Getting There & Away: Norfolk

Air Travel to Norfolk

Norwich International Airport NWI

The closest airport to Norfolk. It offers limited direct flights within the UK and to some European destinations. KLM operates regular flights to Amsterdam Schiphol, for global connections.

Airport Details

Routes: Manchester, Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Alicante, Faro.
Airlines: KLM, Ryanair, TUI (seasonal European leisure routes).
City Link: Bus Route 50 connects to Norwich city centre (approx. 20-30 minutes).

Major London Airports

London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN) provide the widest range of international flights, including numerous long-haul routes. However, they mean longer transfer times to Norfolk.

Connectivity & Transfer

LHR/LGW: Global hubs. STN: Extensive European routes.
Transfers: Typically 2.5-4 hours to Norfolk. Stansted is closer at 1.5-2 hours.
Carriers: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Jet2.

Norwich International NWI

Direct flights within UK and select European cities. KLM for global connections. Approx. 5 miles to Norwich.

London Stansted STN

Major hub with extensive European routes. Approx. 70 miles to Norwich. Direct train link.

London Heathrow/Gatwick LHR/LGW

Widest international range. Longer transfer times (130-135 miles to Norfolk).

Flight Information & Airport Facilities

Flight Availability & Prices

Flight availability to NWI increases during summer months.
Prices for flights peak during summer, school holidays, and major events.
Booking flights in advance is recommended, especially for peak times.
Consider services like Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Airport Facilities & Search Tools

Norwich International Airport (NWI) has car rental desks, shops, and cafes.
London Airports provide comprehensive facilities including dining, shopping, lounges.
Use Skyscanner for comparing flight options.
Off-peak travel generally offers more economical options.

Transfer Options from Airports

From Norwich International NWI

Bus Route 50 provides regular service to Norwich city centre (approx. 20-30 minutes). Taxis are readily available outside the terminal.

From Stansted STN

Direct train services to Norwich by Greater Anglia (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes). National Express coaches also offer connections, though journeys may take longer.

From LHR/LGW/LTN

These involve a train or coach journey to central London, followed by a connecting train to Norwich from London Liverpool Street station (Greater Anglia service).

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Norfolk has good train links. Norwich Station is the main hub, offering direct services to London Liverpool Street (approx. 1 hour 50 minutes) for quick capital access.

Train Routes

London Liverpool Street: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.
Cambridge: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Other Major UK Cities: Connections are available via London or other hubs.

Long-Distance Bus Options

National Express coaches connect Norwich from London (Victoria Coach Station) and other major UK cities. These prove a more economical option than trains.

Bus Travel Details

London to Norwich: Approximately 3 hours.
Economical option, though journeys are typically longer.
Visit the National Express website for routes and bookings. Megabus also has some long-distance services.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving offers flexibility to explore Norfolk's rural and coastal areas, where public transport may be less frequent.

Driving Basics

Driving in the UK is on the left-hand side of the road.
A valid driving license is necessary. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English. Explore DiscoverCars.com for rental options.
Road Conditions: UK roads are generally well-maintained. Rural roads in Norfolk can be narrow and winding.

Driving Rules & Tips

Be aware of speed limits and navigation aids for a smooth driving experience.

Safety & Navigation

Speed Limits: Generally 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas, 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways, 70 mph (112 km/h) on dual carriageways and motorways.
Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal.
Navigation: A sat-nav (GPS) or Smartphone apps like Google Maps for reliable navigation.

Driving Reminders

Speed cameras are widely used and clearly marked.
Petrol (gasoline) and Diesel are widely available.
Norwich does not have a congestion charge.

Minimum driving age in the UK is 17. Rental companies typically require drivers to be 21 or 23.
Roundabouts are common; understand how to navigate them safely.
Respect private property and stick to public rights of way.

Sea & River Travel

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Norfolk does not have major international ferry ports directly within the county. Nearby options offer sea access to Eastern England.

Nearby Major Ports

Harwich (Essex): The closest major international ferry port, connections to Hook of Holland (Netherlands) by Stena Line.
Hull (Yorkshire): Further north, provides connections to Rotterdam (Netherlands) and Zeebrugge (Belgium) via P&O Ferries.
Harwich also serves as a cruise port on some UK or European itineraries.

River Transportation

Within Norfolk, river transportation is mainly for leisure and exploring the Norfolk Broads, rather than for arrival into the county from external points.

Inland Waterways

The rivers and broads form a navigable network for private and hired boats.
Various small ferry crossings (e.g., Reedham Ferry, Horning Ferry) facilitate movement.
Many operators offer guided boat trips on the Broads for an overview of waterways and wildlife.

Seaport Immigration

Standard UK immigration procedures apply upon arrival at any seaport. You pass through border control, similar to airport procedures.

Land Connections

Bus and train services connect major ferry ports to towns and cities within Norfolk. Harwich International station has direct links.

Local River Trips

Daily boat tours offer scenic views of the Norfolk Broads for leisure and wildlife observation, not for general transportation between towns.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

Any applicable departure taxes or fees for flights are typically included in the price of your air ticket when purchased. There are no separate exit fees directly levied on travelers departing the UK.

Departure Timing Recommendations

International Flights: Arrive at airport at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
Domestic Flights (from NWI): 1 hour before departure is usually sufficient.
Train Travel: Arrive at station 15-30 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Major London airports offer a wide range of facilities. Norwich International Airport and train stations provide necessary amenities.

Amenities & Tips

Major Airports (London): Duty-free shopping, numerous restaurants, cafes, lounges, currency exchange.
Norwich International Airport (NWI): Shops, cafes, basic amenities in departure lounge.
Allow extra time for potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours or weekends.

Customs & Security

Security Checks

Be prepared for standard security checks. Follow guidelines for liquids, electronics, and prohibited items.

Customs Declarations

Declare goods over allowances. Consult customs rules for restricted items to avoid issues.

Passport Control

Have your passport ready. Be prepared to answer questions politely and concisely.

Getting There & Away