London day trip transport

[Bugsy73]

Hi. We have a day trip planned for London coming up, 2 adults and 3 kids. What is the best way to get around? Would prefer to avoid the tubes if we can (not a fan). Would like to go to Kensington, then probably Covent Garden/Leicester Square area. I know we can probably walk a fair bit of it. Getting the bus, do we just buy a ticket when we get on, as we do up north , or can we buy some kind of travel card? Thanks, and apologies if asking stupid question

[IAmRubbishAtDIY]

I was thinking this very question! Can I add another question for anyone, can I use my oyster card on a bus? If so, do I just scan in and out like the tube?

[MsMightyTitanAndHerTroubadours]

you just scan in on buses, not out

Contactless or Oyster will work and children 11 and under travel free with an adult.

Not possible to buy tickets from the bus driver anymore....there did used to be ticket machines by some stops but I think that's all done now it's contactless.
You will need a card per person, you cannot scan the same contactless twice for two adults doing the same journey.

[TheFaerieQueene]

You can use an Oyster card - they can be bought at tube stations and some retail outlets, or use a contactless debit/credit card. Children travel free.
You can’t buy a ticket on the bus.
You only tap the reader when you get on a bus - not off. It is a flat fare.
I don’t know about buses from Kensington to Covent Garden, but it will be slow. You can walk it, but it is a fair way, though a nice walk if the weather is fine.
The tube isn’t bad, give it a go. It means you will see so much more.

[Bugsy73]

Thanks everyone. So the 11 and 9yr old will travel for free on the bus? And I can either buy an oyster card for myself DH and 13yr old (3 separate cards?) or pay contactless as we get on the bus? Can we use the oyster cards on all buses/tubes and do we need to buy a new one for each journey? Is it just buses that kids can travel for free or tubes too? I'm glad I asked. Don't want to make a fool of myself

[MsMightyTitanAndHerTroubadours]

yes, 11 and 9 year old will be free
yes, buses and tube (go through the wide luggage aisle with them)
you and dh and 13 year old will need separate cards, oyster cards cost £5 I think and you load them with money at the machines, but the card will last forever, and for any future trips you can create an account with tfl, pay in advance, and the card will top up when you swipe into your nominated station
You may be better to get a child travel card for the 13yearold...I am not certain they do those now, but they used to do day ones/weekend ones and they'd be cheaper than an oystercard which will take no account of the user being a child.

(you can get U16 oysters, but it is a right palaver and meant for resident children, not visiting children iyswim)

DH and I have oyster cards from way back when, and now the children are older they always borrow them if they go to the bigbadcity!

[Bugsy73]

Thanks so much. That's really helpful.