free travel for under 16s

Travel between Canada and the USA for kids without a passport (land/air)

Post author: Emily Derrick
Post published: August 20, 2022
Post category: Travel tips / Trip planning tips
Post comments: 9 Comments

Right now, the federal government’s waiting list to get a Canadian passport (or renew one) can be very long. Anyone planning a quick trip across the border for the rest of the summer may need to cancel, postpone, or leave the kids at home if the kids don’t have a valid passport.

But what if we told you that your kids could travel from Canada to the US and back again without a passport of their own?

Yes, it is possible for some trips.

(The NEXUS card can replace the passport and every savvy traveler should definitely have it to avoid almost all wait times during their travels — Flytrippers will have more details and a video in the 2 nd part of that guide — but I’ll ignore that for the purpose of this post because if you don’t have time to get a passport, you don’t have time to get that either!)

Here’s what you need to know.

Entering the US with a kid

Any Canadian child under the age of 16 can arrive in the US without a passport and still get into the country, according to the US land and sea border rules (to be very clear, 16-year-olds are not eligible: it is for those under 16).

Those kids can travel to the US without a passport, but they will need to have one of these documents:

a Canadian birth certificate
a Canadian Citizenship Card
a Consular Report of Birth Abroad
a Naturalization Certificate

(The US also has more exemptions for organized group trips — like school trips — but I won’t get into that here!)

However, this passport-free travel rule only applies if you enter the US by land or sea .

So this means under 16s don’t need a passport if entering by:

driving across the border
taking a bus or train
taking a private boat , a ferry , or a cruise

The bad news is that if you plan on flying from Canada, you will need to get your child a passport.

The good news is that there is a workaround to still be able to fly anywhere in the US: under 18s can fly domestically within the US without a passport according to official TSA rules .

So if you want to head somewhere further from home, you can get across the land border using a birth certificate if your kid is under 16. Once you’re in the US, grab a domestic flight within the US, and your kid won’t need a passport to fly.

List of US airports near the Canadian border

This is the same trick many have been using to:

Avoid the US vaccination requirement for those 18 and over (the requirement is only for entry and applies at the land border too, but is not often enforced there)
Avoid having to wear a mask on planes (the US has removed this requirement many months ago, along with most European countries too)
Avoid the current airport chaos (Canada is #1 worldwide for this, based on the data)
Find cheaper flights with more generous change policies (it depends on the dates/destination and is obviously not guaranteed, as for all flights)

As a reminder, in terms of pandemic rules for travel to the United States, it’s very simple:

No requirements for domestic flights (like every country in the world)
No test requirement for anyone (by land or by air)
No vaccination requirement for those under 18 (by land or by air)
Vaccination requirement for those 18 and over (not often enforced by land)

How Canadians can travel to the United State (entry rules for all nationalities)

That said, the US vaccine requirement will be lifted soon: sign up for Flytrippers’ free newsletter for the post about that, which is coming next week.

Entering Canada with a kid to come back

Of course, if your child is a Canadian citizen, you can also use their birth certificate to get back into Canada. You won’t be able to fly back to Canada because the US won’t let them board an international flight without a passport.

But under 16s with Canadian citizenship who enter the US by land can then get back into Canada using their birth certificate as identification by land or by sea.

For older children and adults, a provincial driver’s license can also be used to cross the border back to Canada, if, you were to lose your passport during your trip to the US for example. If you do plan on crossing the US border with a minor, you may need to prove that you have legal custody to take the child out of the country (or back into Canada). Border agents are always on the lookout for missing children, so if you are traveling with someone else’s child, you will need written permission from their legal guardian .

Finally, in terms of pandemic rules, you can read our guide on Canada’s entry rules.

Canada’s entry rules: ultimate guide

Because while they’re simple for most Canadians, for others they are still among the most restrictive in the world.

Want to get more content to learn more about traveling to the US?

Canadian kids can travel to the United States without a passport if they are under 16 and if they enter by land or sea. And while they can’t enter by plane, they can fly domestically once they’re into the US. Entering Canada by land is not an issue either.

What would you like to know about traveling without a passport? Tell us in the comments below.

See the deals we spot: Cheap flights

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Featured image: Roadtripping in the USA (photo credit: Peter Amende)

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Emily Derrick

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This post has 9 comments.

Has this actually worked for anyone? Where can I find the formal written policy that this tip is based on?

Both the US Customs and Border Patrol and the Canadian gov’t websites say all children crossing US/CAN border need a passport. You can only use a birth certificate if the child is newborn.

What if Canadian citizen give birth in USA while coming back after 2 days old infant by land with car?

That’s a very niche question, I do not know at all. Surely they’ll find a way to let you in.

Can I as a 17 year cross the border with jus a drivers license and parents permission

Hi, this whole post is about this topic specifically and the answer is in the very first sentence after the table of contents.

So just checking we can drive across into the states and fly domestically with a birth certificate for my 10 year old daughter?

Did this work for you and were there any issues as we are planning to do the same for our new born.

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Free school transport

Children of compulsory school age qualify for free school transport if they go to their nearest suitable school and any of the following apply:

the school is more than 2 miles away and the child is under 8
the school is more than 3 miles away and the child is 8 or over
there’s no safe walking route between their home and school
they cannot walk there because of their special educational needs or disabilities or a mobility problem

If your child does not qualify for free school transport for these reasons, they may still qualify if you have a low family income.

Find out more about applying for free school transport from your local council.

If your child is 16 or over and still in education, ask your local council if they offer any help with transport.

If you have a low family income

If your child does not qualify for free school transport for another reason, they may be eligible if either:

they are entitled to free school meals
you get the maximum Working Tax Credit

Your child will get free school transport if they’re:

aged 8 to 11, go to their nearest school and it’s at least 2 miles away
aged 11 to 16 and go to a school 2 to 6 miles away - if it’s one of their 3 nearest suitable schools
aged 11 to 16 and go to a school 2 to 15 miles away - if it’s one you chose because of your religion or belief

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Child Fares on London Transport

Last checked: 3 June 2024 Discounts for children on London transport are straightforward for children aged 10 and under. For children aged 11-15 it’s slightly more complicated.

Children under 5

Children under-5 travel free on all types of transport in London when travelling with an adult.

up to 4 children are allowed per adult on London buses, the underground (tube), DLR and London Overground.
up to 2 children under-5 travel free per adult on National Rail (trains)

Children aged 5-10

All children aged 5-10 travel for free on:

the underground (tube), DLR, London Overground and some National Rail services within London as long as an adult accompanies them. Up to 4 children can travel per adult
London’s buses with or without an adult

Children aged 11-15

Children aged 11-15 travel for free on London’s buses and at child-rate Pay as you go Oyster fares on the underground (tube), DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services if they have an 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard.

The child-rate single fare with an 11-15 Zip Oyster is 95p (peak) or 85p (off-peak) for zones 1-6.

Like the ordinary adult Oyster card, there’s a daily cap – the maximum amount deducted from the card in one day. It’s £4.25 peak and £1.80 off-peak for zones 1-2.

This is the cheapest deal for 11-15 year olds. The card is not available from underground stations, although you can apply online . It is available to non-UK residents but you’ll need to apply at least 3-4 weeks in advance. There’s also a non-refundable £15 administrative charge.

Travel in London without an 11-15 Zip Oyster

Applying for a 11-15 Zip Oyster is not worth the trouble unless you’re a resident or frequent visitor.

