Firstly a London Pass may be worth considering – this has the option of transport and entry to popular sights inclusive for a one off price:

London Pass

Card Types

In general, unless you’re here for only a day or so, buying an unlimited travel pass over several days is the best way to go. London is divided into concentric zones, radiating out from the centre. The more zones you use, the more the pass costs.

Travel passes are valid on all tubes, buses, trains and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services in the Capital and are available in daily, three-day or weekly formats (monthly and annual passes require ID and form-filling).

There are two main types for visitors:

Visitor Oyster – this costs £12 (with £10) of travel credit – so the card costs £2. You top it up as you use it and swipe in and out as you hop on and off. Best for sporadic travelling. The charge goes up as you cross zones. Oysters have generally received a tepid response from Londoners.

If you intend to visit several places or more a day, then a Travelcard is the better option. They allow unlimited travel within the zones you buy:

• A daily 2-zone (1&2) – is £5.60 (if you travel after 9:30 a.m. £7.20 – anytime)
• A 3-day 2 zone (1&2) - £18.40 (anytime only)
• A weekly 2 zone (1&2) - £25.80 (anytime only).

An adult buying a travelcard can buy a child’s (Under 18) travelcard at a reduced rate. Ask about this when buying a ticket.

Most sights are within zones 1&2 – so a weekly is excellent value. (Ask for a ‘weekly travelcard, zones 1 and 2 please’).

A child’s travelcard is available in weekly format:

• A weekly 2-zone (1&2) – is £12.90 (anytime).

Tickets can be bought at any tube or rail station. From the ticket machine or ticket booth.

Children

Get yourself a Travelcard and if you’re a family, buy them all at the same time. Also, it’s best to purchase them outside peak hours, when the stations are less packed - to avoid a tutting queue forming behind you.


If you’re under 11 and accompanied by an adult (up to four children can travel per adult) – it’s free.

Below 18 years of age, you can still get a children’s weekly pass. There are numerous concessionary and free schemes, but 11-18 year olds need a ‘Zip’ photocard (which means application forms, and processing).


So – in summary. Under 11s – Free, 11-18s: best to get a child’s weekly pass at £12.90.

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