Getting around in London, Oyster Cards

summer1979

Hi

Can someone advise me on the best way to get around London? Based upon where we want to get to, I think by underground will be best, but know nothing about how to purchase tickets to do this....Oyster Cards.....what are these??

Thanks

Sharon87

They're like the new touchless credit cards. You get one from a ticket office at a refundable cost of £5, you top them up on a machine or at the ticket window, and instead of putting a ticket in the barriers touch the oyster on the reader (dont swipe it might not read it properly and you'll get annoyed people behind you).

Oyster is cheaper unless you're just getting a day travelcard then it's the same. Oyster automatically caps out once you reach the travelcard price.

Oyster cards are good if you return to London or are there for at least a few days. You can also use them on buses

You can find prices here
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14416.aspx

If you're in London for more than 3-4 days and use the transport a lot then you will be better off getting a 7 days travelcard

summer1979

Thanks for the info.

We will be in London for 2 x days (thu + fri), there are 2 x adults and 1 x child. Could someone tell me the best option? Thanks

saver9486

You are best getting an Oyster card for each person travelling, as these will always be cheaper or the same price as the equivalent travelcard. You can top them up at a ticket machine depending on how much you travel. When you leave London you can get a refund on the cards (the deposit and any outstanding credit) by handing them in to a ticket office.

How old is the child? Under 11s travel for free when with an adult, and do not need an Oyster card. Children over 11 will need a regular Oyster card if only visiting for a short period.

opinions4u

If you have a Friends and Family Railcard and are travelling after 9.30am each day, buying a travelcard from a manned kiosk will probably be best for you.

yorkie2

As I have no idea what journeys, or how many journeys, you are making, I cannot say what I think is best. Sorry.

saver9486 wrote: »

You are best getting an Oyster card for each person travelling, as these will always be cheaper or the same price as the equivalent travelcard.

Even if the child was aged 12-16 and a Family Railcard was held?

alanrowell

summer1979 wrote: »

Thanks for the info.

We will be in London for 2 x days (thu + fri), there are 2 x adults and 1 x child. Could someone tell me the best option? Thanks

If you are travelling to & from London by train then don't put your tickets into any automatic barriers when you arrive in London as then you can use them for the offers on daysoutguide.com

If you aren't and you want to use the offers then buy one day Travelcards at a train station ticket office.

If your aren't interested or have train tickets then it doesn't really matter which you buy as the maximum cost will be the same whether you use Oystercard PAYG or Travelcards.