Four of us will be in London for a week. We could get an oyster card but two of us are quiote old and think the cab will be as economical and more convenient. What is the best pass to buy for times when only two travel. Maybe 4 to 6 times in the week.
John from San Jose
Posted by
Orlando
166 posts
You would probably be happier with just individual tickets for each trip. Especially, if you intend to take a cab on occasion. A pass may not be economical in your situation. You may want to do several comparisons.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
What I've found, on the days there will be bunch of tube trips, is to just get a one-day pass. I think you're ahead on the third trip of the day that way.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2776 posts
I would just buy a day travelcard each day...you can use it all day. If the two that are older then using the tube might be hard....there are a lot of steps involved...some tube stations do have escalators.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
If you each get an Oyster card and load it with "pay as you go" money, then you can use it as needed. It will automatically charge you the cheapest possible fare at the end of the day. You can return the card and get a refund of your deposit and any remaining cash at the end of your trip. Or buy a paper travel card on the days you plan to see places that are on the 2-for--1 discount - you must buy these at National Rail stations- not tube stations.
Posted by
Washington, DC
872 posts
I also think that a pay-as-you-go Oyster card is your best option. Since it does not look like you will be using the Tube that frequently in a single day, a day pass does not seem to make much economical sense. Buy an Oyster card and use it during the week as you need it. As mentioned, if there is money left over, you can get a refund at any window.
Posted by
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
98 posts
I agree with Toni and Maryam, the Oyster card is probably the best way to go. Keep in mind that your travel card (and Oyster card) is also good for the bus system so if stairs are the main problem for your older traveling companions then buses can be a great option. Cabs are quite expensive and since we had a large number of tube closures and delays while we were there last week we utilized the buses much more frequently. There is priority seating on the buses (as on the tubes) and people are very attentive and will give up their seat for those who are elderly or physically challenged in some way. Happy travels!
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Karen
I was thinking you were trying to get everybody up those narrow stairs to the top deck of the bus at first- difficult even when the bus is not in jerky motion
Posted by
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
98 posts
Brian,
You're right, those stairs can be a challenge, even for the youngsters. I saw several young people tumble down a few steps when the bus had to make a sudden stop....good thing they had a firm grip on the railing. Most of the buses we traveled on over the past two weeks had 4 priority seats in the front and two near the mid door. I was quite surprised how often the seats were empty.
Posted by
NC, United States
970 posts
John, buy pay-as-you-go Oyster Cards for those who will use the Tube. Your call how much you put on them, but for a week I'd go for 20-30 pounds. Plenty of buses are not double decked. In addition to being more expensive, cabs can be hard to find in the morning or evening rush. If you know you will need one at a specific time, no harm in booking it. The cars on the Tube can best be described as not uncomfortable. It's a subway, and some parts are ancient and some parts are almost new. Priority seating is in every car. They do not remain empty during rush hours, but people generally seem willing to give their seat up to someone who needs it more.