Traveling in London

209 Posts


Hi
I'm planning a few days in London next month for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 16 and 13 and I'm really struggling to work out the best way of traveling around the city. We are coming by train to kings cross station, I've read up on the visitor Oyster card but just don't get it, do all 4 of us require our own Oyster card or will 1 suffice? As we are there for a 2 nights 3 days it seems quite expensive, would a travel card be a cheaper alternative and where do I find out about purchasing and using one as checked out tfl website but couldn't find prices. Are there any other alternatives, my bank card is not contactless so unable to use this as a method for traveling.
I can't believe how complex traveling in London is.
Cheers
I'm planning a few days in London next month for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 16 and 13 and I'm really struggling to work out the best way of traveling around the city. We are coming by train to kings cross station, I've read up on the visitor Oyster card but just don't get it, do all 4 of us require our own Oyster card or will 1 suffice? As we are there for a 2 nights 3 days it seems quite expensive, would a travel card be a cheaper alternative and where do I find out about purchasing and using one as checked out tfl website but couldn't find prices. Are there any other alternatives, my bank card is not contactless so unable to use this as a method for traveling.
I can't believe how complex traveling in London is.
Cheers
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Getting a normal one at Kings Cross on arrival (or online at https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/buying-tickets-and-oyster)is cheaper than getting the visitor version. Once you end your trip, don't forget to get a refund for any remaining credit as well as the deposit/card.
As your visit is relatively short, there is no point getting the 11-15 Zip Oyster for the children due to the admin fee charged.
So if you travel in zone 1 it's £7/day each. If you only use buses it's around £4.50 a day.
For your 13 year old get a visitor oyster card as they get 50% discounted fares:
Young Visitor discount
If you don't live in London and you're visiting with children who don't have an 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard, they can get discounted travel for up to 14 days with the Young Visitor discount:
50% off adult-rate pay as you go fares and daily caps on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail and most National Rail services
50% off adult rate tickets on the Emirates Air Line and Thames Clippers River Bus services
The discount can be added to a standard Oyster card or Visitor Oyster card by a member of staff at:
Any Tube, London Overground or TfL Rail station
Visitor Centres (except Gatwick Airport South Terminal)
Victoria National Rail station ticket office
The children must be with you when you ask for the Young Visitor discount.
Are you staying centrally, or out in the suburbs? That could make a significant difference with regard to which option is best.
You can also use contactless credit cards, applepay or androidpay.