So, you’ve secured a place at King’s but you’re not sure how to navigate travelling around London. I remember feeling overwhelmed with all the different public transport options so you’re not alone! A lot of this comes down to personal preference but in this short post, I’m going to give a few tips on how to travel around London without spending too much.
Which mode of transport is best?
There isn’t a single correct answer to this question but of course, walking is the cheapest way to get around, with the added benefit of being good for your health and the environment. Cycling is another great alternative. Remember to download the King’s Move app which is free and tracks how many steps you take. You can earn points for simply being active and redeem these points for rewards such as a free hot drink or KCL merch.
How can I save money on travel?
If you live further from campus, walking and cycling may not be viable options. In this case, I’d recommend working out how many journeys you’ll make throughout the week. Generally, if you’re only using public transport a few days a week, then pay as you go will be your best bet. This can be done using any contactless card but I’d suggest getting an Oyster card and using this for your journeys instead. Oyster cards are effectively payment cards that can be used exclusively for travel, meaning that tracking your spending on public transport becomes easier.
In addition, I’d recommend purchasing a 16-25 Railcard, which gives you one third off train fares. The advantage of having both an Oyster card and a Railcard is that you can link these cards, which gives you a one third discount on off-peak pay as you go travel in London. This includes the tube, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, DLR and most national rail services.
Note that the cost of a standard Oyster card is currently £7 and a 16-25 Railcard costs £30. However, you’ll save money in the long run with both of them.
Should I get a Travelcard?
If you’re planning on using public transport most days of the week, it is usually cheaper to purchase a Travelcard than to use pay as you go. A Travelcard gives you unlimited travel at any time on the bus, Tube, Tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line and National Rail services in London. There are different types of Travelcards available depending on which zone you’re travelling in. For example, a zone 1-2 Travelcard covers central London whereas a zone 1-6 Travelcard covers the entirety of London. In addition, there is the option to purchase a 7 Day, Monthly or Annual Travelcard. Annual Travelcards offer the best value for money, however if you won’t be in London for the whole year, then you may want to consider a monthly or weekly Travelcard. I would recommend checking the TFL website to compare the cost of the specific Travelcard you’re planning to get vs the total cost of paying as you go for the week.
Finally, some students who do decide to purchase a Travelcard will also purchase an 18+ Student Oyster card. The reason for this is that you get 30% off the price of adult-rate Travelcards (although there is a cost of £25 to purchase the Student Oyster card).
I know that this is a lot of information to digest but hopefully this gives you an insight into the factors to consider when thinking about how to get around London. You can check the TFL website for more information and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
Aanchal Raina
King’s Student Money Mentor
Part of Money & Housing Advice
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