There are a few other options for young visitors that will save money:

Young Visitor Discount on an Oyster card
Child-rate One Day Travelcard (from an underground or train station)
Pay the child full-fare (underground only, not bus)

Bus-only travel for 11-15 year olds

If an 11-15 year old does not have an 11-15 Zip Oyster, Visitor Oyster Discount or child-rate Travelcard the best option is to let them use your contactless debit/credit card and pay the adult-rate bus fare of £1.75. (NB only one card can be charged per passenger) or buy a £5.90 adult-rate one day bus pass . See London bus tickets & passes for details.

Young visitor Oyster discount

If you don’t want to apply for an 11-15 Zip Oyster, the cheapest way for 11-15 year old visitors to travel is the Young Visitor Oyster Discount. This is a special discount added to an ordinary Oyster card. It’s valid for 14 days. After 14 days, the discount automatically expires and the card can be used as a ordinary adult Oyster card.

There’s a £7 fee for the Oyster card (non-refundable). Single fares and the daily cap for the underground and buses-only are 50% cheaper than adult fares.

For example:

Unlimited travel by underground in zone 1-2 is £4.25 per day
Unlimited travel by bus is £2.65 per day, for the whole of London

It’s available from:

Underground station ticket machines: you need to buy an Oyster card (£7) or use a Visitor Oyster Card. Ask a member of staff to apply the discount to the card via the ticket machine.
Transport for London Visitor Centres
Victoria train station ticket office

Children aged 16-17

Children aged 16-17 can apply for the 16+ Zip Oyster Photocard . With this they:

pay Oyster Pay as you go fares at half the adult rate on the bus, tube and most National Rail services in London. (Children resident in London with a 16+ Zip travel free on the buses)
can buy a child-rate weekly or monthly Travelcard.

You must apply online. There’s a non-refundable £20 administrative charge for the 16+ Zip Oyster. If you live outside the UK, you must apply for your card at least 4 weeks before arrival in London.

Without a 16+ Zip Oyster, a 16 or 17 year old is classed as an adult and must either:

pay the adult fare
buy an adult-priced Travelcard, bus pass
use an ordinary Pay as you go Oyster card with an Oyster or Contactless payment.

18+ Students

Students aged 18+ resident in London during term-time can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard. It might also be possible to apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster .

There are no other discounts for students not studying and living in London.

Child ticket prices (11-15 years)

11-15 zip oyster pay as you go single fares (payg) 2024, 11-15 zip oyster daily cap prices 2024, child one day travelcard 2024.

These are the prices for the Child One Day Travelcard.

Off Peak : Valid for travel after 09:30 Monday–Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays. Anytime : Valid for travel before 09:30 Monday–Friday.

See London’s Transport Zones if you’re not familiar with the zones and the areas they cover.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Who can travel on UK public transport for free?

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For a majority of people, travelling in the UK using public transport is far from free.

Whether you’re in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, most adults will have to shell out a few quid for bus tickets, or pay a heftier fee for monthly passes or train tickets .

However, some people can access free travel – by bus or even, in a few rare cases, rail – depending on where they live, their age, and whether or not they have a disability.

Free travel could be a huge help, especially given the current cost of living crisis.

So, if you’re wondering whether you might be eligible for free public transport where you are, we’ve rounded up all the information – plus where you need to go to learn more or apply.

Let’s take a look…

Who can travel on public transport for free in the UK?

Here is a breakdown of some of those who are eligible for free travel across the UK.

Free travel for under 18s, over 60s and disabled people in London

We’ll kick off with London … and its network of Tubes, Overground trains, DLR trains, trams and buses.

Firstly, under 5s travel for free on buses and the Tube, plus other Transport for London (TfL) services mentioned, if they’re with a fee-paying adult.

Children up to age 17 can also benefit from free travel, with children aged 5 to 10 also able to travel for free on the Tube, DLR, buses, trams, etc, using the ZIp Oyster Photocard .

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The ZIP Oyster Photocard is also available for children aged 11 to 15 , providing free bus and tram travel (not Tube), and for 16 to 17 year olds who specifically live in London , again for free buses and trams.

Over 60s living in London can get free travel with an Oyster Photocard , while anyone over 66 (state pension age in England) or who has a disability and lives in London can travel for free using the Freedom Pass .

Finally, veterans may be entitled to free travel in London with the Veterans Oyster Photocard .

Check the TfL website for any stipulations , such as services and times will accept your photocard or Freedom Pass.

Liverpool bus driving past the town hall.

Free bus travel for over 66s in England

When you reach the state pension age in England (currently 66), you can get free bus travel .

You’ll have to apply through your local council. Start by typing in your postcode on gov.uk .

Free bus travel for under 5s in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland

In both England and Scotland, children under the age of 5 usually travel for free on buses.

In England, you might find this varies by bus operator – and may only apply if the child is accompanied by a fee-paying adult. It may also apply to local metro or tram travel, too.

For example, we noticed that the Metro in Newcastle-upon-Tyne allows up to three children under age 11 to travel for free , again if the adult accompanying them has paid for a ticket.

Your best bet is to check the policy on the website of your local public transport provider.

In Scotland, all children under 5 go free on buses.

In Northern Ireland, under 5s appear to go free on some Translink buses (from what we can tell) – though may be included as ‘part of a party’ in the cost of Family Tickets . It’s worth checking directly.

People boarding bus in Glasgow, Scotland

Free bus travel for under 22s in Scotland

The Young Persons Free Bus Travel Scheme in Scotland is really good news for people aged 21 or younger.

Under 22s are now able to apply for a pass granting them free travel on buses, even beyond their local area.

On gov.scot , it says: ‘The scheme will give you free travel on any bus in any part of Scotland on registered bus services.

‘You can travel on buses outside the area you live in using your card. Only a few services, such as premium-fare night buses and City Sightseeing buses, will not accept the card.’

Free bus travel for over 60s in Scotland

Anyone aged 60 or over in Scotland can also apply for free bus travel, by visiting the gov.scot website .

The pass, called the National Entitlement Card, is designed to help people get around their local area, but can also help with travel further afield within Scotland.

Free bus and rail travel for under 11s in Wales

According to Transport for Wales , under 11s travel for free on buses and trains, when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Under 16s can also enjoy free off-peak travel.

Free bus travel (and some rail) in Wales for over 60s

Anyone over 60 can apply for a bus pass enabling free travel in Wales, called a Concessionary Travel Pass.

As with England, you can apply via your local authority, which you can find by entering your postcode on gov.uk .

This Concessionary Travel Pass also allows for some free rail travel, including on routes from Wrexham to Hawarden Bridge, Shrewsbury to Swansea, or Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

However, some routes come with stipulations – such as only being able to travel for free from October to March. You also still need to get a ticket, even if you’re not paying.

There’s more information on Transport for Wales’ website .

Free bus travel for over 60s in Northern Ireland

People aged 60 or over in Northern Ireland are able to get free bus travel on the country’s Translink services.

You can read the fine print and start your application on the NI Direct government website .

Free bus, train and LUAS tram travel for over 65s across Ireland

Older people in Northern Ireland may also be able to travel across the whole Emerald Isle for free.

The All Ireland Free Travel Scheme allows for free bus and rail travel in both Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland – including on Dublin’s LUAS trams (with a few exceptions, of course).

To qualify, you must be a resident of Northern Ireland, aged 65 or older, or a resident of the Republic of Ireland, aged 66 or over. There may also be a few other people who can qualify.

Find out more on NI Direct and on Ireland’s government website, gov.ie .

Free bus travel for disabled people across the UK

People across the UK who have a disability will (mostly) find they are eligible to receive free travel on public transport, mainly buses.

In England, you can apply for a bus pass via your local council’s website, which you can reach by visiting gov.uk .

