And yet more q on Oyster vs TravelCard , etc
May 4th, 2011, 06:18 PM
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And yet more q on Oyster vs TravelCard , etc
Hello all.
I've been reading all I can on these cards and yet am still slightly confused.
here's our scenario:
Visiting the UK this summer from Alberta, Arriving at Gatwick after night flight about 10 am local (UK) time. Family of 4 (kids are aged 16 and 10) .
Am considering taxi or private hire to drive us into London - Kings cross area.
Expect to arrive exhausted around 12 to 1 - Am hoping to get some sightseeing done
Next day going thru the chunnel to Paris and the day after that the Stonehenge and Avebury tour.
Day 4 - going out to Heathrow to drop off one of the kids with the rest of their tour group so 4 of us will be travelling out to Heathrow, 3 will be returning - can do sightseeing that afternoon/evening.
Day 5 - Sightseeing for the 3 of us - the other one will be sightseeing with their tour group
Day 6 - renting a car and driving out - to end up in Edinburgh aprox 7 days later. Spend 5 days in Edinburgh and then fly back to Gatwick .
Day 19 - Last day in UK - all 4 back together again - full day to spend in London for more sightseeing. Staying out near Gatwick but apparently can take a train into town and back again at the end of the day.
Day 20 - fly out at some ungodly hour in the morning.
So here are my q
most of our sightseeing times would be Days 1, 4, 5 & 19 - probably too tired after paris and stonehenge trips on days 2 &3 but you never know...
I think I would have to buy 3 Oyster cards - 2 adults and 1 kid (16). The other is 10. If I understand correctly the 10 yr old would travel free if with us - at least until just before Day 19 when he turns 11. Then I think I need a one day travel card for him for that last day?
Most of our travel in London would be within Zone 1 except for the one trip out to Heathrow -which would be return trips for the 2 adults and one way for the 16yr old.
So...I'm sure I should buy the Oyster cards but how much should I put on each?
What about the trips to Heathrow?
Do I buy the visitor's Oyster card from here and have it mailed to me or should I wait until we get there and buy them there? Can I buy them at gatwick when we arrive and can I get the one day travel card at the same time?
Are the balances on the Oyster card refundable (and if so where)or is there an agency to donate the cards and remaining balances to ( and again if so where)?
PS - speaking of private hires to pick up from gatwick to drive us into london- any suggestions?
Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
We are really looking forward to this trip!!
Cheryl
I've been reading all I can on these cards and yet am still slightly confused.
here's our scenario:
Visiting the UK this summer from Alberta, Arriving at Gatwick after night flight about 10 am local (UK) time. Family of 4 (kids are aged 16 and 10) .
Am considering taxi or private hire to drive us into London - Kings cross area.
Expect to arrive exhausted around 12 to 1 - Am hoping to get some sightseeing done
Next day going thru the chunnel to Paris and the day after that the Stonehenge and Avebury tour.
Day 4 - going out to Heathrow to drop off one of the kids with the rest of their tour group so 4 of us will be travelling out to Heathrow, 3 will be returning - can do sightseeing that afternoon/evening.
Day 5 - Sightseeing for the 3 of us - the other one will be sightseeing with their tour group
Day 6 - renting a car and driving out - to end up in Edinburgh aprox 7 days later. Spend 5 days in Edinburgh and then fly back to Gatwick .
Day 19 - Last day in UK - all 4 back together again - full day to spend in London for more sightseeing. Staying out near Gatwick but apparently can take a train into town and back again at the end of the day.
Day 20 - fly out at some ungodly hour in the morning.
So here are my q
most of our sightseeing times would be Days 1, 4, 5 & 19 - probably too tired after paris and stonehenge trips on days 2 &3 but you never know...
I think I would have to buy 3 Oyster cards - 2 adults and 1 kid (16). The other is 10. If I understand correctly the 10 yr old would travel free if with us - at least until just before Day 19 when he turns 11. Then I think I need a one day travel card for him for that last day?
Most of our travel in London would be within Zone 1 except for the one trip out to Heathrow -which would be return trips for the 2 adults and one way for the 16yr old.
So...I'm sure I should buy the Oyster cards but how much should I put on each?
What about the trips to Heathrow?
