Visiting the UK: why hiring a car beats trains and tour buses

Picture this. You've just landed in the UK and you're itching to get started on the various adventures you've had planned for weeks on end.

However, there's one thing you may have not considered: how you're going to get around.

We're all familiar with the various methods of getting from A to B. But when you're a tourist, you want to enjoy every little thing you do – because, after all, you're on vacation!

Sure you might enjoy a tour bus. You might even enjoy a scenic train journey if it's not too cramped. But in our minds, hiring a car is the best holiday transport option, hands down.

Here's why.

Freedom

Say it with us, "FREEDOM!"

This is huge when it comes to exploring, so let's play devil's advocate.

First, trains. Trains are great. We're very proud of our rail network here in the UK – and, for the most part, it gets us where we need to be when we need to be there.

However, there's a downside. You're at the mercy of schedules, track disruptions and the dreaded transfer – where you have to rush through a crowded station to catch another train, midway through your journey.

Not only can this add some unnecessary anxiety to your trip, but it can also restrict you from catching some hidden gems that you may have seen if travelling by car. 

There's also the option of tour buses. Just like trains, these are a fine way to get around. However, they also have their downsides when it comes to freedom.

Chances are, you'll be sat next to someone for the entire journey and – truth be told – there's not much room in those cramped little seats!

Tour buses often have scheduled rest stops at various points through their journey too – and this may not tie in with your plan.

Hiring a car completely frees you of these burdens because you can do as you please. If you want to travel down the unbeaten track with the windows down, singing at the top of your lungs – go ahead. Or if a quaint little village has caught your eye, why not park up and have a wander? The possibilities are endless.

Money, money, money!

All travel comes with a price tag. However, if you think hiring a car is too expensive, think again.

Hiring a car is a luxury option, yes. But it's an affordable luxury. And besides, relying on the whims of public transport could quickly turn into a false economy.

Take trains, again. (Sorry, trains.)

It's no secret that travelling by train can soon start to rack up and – before you know it – getting from A to B has cost more than intended.

You should also factor in the possibility of missing trains due to excursions running over. You're going to need a little extra cash for those mishaps.

When you hire a car, you've got the price in black and white from the moment you book. Other than your fuel, you're good to go – literally anywhere. No time limits or restrictions.

If you've left the restaurant late, there's no need to sprint across the train station. You can just rock up to your car and pay for your parking. Perfect!

Fun

There's nothing quite like taking in the British countryside as you drive around without a care in the world.

Although trains offer you a similar experience, you can't just stop at any point if you see a photo opportunity.

And then you've got to think about the locals.

Don't get us wrong. For the most part, we're a friendly bunch here in the UK. But like all of man- and womankind, we're liable to feel a little grumpy before lunchtime.

From time to time, you might run into the odd disgruntled train passenger who hasn't had their morning coffee. They're not likely to be enamoured with the scenery quite like you are – and they might take exception to your "oohs", "aahs" and flash photography.

Take it from us: there's nothing quite like a grumpy Brit to squish your good mood.

Hiring a car gives you the flexibility to not only explore the UK to the fullest but also to stop at all the "photo ops". And you can be as loud and appreciative as you like!

For the icing on the cake, why not get a bag full of your favourite snacks or a drink to keep you company as you explore? (We can almost taste the takeout iced coffee from here.)

Personal space

Let's get one thing clear. If there's something that aeroplanes and buses have in common, it's that they both skimp on legroom.

We all know that familiar feeling of being the last person on the bus. You're cramped up on the last seat available, perching right at the end of the cushion because the passenger next to you has already made himself at home.

This is a huge downside to tour buses, because not only will you struggle for space during your numerous hours of travelling, but you may also pull the short straw and find yourself sitting next to the lavatory.

If you hire a car, however, you won't have to contend with maliferous odours filling your airways. You can instead breathe a sigh of relief as you wind your windows down to bask in the country air. 

As if that wasn't enough, you've also got enough room to stretch your legs – and a comfortable, adjustable seat to boot. In a car, you'll be cosy throughout your entire journey.

So, if you're flying into Newcastle International Airport and we've done enough to tempt you on the car hire front, why not give us a call? Our team is always on hand to talk you through your options.

Metro Vehicle Hire is an experienced UK car hire firm. Based in Gateshead, close to Newcastle upon Tyne, we offer competitively priced vehicles that are checked and valeted before every hire.