Hi, My 16 year old son and I will be in London for 5 days in October and I'd love advise on Oyster cards. I see that you can get a 16+ but there is a L20 fee. Maybe that's not the best one for visitors? I'm guessing we'd both get a visitor's Oyster card?
Thank you.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
232 posts
Oyster cards are really easy to buy in the train stations and you can “top it up” when you need to add more money to it. It’s as easy as using an ATM.
Londo is very very very walkable. We found we didn’t use the Tube as much as we had anticipated so if you buy card start out with a small amount on them and top up when needed. Have fun!
Posted by
Glostrup, Denmark
1394 posts
If you have a contact-less credit/debit card you may be able to use it. See https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/contactless/is-contactless-for-me?intcmp=8282
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Details on using a contactless card are here (official website): https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/contactless
Each person needs a card. Unless you have a second credit or debit card you can lend him, your son would still need an Oyster Card.
Posted by
Freedonia
16409 posts
Just get a regular Oyster Card for each of you. At the end if your stay, whatever amount is on the card plus the £5 you paid for it is refundable. Or you can keep it for future visits as the amount never expires. My card ud a few years old. I just keep adding as needed.
Posted by
FL USA
1561 posts
Normal Oyster card for each of you purchased when you arrive in London. The process is so simple even a _________ can do it. Upon arrival you will understand and there are ample folks who will be there to assist you.
Posted by
Houston, Texas
1023 posts
Buy it when you get there from one of the ticket machines in the underground, top off as needed and keep it for future visits.