The London Underground offers various discounts and reduced fares based on different criteria, such as age, traveler status, and payment method.
Here are the main options:
🎟 Age-based Discounts
- Children under 11: Travel for free on the Underground, buses, and trams if accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.
- Ages 11 to 15: With the Zip Oyster 11-15 card, they can travel for free on buses and trams and get reduced fares on the Underground, Overground, and DLR.
- Ages 16 to 17: With the Zip Oyster 16+ card, they receive a 50% discount on Underground, Overground, and DLR fares.
- Ages 60+ (London residents): Can apply for a 60+ London Oyster photocard, allowing them to travel for free on the Underground, buses, and trains within London.
- Ages 65+ (UK residents): Can obtain the Senior Railcard, which offers a 30% discount on train journeys. It can also be linked to an Oyster card for discounts on the Underground during off-peak hours.
💳 Discount Cards and Special Options
- Travelcards: Passes that allow unlimited travel within certain zones for a fixed price.
- Pay as you go with Contactless or Oyster: Both options have a daily cap that prevents you from spending more than a certain limit per day.
- Visitor Oyster Card: Ideal for tourists, offering cheaper fares than paper tickets and discounts on tourist attractions.
- Group Day Travelcard: Available for groups of 10 or more, offering discounted daily fares.
- National Railcards linked to Oyster: Cards like the 16-25 Railcard, Senior Railcard, or Disabled Railcard can be linked to an Oyster to get a 30% discount on off-peak fares.
♿ Discounts for People with Disabilities
- Disabled Persons Railcard: Offers a 30% discount on trains and the Underground.
- Freedom Pass: For London residents with disabilities, allowing free travel on most public transport.
🚶♂️ Discounts for Tourists Over 65
Yes, tourists over 65 can get some discounts on public transport in London, but they do not have access to the same benefits as UK residents. Here are the available options:
Visitor Oyster Card
If you are a tourist, you can buy a Visitor Oyster Card before traveling to London. While it does not offer specific age-based discounts, it provides lower fares compared to single cash tickets.
Standard Oyster Card + National Senior Railcard
If you have a National Rail Senior Railcard (available for those over 60 in the UK), you can link it to a standard Oyster Card at any Underground station. This gives you a 30% discount on London Underground travel and other off-peak transport services.
👉 Note: This option is only available for those who hold a Senior Railcard, which requires a UK address.
One Day Travelcard for Seniors
Tourists cannot access the Freedom Pass or 60+ Oyster Photocard, as they are only for London residents. However, they can benefit from a One Day Travelcard, allowing unlimited travel on the Underground, buses, and other transport.
Bus Discounts
If you travel by bus, the fare with an Oyster Card or a Contactless Card is already lower (£1.75 per trip) and has a daily cap. There are no additional age-based discounts for tourists.
Alternative: Senior Railcard for Suburban Trains
If you plan to use trains beyond London (such as Gatwick Express or Thameslink), purchasing a Senior Railcard can be useful for getting discounts.
If you came to this page looking for exclusive discounts for tourists over 65 on the London Underground, unfortunately, there are none. However, you can reduce costs with a Visitor Oyster Card or a Senior Railcard if you travel on trains outside London, as mentioned above.