Residents of Scotland with disabilities can apply for the National Entitlement Card . There is also the Welsh Disabled Concessionary Travel Card, which you can apply for via Transport for Wales .

In Northern Ireland, people who are registered blind or are war disablement pensioners are eligible for free bus travel.

People with learning disabilities, who are partially-sighted, unable to drive on medical grounds, or get the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can get half price travel.

You can find out more and apply for the relevant SmartPass via NI Direct .

Finally, though not free, it’s worth knowing about the Disabled Persons’ Railcard , which can help save up to 1/3 on train fares in the UK (as when it comes to train prices, every little really does help…)

Free school transport for some children across the UK

Last but not least: some UK children are able to get free travel to and from schoo.

If you are eligible to receive this, it will depend on a few things, such as your child’s age and their proximity to school – plus if the nearest school is a few miles away from them.

Children who have no safe walking route home, or who have special educational needs, may also qualify.

To find out if you can get free school transport for your child/ren, visit gov.uk (for England and Wales), gov.scot (for Scotland) and EANI (for Northern Ireland).

One final note

The above is a guide to what kind of free public transport is available in the UK, but doesn’t cover every individual operator.

Things may change over time, there may be stipulations to the free travel, or things may differ slightly depending on who provides public transport in your area.

Always check the website, and read the T&Cs when applying for travel passes.

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Young travellers

Cheaper travel for young travellers.

We have a range of ways you can save money on bus and train travel if you’re a young traveller.

And the great news is under-11s can travel for free, if travelling with an adult, and under-16s can enjoy free travel off-peak.

Kids go free on our trains

16-17 Saver

Kids and schools

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Accessible travel

Railcards and passes

16 to 25-year-olds (and some of you in full-time education) get 1/3 off. And now get discounts on TfW First and Standard Class Advance tickets too.

With a 26-30 Railcard you can get 1/3 off rail fares to travel across Britain.

16-21 year olds can save approx 30% on bus travel in Wales

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Get an under 16 photocard

If you’re under 16 and have had problems proving your age on public transport, this card is here to help. It proves to drivers and inspectors that you’re entitled to a child's fare – even if you look older.

This card is only for proving your age. Get a Swift child photocard if you want to buy a long term ticket, for example a season ticket.

You can use this card to buy a child fare when you're paying cash on the bus, train and metro.

The under 16 photocard is:

Free and easy to use
Replaced free
Recognised by all operators across the West Midlands
Plastic so that it’s more durable than the paper photocard

Get an under-16 photocard

You can apply for an under-16 photocard online .

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Receive an email notification when this information changes.

Travelling in London with kids

When planning a family trip to London, one of the things we need to think about is how we are going to get around London. And in particular, how travelling in London with kids works.

You are probably asking yourself what fares children have to pay on London´s public transport. And you may even need to know how to use London´s public transport with a buggy.

Travelling in London with kids: Fares and transport passes

When travelling in London with kids, it is important to know the different child fares on London´s transport network depending on their age. There are transport passes for children, valid for London´s underground network, buses, DLR, overground and trains within London travel zones .

Children under 11 years of age

Children aged under 11 travel free on London´s buses and trams, at any time, and do not need a ticket. They also travel free on London Underground, DLR (docklands light railway), overground and Tfl rail. They don´t need a ticket as long as a paying adult accompanies them.

Up to 4 children can travel for free with an adult with a valid ticket. When entering the London underground with a child (or more) under 11, it is advisable to use the larger access doors. These doors are wider and don´t close as fast as individual doors. They are designed for people travelling in London with kids, luggage or for disabled people.

Children 11 – 16 years of age

Children between the ages of 11 and under 16 can travel at a reduced rate on London´s public transport. Understanding what tickets are more suitable can be a bit complicated, as there are several options. For this reason, I am going to summarise the different options below. Hopefully, you will be able to decide which option is more suitable for you if you are travelling in London with kids.

Children from 11 to 16 years old can also travel with an adult oyster card or travel card if necessary. In this case, they will not benefit from reduced rates on travel.

Option 1: Oyster card with Young Visitor Discount

This is the best option if you are planning a family trip to London. An oyster card with a young visitor discount will apply half adult rates for 14 days. After 14 days, this discount will expire, and the oyster card will charge full adult rates again. The oyster card can also be returned at the end of your trip, just like a normal oyster card .

All you have to do is buy an Oyster Card or a Visitor Oyster Card, either online or at an underground station, and then ask a staff member to set the Young Visitor Discount. This discount can be applied at any underground station in London, including the underground station at Heathrow Airport .

An adult will need to give their personal details to register the oyster card before the discount can be applied, and you might be asked to confirm the child´s age. You and your child will need to be together when asking for the Young Visitor Discount to be set onto an oyster card, and an adult can request the young visitor discount to be set for up to 4 children (on separate oyster cards).

Option 2: Zip Oyster Photocard

The zip oyster photocard will entitle children up to 16 years of age to reduced fares on the underground and overground and other TFL services, as well as free travel on trams and buses. The zip oyster photocard is normally the best option for children that live in London, as the process to get an oyster photocard for a child can take some time and there is an initial registration fee of up to £20 – so this is normally not the best option for tourists.

To get a zip oyster photocard if you live in London, all you need to do is fill in a form that you’ll find at your local Post Office and return it to the Post Office. You will also need to include a passport-sized photo and a copy of the birth certificate or passport and pay the fee. You should get the zip oyster photocard in 2 weeks.
If you are a UK resident, you will need to do the process online on TFL’s website, and you should get the zip oyster photocard within 4 weeks.
If you live outside the UK you will need to do the process online on TFL’s website. When applying, you will need to choose which London Visitor Centre (Liverpool Street Station, Victoria Station, Euston, Gatwick, King’s Cross station) you want to collect the zip oyster photocard from, as it will not be sent to your home address. You need to apply at least 3 weeks in advance but can apply up to three months in advance.

Option 3: 1 Day Child Travelcard

A one-day child travelcard will allow unlimited travel at any time of the day on any form of public transport in London for the chosen London Travel Zones . No ID is needed to purchase this one-day child travelcard, but fares using an oyster card with a young visitor discount are normally cheaper. If you are visiting London for several days and choose this option, you will have to buy a one-day child travelcard for each day, and this will work out a lot more expensive than using an oyster card with a young visitor discount.

Option 4: 7 Day Child Travelcard

To buy a 7-day child travelcard in London there are 3 options: 1 – By adding a weekly travelcard into a zip oyster photocard. This is undoubtedly the most complicated option, as you need to request a zip card oyster photocard first and then add the 7-day travelcard onto it. 2 – Buy a 7-day child travelcard online . This is probably the easiest way of getting one, as you don’t need a zip oyster photocard, and they’ll send it to your home address before you travel. 3 – Buy a 7-day child travelcard at a national railway ticket office (not an underground station).

16 – 18 years old

People aged 16 to 18 can also apply for a 16 – 18 zip oyster photocard, which will apply half adult rates on any form of public transport in London. Travelcards at a reduced price can also be added onto zip oyster photocards.

You don’t need to live in London to be able to apply for a zip card, but there is a processing fee which makes it hard to justify if you’re just visiting London for a few days. In this case, I’d recommend using a normal oyster card (adult rates) for anyone over 16.

For more information about travelling in London kids visit: Transport for London

Travelling in London with kids: Travelling to Central London from the airport

Stansted , Luton and Gatwick airports are all located outside London’s Travel Zones , so fares when travelling with kids too and from these airports are different to fares when travelling in London with kids, so under 11 years old’s will need a ticket.

An oyster card is valid for travel into Central London from Gatwick Airport, but children under 11 also need a train ticket to get to central London from Gatwick Airport, even if they are accompanied by an adult.

