Travel for the weekend in London

[KarlMac]

Going for a last minute trip to London for the bank holiday and getting in a right tangle trying to understand the payment options for the tube. Not sure (I can probably guess!) if I’m being a bit thick or if it’s really this confusing?

- Oyater card (capped)?
- Visitor Oyster card?
- Travelcard?
- Contactless Payment Card?

I’m taking the kids and planning to jump on and off the tube as needed, stopping in the City and going to do the usual tourist traps (so zones 1&2?).

As far as I can tell I might as well use my bank card and pay as I go, as this is capped? Or am I better picking up and Oyster card and putting some money on it?

[Scrump]

Last time I visited I used my contactless bank card. Worked fine.

[Mark V GTD]

Just use a contactless credit card. You won’t get charged more than a days travel card so use it as often as you want. If you use it on buses just be aware that it’s a fixed price and you only place the card on the reader as you board. Not sure how it works with kids but the staff at the ticket gates on the tube will be happy to assist you.

[walamai]

Yep, contactless card is the way to go. If you have contactless set up on your mobile that works just the same. It only charges you as if you'd bought the cheapest possible ticket. (ie; if you do one trip it'll charge you that. If you do a dozen trips, it'll charge you for a day travel ticket)

Kids up to 10 travel free if with a paying adult, so you'll need to go through barriers where staff can let the kids through. If the kids are over 10 then they'll need a way to pay too. A separate contactless card, an oyster etc.

[valiant]

Contactless card will cap at the cheapest rate. One per adult or paying passenger. Remember to tap in and out even if the gates are open and use the wide assistance gate if you go through with kids (stays open a tad longer).

[KarlMac]

Thanks everyone, just going to use my bank card and the wide access gates, kids are 4 & 8 so shouldn’t be any issues.

Thanks again for your advice!

[LeadFarmer]

Last time I went I used contactless card, make sure you tap in and out at the other end or the system will still think you are within the underground and will throw a wobble when it comes to charging you.

I was with my young son and gave him one if my other bank cards to tap in/out.

Assuming your kids travel free, walk them to the wide turnstile ( for folk with luggage/wheelchairs) at the end where there is normally a staff member there who should open it for them. Or lift them over before tapping through yourself?

Edited by LeadFarmer on Friday 26th August 12:56

[TCX]

Use debit card,also can use it on Uber boats,worth a trip if you get chance

[Griffith4ever]

Just be super thorough tapping out and check your statement a week or so later. Very easy to get charged a full zone 6 rate even though you tapped out everywhere. It's easily amended on their website after if you enter your entry and exit points.