London transport tickets
Explore London with ease with our convenient London transport ticket options. Choose between the London Day Travelcard and the Visitor Oyster card. Both options let you travel on all London public services, including the London underground, overground, buses, DLR and tram. Your London travel pass will be delivered to your doorstep before you depart, so you can start exploring as soon as you arrive.
Your London transport ticket options
Skip the queues and travel on London's public transport network with ease with this prepaid travel...
A paper ticket valid 24 hours that allows you unlimited travel on all London public transport...
The most cost-effective option if you are visiting London with a group of 10 or more people
Skip the queues and travel on London's public transport network with ease with this prepaid travel...
A paper ticket valid 24 hours that allows you unlimited travel on all London public transport...
The most cost-effective option if you are visiting London with a group of 10 or more people
Benefits of London transport tickets
Save money
With cards costing from just £16.60 per day, you can make big savings on public transport in London.
Family-friendly
Children under 11 travel free on most London public transport services, while children aged 11-15 get 50% off.
Airport transfers
Access airport transfer services from Gatwick*, Heathrow and London City airports.
Skip the queues
Avoid busy lines at station ticket kiosks and secure your tickets in advance.
Avoid contactless
Dodge bank fees or exchange rate fees that may occur when using your bank card abroad.
International exclusive
VisitBritain works directly in partnership with Transport for London to serve international guests.
*The London Day Travelcard does not cover transfers to/from Gatwick Airport.
How do I choose the right London transport option for me?
Which London transport ticket shall I buy?
Visitor Oyster card
- Versatile: use on most public transport services in London
- Reusable: buy the card once and top it up to reuse it
- Cost-effective: your costs will be capped daily, so you get the best rate
- Long-term: ideal if you’re in London for over five days, or in Zones 4-9
London Day Travelcard
- Zone-specific: choose unlimited travel in Zones 1-4 or Zones 1-6
- Money-saving: travel as much as you like for one set price
- Short-term: ideal if you’re in London for one, two or three days
- Group discount: groups of 10+ can save more with the Group Day Travelcard
Use our handy chart below to easily compare the Visitor Oyster card, the Day Travelcard and the Group Day Travelcard and find out which London travel option is best for you.
Travelling with children in London
Children aged under 11:
- Travel free on buses and trams
- Up to four travel free with a fare-paying adult on the:
- Tube
- DLR
- London Overground
- Elizabeth line
- Some National Rail services
Children aged 11-15:
- Can use the Young Visitor Oyster Discount on Oyster fares – ask TfL staff to add this discount to your Visitor Oyster card at a TfL Visitor Centre or at most Tube stations
- Get discounts on National Rail fares and bus fares
Do children need a ticket to get around London?
- Children under 11 do not need to hold a ticket – at Tube stations, just ask a member of staff to let them through the ticket barriers
- Children aged 11-15 need a ticket, but will get one at a discounted price
- Children aged 16+ need to purchase an adult ticket
When travelling with family, we recommend you:
- Travel during off-peak hours to avoid crowded trains and buses
- Plan your routes and find travel times using the TfL journey planner
- Keep a close eye on children on platforms, or when entering or exiting stations
- Bring snacks, books and games to keep children entertained during longer journeys
- Be aware of the location of emergency intercoms in case you need assistance
Facilities for families
London’s public transportation system is well-suited for families, and with some planning and consideration, you can navigate the city comfortably and safely with your children.
Strollers and buggies
Most public transportation in London is stroller-friendly. Stations typically have elevators, escalators, or step-free access, making them easy to navigate with a pram or stroller. Foldable strollers can be taken on buses and on the Tube.
Baby changing facilities
Many Tube stations have baby-changing facilities, and you can also find them in shopping centers, museums, and some parks around London.
Priority seating
London’s public transport has priority seating for passengers with young children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Look for designated areas on buses and trains.
Airport transfers with London transport tickets
Airport transfers with London transport tickets
Get into the heart of London with ease from any of its major airports on London’s public transport system.
We can help you decide which option is best for your airport transfer. Whether you’re in a rush or on a budget, travelling alone or in a group, there’s sure to be a London airport transfer to suit you.
Information by airport
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Flying into Gatwick?
Gatwick Airport transfers
- The Gatwick Express train connects Gatwick Airport to London Victoria Station.
- Southern and Thameslink trains also go from Gatwick Airport to various London stations.
- Coaches and buses offer alternative options, including National Express services.
Which transport ticket shall I use?
- You can use your Visitor Oyster card to pay for Gatwick Express trains to Victoria. Purchase your Visitor Oyster card here.
- The Gatwick Express takes approximately 30 minutes and costs £24 per adult.
- You can also use your Visitor Oyster card to pay for any other National Rail service from Gatwick Airport to central London stations.
- You can take a National Express coach transfer from Gatwick Airport. Purchase your Gatwick coach transfer here.
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Flying into Heathrow?
Heathrow Airport transfers
- The Heathrow Express offers a fast train service to London Paddington Station.
- The Elizabeth Line connects Heathrow to East London and Central London.
- The Piccadilly Line provides an affordable option for traveling to central London.
- Coaches and buses offer alternative options, including National Express services.
Which transport ticket shall I use?
- You can use your Visitor Oyster card to pay for Heathrow Express trains to Paddington.