Heathrow and London City Airports are both inside London Travel Zones , so fares are as explained above. Children under 11 travel free, and Children under 16 can travel with an oyster card with a young visitor discount.

⇒ More information: London Airport Transfers

Travelling in London with a buggy

One of the things we need to think about if we are going to be travelling in London with kids is if we are going to need to travel around London with a buggy. If you are planning a trip with a baby, it may be that you wish to bring your buggy to London, or if you have older children, you will probably need to use a stroller if you are planning on spending the whole day walking around London.

When you first become a parent in London, using public transport with a buggy isn´t easy at first. Still, you eventually learn how to get around and quickly learn how to read London´s accessibility maps and find the best routes. The truth is that travelling in London with a buggy can be very easy if you know which route is best, or it can be a complete nightmare if you have to go up or down 300 steps when there are no lifts.

This is why we are going to explain how to travel on London´s public transport with a buggy.

Travelling on London´s buses with a buggy

Public buses in London have a dedicated wheelchair and buggy space as well as easy street-level access, and travelling by bus with a buggy normally is the easiest option to get around London. You can enter the bus via the back door, which makes it a bit easier too. Up to two pushchairs are allowed in the dedicated buggy space on a bus, but do bear in mind that during busy periods you may be asked to wait for the next bus or collapse your pushchair.

Travelling on the London Underground with a buggy

The trick to travelling in London with kids using a pushchair is to check London´s accessible underground map in advance and choose your route carefully. Being able to plan your route by choosing accessible stations makes life much easier. It may just mean that you need to get off at the next stop and walk 5 minutes, rather than having to take a buggy and a baby up 100 steps.

Unfortunately, not all underground stations in London are accessible. Most underground stations in London will have escalators, and many stations will also have stairs before reaching the platform. Many other stations have lifts to some platforms, and some stations are completely accessible, with lifts from the ticket office to the platform.

Travelling in London with a buggy is easier if there are two adults as one of you can carry the baby whilst the other one can take the buggy up or down the stairs. If it´s just one adult taking a buggy then I would encourage you to check the best route first. Whenever I had no choice and had to get off at an underground station that wasn’t accessible with a buggy, there has always been someone willing to help me. If you need help going up or down the stairs and you ask a staff member for help, for health and safety reasons, they will ask you to carry the baby and take the buggy for you. I have to say that a lot of people will use the escalators with a buggy, but I would recommend that you use stations with lifts.

London Underground Accessibility Maps

On the London Underground map, you will see that accessible underground stations are marked with the symbol of a wheelchair, in either a blue circle or a white circle.

Blue circle: Fully accessible station. This means it is possible to go from street level onto the underground carriage without any steps. In these cases, the platform will have a slightly elevated area that avoids steps to get onto the train.
White circle: Accessible Station. This means that there are no steps from street level to the platform. There is some unevenness when getting onto the train. This is important for someone using a wheelchair, but it usually isn´t a problem when taking a buggy onto the train.

In addition to this map, there is a Step Free Tube Map , which is a lot more detailed and the one I recommend you check when travelling on the London Underground with a buggy. This map highlights the degree of accessibility at each station in detail and explains how accessible it is to change between underground lines at different stations.

Travelling in London with kids: Fares, Tickets and Advice

by Ren Nair Last Update: 19 Oct 2023

When planning a family trip to London…

…one of the things you’ll be thinking about is how are we going to get around London, and, how travelling in London with kids works. You’re probably asking yourself what fares children need to pay on London´s public transport and you may even want to know how to use London´s public transport with a buggy.

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A great day out without compromise.

• Children´s fares when travelling in London • Travelling from the airport to central London • Travelling in London with a buggy

Travelling in London with kids: Fares and transport passes

When travelling in London with kids it is important to know that children will pay different fares on London´s transport depending on their age. There are transport passes for children, and these transport passes will be valid for London´s underground network, buses, DLR, overground and trains within London travel zones.

Children under 11 years of age

Children under the age of 11 travel free on London´s buses and trams, with or without an adult, at any time, and don’t need a ticket. Children under the age of 11 also travel free on London Underground, DLR (Docklands Light Railway), overground and TFL rail without a ticket if they’re accompanied by a paying adult. Up to 4 children can travel for free with an adult that has a valid ticket. When entering the London underground with children under the age of 11, it’s advisable to use the larger access doors. These doors are wider and don´t close as fast as the single doors and are designed for people travelling in London with kids, those with luggage or disabled passengers.

Visiting attractions with kids?

Keetoo stands out as one of the top choices for families seeking days out in London, offering substantial savings on gate prices while providing seamless access through the convenience of your phone. With everything stored digitally and total flexibility, Keetoo ensures hassle-free and enjoyable days out with the kids. Simply choose the places you wish to visit, who’s going with you and up pops the saving and you’re on your way!

Children from 11 to 16 years of age

Children between the ages of 11 and 16 can travel at a reduced rate on London´s public transport. There are several options and to make it simple, we’re going to summarise these below. Children from 11 to 16 years old can also travel with an adult Oyster card or travel card if necessary. But bear in mind, they’ll not benefit from reduced rates on travel.

Option 1: Oyster card with Young Visitor Discount

This is a great option if you’re planning on travelling in London with kids. An Oyster card with young visitor discount will apply half adult rates for 14 days. After 14 days this discount will expire, and the Oyster card will charge full adult rates again. The Oyster card can also be returned at the end of your trip, just like a normal Oyster card.

All you need to do is buy an Oyster card or a Visitor Oyster card, either online or at an underground station, and then ask a member of staff to set the Young Visitor Discount. This discount can be applied at any underground station in London, including the underground station at Heathrow Airport. An adult will need to give their personal details to register the Oyster card before the discount can be applied, and you might be asked to confirm the child´s age. You and your child will need to be together when asking for the Young Visitor Discount to be set onto an Oyster card, and an adult can request the young visitor discount to be set for up to 4 children (on separate Oyster cards).

Option 2: Zip Oyster Photocard

The Zip Oyster photocard will entitle children of up to 16 years of age to reduced fares on the underground and overground and other TFL services, as well as free travel on trams and buses. The Zip Oyster photocard is normally the best option for children that live in London, as the process to get an Oyster photocard for a child can take some time and there’s an initial registration fee of up to £20 – so this is normally not the best option for visitors.

You can get a Zip Oyster photocard if you live in London, all you need to do is fill in a form that you will find at your local Post Office and return it to the Post Office. You will also need to include a passport sized photo and a copy of the birth certificate or passport and pay the fee. You should get the Zip Oyster photocard in 2 weeks.

If you’re a UK resident, you’ll need to do the process online on TFL’s website and you should get the Zip Oyster photocard within 4 weeks.

If you live outside the UK you will need to do the process online on TFL’s website. When applying, you’ll need to choose which London Visitor Centre (Liverpool Street Station, Victoria Station, Euston, Gatwick, King’s Cross station) you want to collect the Zip Oyster photocard from, as it will not be sent to your home address. You’ll need to apply at least 3 weeks in advance but can also apply up to three months in advance.

Option 3: 1 Day Child Travelcard

A one-day child travelcard will allow unlimited travel at any time of the day on any form of public transport in London for the chosen London travel zones. No ID is needed to purchase this one-day child travelcard, but fares using an Oyster card with young visitor discount are normally cheaper. If you’re visiting London for several days and choose this option you’ll have to buy a one-day child travelcard for each day, and this will work out a lot more expensive than using an Oyster card with young visitor discount.