Do I buy the visitor's Oyster card from here and have it mailed to me or should I wait until we get there and buy them there? Can I buy them at gatwick when we arrive and can I get the one day travel card at the same time?
Are the balances on the Oyster card refundable (and if so where)or is there an agency to donate the cards and remaining balances to ( and again if so where)?
PS - speaking of private hires to pick up from gatwick to drive us into london- any suggestions?
Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
We are really looking forward to this trip!!
Cheryl
May 4th, 2011, 06:44 PM
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Don't buy now--have to pay shipping/etc. Just get them there.
I'd just ask at the TFL ticket office when you buy the Oyster card; I have found the agents to be most helpful. Terse and to the point, but helpful. Tell them all your plans and see what they say (LHR can be reached by Tube--it just is in different Zone so costs more--Why do you all have to go--just to say bye? You can't get to car hire places via the Tube though. Where are you picking up car?)
Yes balances are refundable at a ticket office, so at airport when you leave if you have time. Don't know about donations.
I don't know what best car hire is from Gatwick; we used justairports from Heathrow; DON'T think of taxi though--way too far away. I think some will recommend a train service from Gatwick.
Have fun!
I'd just ask at the TFL ticket office when you buy the Oyster card; I have found the agents to be most helpful. Terse and to the point, but helpful. Tell them all your plans and see what they say (LHR can be reached by Tube--it just is in different Zone so costs more--Why do you all have to go--just to say bye? You can't get to car hire places via the Tube though. Where are you picking up car?)
Yes balances are refundable at a ticket office, so at airport when you leave if you have time. Don't know about donations.
I don't know what best car hire is from Gatwick; we used justairports from Heathrow; DON'T think of taxi though--way too far away. I think some will recommend a train service from Gatwick.
Have fun!
May 4th, 2011, 07:18 PM
#3
"<i>Am considering taxi or private hire to drive us into London - Kings cross area</i>"
Bad idea IMO. That would take about 2 hours. Take the train -- it will cost less than a car service and take less than 1/2 the time.
The next day you want to do a day trip to Paris and then the NEXT day another day trip to Stonehenge. After those 3 days your family will probably be in full revolt mode. When do you get a chance to breathe?
Anyway - You don't need to pre-purchase oysters. BUT -- if you want your 16 yo to get 1/2 price travel -- you need to pre-apply for photo ID http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14308.aspx
Bad idea IMO. That would take about 2 hours. Take the train -- it will cost less than a car service and take less than 1/2 the time.
The next day you want to do a day trip to Paris and then the NEXT day another day trip to Stonehenge. After those 3 days your family will probably be in full revolt mode. When do you get a chance to breathe?
Anyway - You don't need to pre-purchase oysters. BUT -- if you want your 16 yo to get 1/2 price travel -- you need to pre-apply for photo ID http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14308.aspx
May 4th, 2011, 07:21 PM
#4
Oh - and to clarify a bit - I almost always recommend a car service from LHR. LGW is a WHOLE different kettle of fish. It is more than twice as far out and there is no easy driving route in from the south.
May 5th, 2011, 04:36 AM
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Gatwick is a long way out of London. There is a direct train to St Pancras, which is right beside Kings Cross (the only caveat to this is that the line through London is being worked on at the moment at weekends, but even if there's no service beyond London Bridge on that line, the replacement bus service or a taxi would be easier than driving in all the way
I'm tempted to say that I don't suppose your 10-year old will suddenly wake up on his birthday with "I'm 11!" imprinted on his forehead, so you could take a chance; but if you find you're being stopped and asked to confirm the age before the birthday, then it would be wise to get a one-day travelcard on that last day.
I'm tempted to say that I don't suppose your 10-year old will suddenly wake up on his birthday with "I'm 11!" imprinted on his forehead, so you could take a chance; but if you find you're being stopped and asked to confirm the age before the birthday, then it would be wise to get a one-day travelcard on that last day.
May 5th, 2011, 04:41 AM
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Actually Justairports from Gatwick for 4 people might be cheaper than the train. GX. I just checked and for 2 people returning to Gatwick , just airports was cheaper than the Gx and the taxi to Victoria
May 5th, 2011, 05:22 AM
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"Actually Justairports from Gatwick for 4 people might be cheaper than the train. GX"
So don't take the GEX - either take the Southern Trains service to Victoria (half the price & a couple minutes slower) plus Tube / taxi to St Pancras or take the direct train to St Pancras. Either will be at least twice as fast as a car service.
