Travel Tips
This page will be for general hints and tips when using British transport, both to and from and within Birmingham.
Online Travel assistance
These are some useful sites for planning your journey:
General Journey Planners
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/cityplan/ Contains shedloads of bus, train and even distances by foot for connections
Transport Specific Journey Planners
http://www.thetraininline.com/ Information and booking for UK trains
Hints and tips when using public transport
Every Country has subtle ( and some dramatic ) differences between transport system, with each one having its own pecularities and strengths. England is no exception - heres a few things to watch out for:
Integrated, modern transport system
A modern integrated transport has been regarded as a worthwhile goal for British Transport for a number of years, and steps are being made to progress towards this - witness new trains and the introduction of buses on some routes with disabled access. However, unfortunately in terms of punctuality and level of timetable integration our buses, boats and trains still have some way to go before they could be considered world class. Therefore:
- Make allowances for failures in connecting services if booking with multiple operators on a critical journey. Best of all - book with one operator for transfers to London airports.
- Make sure you book any train to the airport to arrive significantly before your airport checkin is due. Whilst services are largely punctual, delays and changes to services are not unknown of, especially at weekends.
Tips
It is often considered polite to tip taxis drivers. Rates vary - some round up to the nearest pound, others to the subsequent pound.