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.
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.
Your London transport ticket options
Travel like a local across London with this smart and ready-to-use travel card
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
Travel like a local across London with this smart and ready-to-use travel card
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
Plan your journey around London
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
London Day Travelcard
- Receive at home a paper ticket that allows daily unlimited travel.
- Pick your suitable travel zones - Now available in VisitBritain: zones 1-4 or 1-6.
- Travelcards are priced according to travel zones and periods of the day you travel.
- Usually the best London Transport option if you’re travelling around London for one or a few days.
Group Day Travelcard
- Receive as many paper tickets as individuals travelling each day.
- These paper tickets allow daily unlimited travel for 10 or more people travelling together.
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?
Child Day Travelcard
- The cheapest option if your children ages are between 11 and 15 years old.
Group Day Travelcard
- These are sets of individual tickets for a family of 10+ members travelling together.
- It could be a cost-effective choice with child-rate cards available for 5 to 15-year-olds.
Visitor Oyster Cards
- If this is your choice, note that you should buy in advance the cards for everyone in your party including your children.
- Once in London ask TfL staff to add a Young Visitor discount: half adult rate pay-as-you-go discount for up to 14 days.
- Where can I get this discount applied?
- Most Tube stations.
- Transport for London Visitor Centres.
- Victoria National Rail Station ticket office.
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Facilities and children access
Strollers and buggies
Most public transportation in London is stroller-friendly. Stations typically have elevators, escalators, or step-free access, making it easy to navigate with a pram or stroller. Foldable strollers can be taken on buses and 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.
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.
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Safe and comfortable family travels
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.
For the most safe and comfortable travels with your loved ones, note:
- Travel during off-peak hours - If possible, plan your journeys during off-peak hours to avoid crowded trains and buses. This can be more comfortable with children.
- Plan your routes - Use the TfL journey planner or mobile apps to map out your routes and estimate travel times. This can help minimize walking distances with children.
- Travel light - Pack lightly and bring only what you need for the day. London’s public transport can be crowded, so having less to carry makes your journey easier.
- Safety measures - Keep a close eye on your children when on platforms, near the edge of platforms, and when entering or exiting stations. Hold their hands and ensure they are aware of safety guidelines.
- Entertainment - Bring snacks, books, or games to keep children entertained during journeys, especially on longer trips.
- Emergency services - Be aware of the location of emergency intercoms and staffed stations in case you need assistance.
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?
-
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
- Use the Visitor Oyster card from any of Heathrow’s Underground stations (Piccadilly Line).
- The journey from Heathrow to Paddington on the Elizabeth line is included in the zone 1-6 daily cap.
- You can also use your Visitor Oyster on a Heathrow Express train. Note the full fast train fare will be discounted from your credit balance.
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?
-
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?
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 a cap works?
- Every time you use the Visitor Oyster card, Transport for London logs every journey you make and keeps track of it taking into consideration:
- Zones you’ve travelled through.
- The time you touch in on each journey.
- All fares you pay.
- You must touch in at the start and touch out at the end of every journey. If you don’t you may be charged a maximum fare.
- Every time you use the Visitor Oyster card, Transport for London logs every journey you make and keeps track of it taking into consideration:
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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.
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