So don't take the GEX - either take the Southern Trains service to Victoria (half the price & a couple minutes slower) plus Tube / taxi to St Pancras or take the direct train to St Pancras. Either will be at least twice as fast as a car service.
May 5th, 2011, 08:59 AM
#8
"<i>Actually Justairports from Gatwick for 4 people might be cheaper than the train. GX. I just checked and for 2 people returning to Gatwick , just airports was cheaper than the Gx and the taxi to Victoria</i>"
They are staying near Kings Cross -- a car service, the GEX, or anything to do w/ Victoria really wouldn't apply.
A car service to Kings Cross (even justairports) would cost a fortune and would take forever. A train from LGW to St Pancras would save them both money and a TON of time.
They are staying near Kings Cross -- a car service, the GEX, or anything to do w/ Victoria really wouldn't apply.
A car service to Kings Cross (even justairports) would cost a fortune and would take forever. A train from LGW to St Pancras would save them both money and a TON of time.
May 6th, 2011, 04:18 PM
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thanx for the responses everyone
patrick - i thought about that but Kid#2 is already 5'2" and 120 lbs...
janisj - yes itineray is busy at first - originally had 4 days before Kid#1 group arrives but then they changed tour to come earlier. So we had to squeeze those 2 tours together as we all wanted to see them. Didn't book anything specific on day of arrival - will check in and then wander around to see the sights, kinda take it easy (maybe). Got a hotel close to Eurostar and can nap on the train. Booked a private hire for Stonehenge as wanted to see Stonehenge, Avebury and Salisbury - busy schedule - but we get picked up and dropped off at hotel (and again can nap if need be in the car). Cost a litte more but this is a trip of a lifetime for us so we splurged a little where we felt we should. The rest of the time in London is not specifically booked - I didn't want to end up with the must be here at 1, must be here at 2 scenario. I know there's lots to see and we won't be able to see it all but I wanted the trip to be fun and educational (for sure it will be tiring at times).
Texas - yea sounds silly - going all that way. But we want to make sure all documents etc are handed over to the people in charge of the tour etc. We could technically meet them in London that night but then Kid#1 would miss the group bus tour from the airport (and then life as we know it ...)
So we thought what the heck - we'll all go out to meet the troupe, turn over custody of Kid#1 (and then run like heck haha). it'll give us a chance to check out where the car rental is as well cause 2 days later we come back to pick up our rental and head to Wales. We don't meet up with Kid#1 until over a week later in Scotland.
thanx everyone for the replies - it sounds like the consensus is to buy the card(s) there. I assume there is a tix counter at Gatwick so I should be able to get there and discuss with them - I'll make a list of what we know for sure and then maybe have a little extra added on. As for the train to Pancras - I read a little about it - I heard it is quicker and cheaper but didn't know if it was convenient after a night flight to a place we've never been and then to drag along luggage as well. Also I read that this train is also a normal commuter train so could be packed - although our flight comes in about 10ish so we wouldn't be taking it during rush hour. I'll have to follow up more to see how close it is to hotel - don't want to be wandering around too far with suitcases.
Next question - so far the sightseeing list (wish list) includes: for all - the tower of course
Kid#1 - British Museum, jack the ripper tour
Kid#2 - London Eye, Madame toussauds, Churchill war rooms
Dad - London Bridge, Westminster Abbey and a pub
Mom - I'm kinda interested in the templar church (yes after seeing it in davinci code)
and anything else we can squeeze in. Is there anything on this list that we should avoid and what is missing?
What is must see?
thanx again !!
patrick - i thought about that but Kid#2 is already 5'2" and 120 lbs...
janisj - yes itineray is busy at first - originally had 4 days before Kid#1 group arrives but then they changed tour to come earlier. So we had to squeeze those 2 tours together as we all wanted to see them. Didn't book anything specific on day of arrival - will check in and then wander around to see the sights, kinda take it easy (maybe). Got a hotel close to Eurostar and can nap on the train. Booked a private hire for Stonehenge as wanted to see Stonehenge, Avebury and Salisbury - busy schedule - but we get picked up and dropped off at hotel (and again can nap if need be in the car). Cost a litte more but this is a trip of a lifetime for us so we splurged a little where we felt we should. The rest of the time in London is not specifically booked - I didn't want to end up with the must be here at 1, must be here at 2 scenario. I know there's lots to see and we won't be able to see it all but I wanted the trip to be fun and educational (for sure it will be tiring at times).
