Статья

Travel around the UK - roads, airports, rail, bus transport
The United Kingdom of Great Britain has an excellent transport infrastructure.
This was facilitated not only by the huge tourist flow, but also by the development
of the country itself and, in particular, the business sector. The total length of all
roads is at least 399 thousand kilometers. At the same time, there are relatively
few motorways in the country. They are only about three and a half thousand
kilometers. You can travel by car to any region of the country. Don't forget that
there is left-hand traffic in the UK. London has a subway or subway system that
covers 12 subway lines, surface and mixed. It is worth noting that the lines are
often divided into separate small branches, so you should always follow the
transport route.
There are also taxi services in the country. The most expensive vehicles are black
taxis. You can just stop them on the street. The cars are always upscale, with a
clean and comfortable interior. Drivers use the meter. A less expensive taxi should
be called by phone. In this case, you need to specify the price, since there is no
counter in the cabin. There are trams in major cities. In London, you can even
find double-decker trams. However, buses are considered the most popular way
to get around the city. They run from 4-5 to 1 a.m. There are several night routes.
As a rule, they run only to major cities and the most popular destinations. Public
transport tickets can be purchased at roadside kiosks, bus stops and train stations,
as well as directly from the driver.
Locals do not travel between cities by bus, instead they use trains. It will be much
more comfortable this way, although the cost of a train ticket is much higher.
About 50 years ago, the railway line passing through the territory of the modern
kingdom was in very poor condition. However, the authorities have taken action,
and now the UK railway network is one of the best in Europe. The ticket price
depends on the class of the train and the length of the track. It is worth noting that
you can get even to the most remote settlements. It is possible to travel between
the regions of the kingdom and between coastal cities using water transport. In
particular, you can use ferries. Special boats, water taxis, yachts and a variety of
small sightseeing vessels cruise along the Thames.
Air transport in the UK is also at a decent level. There are many domestic and
international airports in the country, so moving between the most remote points
of the state will be fast and comfortable. In addition, the cost of air tickets is quite
acceptable. You can get around the city on bicycles. The authorities zealously
support this trend, so they are constantly expanding the network of bike paths.
You can rent a two-wheeled vehicle in any locality. This is especially true in large
cities, where the old streets are very narrow, and traffic jams can reach several
kilometers. You can also rent a car, but only if you have an international driver's
license. This option will cost you at least $ 60 per day.
Main airports and air transportation
The air transport network in the UK is simply excellent. There are about 450
airports in the country. Some of them are used not only for passenger
transportation, but also for freight. The main airports serve domestic and
international flights. Heathrow Airport is the country's largest air harbor. It is
located twenty kilometers from London. He has no equal in the kingdom.
Heathrow occupies a worthy 4th place in the world. There are five terminals at
the airport. Everything is organized here for a comfortable stay for passengers,
including bank branches, cafes and restaurants, various shops, waiting rooms,
business centers and child care rooms. You can get to the city by bus or train. You
can also book a transfer and taxi in advance, or rent a car.
Gatwick Airport is the second largest airport in the country. Although it is the
busiest airport in the world in terms of its capacity. It has two terminals, with a
metro train line running between them. The infrastructure of the air harbor is
pleasant. Here you can find souvenir shops and boutiques, children's rooms and
conference rooms, restaurants and cafes. It should be noted that hotels are located
right on the territory. This airport is located 46 kilometers from London. On the
opposite side, at the same distance from the capital, is Stansted Airport. It is
famous for its unusual architecture and high-quality service.
Manchester Airport is located near the city of the same name. Its scale is not very
impressive when compared with the first three air harbors. However, the quality
of service is also excellent. There is a railway station and a bus station on the
territory of the airport. Edinburgh Scottish Airport is located just 12 kilometers
from the city of the same name. This harbor has recently become international.
This direction is very popular today. Gibraltar Airport serves not only civilian but
also military forces. Bristol Air Gate is one of the ten busiest airports in the whole
kingdom. There is only one international airport in Wales - Cardiff. It is located
just 20 kilometers from the city. You can get there by bus or train.
Railway, bus, water and other transport
The UK is characterized by a fairly developed transport infrastructure. It is
comfortable to travel by any type of transport. The state monitors the condition
of the fleet, trains, planes and sea transport. Thus, the cost of the trip is quite
comparable with the quality of service and convenient roads. Very few travelers
choose a car as their main means of transportation around the country. Traffic is
on the left, and most tourists are just not used to it. In the largest tourist cities, it
can be difficult to drive by car, because all the old streets are very narrow. This is
especially true for London. However, you can rent a car at every airport or in a
major city. A bike may be an option. Almost all cities in the country have
extensive bike paths. Thus, it will be possible not only to get to the desired
destination quickly and inexpensively, but also to admire the surrounding nature.
