Choosing whether to travel around the capital by private coach or public transport is a decision all schools and teachers have to make when planning a trip. There are advantages to both, and here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you make up your mind.
Coaches
A private coach provides peace of mind that all your group are safely transported in comfort together. You might also get to see some great landmarks along the way.
However, in a major world city like London, traffic can be horrendous and it doesn't take much for long traffic jams to form. If you get caught in congestion there is nothing you can do but sit and wait. You run the risk missing booked appointments which can't always be rearranged at short notice, and the whole trip can be ruined. Additionally, coaches aren't the cheapest option, or the most environmentally friendly!
Currently, due to Brexit and Covid 19, there is a coach driver shortage in the UK and high demand which is driving up prices and lowering avaiability. The hours a driver is permitted to drive per day is also strict, so if travelling to London in the morning and seeing an evening theatre performance, you will need a second coach to take you back to your hotel after the show. This single journey can cost £450-£600!
Theatre Workout works with a number of specialist brokers, local and national coach hire partners, so book a coach as part of your travel arrangements today with Theatre Workout.
Public Transport - Transport for London / TfL
London has one of the best public transport systems in the world which is fast, efficient, and cost effective! For this reason, Theatre Workout always recommends using TfL services to get around the capital.
London schools can get free, off-peak public transport. Other school groups can get low cost, one-day travel cards or week-long oyster cards through Theatre Workout, allowing you to travel on the Underground, Overground, Busses, Trams, DLR and other public services as much as you like all day long!
Yes, delays can occur, but it is still the fastest, cheapest, and most environmentally friendly way of getting around the city.
Book day travel cards for children up aged under 16 from £5.65 per day, and adults aged 16+ from £11.30 per day. Contact us to add this to your trip today.
River Ferries
If you want a more scenic option, why not travel by Thames River Ferries. UBER Thames Clippers run frequent services and you can book single, return, or day-roamer tickets to access popular sites between the O2 in North Greenwich and Westminster, such as Greenwich, The Tower of London, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, The London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.
Theatre Workout is a registered agent with Thames Clipper and can book your tickets for you.
Top TfL Tips:
If travelling on TfL as a school group, here are a few tips:
Employ the buddy system - everyone has a partner so nobody is by themselves.
Plan your journey in advance at www.tfl.gov.uk and share this with everyone in your group so they know where to go and how to get there, should they be seperated from your group.
Have a shared WhatsApp group or make sure students have a contact number they can call if they need help
Avoid peak-time travel before 09:30
Remind students of travel etiquette - don't run or play on escalators (on which you must stand on the right, walk on the left) or on platforms; keep the noise down on busy trains and tube carriages, etc.
To book your coach or travel cards, contact Theatre Workout here.