Option 4: 7 Day Child Travelcard

To buy a 7-day child travelcard in London there are 3 options: 1 – By adding a weekly travelcard into a Zip Oyster photocard. This is undoubtedly the most complicated option, as you need to request a Zip Card Oyster photocard first and then add the 7-day travelcard onto it. 2 – Buy a 7-day child travelcard online. This is probably the easiest way of getting one, as you do not need a Zip Oyster photocard and they will send it to your home address before you travel. 3 – Buy a 7-day child travelcard at a national railway ticket office (not an underground station).

People 16 to 18 years old

People aged 16 to 18 can also apply for a 16 – 18 Zip Oyster photocard, which will apply half adult rates on any form of public transport in London. Travelcards at a reduced price can also be added onto Zip Oyster photocards. For more information about travelling in London with kids visit: Transport for London.

Travelling in London with kids: Travelling to Central London from the airport Stansted, Luton and Gatwick airports are all located outside London’s Travel Zones, so fares when travelling with kids to and from these airports are different to fares when travelling in London with kids, so under 11-year old children will need a ticket.

An Oyster card is valid for travel into Central London from Gatwick Airport, but children under 11 will also need a train ticket to get to central London from Gatwick Airport, even if they are accompanied by an adult.

Heathrow and London City Airports are both inside London Travel Zones, so fares are as explained above. Children under 11 travel free and Children under 16 can travel with an Oyster card with young visitor discount.

Travelling in London with a buggy

If you are planning a trip with a baby or toddler, it may be that you wish to bring your buggy or stroller to London, especially if you’re planning on spending the whole day walking around London.

Travelling in London with a buggy can be quite easy if you know which route is best, or it can be a complete nightmare if you have to go up or down 300 steps when there are no lifts.

Don’t stress, we’re going to explain how to travel on London´s public transport with a buggy.

Travelling on London´s buses with a buggy

Public buses in London have a dedicated wheelchair and buggy space as well as easy street-level access. Travelling by bus with a buggy normally is the easiest option to get around London. You can enter the bus via the back door, which makes it a bit easier too. Up to two pushchairs are allowed in the dedicated buggy space on a bus but do bear in mind that during busy periods you may be asked to wait for the next bus or collapse your pushchair.

Travelling on the London Underground with a buggy

The trick to travelling in London with kids using a pushchair is to check London´s accessible underground map in advance and choose your route carefully. Being able to plan your route choosing accessible stations makes life much easier, and it may just mean that you need to get off at the next stop and walk 5 minutes, rather than having to take a buggy and a baby up 100 steps.

Unfortunately, not all underground stations in London are accessible. Most underground stations in London will have escalators, and many stations will also have some stairs at some point before reaching the platform. Many other stations have lifts to some of the platforms, and some stations are completely accessible, with lifts from the ticket office to the platform.

If you need help going up or down the stairs and you ask a member of staff for help, for health and safety reasons they will ask you to carry the baby and they will take the buggy for you.

London Underground Accessibility Maps

On the London Underground map, you will see that accessible underground stations are marked with the symbol of a wheelchair, in either a blue circle or a white circle.

• Blue circle: the underground station is fully accessible, which means that it is possible to go from street-level onto the underground carriage without any steps at all. In these cases, the platform will have an area that is slightly elevated to avoid any steps when getting onto the train.

• White circle: this means that there are no steps from street-level to platform, but there is some unevenness when getting onto the train. This is important for someone using a wheelchair, but it normally isn´t a problem when taking a buggy onto the train.

In addition to this map, there’s a Step Free Tube Map that is a lot more detailed and the one we’d recommend you check when travelling on the London Underground with a buggy. This map highlights the degree of accessibility at each station in detail and it also explains how accessible it is to change between underground lines at different stations.

Welcome to our Blog!

Hi, I’m Ren, a travel lover a mum of 2 and founder of Keetoo, a leading website and app for tickets for days out. On this blog, I share our family travel experiences with practical information, pictures and useful tips!

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18 comments.

We are a family og 6 and looking for a decent hotel that won’t break the budget (as there are six of us) what is the best value 4 star (or even 5) hotel and we are they located?

The thing to be aware of is the star system only reflects the facilities offered by each hotel, not necessarily how good it is. It is only when you get to five-star level hotels that things like ambiance are taken into account. There are a variety of great hotels all over London. The best thing to do is to go through one of the main aggregators like booking.com – pick a budget, have a look at the area you would like to be in then have a look at reviews from guests that have been to the hotel most recently. This will give you the best insight as to the hotel that best fits your budget and then allow you to see the most recent guest reviews.

We have very young kids and are coming to London for the first time this summer. Is London and travelling in London easy with strollers and prams. It’s giving me nightmares thinking about getting around the city with them…any thoughts?

Overall, London is a fantastic city to explore with young children, and with some preparation and consideration, you can have a wonderful experience getting around with strollers and prams. Remember to plan your routes, check for accessible facilities, and be prepared for any weather changes, as London’s climate can be unpredictable.

We are London based but just don’t do touristy things and have friends coming over in the next few weeks. Any help on the best advice we can give then on getting out and about doing things. This will be their first trip in London but. they will be staying with us for around 3 weeks. Thinking of the major London attractions including the Tower of London, London Eye etc and perhaps a little further out??

London has so many touristy attractions to offer. Here are some quick ideas on what to do with your friends visiting for the first time: Visit the iconic landmarks: Take them so see must visit landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace (watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony), St Paul’s, Sightseeing Bus, and the London Eye for breath-taking views of the city from above and perhaps a relaxing river cruise to get a different perspective of the city. A great way to visit some of London’s best sights is with Keetoo which is super flexible and saves you every time if you’re looking to visit multiple venues. London is home to world-class museums and galleries. The British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, and Natural History Museum are a few top choices that offer a diverse range of exhibits. Stroll through parks: Enjoy a leisurely walk-through beautiful parks like Hyde Park, Regents Park, and St. James’s Park. You can even have a picnic or rent rowboats in some of these parks. Take a Thames River Cruise: Experience London from a different perspective by taking a relaxing cruise along the river Thames. This provides excellent views of the city’s landmarks from the water. Shop at famous markets: Head to popular markets like Borough Market for delicious food, Covent Garden for shopping and street performers, and Camden Market for unique and alternative finds. Enjoy West End Theatre: Treat your friends to a memorable evening by watching a world-class musical or play in London’s West End theatre district. Discover historical neighbourhoods: Wander through charming neighbourhoods like Covent Garden, Notting Hill, and Greenwich, each with its own distinct character and attractions. Remember to check the opening hours and availability of tickets in advance for certain attractions. London has so much to offer, and your friends will surely have a fantastic time exploring the city’s rich history, culture, and entertainment options.

My daughter is in a wheelcgair and we are looking to go to the London eye – I have been told it doesn’t stop – Do you know if its easy to get wheelchair access and if so, how if its moving?

Yes it’s very easy – it has been designed very much so that people of all abilities have easy access. So there is no need to worry. Staff are very attentive too.

Do you know what is the minimum age for children at most London attraction some times it says 5-15 others 3-15. Why don’t they all just agree on one age range!!!!

Where is the best place to be located in London if we are looking to visit all the major sites?

The best place to be located in London for easy access to all the major sites would be in central London, particularly areas that are well-connected to public transportation. Here are some recommended neighbourhoods:

Westminster: This area is right in the heart of London and is home to many iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Staying here means you can easily walk to several major attractions.

Covent Garden: Located in the West End, Covent Garden is known for its vibrant atmosphere, theatres, shops, and restaurants. It’s within walking distance of attractions like the British Museum, Trafalgar Square, and Leicester Square.

