Which London transit card for family with 13 year old?

[Maxy Mouse]

I am so very confused. Please help me figure out what card is best and how best to purchase. We are doing a quick tour pre cruise. The plan is to arrive at Heathrow and taking the tube to a central London hotel. During our London stay we will be walking most places but taking an occasional short tube trip with a half day outing to Hampton Court Palace. On day 4 we take the tube to Kings Cross for a he train to York (ticket already purchased on line thanks to early booking tips on CC).

 

Is the oyster card the thing? How does it work for the teen? Where would you recommend making the purchase?

 

I am grateful for your guidance.

 

Sent from my HTC One X using Forums mobile app

[Globaliser]

Is the oyster card the thing? How does it work for the teen? Where would you recommend making the purchase?

If you decide to buy prepaid (pay-as-you-go) Oyster cards, then you must read this page carefully if you want to make the most of the child discounts for the 13-year old. Note the detailed instructions on how to apply.

 

An alternative is just to get an adult Oyster card and forego the child discounts.

 

Buying adult Oyster cards can be done when you arrive at Heathrow.

[aquilegia]

Globaliser's link is very good. Also, if you post in the London forum on Trip Advisor (or do a search there) you will find plenty of experts in the pros and cons of the various cards. This sort of question crops up every day there.

Edited April 23, 2014 by aquilegia

[Bob++]

Just a small suggestion - You can get to Hampton Court Palace by boat. It is a long slow trip but you pass many interesting places on the way, and it is certainly more relaxing than the train if you have already exhausted yourselves on other attractions.

 

The journey takes about 3½ hours depending on tides, and you could return by train. This site has more information. http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Travel/Westminster_Passenger_Services_Association/ee35/

[Maxy Mouse]

Thanks everyone. I will read over it all again and hope something sticks.