London tourist transportation

[velrox]

I have seen and benefitted by a few other threads in planning our summer journey to the UK, but haven't seen anything about bus or train passes for London. We will be in London for 9 days (Kensington), there are two adults and two kids (9 and 5) and I am totally confused about Oyster cards, etc. What is the best and most cost effective mode of transportation and what pass corresponds to that tranportation?

Also, any thoughts on how to get to Gatwick airport at the end of the journey?

Thanks for your help

 

[NHdisneylover]

Subscribing because I still feel totally confused about Oyster cards too

Have you looked into the LondonPass for some of your days? We are getting the 6 day cards which include 7 days of unlimited public transit. That would cover most of your days (assuming you wanted to do things offered on the pass).

 

[ukstitch]

Hi,

Oyster cards are fairly easy things to use. You can get them from most undeground stations and you pay about £3 to get one.

Then, you top it up with some money (however much you want to put on there). Finally - as you travel around London, you touch your oyster card against the various yellow "pads" that you will find at entrances to underground stations, buses etc. As you travel, the cost of your journeys will automatically be subtracted from however much money you put on your card.

This is definitely the cheapest way to travel on a day to day basis. The cards have a maximum spend per day, which is either the same or cheaper than a 1 day travel card, so you don't have to worry about spending too much and it having been cheaper to buy a travel card.

The one thing I'm not sure on is if it may be cheaper to buy a 7 day travel card instead (as you are staying in London for 9 days).

In this case, you can still get this loaded onto your oyster card, so yo ucould put a 7 day travel card on there, then use the card normally for the remaining 2 days.

You will only need 2 oyster cards (for the adults) - children travel free around London so long as they are accompanied by adults

 

[NHdisneylover]

Hi,

Oyster cards are fairly easy things to use. You can get them from most undeground stations and you pay about £3 to get one.

Then, you top it up with some money (however much you want to put on there). Finally - as you travel around London, you touch your oyster card against the various yellow "pads" that you will find at entrances to underground stations, buses etc. As you travel, the cost of your journeys will automatically be subtracted from however much money you put on your card.

This is definitely the cheapest way to travel on a day to day basis. The cards have a maximum spend per day, which is either the same or cheaper than a 1 day travel card, so you don't have to worry about spending too much and it having been cheaper to buy a travel card.

The one thing I'm not sure on is if it may be cheaper to buy a 7 day travel card instead (as you are staying in London for 9 days).

In this case, you can still get this loaded onto your oyster card, so yo ucould put a 7 day travel card on there, then use the card normally for the remaining 2 days.

You will only need 2 oyster cards (for the adults) - children travel free around London so long as they are accompanied by adults

Thanks--that is a much clearer explanation than anything else I have seen
Also thanks for the information about children being free. Do you know the age limit on that? Also, I saw something about needing to preorder photo oyster cards for kids any idea what that is about?

 

[ukstitch]

Thanks--that is a much clearer explanation than anything else I have seen
Also thanks for the information about children being free. Do you know the age limit on that? Also, I saw something about needing to preorder photo oyster cards for kids any idea what that is about?

It seems to vary depending on the transport mode...

Underground is up to 11, buses and trams are 16.

Full information can be found here: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14554.aspx

 

[velrox]

Hi,

Oyster cards are fairly easy things to use. You can get them from most undeground stations and you pay about £3 to get one.

Then, you top it up with some money (however much you want to put on there). Finally - as you travel around London, you touch your oyster card against the various yellow "pads" that you will find at entrances to underground stations, buses etc. As you travel, the cost of your journeys will automatically be subtracted from however much money you put on your card.

This is definitely the cheapest way to travel on a day to day basis. The cards have a maximum spend per day, which is either the same or cheaper than a 1 day travel card, so you don't have to worry about spending too much and it having been cheaper to buy a travel card.

The one thing I'm not sure on is if it may be cheaper to buy a 7 day travel card instead (as you are staying in London for 9 days).

In this case, you can still get this loaded onto your oyster card, so yo ucould put a 7 day travel card on there, then use the card normally for the remaining 2 days.

You will only need 2 oyster cards (for the adults) - children travel free around London so long as they are accompanied by adults

Thanks! This is a huge help in our planning process.

 

[ScotScroogeMcDuck]

With regards to your Gatwick query there are 2 ways to get to Gatwick via train from Central London.

The first is the Gatwick Express which takes you from London Victoria to Gatwick, takes 30mins and costs £15 each.

The seconds is via the normal train service from London Bridge - a First Capital Connect train will go to Gatwick (makes 1 or 2 stops on the way) and takes about 40mins costing about £9.

Good luck!

 

[A Small World]

re travelling with children on the underground- I was confused last year when i took DD to London for a few days. I had an Oyster card for myself but wasnt sure how we would get DD through the barriers so asked. You just need to go to the barrier which is usually for disabled/strollers etc and they let you both through after using the oystercard for yourself at that barrier. It was simple. They never asked for any proof of age for DD although she looks older then the age limit

 

[uktraveller]

It may be quicker to walk from location to location than get the Underground.

 

[velrox]

With regards to your Gatwick query there are 2 ways to get to Gatwick via train from Central London.

The first is the Gatwick Express which takes you from London Victoria to Gatwick, takes 30mins and costs £15 each.

The seconds is via the normal train service from London Bridge - a First Capital Connect train will go to Gatwick (makes 1 or 2 stops on the way) and takes about 40mins costing about £9.

Good luck!

Thank you. I will put that information in my London folder!

 

[uktraveller]

Velrox,

Where are you planning to visit in London?

 

[velrox]

Velrox,

Where are you planning to visit in London?

Well it's been about 20 years since we have been, so I am open to suggestions. We will have 9 days and I was thinking the Tower of London, Victoria and Albert, Kensington Gardens (we are staying in Kensington), I am not sure what else yet.

 

[Booknut]

I would also add the Natural History Museum as its near you and next door to the V&A.

Camden Town is fun, so is Covent Garden.

This is the website I give to friends who come to visit London/come to stay with us, it has heaps of ideas of things to do and see and what festivals are going on etc.

http://www.timeout.com/london/

Have fun

PS. The Museum of London in the City is not usually on people's lists of places to visit but it is a brilliant museum and I highly recommend it, covers London from prehistoric times to today, and is only a 5-8 minute bus ride from St. Paul's Cathedral. Here's a link to their website too: http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/English/

 

[Dimplenose]

The V&A is one of my favourite places. It has the most wonderful self service cafe - and as there is no entry charge to the museum it's worth going just for the cafe (and you might see some very lovely things on the way there!)

The natural history museum is good, but has long queues (since it became free entry) and if you have a natural history museum at home might not be good use of your time.

Kensington Palace is a lovely destination for adults but the little ones might not be so enthralled but in Kensington Gardens there is a good childrens playground not to mention the Elfin oak and the statue of Peter Pan.

 

[uktraveller]

The British Museum is also very popular. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles we have plenty of treasures other countries want back but will never get!