Is it possible to get a "Photo Oyster Card" for my teens when I get to London? ...or elsewhere in the UK since they're for visitors to London? Having researched the crazy pricing for Tube, Bus, Tram, I know it's the most economical solution. The teens ride buses free while my wife and I pay just 90p on our standard Oyster card and that's automatically capped at the 1-day Travel Card price by the system. But I just saw advice showing how to order Photo Oyster cards on-line and it must be done at least 3 weeks in advance! We leave Sunday for Edinburgh and York and we'll be in London in 1 week. I was planning to just take their passport size photos with me and get their Photo Oyster cards at the TI at Kings Cross Station in London when I buy me and my wife our standard Oyster Cards. Is this possible? If not, what's the next most economical solution assuming that me, my wife and 2 teens plan to mostly ride buses? Should we buy each teen an "Off-Peak Child's Pass" for 1 GBP each day? Can 11-15 year olds even ride this way since there wouldn't be a photo?
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
Tom - I don't think you will be able to get a Photocard, but this link should answer your questions about what to buy - just scroll down to the Travel for 11-15 year olds section on page 6...
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/child-student-discounts.pdf
Posted by
OP
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
2 posts
Thanks. That link does contain more info. Security software on my PC kept me from downloading it sooner.
So it's sounds like it's not even good enough for me to have an Oyster card to get an "Off-Peak Childs Pass" for 1 GBP (known as "Kid for a Quid"). I have to be holding a 1-day or 3-day Travelcard or an Oystercard with a 1-day or 3-day Travelcard "loaded" on to it.
Then, to top it off my kids can't ride the Tube during peak (before 9:30) anyway when we want to get to The Tower of London from Victoria Station early! To avoid paying the full 4 pound Tube fare for them, I'll have to get them their own Oyster cards just to ride the Tube early or take the bus (where it seems like "peak/off-peak" does not apply).
So anyone planning a trip to London with 11-15 year olds BE FOREWARNED! Order them a "PHOTO Oystercard" on-line at least 3 weeks in advance at https://photocard.tfl.gov.uk (or alternatively go to http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ the "Transpoort For London" homepage, then click "tickets" at the top, then "get photocard" on the left side)and choose "11-15 non-resident" from the "New to photocards" box on the right side of the page or transportation will cost you more or at the very least be inconvenient!
I suppose most people just buy their 11-15 kid a 3-day (childs?) Travelcard for 17.40 pounds = $35.20 (childs if they'll let you is 8.70 pounds = $17.40) plus another 1-day (childs) Travelcard for 6.80=$13.60 (if childs works 3.40=$6.80) but when you multiple that times two or more kids and realize that you could have gotten all 4 days for just 4 pounds = $8, well then you know why Rick Steves is always talking about how to "travel smart"!