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Original poster

Children & tfl

12 replies

Brendabigbaps · 20/06/2023 18:42

Just a bit of advice/guidance please.

Northerner visiting London with a 10 year old.
last time we came to London DC was under 5

So we will be doing a couple of journeys by tube and my daughter is eligible for free travel. But do I need to do the £10 admin fee Oyster card to obtain it?
looking at tfl website it’s not very clear!

When you don't need a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocardUp to four children under 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.
Your child doesn't need a photocard to:

  • Travel free on buses and trams (unless they look older than 10)
  • Buy child-rate paper tickets (unless they look older than 10)
  • Travel accompanied by an adult on these National Rail services

does this mean I do need a photo card for the tube?
tempted to just stick to the bus!

OP posts:
Original poster
Brendabigbaps · 21/06/2023 07:55

Anyone?

OP posts:
Whataretheodds · 21/06/2023 07:57

Do they look over 10?

PuttingDownRoots · 21/06/2023 07:58

My 10yo was fine without one (she does have a 5-10 card but didn't need it for bus)

How old does she look realistically?

Whataretheodds · 21/06/2023 07:58

Lots of similar conversations in the UK travel thread/previous london chat threads

Original poster
Brendabigbaps · 21/06/2023 08:00

PuttingDownRoots · 21/06/2023 07:58

My 10yo was fine without one (she does have a 5-10 card but didn't need it for bus)

How old does she look realistically?

She doesn’t look older than 10, I’ll take her passport, my question is more about does she just walk into the tube and through the barriers. Is she free on the tube without a 5-10 card?

OP posts:
Runnersandtoms · 21/06/2023 08:02

Yes, we used to just go to the staffed barrier with kids. Adult scan card or ticket and the kids are waved through. Buses just get on. I've never been asked for a photo card.

Rainallnight · 21/06/2023 08:04

I just walk DC through the big barrier with me, after tapping my card

LittleBearPad · 21/06/2023 08:06

Yes she’ll be free. Don’t go through the normal barrier gates. Go to the wider gates for pushchairs, zap yourself in and she can follow you through.

The zip card is good if you’re catching proper trains in London but not needed for a short trip.

LittleBearPad · 21/06/2023 08:07

And a tfl person will be at the gate. They are hugely helpful if you aren’t sure.

chemistnightmare · 21/06/2023 08:12

No you won't need anything, just put your child in front of you when you tap and both walk through the barrier together.

cocksstrideintheevening · 21/06/2023 08:13

I only got a zip card for my kids when they were getting the bus to school so 11, they just went through the barriers and onto the bus before that. No one ever queried.

Original poster
Brendabigbaps · 21/06/2023 10:24

Thanks all

OP posts:
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