I have a group of 33 arriving at London Heathrow Airport tomorrow and they would like to buy the Visit Oyster Card at Heathrow Airport. We don't have time to have the Oyster Card mailed to us. They would like all cards with 25 - 30 GBP and they want to use the card to travel to the Westbourne Terrace area. The group leader wants it to be as speedy as possible with 33 passengers. Does anyone have any tips or direction to help them? Thank you for your input.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7514 posts
You likely will arrive at terminal 4, go to the underground station there. No good way to handle that many people, just have to slog through the machines. I believe there are two machines that will dispense Oyster cards, a "manned" window, and a machine that only tops up cards. Obviously the last one is of no use to you. I suggest having some of your most savvy travelers go first and figure out what is needed, then have them guide the others through. Most delays are caused by someone unsure of what is going on randomly punching buttons. If you explain to the person at the manned window, they may be able to quickly spit out cards as well.
Posted by
Central Indiana, USA
357 posts
I think you can buy a maximum of 5 Oysters at once from the machine. There is a TFL visitors center at the station for Terminals 123 and they may be quicker, especially if you are arrivng at T2 or 3.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Neither the Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect trains to Paddington accept Oyster cards though. If you want to use Oyster cards the best route to Paddington with luggage is:
Piccadilly Line to Hammersmith.
Cross-platform interchange to District Line as far as Earl's Court.
Cross-platform or same-platform interchange to a different District Line train to Paddington. (The "District Line" actually covers several different services and there are no through trains between Hammersmith and Paddington).
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32702 posts
Surely the leader of the group -you, presumably? - could go to the Visitor Centre and acquire all 33 cards with £25 to £30 (probably pick one) all at one time from one member of staff. It is only £990 so one easy transaction....
Do you have any other last minute planning we can help with?