- The Heathrow Express takes approximately 15 minutes and costs £25 per adult.
- You can use your Visitor Oyster card to pay for a Heathrow Airport transfer on the Elizabeth Line to Paddington. It takes approximately 45 minutes and costs £12.80.
- You can also use your Visitor Oyster card to pay for any Tube service from Heathrow Airport to central London stations. Purchase your Visitor Oyster card here.
- Heathrow Airport is in Zone 6, so you can also use a Zone 1-6 London Day Travelcard to transfer from Heathrow Airport to any central London station. Purchase your London Day Travelcard here.
- You can take a National Express coach transfer from Heathrow Airport. Purchase your Heathrow coach transfer here.
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Flying into London City Airport?
London City Airport
- The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in Zone 3 offers direct access from London City Airport to various locations in London.
Which transport ticket shall I use?
- You can use your Visitor Oyster card at any DLR station, including London City Airport. Purchase your Visitor Oyster card here.
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Flying into another airport?
Other airports
Stansted Airport Transfers
- Stansted Airport is outside of the TfL Zones, so you cannot use a Travelcard or Visitor Oyster card to transfer to or from Stansted Airport.
- The Stansted Express connects the airport to Liverpool Street Station in central London. Purchase your Stansted Express train transfer here.
- Coaches and buses offer alternative options, including National Express services. Purchase your National Express Stansted Airport transfer here.
Luton Airport Transfers
- Luton Airport is outside of the TfL Zones, so you cannot use a Travelcard or Visitor Oyster card to transfer to or from Luton Airport.
- The Thameslink train service links Luton Airport Parkway station to central London.
- Coaches and buses offer alternative options, including National Express services. Purchase your National Express Luton Airport transfer here.
Southend Airport Transfers
- Southend Airport is outside of the TfL Zones, so you cannot use a Travelcard or Visitor Oyster card to transfer to or from Southend Airport.
- Southend Airport railway station provides direct train services to various destinations in London, including Liverpool Street and Stratford stations.
Accessibility
London has taken major steps to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. Here are some of the key features that make the city more accessible:
Public transportation
- The London Underground (Tube), buses, trams, and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) have accessible features, including step-free access at many stations, designated spaces for wheelchairs, and audio-visual announcements. Many buses have ramps and kneeling systems to make boarding easier.
Accessible taxis
- London’s black cabs are designed to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges. Look for the “Taxi” sign to identify licensed vehicles.
Blue Badge scheme
- International visitors with disabilities can use their international disability badges in London. The Blue Badge Scheme provides parking concessions and accessible parking spots.
Wheelchair rentals
- You can rent wheelchairs and mobility scooters from various providers in London, which can be convenient for tourists with mobility needs.
Assistance services
- TfL provides assistance services at Tube and train stations for travelers with disabilities. You can request assistance in advance or on the day of your journey.
Accessible river cruises
- Some river cruises on the Thames offer wheelchair-accessible vessels and facilities.
Accessible Travel in London guide
- Transport for London (TfL) offers the Accessible Travel in London guide, which provides information on accessible travel, including station accessibility, step-free routes, and accessible bus routes.
While London has made strides in improving accessibility, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead, check with specific venues and transportation providers, and ensure that your needs will be met during your visit. Accessible facilities and services may vary between locations, so it’s helpful to have a detailed itinerary and contact information for assistance.
London transport FAQs
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How does the zones system works in London?
- London’s public transport network covers both the centre of London and the wider surrounding areas of Greater London. The network is split into 9 different zones, named Zone 1 to Zone 9.
- The centre of London, including most major attractions, is in Zones 1-2.
- Most suburban areas of London, and famous sights including Wembley Stadium and Wimbledon Tennis Club, are within Zones 1-4.
- Almost the whole of London, including Heathrow Airport and London City Airport (but excluding Gatwick Airport), are in Zones 1-6.
- Check the London Zone Map for further detail on zones.
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Can groups or families travelling together use the same ticket?
No, you will need one ticket per person, except for those under 11s who travel free with a full-paying adult (up to 4 children per adult).
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Are there discounted ticket prices for senior citizens?
No, there is no discount available for Senior Citizens (except for London residents holding the blue Standard Oyster card).
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Do I need to provide a passport photo to get a Visitor Oyster card?
If you purchase a Visitor Oyster card from our website, you do not need to provide a passport photo.
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How does the daily cap work?
Transport for London logs every journey you make, taking into consideration the zones you travel through and the time you touch in and out on each journey. When you reach the maximum daily spending cap, the rest of your travel will be free.
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I am coming to London for a weekend. How much credit will I need on my Visitor Oyster card?
- Please refer to our Visitor Oyster card product page for advice on how much credit to start with on your card.
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I bought a Visitor Oyster card a couple of years ago. Can I still use it when I come back to London?
- Yes, you can top up your Visitor Oyster card when you get to London using the ticket machines at any station or at thousands of authorised shops throughout London.
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Can I get a refund of any unused credit in my Visitor Oyster card?
- For any refund information, please check the Terms and conditions that you agree to when you place your order.
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I have read somewhere that there are group tickets?
- Group Day Tickets are available for groups of 10 people or more. Please refer to our Group Day Travelcard product page for advice on how much credit to start with on your card.
