Oystercard/travel in London

wallyberry

I know this has been covered in part elsewhere, but I´m getting very confused!

I live in Manchester and am coming down by car to stay in a travelodge at Chessington next week for a few nights with my family (DH and three children 7yrs and under). We intend to go into London for at least two trips, probably a sightseeing tour by public transport and a trip to the Science and Natural History Museums.

I will then be travelling down alone to Euston on the train on two further occasions, one in early November and one early December, both Saturdays. On the first I need to get to King´s Cross, and on the second I´m going to the British Museum with 4 hours (all being well) to kill between arrival in London and going to the exhibition.

Would Oystercards be our best bet for travelling? Do they cover the whole route from Chessington into the centre and if not, what else do we need, or indeed, would something else be better? And which of us need them?

Like I said, the more I look at the more confused I get.

Jenni

Marcheline

Hi, children aged 5 and under travel for free on all public transport, so don't worry about the younger ones.

I have just looked on national rail website and according to this, both chessington north and south stations do not have oyster pre-pay facilities so it might not be your best bet. As you are returning to london shortly afterward, I would however get an oyster card for yourself, but not necessarily the rest of your family.

It might be an idea to ring 023 8072 8162 (ask for ticket telesales) or 023 8021 3686 which are the (non 0845 numbers - customer services) for the train operator working from Chessington. They will hopefully be able to help you.

I would also advise you to look into the possibility of getting a Family and Friends railcard instead (particularly if you will be travelling off peak) http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/buy-family-friends-railcard It costs £26 but is valid for a year.

Hope I've not muddied the waters even more!

KeithP

Marcheline wrote: »

I would also advise you to look into the possibility of getting a Family and Friends railcard instead (particularly if you will be travelling off peak) http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/buy-family-friends-railcard It costs £26 but is valid for a year.

Hope I've not muddied the waters even more!

OP, I really do not think a Family and Friends railcard is appropriate for your trip.

But if you or anyone else wants or needs one, can I suggest you use this link instead to get one for £19.50.

alanrowell

Marcheline wrote: »

Hi, children aged 5 and under travel for free on all public transport, so don't worry about the younger ones.

Children under the age of 11 travel free on all London transport if accompanied by an adult.

Between the ages of 11 & 16 they can currently - but not after the new year - get a daily Travelcard for £1 which covers all travel in London.

As for the adults an Oystercard will require a £3 deposit and until the new year the maximum spend per days is 50p less than the equivalent 1 day Travelcard

So for the adults there isn't much difference between Oystercard & Travelcard for short stays

pompeyrich

As Marcheline said Chessington N&S are train stations served by SW Trains who dont accept Oyster cards as yet, so a paper travel card would be your only option, it this will cost £7:50 a day for an adult and £1 for a child over 5. As you are buying it from a National Rail station you could get a discount with a F&F railcard, bringing the adult fare down to a fiver, no different for the kids. Maybe you know someone with a family card, or you could put the savings, £10 over 2 days, towards one from Keiths link and effectively get the card for £9.50.

As said an Oyster card is the best option for your solo trips, readily available at tube stations and many other outlets, might be worth picking one up this trip for future use and avoid queues at Euston in November.

oramgepekoe

alanrowell wrote: »

Between the ages of 11 & 16 they can currently - but not after the new year - get a daily Travelcard for £1 which covers all travel in London.

How much will it cost for 11-16 year olds in the New Year?

pompeyrich

oramgepekoe wrote: »

How much will it cost for 11-16 year olds in the New Year?

£2 off peak, Z1-6, or half the adult price at peak times the same as the un- accompanied price now i believe

RichyRich

King's Cross station is five minutes' walk from Euston. Come out of Euston main entrance, walk straight ahead to the main road (Euston Road), turn left, and King's Cross is on your left (also on Euston Road). No need for a tube or bus journey.

The British Museum is also walking distance. From Euston Station's main entrance, walk straight ahead to Euston Road, and cross it. Turn left, and turn right into Woburn Place. This turns into Southampton Row. Take a right into Great Russell Street. The British Museum is on your right.

JimmyTheWig

Note that the "Chessington" Travelodge is actually in Tolworth, but all the above is as true from Tolworth as it is from either of the Chessington stations.

The cheapest way to get into town is with an Oyster card on the bus. But it involves quite a few changes and takes a long time. We did it once - never again!