Travel Card v. Oyster Card?

Question

Arriving from US, will want to get around central London area (no earlier than 9:30am) for 7 days.

Can someone suggest travel card or oyster card...and is it cheaper to purchase before I leave the US?

I'm familiar with the Tube map, but any other helpful tips about using the Tube or safety issues to be aware of? Haven't been to London for 10 years.

We'll be using Kensington High Street Tube stop and Victoria Tube stop the most due to our hotel locations.

Thanks!

Answer 1

A 7-day Travelcard is £23.20 and can be used at any time.
Pay As You Go caps at £4.10 a day if you don't travel before 9:30.

Answer 2

Personally I'd recommend an Oyster Card, as it gives so much flexibility; if you travel around during the day it will be probably be cheaper anyway, as it hits a 'cap' when you reach a certain level.

The Tube is much as it ever was, certainly safety wise; obviously you need to be aware of possessions, and there are potentially security issues - but if you used the Tube 10 years back then the same security issues applied, albeit for a different group.

You may be pleasantly surprised, as Mayor Ken is committed to upgrading the network and a lot of work has been done (and is still being done, so some networks may be closed at weekends), some stations are greatly improved. Also the introduction of the DLR, and Jubilee Line extensions, have opened up new areas to explore.

I hope you enjoy our fair city.

Answer 3

You can't buy a paper travelcard anymore, you'll need an Oystercard. It also depends on where you'll visiting, if you load a 7 day card zones 1-2 on to it then you'll cover most tourist locations in London. You could always use pre-pay and this may work out cheaper as long as you don't travel before 9.30 a.m.

I'm not sure where you'd buy an Oyster card in the US but the Transport for London website may help: http://www.tfl.gov.uk

Answer 4

Its cheaper to get an oyster card make sure you do so BEFORE you leave for London.