Public transport in London

[nannytothequeen]

I'm bringing my 2 kids to the UK in October and the last few days of our stay will be in London. We're staying really centrally but will want to get out and about on the tube and the buses. Last time we were over they were 10 and so travel was free. Now they are 13. So can anyone recommend my course of action for getting them discounted fairs? The zip card or a young person discount on their Oyster card or something else?

Last time we were in London with teens we got a half price child's card at the station. As far as I remember you have to get a staff member to activate it for you, then load on a tenner or whatever.

It's very easy.

Easiest is either:

• to buy a paper travelcard, yes they still exist (if you know you'll be travelling enough to ensure you get VFM)

• or Oyster, probably better is better - don't bother with a Zip card, they are photocards and I'm not sure they're available for those who live outside London.

Best to get regular Oyster, and have a Young Visitor discount applied. If you can't do that online, there are info ticket/offices at major rail stations where they can apply it (no ticket offices in tube stations any more)

PS: MN has a London topic, useful whether you're visiting as well,as if you live there

Thanks for this!