Train tickets

[FrauMcC]

We‘re visiting the UK this summer, the first time in years. We‘ll be relying on public transport.

We are flying into London City, and getting the tube to Liverpool Street. From there, we will get a train to Lowestoft.

We have some ancient Oyster cards. We don’t have UK bank cards so want to avoid touching in an out with our bank cards, because we will get charged each time.

My question is- is it cheaper to use the Oyster cards to get to Liverpool Street, and then another ticket to Lowestoft? Or should we buy one ticket that takes us from the airport to Lowestoft?

My children are 5 and 8- do they need tickets too?

Getting a ticket from London airport to Lowestoft for 2 adults and 2 children on an open return (off peak) is roughly £250 according to trainline app. It’s much easier to have one ticket that takes you all through and if you go for the “any London station” option you have more flexibility if a particular line is out of action. From experience, getting the open return is better so you’re not tied to a specific trainline and time. Look out for any small print which might commit you to only using a particular trainline and time. 5+ need their own tickets.

Hello. Will you be in London a lot or just passing through to get to to lowesoft? The route to Liverpool street would be DLR then change at Stratford for central line and should be 3.80 if you aren't travelling peak times. You won't need to pay for your kids as under 11s are free on the tube. This will only be one transaction on your card so unless you have absolutely rip off charges on money changing shouldn't be too bad. My bank Barclays has a travel wallet thing I can access on the app and put some local currency into. Would yours have something similar?

Then I would just buy the ticket to Lowestoft. Trainline is great. You will need a ticket for all children here. Depending on how far out youre booking and your times, look at the family railcard. It's 35 for the year and when I put in random dates it took the price for a family of 4 down by over £50 so there's a wee saving.