I will be flying into Heathrow next Saturday and spending 3 days in London. What is my best option (cheapest/efficient/both) as far as tube or bus pass options?
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
If you are traveling solo, I'd just get an Oyster card with some pay-as-you-go money on it at Heathrow.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
The reason Laura's plan makes the most sense is that the Oyster features "capping." That means that each trip is deducted from your Oyster card, but once you reach the price of a day pass, no more is deducted. So, if you take only a few trips, you spend less than you would have with a day pass; if you take more trips, you spend equal to a day pass. You can't lose either way.
Posted by
London, UK
181 posts
I agree - buy an Oyster card at Heathrow. When you leave take it to a London Underground station and you will get the 5 pound deposit as well as any remaining money on the card.
Posted by
OP
High Point
56 posts
I'll be with one other person. Does that change my best option?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
In January my husband and I each opted for an Oystercard, and it was great. At the end of our stay we just used up the 5 pound deposit rather than take the cards back. The card doesn't "know" that is a "deposit." It just deducts your fare. On our way to the airport that last morning we read how much was remaining on each card, then topped them off TO THE PENCE for the ride to Heathrow, so they were empty after we walked off the tube. Since I am quite literally a penny pincher, I loved that! If there is a better option for two people, I would love to know what it is.
Posted by
Annandale, Va, Us
2 posts
The Oyster Card is the cheapest thing you will get in London, it is great!!!!
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
I'll be with one other person. Does that change my best option? Maybe. As mentioned earlier you might want to get a Rail paper travelcard to use the 2 for 1 offers. The link below has info on all of this. Tripadvisor London transit options
Posted by
Bozeman, MT, USA
10 posts
We have been going to the UK every year for the past 20 and have tried them all. There are many options some of which have been mentioned already. Most are good choices depending on your situation and where or what you intend to do. One not mentioned is Taxi. The fares are generaly fixed and can be determined before you board, the price is for the cab not per person. If you have 4 or 5 passengers the cab from HR to Leicester sq area is cheap and faster than others esp the Tube. We often will recruit people at the cab rank to share the ride. Of course you do have to be a little cautious,so you don't get stiffed for all of the fare,which reportedly has happened but rarely . When in London proper for touring ,the Hopper / Brown bus is also a reasonable choice.
L&M