Travelling in London with Kids Fares, Tickets and Advice

Last Update: 19 Oct 2023

When planning a family trip to London, one of the things you’ll be thinking about is how to get around the city with your kids. You may be wondering about the fares children need to pay on London’s public transport and how to navigate the city with a buggy. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about travelling in London with kids.

Travelling in London with Kids: Fares and Transport Passes

When travelling in London with kids, it’s important to know that children will pay different fares on London’s transport depending on their age. There are transport passes available for children that are valid for London’s underground network, buses, DLR, overground, and trains within London travel zones.

Children under 11 years of age

• Children under the age of 11 travel free on London’s buses and trams, with or without an adult, at any time, and don’t need a ticket.
• Children under the age of 11 also travel free on London Underground, DLR, overground, and TFL rail without a ticket if they’re accompanied by a paying adult. Up to 4 children can travel for free with an adult who has a valid ticket.
• When entering the London underground with children under the age of 11, it’s advisable to use the larger access doors designed for people travelling with kids, those with luggage, or disabled passengers.

Children from 11 to 16 years of age

• Children between the ages of 11 and 16 can travel at a reduced rate on London’s public transport.
• Option 1: Oyster card with Young Visitor Discount – This option applies half adult rates for 14 days. After 14 days, the discount expires, and the Oyster card will charge full adult rates again. To avail of this discount, you need to buy an Oyster card or a Visitor Oyster card online or at an underground station and ask a member of staff to set the Young Visitor Discount. An adult will need to provide their personal details to register the Oyster card before the discount can be applied. An adult can request the young visitor discount to be set for up to 4 children (on separate Oyster cards).
• Option 2: Zip Oyster Photocard – This option entitles children up to 16 years of age to reduced fares on the underground and overground and other TFL services, as well as free travel on trams and buses. This option is best for children who live in London, as the process to get a Zip Oyster photocard can take some time and there’s an initial registration fee.
• Option 3: 1 Day Child Travelcard – This option allows unlimited travel at any time of the day on any form of public transport in London for the chosen travel zones. No ID is needed to purchase this travelcard, but fares using an Oyster card with young visitor discount are normally cheaper.

Travelling from the Airport to Central London

When travelling with kids, it’s important to plan your journey from the airport to central London. Here are some options:

• Heathrow Airport: The most convenient way to travel from Heathrow Airport to central London with kids is by taking the Heathrow Express train. This train offers a comfortable and fast journey, with trains running every 15 minutes. Children under 15 years of age travel for free when accompanied by an adult. Alternatively, you can also take the London Underground or a taxi.
• Gatwick Airport: From Gatwick Airport, you can take the Gatwick Express train, which offers a quick and direct journey to central London. Children under 5 years of age travel for free, and there are discounted fares for children between 5 and 15 years old. Other options include taking a coach or taxi.
• Stansted Airport: The Stansted Express train is the fastest way to travel from Stansted Airport to central London. Children under 5 years of age travel for free, and there are discounted fares for children between 5 and 15 years old. Coaches and taxis are also available as alternative options.

Travelling in London with a Buggy

Travelling in London with a buggy can be challenging, but with some planning, it can be made easier. Here are some tips:

• Use the larger access doors when entering the London underground with a buggy. These doors are wider and designed for people travelling with kids, those with luggage, or disabled passengers.
• Avoid peak hours if possible, as the trains and buses can get crowded. Travelling during off-peak hours will make it easier to navigate with a buggy.
• Consider using baby carriers or slings instead of a buggy when travelling on crowded public transport or in busy areas.
• Look for step-free access stations when planning your journey. These stations have lifts or ramps, making it easier to navigate with a buggy.
• Be prepared for stairs at some stations and attractions. If possible, plan your route to include stations with step-free access or use alternative modes of transport like buses or taxis.

In conclusion, when travelling in London with kids, it’s important to be aware of the different fares and transport passes available for children. Children under 11 travel free on most forms of public transport, while children from 11 to 16 can avail of reduced fares with certain transport passes. When travelling with a buggy, plan your journey to include stations with step-free access and consider using alternative modes of transport if necessary. With some preparation and knowledge of the transport system, travelling in London with kids can be an enjoyable experience.