Latest News
HomeRegional NewsEuropeMajority take tube/tram/bus, but taxis now a more popular option than trains
Reports

Majority take tube/tram/bus, but taxis now a more popular option than trains

A new report into the transport used by overseas visitors in Britain reveals that taxis have become a more popular mode than trains, but that tube/tram and bus trips remain the most popular.

The transport study is the latest in a series of VisitBritain’s foresight editions, which look at the significant issues affecting the inbound tourism industry. The latest report, released today, reveals that now just over half (53%) of all visitors to Britain get around the country using a bus, tube or tram, followed closely by one-in-three who book a taxi (32%). Train trips, outside of towns and cities, have become the third most popular way of getting around with only 28% of international visitors doing so.

Somewhat surprisingly, rather large proportions (15%) bring their own car to Britain, a number dominated by business travellers and European holiday visitors. Only one-in-ten decide to hire a car when in Britain.

Those who visited Britain on business were most likely to book a taxi (42%), followed closely by wealthy international students (33%). However students are also the most likely to use a bus, tube or tram (72%) followed closely by holiday visitors (66%).

VisitBritain also discovered that 68% of 16-24 use public transport such as bus, tube or trams (the highest age bracket) and female tourists are equally as likely as males to use taxis in Britain, with similar proportions across every age bracket.

The taxi industry across the north of the country is booming, with taxis trips the most popular form of transport used across Northern Ireland (44%), North West (40%), Yorkshire (29%) and the North East (38%) for overseas visitors. The majority (bar Yorkshire), actually have a higher percentage of taxi usage than London (37%). Tourists visiting the North West prefer to get around using a taxi than by bus, tram or coach.

A huge 77% of visitors to London take local public transport, followed by 40% to Scotland, yet visitors to Wales and across the Midlands are least likely to use public transport. In fact, the most popular mode of transport for international visitors to Wales is by personal car or group vehicle.

Almost all of our Brazilian visitors (79%) take public transport followed closely by one of Britain’s fastest growing markets, South Korea (70%). Eastern Europeans and the Irish are least likely to use public transport according to this study. Half of New Zealanders and Fins are most likely to use trains outside of towns and cities (47%), however only 12% of Belgians and 17% of our major market, France, use trains to get around outside of London. Only 4% of French visitors use self-drive vehicles roads during their holiday.

Taxi use has emerged as a key transport option for international visitors across Britain. High spending Middle Eastern visitors dominate, with 74% of Bahrainis, 71% of Qataris, 72% of Kuwaitis and 66% of Saudi Arabians only using taxis or private cars.

Middle Eastern visitors spend on average £2,644 per trip in Britain. In 2013, Britain welcomed 590,000 visitors from the GCC regions. These visitors spent a combined record £1.6 billion, up 33%.

David Bishop, Head of Strategy at VisitBritain said: “International visits to the nations and regions grew faster than those to London last year, so we need to build on that and continue to spread the economic benefits of inbound tourism across the UK.

“Britain has one of the finest travel infrastructures in Europe with public transport often the preferred choice of travel for visitors. Our transport network is the backbone of tourism so it’s important we continue to make it a pleasant and user-friendly experience when planning their routes across Britain.”

…on social media and impact on travel choices:
“International visitors are embracing new technology when it comes to booking transport in the UK. It’s starting to provide easier and more affordable ways of getting around Britain, which can only be a positive thing. The rise of popular apps such as Uber has meant that the common barriers of finding a taxi and agreeing a reasonable fare, in a foreign language, are immediately lifted.”

VisitBritain has a devoted section of its online shop to ‘transport and travel’, which is translated in seven languages and available in fourteen currencies. When planning trips, overseas visitors can pre-purchase (at heavily discounted rates) National Rail tickets, BritRail passes, Oyster Cards, airport transfers and hire cars.

Co-Founder & Managing Director - Travel Media Applications | Website | + Posts

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

29/03/2024
28/03/2024
27/03/2024
26/03/2024
25/03/2024
22/03/2024