London Travel Passes

All children under 16 travel free on buses and trams in Greater London. On the Tube, all children under the age of five travel for free; children 5-10 are now free when accompanied by an adult; children 11-15 usually get half-price fares. To qualify for half-price fares, full-time students at London universities must obtain a Student Photocard. These can be a pain to get (you must send away for them), but the discounts are generally worth it. Ask your London university about the Student Discount Scheme.

DAY TRAVELCARDS. Day Travelcards are valid for bus, Tube, DLR, and commuter rail services for one day. You can also get one-third off Riverboat prices and free travel on some national rail lines (excluding Heathrow Express and Connect). There are two types of Day Travelcards: Anytime (all day; £7.20) and Off-Peak (M-F after 9:30am, Sa-Su all day; £5.60). Both Anytime and Off-Peak Travelcards are valid until 4:30am the morning after the printed expiration date. Fares are subject to change; see www.tfl.gov.uk.

THREE-DAY TRAVELCARDS. These have the same application as day Travelcards. Anytime three-day cards cost £19 for zones 1-2, £43 for zones 1-6; Off-Peak zones 1-6 are £22. Fares are subject to change; see www.tfl.gov.uk.

SEASON TICKETS. Weekly, monthly, and annual Travelcards can be purchased at any time and are valid for seven days, one month, or one year, respectively, from the date of purchase. A matching Photocard is required, free from Tube stations with an ID photo. See www.tfl.gov.uk for fares.

OYSTER CARD. Most long-term Londoners hold an Oyster Card, a plastic card which allows you to touch and go on Tube station entrances and on buses. Oyster Cards can act either as a normal Travelcard (week or month) or as a “Pre-Pay,” with discounted adult fares. “Day Capping” promises that you will never pay more in a single day than you would with a Travelcard. Be sure to register your card (£3 deposit)—if it’s lost or stolen, you’ll be able to recover pre-paid funds to your account that way.