Children in London have been able to travel around the capital for free, or at a discounted rate, since 2005. But as part of its bailout of Transport for London following the COVID-19 crisis, the government is insisting on suspending free travel for under 18s, to protect public health and avoid overcrowding on buses.
Do under 18s travel free in London?
Children travel free, or at discounted fares, on London’s public transport system, making it a great option for families to get around the capital.
Do Under 18s pay for TFL?
Children aged 16-17 can get free and discounted travel on all our transport services with a Zip Oyster photocard.
What age do kids go free on London transport?
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 (Docklands Light Railway), overground and TFL rail without a ticket if they’re accompanied by a paying adult.
Do Under 16s pay on London buses?
From 1 September, fares on London’s buses and trams will be abolished for all under-16s. Children aged 13 and under will be able to board any London bus or tram and travel for free. They do not need any sort of pass or ticket (apart from tram journeys to or from Wimbledon station).
Does a child pay on London Underground?
Travelling with children
Children under five travel free with a fare-paying adult. If your child is under 11, they can travel free on: Buses and trams. Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and some National Rail services.
What age is Oyster card free?
If you’re 60 or over and live in a London borough, you can get free travel on our transport services with an Oyster photocard. Who is it for?
Can a 17 year old get a child train ticket?
Whilst the existing 16-25 Railcard offers a 1/3 off leisure travel, the new 16-17 Saver will extend the 50% child discount to 16 and 17 year olds.
Do 14 year olds need Oyster cards?
Your child needs a valid Oyster photocard to get free travel on buses and trams, to get Travelcard season tickets and pay as you go at child rate. If your child is over 10 years and 11 months and under 16 on 31 August, they will need an Oyster photocard to travel.
Is Oyster free for kids?
Children aged 5-10 get free travel on all our transport services with a Zip Oyster photocard.
How do I get an Oyster card for a child?
At the Post Office you’ll need: Proof of your child’s age and identity, such as a birth certificate. Proof of your address, such as a residential utility bill or bank statement dated with the last three months. A debit or credit card or cash to pay the £15 administration fee.
What age do you pay for TfL?
Up to four kids under 11 can travel free at any time on Tube, DLR, London Overground, and TfL Rail services when accompanied by an adult. An adult is anyone 16 and over using an adult rate ticket (but not a Group Day Travelcard), pay as you go or travel concession.
Do 16 year olds pay on trains?
As soon as you’re 16, you have to pay full price fares unless you have a savings card. The best one to get is the one known as the “Young Person’s Rail Card”, which costs £30 a year and discounts a third off all fares in the UK for anyone aged between 16-25, or people above that age in full-time education.
Can a 13 year old travel alone on a bus UK?
Any passengers under the age of 14 should be accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 or over. Children who are 14 years of age or over are allowed to travel on our services unaccompanied but should be appropriately prepared to travel on their own.
How much does a child Oyster card cost?
There’s a £7 fee for the Oyster card (non-refundable). Single fares and the daily cap for the underground and buses-only are 50% cheaper than adult fares.
What age do you have to pay for a child on a train?
Children under 5 years of age travel for free on most journeys but check with your train company to make sure. Please note, children under 5 who are travelling without a ticket may only occupy a seat that is not required by a fare-paying passenger.
At what age do you get a free bus pass in the UK?
60
In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you’re 60, but only within London. In Wales you can get a bus pass when you reach 60.
Are buses still free in London?
Pay your fare on cash-free London buses
London buses are card only, so you cannot buy a ticket with cash. Use a Visitor Oyster card*, an Oyster card, a Travelcard or a contactless payment card to pay your fare. Unlike the Tube zone fare system, a single London bus journey costs £1.65 no matter how far you go.
Is it cheaper to get an Oyster card or pay as you go?
The Pay as you go Oyster card is the cheapest way to pay for single tickets on the underground. For journeys in central London (zone 1), ticket prices are more than 50% cheaper with an Oyster card.
How much cheaper is 18+ Oyster?
30%
You can save 30% on Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes with our 18+ Student Oyster photocard. You can also use this Oyster card to pay as you go but you won’t receive the 30% discount.
How much is a Railcard for a 17 year old?
A 16-17 Saver costs £30 and it’ll save you 50% on Adult rail fares throughout England and Wales, and stations in Scotland served by Avanti West Coast, LNER and TransPennine Express. This includes Standard class Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, Advance, and Season Tickets.