Travel in the UK and Europe

You've probably already discovered that London is a very accessible city.  You've probably mastered or are close to mastering the tube.  Are you starting to think about going further afield?  Here are some links that might be of use to you as you think about your travels outside of London, whether they be in the rest of the UK or the rest of Europe.  This is by no means an exhaustive list and ICLC or Ithaca College does not endorse one company over another.

National Rail  - train timetables, ticket prices and information about overground train travel throughout the UK
Eurolines - coach (bus) travel from the UK all across Europe
National Express - fare and travel information for coaches and buses outside Central London
Mega Bus - intercity bus travel throughout the UK at cheap prices
Eurostar - fares and information for travel to Paris, Brussels or Lille on a high-speed passenger train
Ryan Air - a budget airline with cheap fares in the UK and Europe
Easy Jet - another budget airline with cheap fares in the UK and Europe

*TIP
If you think you might be doing a lot of travel by train in the UK, consider purchasing a discounted railcard for the National Rail. For £30, you can save up to 1/3 of your train fares in the UK (and off-peak tube travel if you link the railcard to your oyster). http://www.railcard.co.uk/

*TIP
Don't be swayed by cheap prices!  Keep an eye on extra costs like getting to the airport and baggage allowances, some airlines charge for any checked baggage.  Cheap flights tend to be really early in the morning or really late at night, sometimes when the tubes aren't running.  You'll need to factor in costs for transport such as the express trains or taxis.

Getting to the Airports

Getting to the airport can be confusing as there are so many options available to you.  Check the links below to make the best choices for yourself.

Easy Bus- bus transfer to all major London airports
Gatwick Airport - information on all ways to get to Gatwick
Heathrow Airport  - information on getting to Heathrow
Stansted Airport - information on getting to and from Stansted

Staying Safe While Abroad

It's suggested that you check the US State Department's website for any travel advisories while you're making your plans.  They've got a special website for students abroad with information about everything from Travel Warnings to where to find your nearest embassy while you travel.  Check it out at http://studentsabroad.state.gov. For contact details of US Embassies abroad follow this link: http://www.usembassy.gov/ 

You may have done it already, but you can also register your travel details with the State Department.  It's called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and allows the State Department to get in touch with you in an emergency.  You can do it here: https://step.state.gov/step/