Zip Oyster photocard: free and discounted travel for children in London

Children's travel in London runs on the Zip Oyster photocard — a named card with a photo that gives free or discounted travel. Without it, a child over a certain age pays the adult fare. Here is who qualifies for which card and what it costs to apply.

What does the 5-10 Zip give?

This card is for children aged 5 to 10. With it, travel is free on the Tube, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line (except between West Drayton and Reading), and on most National Rail services that accept pay as you go. On buses and trams, children aged 10 and under travel free without the card — but if a child looks older, the card proves their age. A parent or guardian applies online; the administration fee is £10. The card expires the day before the child's 11th birthday.

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And for a teenager — the 11-15 Zip?

This card is for children aged over 10 years and 11 months, and under 16 on 31 August. The administration fee is £15. On buses and trams you only need to touch in, and on the Tube and rail a child rate applies. The card expires on 30 September in the year after the child's 16th birthday — so it covers the move up through school.

Why apply in advance?

Without a Zip card, an 11-15 is treated as an adult at the ticket office and gate and pays the full fare. Applying online takes time for checks and delivery, so TfL advises applying ahead, especially before the start of the school year when applications peak.

What to keep in mind when applying?

You will need a digital photo of the child and a card to pay the fee. The card is named and cannot be passed on. If a child loses the card or it is damaged, you order a replacement (usually for a separate charge). The age and expiry dates are tied to the birthday and to 31 August / 30 September, so it is worth working out in advance how long the card will last.

What happens after 16?

For 16- and 17-year-olds there is the 16+ Zip Oyster: with it a teenager pays the child (reduced) pay-as-you-go rate and can buy child Travelcards. Some young people who live in London and study qualify for free bus and tram travel on a special version of the card. Children under 5 travel free without a card when accompanied by an adult. TfL publishes the full rules and fees for each card in its free and discounted travel section, where you also apply and order a replacement if one is lost.

Two cards cover the whole school age: the 5-10 Zip for younger children, the 11-15 Zip for secondary school. The one-off £10 or £15 fee pays for itself within a few journeys compared with the adult fare.