Visiting London for 6 days. What's the benefit of buying a Visitor's OC (for which the GBP rate at the site is $2) versus buying it at the tube [taking Picadilly line from LHR to Kensington on day 1). People write "you can't load a TravelCard onto a VOC... why would you want to? what does a TravelCard do that the OC can't?
Posted by
London, UK
286 posts
I guess the Visitor's Oyster was set up to ease the congestion at the ticket offices at the main travel hubs. If you've ever waited in the queue at LHR T 1,2,3 tube, or St Pancras you'd understand. I just noticed that Victoria Station installed a vending machine for the same purpose but at the £3 regular deposit fee.
The FAQ section of the TFL website answers some of the pros and cons of the service.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/faresandtickets/visitortickets/5187.aspx
So it looks like you can't get the £2 fee back like you would if you paid for a regular £3 deposit though some would argue not having to wait in line would be worth £2. Also, if you lose it you don't get a refund but if you have a regular one and register it you can.
You're not likely to need a week travel card loaded on your account. That is usually for regular commuters
Lots of people like the paper travelcards for attraction discounts so that could be one draw back but you could always purchase a paper card on those days if you plan an outing that would benefit from the 'Days Out" discount. Loads of thread on that one.
I saw go for it if you are arriving at Terminals 1,2,3 tube station especially if you have kids and/or lots of luggage in tow or plain hate crowds. T4 not so much and I'd guess T5 is similar.
Posted by
OP
redmond, wa, United States
2 posts
Jenufa,
Thanks for your helpful reply.
I decided to try the regular Oyster card, partly because the Visitor's OC was still selling at a rate of $2 per pound and that's not a good rate based on current exchanges. As you expected, the ticket line at Terminal 4 (we were on NorthWest/KLM) wasn't too bad. We took the Picadilly Line to our hotel stop Glouchester Road. Had great use of tube and surface busses and on our last night in town cashed in our OCs for the full remaining balance plus the 3 pounds.
Frank