The most popular public transport in the country is the bus. Inside the city, buses
run in different directions every 15-20 minutes. There are lines operating from 4
a.m. to 1 a.m. Night buses run on the most popular routes. During the holidays,
the number of vehicles is significantly reduced. Bus tickets can be purchased at
roadside kiosks, at bus stops or train stations and directly from the driver. You can
buy a one-time ticket or a travel card. In the second case, you can save a little.
Long-distance buses, as a rule, depart from bus stations every hour. Great
attention is paid to comfort. Some companies offer drinks and light snacks to their
passengers.
Oxford double-decker red buses are the hallmark of Great Britain. However, few
people have heard of red double-decker trams. Although they are quite common
in London. Such a means of transportation appeared in the capital 50 years ago.
Later it disappeared, and only a few years ago the local authorities returned such
transport to the city. It is worth noting that you can purchase a travel card that
allows you to travel by bus and tram. The metro is also very popular in the capital.
It is one of the oldest in the world. There are 12 lines in total. Many of them are
mixed and have above-ground and underground sections. The branches
themselves are quite confusing, so you should carefully follow the route map
when traveling. Please note that hitchhiking is common in the UK. This type of
transport is safe and inexpensive.
The UK has a very long railway network. It is one of the best in Europe. With the
help of such transport, you can get to the most remote regions of the country. To
save a little money, it is worth buying tickets one or two weeks in advance. It is
also possible to issue a reusable ticket. The speed of most trains in England
reaches two hundred kilometers per hour. The carriages are clean and
comfortable. Trains run according to the schedule. The maximum delay time is
10-20 minutes. The cost depends on the duration of the trip, the point of departure
and the class of the train or car. In order to save time, many tourists travel between
the most famous cities of the kingdom by air. There are about 450 air harbors in
the country. Domestic flights are available at almost every airport. You can get
there by buses, trains, transfers or by taxi. Since the United Kingdom is an island
country, maritime transport is well developed here. You can travel between the
mainland and coastal cities by ships and ferries. Moreover, the second type of
transport is more popular among tourists. Firstly, its cost is low. Secondly, ferries
can carry any cargo, and even cars or bicycles. At the height of the tourist season,
water taxis, yachts and tour boats run along the Thames in London. You can also
take a taxi. There are two main types of taxis - with meters and with a fixed fare.
In the first case, such a car can be rented on the street. The second type of taxi
can only be called by phone. Do not forget to check the cost of the trip with the
operator in advance.
National traditions of Great Britain. Habits, mentality and lifestyle
The United Kingdom unites several historical provinces under its flag. The
mentality of the residents is not similar. The Irish, Scots, Welsh and English differ
in traditions, temperament and even languages. The stereotype of British prudery
and indifference is well founded. They really know how to hide emotions and
demonstrate an equal attitude to everything that happens. The locals are
incredibly punctual and polite; they try to avoid controversial issues and conflicts.
The British have incredible self-control. It's almost impossible to get them out of
your head. They are taught from childhood to cope with all possible difficulties.
Nevertheless, these people are characterized by snobbery and vanity.
The English rarely use negation or affirmation. Most often they respond with "I
think" or "maybe". They listen attentively without interrupting, but even a smile
can hardly mean that the interlocutor agrees. The concept of English humor is
widely known in the world. Despite their emotional stinginess, the British like to
joke. They make fun of themselves, the royal family and the church. Their humor
is quite specific and not clear to everyone. The British strive to preserve their
identity. They are separated from the rest of Europe not only geographically, but
also culturally. This country is the only one in Europe where cars are still moving
on the left side of the road. The UK has managed to maintain its currency and
distance measure.
Great Britain, for all its cultural diversity, has many authentic traditions. The most
striking of them is the traditional tea party. The tea table should stand near the
fireplace, which is the most cozy place in the house. It is covered with a snowwhite or blue tablecloth. Dishes from the same set are used; different cups and
saucers are considered bad form. There should be a tea set on the table. It includes
a kettle, a jug of boiling water, a milk jug, dessert plates, forks and knives, a stand
for a strainer, a sugar bowl with tongs and a wool cover that fits over a jug of
boiling water. Toasts, butter, eggs, sweet and unsweetened pastries, jams and
biscuits are also served.