Hi. Might be a silly question, but I'll ask anyway. In the past we've landed at T4 at Heathrow and then purchased oyster cards there before boarding Picadilly Line. This year, we arrive at T2, but will be getting a ride into London with friends. Wanted to find out it's possible to purchase Oyster cards at the Tube station at Terminal 2 (rather than have to schlep it over to Terminal 4). Thanks.
Posted by
PA
2857 posts
Of course. There is NO T2 Tube terminal. Rather, there is the main Heathrow Tube terminal, which serves T1,2,and 3, as opposed to the separate Tube stations in T4 and T5 because these are well separated from the main Heathrow terminal cluster. Take a look at Heathrow on Google maps, you'll see what I mean. And T2 happens to be the closest of the three to the Tube station. But why bother with additional walking and time in the airport, when you can get these cards anywhere? Also, why not just keep the Oyster card, leave it with enough to cover an off-peak fare when arriving, and you are ready to go on your next trip (and for that matter, can lend to other friends/family). We've been using our pair since Spring 2013.
Posted by
OP
El Segundo, CA
10 posts
Thanks for the reply and for info re: T2, etc. Will probably just purchase the card in London next day.
Posted by
Freedonia
16279 posts
If you're getting a ride into town, why not just wait to buy your ticket in town. You can get them at any station, oyster shop or visitor center.
Posted by
Victorville, California, U.S.
168 posts
Hello, I also am traveling to London and the last time I was there I purchased it in London but I've been reading that it's better to buy them online and have them mailed to you. (Sorry for jumping on this post Cagey)
Thank you
Posted by
Land of La
9222 posts
Not necessarily better to buy in advance as you don't get your deposit back when you do. Easy process to buy them in London.
Posted by
Houston
3522 posts
Raymond,
If you buy the Oyster online it is a visitor Oyster and has some restrictions, mainly that the deposit is non refundable and Travelcards cannot be loaded onto them. And you have to pay the delivery charge.
Some might find it more convenient to have the Oyster on them when they get to the first Tube stop where it will be needed instead of buying it there, but that is a decision you have to make. Purchasing an Oyster at the Tube station is super simple and now that it can be purchased out of the automatic ticket machines very quick.