How to pay for transport in London with child

[parrotonmyshoulder]

When I’ve been on my own I just tap my credit card in and out at the tube stations. What does a 12 year old need? Is there a prepaid card or something? We’ll be there for 3 days. Thanks.

Probably best to get them an oyster card (prepaid card), can purchase and top up at the machines in the stations.

For my DS who is 12 I have ordered an oyster card which I'll then ask for a visitor's discount on when we get there.

I think this is ok.

There was another way with a permanent photo card but it was more expensive and I thought it would get lost.

Just take them through the wider gates. No one will care

Yes you can buy and oyster card and get a young person discount (50%) loaded on it at any tube station with a ticket office - discount lasts up to 14 days after which it is a 'normal' adult oyster card.

Staff will and do stop teens entering via the wide gates - they need a ticket, even london resident teens pay for tube etc travel.

Tube travel is free for accompanied children under 11. Unless your 12 year old looks young for their age, you will get stopped.

It depends on how often you visit London, once in a blue moon then a visitor Oyster card and put a bit of credit on it. More regularly then you could apply for a zip card for your child which lasts until they are 16 and gives free bus travel and half price tube travel.

It’s a once in a blue moon visit. So I order an Oyster card in advance, then go to the ticket office in Kings Cross when we get there for the young person’s discount. How much approx would I need on the card? 3 days of zone 1&2 travelling.

Am I being really dim here? Could she just tap a different payment card to the one I will be using (one of mine, or her own contactless Go Henry card)?

You can only get adult fares if you tap and go.