I've tried to look through old threads to find an answer but can't seem to find what I need. We are arriving in London in just over 2 weeks. There are 5 of us, 3 adults one 17 and one 9 year old. We are staying in Dalston Junction, and will arrive via Heathrow. I'm assuming we will head into the city for at least 5 or 6 days from where we are staying. I'm wondering what we should preload the Oyster cards with? Is 50 pounds a good starting amount and maybe a bit less on the kids cards? We are planning to get the regular Oyster cards and I know we can get a refund for what we don't use.
Thanks!!
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8127 posts
50 may be what you wind up spending, but I prefer to start lower and then add as I go. I was recently in London for 8 days started with 20 and topped up a couple times. Your fare does max out each day if you do lots of trips. You might also look at passes, it could save you some.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17563 posts
We spent three weeks in London and our Oyster card use averaged around £25-30 a week. But we walked a lot andvused mostly buses, which are cheaper thn the Tube. It is easy to top them up so maybe start with less.
Posted by
Maryland, USA
533 posts
Dalston Junction is in zone 2; the daily fare cap (meaning that once you've paid that amount in fares, you can travel the rest of the day for free) for zones 1 and 2 is GBP 6.50. If you hit the cap for six days, that's GBP 39; add a bit more for your trips to and from Heathrow and you'll still get change back on your 50.
The rules for children's fares are a bit byzantine, so you should read this to learn what to expect: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/travel-for-under-18s/travelling-with-children?intcmp=25255 The 17 year old will have to pay adult fares unless you've already applied for a "Zip Oyster photocard" (you need to apply 4 weeks in advance if you're coming from outside the UK). The 9 year old, however, can travel for free in most cases.
Posted by
OP
PNW
141 posts
Thank you all! All very helpful! I didn't realize our 9 year old would mostly travel for free with us. I guess we will start with a lower amount and then add as we need it. I just found that we can check the balance and add to it easily.
We are getting so excited now that the trip is just a few weeks away. We've been planning this trip for a very long time :)
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8127 posts
Yes, as you enter and leave a station, you can scan your card at a terminal, it will tell you how much is left, and if you are getting short, simply add on some amount. The only time this can be a hassle is at a very busy station, then there will be a line for the machines.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5467 posts
The 16+ Zip Oyster photocard is only for children who live in a London borough. So don't feel you have missed that one as you don't qualify.
Posted by
Maryland, USA
533 posts
Marco, that's not what it says here: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/travel-for-under-18s/zip-oyster-photocards#on-this-page-1
"All 16-17 year olds are eligible for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard." If they're residents of a London borough, they get the additional benefit of free (not just reduced) travel on buses and trams.
It's a moot point for CatherineK but might be relevant to somebody else.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5467 posts
I was only thinking of the free travel version, not half price. But that is extra clarification. So that is only half missing out then ... although the issue fee eats well into the saving for a visitor.
At one time I think there may have been an education requirement too, but these days you won't find many under 18 without some continuing education I suppose. There is still the 18+ Student Oyster photocard which gives a third off for those locals that qualify.