Reaching the United Kingdom from continental Europe is easy: dozens of direct flights every day link the main European cities to London and other British cities, and those who love trains or cars can cross the Channel by ferry or through the tunnel. Before leaving, however, remember that since Brexit EU citizens need a passport and an ETA electronic travel authorisation (see documents and ETA).
By air
Flying is the quickest and cheapest option. From Rome and Milan to London the flight takes about two and a half hours and two hours; direct flights leave from almost every major airport in Italy and the rest of Europe, with full-service and low-cost airlines, to London but also to Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Birmingham and other cities. London has six airports, and it is worth choosing the one best connected to your destination: Heathrow and London City are the most convenient for the centre, Gatwick for the south, while Stansted and Luton are served mainly by low-cost airlines. For full details see UK airports. Booking early and travelling off-season you can find very low fares, but watch out for baggage charges.
By train
The train is a comfortable and more sustainable alternative. Eurostar links Paris to London St Pancras in about two and a quarter hours and Brussels in about two hours, through the Channel Tunnel, opened in 1994; there are also direct services from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. From Italy you can reach Paris by high-speed train from Milan and Turin, or by air, and continue on Eurostar. British border checks take place before departure, at the station in Paris or Brussels: arrive in good time.
By car
From Milan to Calais is about 1,000 kilometres. From Calais you can cross the Channel in two ways: with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, a shuttle train that carries cars and reaches Folkestone in about 35 minutes, or by ferry to Dover, in about an hour and a half. In the UK you drive on the left, speed limits are in miles per hour and EU driving licences are valid for visitors. For driving details see trains and transport.
By ferry
As well as the routes from Calais and Dunkirk to Dover, many ferries link the continent with Britain: from the Netherlands to Harwich, Hull and Newcastle, and from France and Spain, with Brittany Ferries, to Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth. From Ireland you reach Wales, at Holyhead, Fishguard and Pembroke, and Liverpool; from Northern Ireland, Scotland at Cairnryan. Fares vary greatly with the season, day and time.
By coach
There are direct coach services from Italy to London, with or without changes, but the journey takes more than twenty hours: it is only worthwhile for those with time and a tight budget. The coach is more attractive as an alternative to the train from Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam.
Before you go
- Documents: a passport valid for the whole stay and an approved ETA. EU identity cards are no longer accepted.
- Health: the European Health Insurance Card gives access to necessary care in the NHS; travel insurance is still recommended.
- Money: the currency is the pound sterling; contactless cards are accepted almost everywhere (see currency).
- Plugs: type G, with three rectangular pins: you need an adapter.
- Phone: EU roaming is no longer guaranteed by law; check your operator's conditions.
See also travel tips, when to go and Brexit.