consuming, and stressful. So why not let someone else take the strain? Here are our top tips for cheap travel to London.

Travel by Plane

Stansted Airport is the main hub for budget airlines, but they also operate from Gatwick and Luton. Read more about London Airports. Some of the larger carriers such as British Airways offer great deals so it’s well worth shopping around.

Budget operators serving London include:

• easyJet is one of the main budget airlines serving the UK and Europe
• RyanAir this major, low fare airline flies to the UK, Europe and other popular holiday destinations
• Air Berlin connects Stansted and Gatwick to airports in Europe, the UK and beyond
• German Wings fly from Stansted and Heathrow to a range of European destinations
• WizzAir links Luton to Central and Eastern Europe
• Monarch Airlines fly into Gatwick and Luton from popular holiday destinations in Europe and beyond
• Aer Lingus fly into Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton from Ireland, Northern Ireland and the US
• Flybe is one of Europe’s biggest regional airlines, serving UK and European destinations from Luton and Gatwick

If you can book well in advance, and avoid peak times such as Christmas, you’re more likely to get a cheap flight to London. Keep an eye out for airline sales and special deals from travel agents such as FlyThomasCook and Expedia.

Travel by Coach

Although slower than other transport methods, coaches offer one of the best value routes to London. Try the following companies for the best fares:

• National Express Cheap fares to London are available from more than 30 UK cities, with prices from £1
• Megabus offers cheap travel to London from UK destinations from £1 plus 50p booking fee
• Berry’s Coaches run frequent services between the West Country and London
• Oxford Tube and the X90 are cheap coach services between Oxford and London.
• Green Line Coaches connect the Home Counties to London.

Find out more about coach options and journey times on our Coaches to London page.

Cheap Train Travel

Booking in advance and travelling off-peak help to keep fares to London down. Two single tickets may work out cheaper than a return. To plan your route and book rail travel try these websites:

• National Rail Enquiries website allows you to check fares and train times
• The Trainline sells rail tickets for all train companies on all UK routes
• Megatrain offers budget travel to London on some South West Trains services.

Eurostar to London

Eurostar is a fast and economic rail service linking London to continental Europe via the Channel Tunnel. Book in advance for the best prices and look out for train and hotel deals. Visit the Eurostar website

Ferry Deals

The UK is well connected to the rest of Europe by ferry and sea ports have excellent transport links to London. The best ferry deals can often be booked online. Again, advance booking is crucial. See our page on Ferry Connections to London.

Budget Travel Within London

Walking is one of the best ways to take in London’s breathtaking sites. And, like cycling, it’s free! Find out more information on our Walking in London and Cycling in London pages. If you decide to use public transport, Oyster cards are a cheap, fast and easy way to access the public transport network.

For more advice on affordable London see our Budget Day Out page, browse Budget Hotel Chains or get a local’s perspective with our Budget London feature.  Budget adventure tours

More advise from VisitLondon: http://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/travel-to-london/cheap-travel-to-London

Travel Editor
Backpacker Tour Company – www.BackpackerTours.co.uk