Using the london underground with 2 kids for a single journey help?

MilesT6060842

ymakesmile said:

MSE_James said:

You wouldn't be able to get the £1.90 fare on a paper ticket - only Oyster or contactless.

Do you have more than one contactless payment card?  For a one-off visit to London the simplest option is likely to be for you to use one card to tap in / out and your 12-year-old to use the other card. As mentioned the 10-year-old will be free.

(We've moved this to the public transport board)

Yes I think that would be the best way to go about it, it seems. Do I have to have any proof of my sons age when I go through the barrier with him in this scenario?

Helpful to have proof in case you are challenged but unlikely to be challenged, especially if you are seen to be paying for one child but not the other, you won't fit the "profile" of someone avoiding fares.

MilesT6060842

MSE_James said:

You wouldn't be able to get the £1.90 fare on a paper ticket - only Oyster or contactless.

Do you have more than one contactless payment card?  For a one-off visit to London the simplest option is likely to be for you to use one card to tap in / out and your 12-year-old to use the other card. As mentioned the 10-year-old will be free.

(We've moved this to the public transport board)

The only "cheap" non-card ticket available from the machines is a £4 single, no child option (because it would be abused).  And no "cheap" non-card option for the buses at all.  (I'm ignoring more expensive day/week tickets).  You can check all this on the fares section of the TfL website, including the single fare finder.

Oyster cards now cost £7 to buy plus initial load, £7 is not refundable (anymore).  If you can borrow an working Oyster card (can be an old card as long as not specifically refunded/deactivated) from someone then that's an option.  You can buy used Oyster cards on eBay (as collectible items) but always check with seller if the card has been deactivated and that the card is not in negative balance, this can be marginally cheaper than paying £7 for a new one.

If likely to do London travel a few times in the future years with the kids then look into whether you can get a "Zip" card from TfL, this is the children's version of the Oyster (has a photo on it), there is a fee (can't remember how much) the process is online (they send the card in the post with no credit, you can add credit as needed online or at first station or in convenience stores).  Zip card validates reduced/free travel if eligible;  Zip is essential for free/reduced cost zonal travel on trains in London (vs. bus/trams/tube) for 11 and under, and also for unaccompanied travel (accompanied under 11 on tube/bus/tram but not trains).  All the details on TfL website. 

Otherwise, if there is a "rail" option (incl. Overground) for the journey it may be cheaper for an ad hoc trip, depending on operator promotions, time of day, and whether you have family railcard already.  Check the nationalrail website for schedule/fares for the trip and see what you can get. If there is a rail option you can buy online in advance (usually), maybe with eticket or ticket collection from a station locally to where you live in advance or en-route (collected tickets likely to be more convenient to use as they will operate relevant gate machines--rail or TfL)

zagubov

Robin9 said:

Have you kids experienced the buses ?   

Why not tube one way - bus the other Journey results - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)

Others will be able to say if you get a good view of the Stadium

I'd always recommend traveling by bus sitting upstairs and getting to view the places you're travelling through.
The underground doesn't let you see much of London.

The_IT_Fairy

Another vote for the bus - much more interesting to actually be able to see where you are/where you're going. If you're going to an event at the stadium be aware as well that the tube stations are REALLY busy afterwards and you will likely queue for some time even to get into the station let alone on to a train! And trying to herd two kids through an absolutely packed station will be a nightmare.

20 - 25 minutes on the bus isn't bad - or it's only a couple of miles to walk if everyone is feeling fit.

ymakesmile

Thank you everyone for your input and help 👍