London Public Transportation cards

[profdsny]

Looking at their fares, I can't make out what's best. What would those of you in London, or who travel there regularly, recommend for 3 days, probably for just Zone 1 and 2.

 

[Dimplenose]

If you're travelling off-peak (after 9:30am) then 3 lots of 1-day off-peak travel cards would be my choice.
I've not used Oyster cards but I believe there is a fee (£5?) to get the card in the first place but the indivisual journeys are the cheapest available but you have to pre-pay. Someone who uses this methid may be able to give more info.
What ever you do don't buy single tickets they are a rip-off.

Libby

 

[LeCras]

The £3 charge for the Oyster pay as you go card is refundable. Very easy to buy and use, you can top it up at the stations or even online if you prefer. I have mine set up to top up automatically once it falls below a certain level, so I never have to worry about it.

I'm afraid I know very little about travel cards, but I can recommend Oyster.

Charlotte

 

[Dimplenose]

This thread has made me think how useful an oyster card might be for me (I live 30minutes from London and visit a few times a year). So I've done some research and found this

Visitor Oyster Card

I'm still not sure if it will help me but it might help you as you will be in London for a few days..

 

[mikki.young]

Usually there are better rates available for overseas folks who book over the INternet in adavance. Have you looked at the Visit England or Visit London sites?

 

[chatta]

I agree that one day off peak travel cards are the cheapest way to travel, this includes buses as well. I usually find walking quicker than the buses though if you are only going a short distance. If you are only going one or two stations on underground then walking is often quicker and at least you see a bit of London as well.

 

[profdsny]

I'm looking at that web link. I'm not sure I understand it completely. How much would I need to put on for 4 days, counting a trip in from Heathrow, but likely not back out?

 

[astrodrummergirl]

Just so you know, the oyster cards don't cover the National Rail links within london, eg. from Heathrow to Paddington, but you can get from Heathrow by underground. If you are ging to be using National Rail, a combination of oyster card and single train journeys can work (thats what I do) but otherwise, oyster card pretty much covers it all.

 

[profdsny]

Just so you know, the oyster cards don't cover the National Rail links within london, eg. from Heathrow to Paddington, but you can get from Heathrow by underground. If you are ging to be using National Rail, a combination of oyster card and single train journeys can work (thats what I do) but otherwise, oyster card pretty much covers it all.

Hi, my intention is to take the underground when I get in on Friday, then take the Paddington link back Tuesday morning because I have a morning flight, and am staying a closer to that station. So, I'd want a card for Friday through-Monday. Can I buy that at the airport?

 

[Dimplenose]

I'm not experienced with oyster cards but as Heathrow is in zone 6 it looks like it will cost £3.50 each way with an Oyster card. Then you will have to add your zone 1&2 travel (from £1.50 to £6.30 a day depending on when and how many trips you make).

It is so confusing that I haven't managed to work out whether it's worthwhile getting an oyster card for myself. No wonder I've never found foreign underground systems difficult to use after using the London one.

 

[wishspirit]

Hi, my intention is to take the underground when I get in on Friday, then take the Paddington link back Tuesday morning because I have a morning flight, and am staying a closer to that station. So, I'd want a card for Friday through-Monday. Can I buy that at the airport?

You won't be able to buy them from Heathrow, but you will from the tube station there. Ask them what they think is best, they will tell you if its worth getting a visitors oyster card or paying for a travel card daily.

I dont know how much it costs to get a visitors oyster card, but i would go for that option, since your jounrney will always work out cheaper than an all day travel card.

The oyster system works by charging up a card with money (from the ticket office or online). When you get to the ticket barrers, put the oyster card up to the yellow circle with a card sign on it (next to where you insert the ticket) and the barrers will open. When you get off the tube, put your card over the yellow circle and the barrer will open. YOU MUST SWIPE YOUR CARD OR YOU WILL BE FINED, sorry just to emphasise.

An oyster card only works for tube (underground) networks, to get the train from paddington you have to buy a single to heathrow from the ticket office.

If you are going to use an 5 days and doing lots of trips on the tube maybe but £35 on you card.

The best thing you can do is ask the ticket office what is the best thing to do, they are usually very helpful. Sometimes they can talk quite quickly (and in a weird london accent) so just ask them to slow down and talk through your best options. Even talk to the guys manning the barrers if they arent to busy, they all know their stuff!

Hope you have a great trip in London!