Texas - yea sounds silly - going all that way. But we want to make sure all documents etc are handed over to the people in charge of the tour etc. We could technically meet them in London that night but then Kid#1 would miss the group bus tour from the airport (and then life as we know it ...)
So we thought what the heck - we'll all go out to meet the troupe, turn over custody of Kid#1 (and then run like heck haha). it'll give us a chance to check out where the car rental is as well cause 2 days later we come back to pick up our rental and head to Wales. We don't meet up with Kid#1 until over a week later in Scotland.
thanx everyone for the replies - it sounds like the consensus is to buy the card(s) there. I assume there is a tix counter at Gatwick so I should be able to get there and discuss with them - I'll make a list of what we know for sure and then maybe have a little extra added on. As for the train to Pancras - I read a little about it - I heard it is quicker and cheaper but didn't know if it was convenient after a night flight to a place we've never been and then to drag along luggage as well. Also I read that this train is also a normal commuter train so could be packed - although our flight comes in about 10ish so we wouldn't be taking it during rush hour. I'll have to follow up more to see how close it is to hotel - don't want to be wandering around too far with suitcases.
Next question - so far the sightseeing list (wish list) includes: for all - the tower of course
Kid#1 - British Museum, jack the ripper tour
Kid#2 - London Eye, Madame toussauds, Churchill war rooms
Dad - London Bridge, Westminster Abbey and a pub
Mom - I'm kinda interested in the templar church (yes after seeing it in davinci code)
and anything else we can squeeze in. Is there anything on this list that we should avoid and what is missing?
What is must see?
thanx again !!
May 6th, 2011, 04:41 PM
#10
which hotel? We can tell you the best way to get there? It most likely would not be a car service but there could be other options. You can buy your oysters from the Gatwick Express (it does not cover the train ride though) or after you get into London. I'm not absolutely positive but I don't think you can buy Oysters anywhere else at Gatwick.
I'm not sure what Kid#1 is expecting from the Jack the Ripper tour - but it may be a HUGE disappointment. And IMHO it would be fully inappropriate for Kid#2. You walk around the east end hearing graphic descriptions of women being disemboweled. Even if that wasn't the case -- it is a tour of . . . nothing really. None of the original sites still exist. "<i>That car park is the site of yadda yadda</i>", "<i>Miss xyz was found where that mini mart stands now</i>" and so on.
Since it apparently fits in your budget -- the driver guide for your Stonehenge/Avebury day is a good idea. It won't be as exhausting w/ a driver handling everything.
I'm not sure what Kid#1 is expecting from the Jack the Ripper tour - but it may be a HUGE disappointment. And IMHO it would be fully inappropriate for Kid#2. You walk around the east end hearing graphic descriptions of women being disemboweled. Even if that wasn't the case -- it is a tour of . . . nothing really. None of the original sites still exist. "<i>That car park is the site of yadda yadda</i>", "<i>Miss xyz was found where that mini mart stands now</i>" and so on.
Since it apparently fits in your budget -- the driver guide for your Stonehenge/Avebury day is a good idea. It won't be as exhausting w/ a driver handling everything.
May 6th, 2011, 05:08 PM
#11
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Comfort Inn & Suites Kings Cross.
Not the most expensive but at least it's a roof over our heads and we got a 1 bedrm suite w kitchenette (as there is 4 of us)
Apparently it's close to Eurostar station and is still within Zone 1.
Kid#2 and I are both not too keen on the ripper tour either so if we can't talk Kid#1 out of it then Daddy will have to go with #1.
Not the most expensive but at least it's a roof over our heads and we got a 1 bedrm suite w kitchenette (as there is 4 of us)
Apparently it's close to Eurostar station and is still within Zone 1.
Kid#2 and I are both not too keen on the ripper tour either so if we can't talk Kid#1 out of it then Daddy will have to go with #1.
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