South Bank: This area along the southern bank of the river Thames offers stunning views of the city skyline and is close to attractions like the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the Shard.

Soho: Known for its lively nightlife, Soho is centrally located and provides easy access to Oxford Street for shopping, as well as theatres, restaurants, and Chinatown. It’s also close to Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.

Kensington: A more upscale neighbourhood, Kensington offers proximity to major museums like the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Science Museum. It’s also near Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. Marylebone: This elegant area is close to Regent’s Park, Madame Tussauds, and Sherlock Holmes Museum. It’s well-connected by public transport, making it convenient for exploring other parts of the city.

When choosing accommodation, consider hotels near major Tube stations or bus stops to make getting around easier. London’s public transportation system is extensive, and you’ll be able to reach most of the city’s attractions quickly from central locations.Additionally, being centrally located allows you to make the most of your time and explore multiple sites without spending too much time on commuting.

If i want to just use my credit card to tap in and out on the London underground is that more expensive than buying and Oyster card?

Using your contactless credit or debit card to tap in and out on the London Underground is generally not more expensive than using an Oyster card. In fact, the fares for using contactless payment cards and Oyster cards are the same. Transport for London (TfL) introduced fare capping on contactless payments, which ensures that you won’t pay more than the cost of a daily or weekly Travelcard, depending on the number of journeys you make in a day or week. This is not the same for children however as you will be charged the adult amount. The benefits of using contactless payment cards include: No need to top up: With contactless, you don’t need to worry about topping up your card. The fare is automatically deducted from your credit or debit card account. Daily and weekly capping: If you make several journeys in a day or week, your total fare will be capped, providing cost savings compared to purchasing individual tickets. Same fares as Oyster: The fare structure is the same for both Oyster and contactless payment methods. Flexibility: You can use the same contactless card for public transportation throughout London, including buses, the Tube, DLR, London Overground, and TfL Rail services. However, before using your contactless card, ensure that your card is enabled for contactless payments and check with your bank or credit card provider for any additional fees or foreign transaction charges that may apply if you are visiting from abroad. Ultimately, using contactless payment for travel on the London Underground is a convenient and cost-effective option for most visitors and residents.

If you use the same credit card for the whole day it will be capped and no more than an all day travel card so will not work out more expensive than an Oyster Card. This is not the case though for children as you will get charged an adult amount.

We are coming into London for half term and don’t come in much so all a bit confused with what’s the best way to travel when in London. Also the best way to buy tickets to theatre attractions etc. We are a a family of four, what’s the best way to travel around on a budget for 4 days? Kids are 6 and 13. can you give any help or pointers to sites that can help would be gratefully received.

Visiting London for half term with your family can be an exciting experience! To make the most of your trip and travel around on a budget, consider the following tips: Oyster Card or Contactless Payment: For convenient and cost-effective travel, get Oyster cards for each member of your family. These can be used on London’s public transportation, including the Tube, buses, DLR, London Overground, and some National Rail services. Alternatively, you can use contactless payment cards (credit/debit cards) for the same fare capping benefits. Travelcards: If you plan to use public transportation frequently, consider buying a 7-day Travelcard or a Visitor Oyster card with a 7-day Travelcard loaded on it. This option allows unlimited travel within certain zones and can be more economical if you make multiple journeys daily. Kids Travel for Free: Children under the age of 11 can travel for free on the London Underground and buses when accompanied by an adult with a valid Oyster card or Travelcard. Children aged 11 to 15 can also travel for free on buses with an 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard. Keetoo: If you plan to visit attractions like the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, or the Tower of London, check Keetoo.com. An easy and affordable way to buy tickets meaning you’ll never pay full price and it offers a much more flexible way of booking – important when you’ve with the kids. Theatre Tickets: To get the best deals on theatre tickets, consider purchasing them in advance online from official websites or reputable ticket agents. You can also check for last-minute deals on the day of the show at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. Family-friendly attractions: London offers many family-friendly attractions like the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter. Half-term events: Check online for special events and activities taking place during the half term. Many museums, parks, and attractions offer seasonal programs for families. Visit London’s Parks: Take advantage of London’s beautiful parks like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park for picnics and outdoor activities. To plan your trip and find more information, you can visit the official TfL website (Transport for London) for travel details and attractions, and VisitLondon for ideas on things to do and upcoming events. Additionally, consider downloading apps like Citymapper or the TfL Oyster app to help navigate the city and check transport updates on the go. Enjoy your trip to London with your family!

We are visiting to London with our kids (aged 11 & 14 ) in half term and we are there for five days, what is the best tickets for us to purchase to get around? Whats the best place to be looking for advance attraction tickets with flexibility – happy to pay a little more for flexibility

For your five-day trip to London during half term with your kids aged 11 and 14, the best tickets to purchase for getting around would be Visitor Oyster cards with a 7-day Travelcard loaded on them. This option allows unlimited travel within certain zones and offers flexibility for using various modes of public transportation during your stay. If you’re looking for advance attraction tickets with flexibility, Keetoo is one of the best options to consider. It offers a flexible and convenient way to purchase attraction tickets in advance while providing both savings and flexibility. You can access multiple attractions across London with a single app, which can save you both time and money compared to buying individual tickets for each attraction. Benefits of using Keetoo for attraction tickets: Savings: Keetoo always provides discounted prices compared to buying separate tickets for each attraction [as long as you are looking to visit more than one attraction]. Flexibility: The app allows you to visit attractions on different days, giving you the freedom to plan your itinerary based on your interests and your schedule. Ease of Use: Keetoo’s tickets are stored on your phone, making it convenient to access and use at various attractions without the need for physical tickets. Wide Range of Attractions: Keetoo offers access to a variety of popular attractions, ensuring there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy. To get the most out of your visit, make sure to check the list of attractions included on the Keetoo website and plan your days accordingly. Enjoy your trip to London with your family and have a fantastic time exploring the city’s attractions!

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Teen Volunteer Abroad Programs

Are you looking for teen volunteer opportunities for 2024 or 2025 that provide a rewarding experience for high school students to be immersed in new cultures while giving back to communities around the world? Whether you’re looking for volunteer opportunities for high school students , mission trips for teens , service learning programs or teen summer service trips , International Volunteer HQ is the world’s most trusted provider of international teen volunteer programs.

With more than 17 years experience in delivering impactful teen volunteer programs abroad, IVHQ enables teen volunteers to give back on meaningful community development and conservation projects in destinations like Bali , Costa Rica , Croatia , Guatemala , Peru , Portugal , Romania , Sri Lanka , Tanzania , Vietnam , Zanzibar and more. The best part? These teen volunteer programs start from as little as US$20 per day, including accommodation and meals!

Here are some of the best volunteer abroad programs for teens in 2024 & 2025:

Turtle Conservation in Bali
Animal Care in Costa Rica
Childcare in Tanzania
Environmental Scuba Diving

Volunteering abroad as a teenager is a rewarding experience that will stay with you for life and every year thousands of teens choose to volunteer abroad with IVHQ - the trusted provider of safe and affordable volunteer programs for teens . Service trips for teens are available in more than 40 countries and there are 17 teen volunteer programs which offer independent volunteering opportunities for 16 and 17 year-olds. Or, if you’re wanting to travel and volunteer with a group of students from your high school , IVHQ can customize an itinerary for your group too!

Teen volunteering abroad

Here’s what you’ll learn from this article:, where can under 18s volunteer abroad.

What are the benefits of joining a teen volunteer program?

Key information for parents of teen volunteers

Teen volunteer abroad review
What are the best teen volunteer opportunities?
Volunteering for teens - expert tips

Volunteers between the ages of 16 to 18 years-old can travel and volunteer independently on select IVHQ programs with parental/guardian consent.

