mimi67

With the trip I've planned with my 11 year old grand daughter approaching, it's time to sort out public transportation. My first search has been for London where we will stay 3 nights before boarding the Euro Star for Paris and our 7 night stay in Marais.
In my London search I found the "zip card" for the 11 year old. It requires a 3 week waiting period so I need to act fast. It looks like this requires the purchase of an oyster card. I am interested in feedback regarding using public transportation with a minor in London and Paris. Thanks

enlehman76

Hubby and I did a similar trip. Stayed in London for 2 nights before taking the Eurostar to Paris. I can's comment on zip card/oyster card. Can only tell you that the train is very safe whether traveling during the day or at night. Wish I could tell you more. I can't imagine why you would not be able to sort everything out at the train station. It was very well organized and staffed with help. Good luck!

Lexma90

We took our then 10yo son to Paris and London several years ago, before oysters cards were around, and used public transportation in both cities.

In London, we used both buses and the Tube, mostly depending on where we needed to go and what time of day it was. Our son probably liked the Tube more. A highlight of the trip though, of the unplanned variety, was on our last night in London. We went to a play at the National Theatre (I think that's what it's called), on the other side of the Thames from our hotel in Bloomsbury. We took the bus back to our hotel, and riding on the top of the doubledecker, at night, with the bridge all lit up, was wonderful. We also did a lot of walking.

In Paris, we took the Metro and walked.

No problems with public transportation in either place, and I would agree, very safe in both cities.

Tulips

Check this site for all info about fares in London;
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/default.aspx

If you can get a photocard in advance, your granddaughter travels free on bus and tube.
If you don't have time for this; last year I visited London with 4 14-year olds; I got them a daily off-peak travel card for 1 pound each. With that, they could travel on the bus and tube in central London, together with an adult.

You can get an Oyster card for yourself; you can top this up with money and pay-as-you-go (there's a maximum daily price cap, see the website).

avalon

The Zip card will runn you 5 GBP plus a photo and a 3 week wait. I'd follow Tulips suggestion and just pick up an off peak daily travel card in London. And get a Paygo oyster for yourself.

Minors are always on the buses and tube by themselves at a lot younger age than 11

mimi67

Thanks for all your feedback. The daily off peak travel card for 1 pound coupled with my oyster card sounds like sound advise, especially with our departure date in extactly 3 weeks. And riding on top of a double decker bus at night sounds very special and will be included. Thanks for your time and interest; I so appreciate this forum. PS We're staying in Bloomsbury district upon our return to London. I've stayed there before and it is GREAT! I love those Bloomsbury "characters" and learning about their lives.