Travelling in london

mk2_dee

Hi 

I am travelling to London for the 1st time on Sunday, just wondering, I fly into Gatwick and I was going to book southern railways to Victoria, I’m I better booking my ticket in advance or just when I get there, my only concern in booking in advance is if my flight was delayed or something, 

we are travelling as family of 2 adults and 2 children, are we better getting Oyster cards or just use debit cards. ?

Our travel will consist of Gatwick to Kensington, for 2 days, then Kensington to ascot for 1 day, then back to Gatwick 

TIA 

James_Londoner

You will probably want to get Oyster cards with the 'young visitor' discount for the children otherwise they will be charged adult fare.

NB Ascot is (a long way) beyond the Oyster/contactless area, so you will need to buy separate tickets for that trip

mk2_dee

Thanks 

so I need to order oysters cards before I travel or can I get them at Gatwick ?

outtatune

You'd be best off asking here

https://www.railforums.co.uk/forums/fares-advice-policy.105/

That forum is full of experts who'll be able to help.

Neil49

Just be aware that Oyster cards cost £7 and this is now not refundable. You should factor this in when calculating the overall cost. 

I'm not sure how using a debit card works for more than one person so I suggest you refer to the rail forum site mentioned above. 

DullGreyGuy

Neil49 said:

I'm not sure how using a debit card works for more than one person so I suggest you refer to the rail forum site mentioned above. 

You have to use one card per person, you cannot tap multiple times with the same card. 

jon81uk

James_Londoner said:

You will probably want to get Oyster cards with the 'young visitor' discount for the children otherwise they will be charged adult fare.

NB Ascot is (a long way) beyond the Oyster/contactless area, so you will need to buy separate tickets for that trip

If just visiting there is no need to get child tickets, up to four children can travel on TfL services with each adult as long as the adult taps in with a contactless card.
Best ways for visitors to pay - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)

James_Londoner

Good point @jon81uk but depends on the age of the children 

surreysaver

jon81uk said:

James_Londoner said:

You will probably want to get Oyster cards with the 'young visitor' discount for the children otherwise they will be charged adult fare.

NB Ascot is (a long way) beyond the Oyster/contactless area, so you will need to buy separate tickets for that trip

If just visiting there is no need to get child tickets, up to four children can travel on TfL services with each adult as long as the adult taps in with a contactless card.
Best ways for visitors to pay - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)

Depends how old the children are (only under 11s are free), and no use at Gatwick, as that's not TfL