Volunteers under the age of 18 can participate on the following programs independently:

Philippines

Teen volunteers under the age of 18 will be required to provide IVHQ with parental consent and two character reference letters in order to participate, and may be asked to provide further documentation to the local team depending on their chosen project.

If you are volunteering abroad under 16 years of age, you can volunteer with a parent, guardian, or relative who is 18 years or older. Volunteering abroad as a family can be an awesome experience that brings you closer and gives your family holidays a greater sense of purpose. This means you can roll up your sleeves and get stuck in on the same meaningful project and when you have downtime you can head out together and explore all your destination has to offer.

What are the benefits of joining a teen volunteer program overseas?

There is no doubt that volunteering as a teenager is a meaningful way to extend to your education and add credentials that will stand out on your college application and resume. After all, nothing teaches you more than traveling and accumulating real world experiences. Our local team will ensure you are matched to a placement which will allow you to make a valuable contribution to the project and community you are volunteering in. Crossing boundaries to work side-by-side with people from different parts of the world fosters global understanding and is something every volunteer on an IVHQ program takes away from their time abroad. Not only that but living in a country different to your own means that you will be immersed in a new culture, cuisine, and way of thinking. Going on a teen service trip will shape you and how you work as a team, manage time and communicate with others.

Already having experience living away from home is an added bonus when it comes time head off to college, suddenly freshman year doesn’t seem quite so daunting when you’ve traveled all the way to Bali and back again. Actually, you’ll find that you feel that way about most situations you face when you return home.

Chances are your parents will also want to learn more about IVHQ, whether or not they will be traveling with you, so this resource for parents will come in handy as you continue explore our teen volunteer opportunities. No doubt you have already fielded questions around your safety while abroad. You aren’t alone - having placed more than 142,000 volunteers abroad, we’re always happy to speak with parents to ensure all their questions are answered and they feel comfortable with your volunteer trip plans. Through our online safety training, comprehensive information booklets, ongoing support from experienced Program Managers, and round-the-clock support from our local teams - IVHQ volunteers are well supported to make the most of their time abroad.

Teen volunteer abroad review:

By: IVHQ teen volunteer Grace Dalton from the USA

How volunteering in Kenya as a teenager impacted me

Going into the IVHQ program, I didn’t really know what to expect at all. It wasn’t until I arrived with my sister and mom at the school where we would be teaching music for the next six weeks that the whole thing truly hit me. Volunteering in Kenya as a teenager completely changed my perspective on the world.

We come from Virginia, United States of America, and to see, teach, and even live with all these children who are so full of smiles and laughter but have a life completely different to mine was both eye-opening and heartening to witness.

Volunteering was a really humbling experience. I consider traveling a huge part of my life, thanks to my mom who has given my sister and I the great opportunity to see the world at a young age. In my experience, volunteering is the best way to travel. You get to live in a completely new corner of the Earth but help other people in the process. I encourage anyone, if the funds and time are available to you, then go and experience this.

It’s definitely hard work, and it can be tiring. Working with children can be difficult, especially as a teenager, because sometime kids will try to question your authority. On the flip side, they also see you as a friend because you’re closer in age. But one thing you can know without a doubt is that working with children pays off. Seeing the kids enjoy themselves, singing all together and laughing, makes it all worth it. Knowing that you’ve made an impact in their life, no matter how small, drives me as a volunteer. I’m sure it’s true for all the projects. Hard work pays off, every time.

Best teen volunteer opportunities abroad:

To give you an idea of the teen volunteer programs available, we’ve listed seven recommended programs perfect for our teen travelers below…

Teen volunteering in Costa Rica

Volunteer abroad in Costa Rica as a teen with IVHQ

“Costa Rica is one of the most popular volunteer destinations among our North American travelers . It has an impressive selection of volunteer opportunities and it also provides a very large foundation of energetic and efficient local support, plus a very welcoming network of volunteers in country. With a vast range of wonderful host families, you can be sure that your first volunteer experience or even travel experience is a safe, reliable and enjoyable one. Take advantage of the fantastic Spanish school, Salsa lessons or explore the surrounding rain forests, cloud forests, marine areas, and unique black and grey sand beaches. With a wide range of project options, including Eco Agriculture Conservation, Construction and Renovation and Childcare, this program not only has the potential to spark a passion for exploring new cultures and traveling, but also add some great experience to your CV and start you on your way to a successful career.” - IVHQ Costa Rica Program Manager

Teen volunteering in Portugal

Volunteer in Portugal as a teen with IVHQ

“Portugal is an awesome country for teens to volunteer abroad in. And, if you’re a first-time traveler the it doesn’t get any better than Lisbon, Portugal. While volunteering in Portugal you can contribute to 5 volunteer projects including a conservation-focused Environmental Scuba Diving project, Food Rescue or Youth Support. The program is based in Lisbon, the capital and largest city in Portugal, making it a great travel hub for heading to other parts of the country on your free weekends.” - IVHQ Portugal Program Manager

Teen volunteering in Bali

International Volunteer HQ teen volunteer abroad programs in Bali

“If you are looking for the ideal destination for your first trip abroad, then Bali should definitely be at the top of your list! Whether you’re wanting to meet like-minded international volunteers, explore a captivating culture, relax at the beach, or try to get a bargain at the local market, Bali is the location for you! Our teen volunteers in Bali can enjoy convenient travel around Bali in the weekends, cheap tourist activities and some awesome local cuisine. And during your week, you can will be supporting volunteer projects such as Turtle Conservation, Construction and Renovation, or Childcare. The IVHQ Bali program offers volunteers a unique insight into the Balinese culture right from day one of the orientation, so you’ll feel right at home and fully prepared for your upcoming volunteering work. If you are after a culturally-rich, exciting and worthwhile volunteer experience, you cannot look past Bali!” - IVHQ Bali Program Manager

Teen volunteering in the Philippines

Volunteer abroad in the Philippines as a teen with IVHQ

“On the Philippines Program , teen volunteers can experience the best of volunteering paired with the stunning natural beauty of Palawan Island. The projects are all about making the most of your time abroad. It doesn’t matter if you choose the Childcare project, Teaching project, Construction and Renovation project or the Environmental project, the emphasis is on volunteering while enjoying yourself. How can you not when you are literally right on the beach? Downtime can be spent exploring Palawan and weekends island hopping. Volunteering just got a whole lot more exciting and what a great program to begin your IVHQ experience!” - IVHQ Philippines Program Manager

Teen volunteering in Sri Lanka

Teenage volunteer in Sri Lanka with IVHQ

“ Sri Lanka is the perfect location for young volunteers. Life in and around Kandy is a mix of traditional Sri Lankan charm with all the modern amenities, friendly people and a local team that is on hand 24/7. Youth volunteers have the opportunity to work in the local community with children and the elderly, or for those with a love for animals, consider the Wild Elephant Conservation project. During your free time, volunteers can check out the local markets and shops, discover the stunning Sri Lankan beaches or take a trip on one of Sri Lanka’s famous rail lines!” - IVHQ Sri Lanka Program Manager

Volunteering for teens - expert tips from an under 18 volunteer:

