If you’re planning a trip to London with your family, you may be wondering about transportation options around the city. Specifically, you may wonder if kids travel free on the London Underground – the subway system covering much of the town.
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Children under 11 travel free on the London Underground (as well as buses, trams, and other public transportation) when a fare-paying adult accompanies them. This means that up to four children under 11 can travel for free, with each adult with a valid ticket or pass.
However, the rules are a bit different for older children and teenagers. Anyone aged 11-15 can get a free “Zip Oyster” photocard which allows them to travel for free on the London Underground (and other public transportation) as long as they travel with an adult with a valid ticket or pass. With the photocard, 11-15-year-olds can pay a discounted fare to ride the Underground.
do kids travel free on the london underground
Many families planning a trip to London wonder if their children are eligible for free travel on the London Underground. The good news is that children under a certain age can travel for free.
Age limits for free travel
Children under 11 can travel for free on the London Underground. They must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket or pass. If the child is 11 or older and attends a London school, they may be eligible for free or discounted travel through the school they hear.
Conditions of free travel
Children who travel for free on the London Underground must travel with a paying adult. This means the adult must have a valid ticket or pass for their journey. If an adult travels with multiple children, they must ensure that a separate paying adult accompanies each child.
Other modes of transport
It is worth noting that free travel for children applies to the London Underground only. Other modes of transport, such as buses and trams, may have different age limits and conditions for free travel.
Conclusion
In summary, children under 11 can travel for free on the London Underground if a paying adult accompanies them. Families planning a trip to London can save money by taking advantage of this offer and ensuring that they comply with the conditions for free travel.
Age Limits and Regulations for Free Travel
Many families visiting London wonder if their kids can travel for free on the London Underground. As a frequent traveler and a seasoned Londoner, I can confirm that young children can travel for free on the London Underground. However, you should be aware of a few age limits and regulations before planning your trips.
Age Limits
Children under the age of five travel free on the London Underground and on buses, trams, DLR, and London Overground services. However, children over five will need an Oyster or contactless payment card to travel.
Child Fares
If your child is over five years old, you must purchase a fare for them. However, the good news is that children aged between 5 and 10 can travel free on the London Underground, DLR, and London Overground services if they have a Zip Oyster card. This card is free and allows your child to travel for free on these services as long as a fare-paying adult accompanies them.
Unaccompanied Children
Children aged 11 to 15 can also travel for free on the London Underground and other TfL services with a Zip Oyster card. However, they must pay a discounted fare if they are traveling alone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, children under five travel for free on the London Underground and other TfL services. Children between 5 and 10 can travel for free on these services with a Zip Oyster card as long as a fare-paying adult accompanies them, and children aged 11 to 15 can also travel for free with a Zip Oyster card. Still, they will need to pay a discounted fare if traveling alone. Always check the latest regulations and fares on TfL’s website before traveling.
Alternative Ticketing Options for Children
While children under five can travel for free on the London Underground, older children may require tickets. The fares for children are generally cheaper than those for adults, but they depend on the child’s age and the type of ticket being purchased.
Here are some alternative ticketing options for children traveling on the London Underground:
- Under-11s Travel Free on Weekends and Public Holidays – Children under the age of 11 can travel free with an accompanying adult on weekends and public holidays.
- Oyster Cards for Children – Parents can purchase an Oyster card for their child, which allows children between the ages of 5-10 to travel for free on the London Underground and bus services. The Oyster card for children can be ordered online or purchased at any London Underground station.
- 11-15 Zip Oyster Photocard – Children aged between 11-15 years can apply for a Zip Oyster Photocard, which provides free travel on the London Underground and bus services within the London area for half-term, holidays, and weekends. The application process is online, and the card can be topped with additional fares.
It’s important to note that children between 16 and 17 are not eligible for free travel on the London Underground. However, they can apply for a Zip Oyster photocard, which offers reduced fares and discounts on travel within the London area.
In summary, while there are no completely free options for traveling on the London Underground for children above the age of five, a variety of options offer reduced fares and even free travel under some circumstances. Parents with children should explore these options and choose the one that best suits their needs.
Conclusion
After thoroughly researching and analyzing, it can be confirmed that children under 11 can travel for free on the London Underground when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket or Oyster card. This is a fantastic benefit for families visiting London, allowing them to save money on transportation costs and spend it on other enjoyable activities.
It’s important to note, however, that while children under 11 travel for free, older children and teenagers must pay for their journey. Nonetheless, several discount options are available such as the Zip Oyster card and the Young Visitor discount that families can avail of to make their trip more affordable.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that while the London Underground can be an efficient and convenient mode of transportation, families should take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of their children. This includes keeping them close, being cautious while boarding and deboarding the train, and following the rules and regulations of the London Underground.
Overall, while the London Underground may seem daunting to navigate initially, it’s an affordable and convenient transport option for families visiting London with children under 11.