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London transport tickets
Book the best and most convenient tickets to travel around London carefree. Choose among our most popular transport for London passes, including the London Travelcard and Visitor Oyster card, which one is right for your trip. Enjoy travelling on all London public services, including the London underground, buses, overground, national rail services and more. Buy your London travel pass in advance and have it delivered to your doorstep before your departure, so you can be ready to travel immediately upon your arrival.
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
Benefits of London transport tickets
Save money
With cards costing from just £10 per day, make big savings when buying transport tickets.
Family-friendly
Children under 11 travel free in most London transportation services.
Airport transfers
Access to Transport for London services at Gatwick, Heathrow and London City airports.
International exclusive
In partnership with Transport for London, VisitBritain sends your tickets to your home address.
Plan your journey around London
An essential fold-out London map covering all top attractions and central London streets, includes a London Tube map.
Getting around London
- How do I plan my trip to London? How much does transportation cost in London? These might be some of the questions that rise up when planning a trip to the UK’s capital city. Let us help you!
Which London transport ticket shall I buy?
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Visitor Oyster card
- Travel with a London Visitor Oyster card in your pocket ready to use upon arrival.
- Reusable - A plastic smartcard you buy only once and reuse instead of paper tickets.
- Enjoy automated travel costs capping to:
- all the journeys made in a single day
- all London travel zones
Usually the best London Transport option if:
- You’re travelling around London for 5 days or a week.
- You’re travelling up to zone 9.
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Travelcards
Travelling with children in London
Children can access free and discounted travel on London transport services.
Free access
- Children under 11 travel free on buses and trams
- Up to four children under 11 can travel free with a fare-paying adult on:
- Tube
- DLR
- London Overground
- Elizabeth line
- and some National Rail services
Discounted fares
- Children between 11 and 15 years old can access discounted travel tickets and fares.
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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.
- Children 16+ need to purchase an adult ticket.
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Which ticket is best for families?
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Facilities and children access
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Safe and comfortable family travels
Airport transfers with London transport tickets
Navigating London’s airports and the city itself can be made easier through various transportation options. We can help you decide which option is best for your journey to or from the airport, 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 your schedule and budget.
Where are you flying to?
Information by airport
Gatwick Airport transfers
- The Gatwick Express train connects Gatwick Airport to London Victoria Station.
- Southern and Thameslink trains also provide transportation to various London destinations.
- 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.
- When travelling between Gatwick and Central London, Gatwick Express is the fastest option.
- The Gatwick Express service leaves the station every 15 minutes, with the journey approximately taking 30 minutes.
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Visitor Oyster card
- When tapping your Visitor Oyster card to travel to Victoria Station using Gatwick Express services, note that the adult ticket cost will be discounted from your credit balance.
Heathrow Airport transfers
- The Heathrow Express offers a fast train service to London Paddington Station.
- The London Underground’s Piccadilly Line provides an affordable option for traveling to central London.
- Taxis, minicabs, and rideshare services are readily available for airport transfers.
Which transport ticket shall I use?
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Heathrow Express
- Heathrow Airport, located in zone 6, connects to central London by the Heathrow Express.
- Offers a fast train service to London Paddington Station.
- Trains depart every 15 minutes and 30 minutes after 10:00 pm.
- Total travel time is just 15 minutes from:
- Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 and 3 station (ten-minute walk from Terminal 1 and five minutes from Terminal 3).
- Terminals 4 and 5 stations (located directly below each terminal and accessible by lift).
- You can use your Visitor Oyster card to pay for Heathrow Express.
- Heathrow Airport, located in zone 6, connects to central London by the Heathrow Express.
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Visitor Oyster card
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?
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Visitor Oyster card
- You can use your Visitor Oyster card at any DLR station, including London City Airport.
- Note that the airport is located in zone 6 and fare zones vary (the farther from central London you travel the higher the rate).
Other airports
Stansted Airport Transfers
The Stansted Express train connects the airport to Liverpool Street Station in central London.
National Express and other coach services operate connecting to various locations in London.
Stansted Airport is out of Transport for London zones.
Luton Airport Transfers
- The Thameslink train service links Luton Airport Parkway to central London.
- National Express coaches and other buses provide transportation options.
- Luton Airport is out of Transport for London zones.
Southend Airport Transfers
- Southend Airport Railway Station provides direct train services to various destinations in London:
- Liverpool Street Station - The journey takes approximately 45-55 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers heading to central London.
- Stratford Station - Useful for accessing destinations in East London and connecting to other train and subway lines.
- Southend Victoria - Being the airport part of the Greater Anglia train network, you can take trains to Southend Victoria Station, located in Southend-on-Sea, to connect to other parts of Essex and London.
- Trains to and from Southend Airport typically run frequently, especially during peak travel times, ensuring flexibility for passengers.
- The Southend Airport train station is accessible and well-integrated with the airport terminal, making it easy for travelers to transfer between the two.
- Southend Airport is out of Transport for London zones.
Accessibility
London has made significant efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Here are some key aspects of accessibility in the city:
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
- Visitors with disabilities from abroad 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.
Access London guide
- Transport for London (TfL) offers the “Access 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, are in Zones 1-6.
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Can groups or families travelling together use the same ticket?
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Are there discounted ticket prices for senior citizens?
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Do I need to provide a passport photo to get a Visitor Oyster card?
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How a cap works?
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I am coming to London for a weekend. How much credit will I need on my Visitor Oyster 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?
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Can I get a refund of any unused credit in my Visitor Oyster card?
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I have read somewhere that there are group tickets?
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