London Travel for visitors

DRamsay7S

Hello,
I have read several posts but I am still rather confused about the best way to travel in London.
We'll be visiting for 5 days, but may also use public transport a few days afterwards, near Slough/Windsor areas.

As far as I understand, the cheapest way to go about it is using contactless bank cards for myself and my husband, is that correct? As it will cap a daily amount anyway?

The problem lies that we have 3 children, aged 6, 8 and 12. Do I have to get them a travel card before we go?


Also - on a previous thread, the Emirates Cable Car was recommended to me as a good and worthwhile experience - but reading the travel information on that has confused me even more!

Any help for this country bumpkin gratefully received! Thank you! :rotfl:



Edited to add: Just found a window open that I had obviously opened while reading other peoples' threads, and had temporarily lost the window! -(I can't post the link as I'm 'new' to the forums) is this the answer to my first question? Should I buy visitor oyster cards for myself, my husband, and my 12 year old, then get them to alter the 12 year old's card to include a youth discount? Thanks!

EconomicsGirl

You can use your bank card, just hold it over the card reader in and out. 10 and under are free. In theory you need to pay for 12 year old. Don't think you need to do this in advance though. TFL website will tell you. When you enter tube with children go through ticket barrier with largest gates so kids can go through with you.

I didn't like Emirates cable car at all and wouldn't recommend it but maybe was unlucky. I normally love cable cars but it was swaying a lot. Boat trips are good and much better though can do both as boat goes to by cable car. No need to buy Oyster card now, can just use bank card in same way.

susancs

As stated above adults need to use a contactless bank card each for travel. children aged 10 and udner travel free just follow you through lugguage/pushchair barriers at train stations and onot bus. You tap in and out with your card on the trains and just in (by the driver) on the bus. It woudl probably be easiest to get your 12 year old a 7 day zone1-2 travel card for £16.50 on arrival or if you have a railcard then it would be cheaper to get a daily travelcard for £2.30.
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/11-15-zip-fares-2017.pdf

Slough and Windsor are outside of London transport areas as you can see on this map.
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/documents/content/London_Rail_Tube_map.pdf

p00hsticks

DRamsay7S wrote: »

As far as I understand, the cheapest way to go about it is using contactless bank cards for myself and my husband, is that correct?

Also, don't discount the really cheapest (free!) method of transport, which is walking.

Many of the attractions in central London are quite close together and it can be quicker (and more interesting) to walk than to go two or three stops on the tube.

It's well worth getting a street map of the areas you want to visit.

DRamsay7S

Thanks all for your replies. We do intend to walk as much as possible but our accommodation is out in Kensington so will need transport into the center most days, and home!

Thanks for all of the help. ��

stockton_2

If you plan on walking far, check the weather forecast for rain and make sure you all have your water-proofs with you.

DRamsay7S

Thank you. I am trying to plan our week as much as I can, but due to the fact that I have no real concept of how long things will take, and how long travel will take, and how much time we'll spend just... looking at things... it's very difficult! I don't want to over-plan, but I also don't want to end up with loads of dead time!

stockton_2

DRamsay7S wrote: »

Thank you. I am trying to plan our week as much as I can, but due to the fact that I have no real concept of how long things will take, and how long travel will take, and how much time we'll spend just... looking at things... it's very difficult! I don't want to over-plan, but I also don't want to end up with loads of dead time!

I am sure you will be fine.

ThemeOne

Slough / Windsor are outside the Tfl travel area as far as rail travel goes, however you can travel there on contactless / Oyster via the 81 bus (runs between Slough and Hounslow bus stations). You can change on to the tube at Hounslow West.

It's on the slow side but might be useful to bear in mind if money gets a bit tight.

susancs

OP, if you go on https://www.tfl.gov.uk there is a journey planner to check how long it would take to get to attractions. Put in your hotel postcode and attraction.