Over-packing is something you definitely want to avoid, especially if you think you think you’re going to carry your luggage frequently. Bring durable clothing that’s easily mixed and matched, and leave unnecessarily heavy or valuable items at home.
Before you leave home (especially if you’re going to be away for a long time), spend a day with your friends and loved ones you’re leaving at home. You’ll have a good memory of them while you’re away, and have a chance to get everyone’s contact information so you’ll stay in touch while away.
Try to live as a local. Eat the local food, observe the traditions and customs of those around you, and learn at least a few words of the language if it is foreign to you. Even one or two words never fail to impress the locals.
Talk to your friends and family back home frequently, but stay off your phone/technology during the day. Take in the new sights around you.
On the same note, don’t view the world through your phone. It’s important, and extremely tempting, to take plenty of pictures on your trip but there needs to be a balance between snapping lots of great candids and just viewing the sights for yourself. As a sixteen year old girl, I know how hard that can be. Really. But it pays off to put your phone down and watch that sunset, halfway around the world from home, and just have it as a memory.
Remember it’s extremely common to feel homesick, but the best way to combat it is throwing yourself into your work. You’ll be home before you know it and wishing you were abroad again so make the most of it.
Spend time with your host family. Letting strangers into your house constantly, cooking for them, and keeping them occupied is no easy feat for anyone. Your host family is giving up their privacy for you to help others and experience the world from a completely new perspective. Sit down with them, ask them how they decided to host travelers, ask them about the area, and be sure to thank them for all they’ve done.
Don’t rely on finding your favorite food in any restaurant in the area. Even if they do have it on the menu, it’s almost certainly not much like the version you’re used to at home. This is coming from someone who’s had yak cheese pizza from Nepal. It was a new experience that’s for sure.
Take it all in, take as many pictures as possible, try to keep a travel journal - You’ll want to remember this trip.

If you’re ready to pack your bags and experience a completely different lifestyle, culture and widen your global perspective, you can explore our full range of volunteer abroad programs . If you would like personalized guidance and recommdendations to help plan your teen volunteer abroad program for 2024 or 2025, please contact us and our team of Volunteer Travel Specialists will be more than happy to assist.

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Child fares on London’s Underground, buses & transport 2024

Identifying child fare concessions available to your child with previously asked questions.

Child fares on London's Underground and buses are very complicated and fragmented.

Every year on January 2, ticket regulations and prices are reviewed and regularly child fare rules and options are tinkered around with as well as the adjustments to prices.

This page tries to explain as simply as possible the situation for your child, together with some workarounds to get around some of the restrictions. At the bottom of this page we also have some commonly asked questions on the subject of child fares in London.

At one extreme your child may travel free everywhere, at the other end of the spectrum if unprepared you may end up paying adult fares – so it's worthwhile making sure you understand the subject.

Child fare entitlement Young visitor discount Child Oyster cards Other options Previously asked questions

tootbus promo priced tickets sale London

Free and reduced child fare entitlement by age band

Children under five can travel free at any time on all public transport without a ticket as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.

Children 5-10 years old

Under-11s can travel free at any time on London's buses and trams without a ticket.

They can also travel free at any time on the Tube, London Overground and DLR (Docklands Light Railway) when they are travelling with an adult who has a valid ticket. Up to 4 children under 11 years old accompanied by a paying adult travel free on the London Underground.

Unaccompanied children between 5 and 10 must have a valid 5-10 Zip Oyster Photocard for free travel. (Ah yes, the Photocard we'll come back to these further down the page).

On trains in the London area run by the national railways children between 5 and 15 need a child ticket. Most visitors do not use train services run by the national rail companies as they are essentially commuter services from the suburbs.

Which trains within London are are run by national rail companies

To the visitor it is becoming increasingly difficult to explain which surface rail lines within London are run by the national rail companies and which offer free travel to 5-10 year olds.

Very crudely speaking, if your surface train (not Underground train) runs from Paddington, Marylebone, Fenchurch Street, London Bridge, Blackfriars, Charing Cross, Waterloo or Victoria it will almost certainly be a national railways train.

For visitors the most popular trains used within London that are national rail run are Waterloo to Hampton Court and Waterloo or Paddington to Windsor.

Children 11-15 years old

Unaccompanied children aged 11 to 15 years must get an 11-15 Zip Oyster Photo card to travel free on buses and trams and at child rate on Tube, DLR and London Overground services using an Oyster card (see Oyster Photocard section below).

You can buy child rate Travelcards and single one-way child tickets on the Underground, railways and DLR, but not the buses.

For most visitors staying in London for 2 weeks or less with children between 11 and 15 the ticket of choice is an adult Oyster card loaded with a Young Persons Discount.

The Young Persons Discount has its own section further down the page.

Children 16-17 years old

In the UK you become an adult when you are 16. However in London it is possible to get child fares by getting a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard.

It is very similar to 11-15 Oyster Photocards, but you cannot use it to buy 1 Day Travelcards.

For short-term visitors, for most it is not a realistic option because of the expense and time required to obtain an Oyster ID Card - you'll just have to accept your child is an adult while in the UK.

Student 18+ years

If you are studying at a recognised educational establishment in London that is registered for the scheme and you are residing in London you can apply for a Student 18+ Oyster ID card.

This enables you to get 30% discount off bus and Travelcards of 7 days or longer.

The Young Visitor Discount - for children between 11 & 15 in London less than 15 days

The Oyster ID Card required by children between 11 and 15 to get child rate fares on Oyster is for most short-term visitors not a realistic proposition.

The cost, hassle and time to process the ID card is just not worth the effort. The Young Visitor Discount scheme has been created as the answer for short-term visitors who have children between 11 and 15.

The Young Visitor discount gives half adult rate pay as you go fares on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services for up to 14 days and gives your child a daily cap half that of an adult.

After 14 days the discount will expire and the Oyster card will charge full adult rate fares.

The discount can be set on both regular Oyster Cards and Visitor Oyster cards.

Oyster Cards - more details

The Young Visitor Discount can only be set onto Oyster Cards and Visitor Oyster Cards at:

Any Underground station (including Heathrow Airport). Although there are no longer manned ticket offices at Underground Stations members of staff will be available in the ticket hall with the ticket machines. Just make contact with a member of staff to have the Young Visitor Discount loaded onto the Oyster.
Visitor or Travel Information Centres (Gatwick & Heathrow Airports, Liverpool Street, Euston, Paddington and King's Cross Railway Stations and Piccadilly Circus Underground Station)
Victoria Station National Railways Ticket office
TFL Rail station ticket offices

To get the Young Visitor Discount:

You and your child must be together at the ticket office when asking for it to be set
One adult can get the Young Visitor Discount set for up to four children

Child Rate Oyster Cards & Oyster Photo ID Cards

The Oyster ID Card is no real problem if you are a London resident with a young child. Take a little time for the initial registration process to get your Oyster Photocard and that's your passport to free and half price public transport until you are an adult. When you want a child travel product, just produce your Oyster Photocard.

For visitors it's a lot of hassle and expense to procure an Oyster ID Card and often it's too late when you do find out the hoops you have to jump through to get child fares via the Oyster Photocard.

If you are a short-term visitor the probable solution is the Young Visitor Discount detailed in the section above or one of the work around solutions detailed in the section below.

First of all, the recurrent question from visitors – my child has got a passport with his/her age on it, isn’t that good enough as ID? I’m afraid the answer is no, you need London’s unique Oyster Photocard, nothing else.

How do I get an Oyster Photocard?

If you are a resident of London, it's quite straightforward. Get a form from your local Post Office and fill it in, then return to the Post Office with the fee, a passport size photo, plus birth certificate or passport and you should get it in 2 weeks.

If you are resident in the UK then you have to do the process online, you'll get the Photocard within 4 weeks.

If you live outside the UK you must apply at least four weeks before the date you want to collect the Zip Oyster Photocard and select which London Visitor Centre you want to collect it from (it's not sent to your home address). You can apply up to three months in advance of your chosen collection date.

Oyster ID Cards cost between £10 and £20 depending on the ID card required.

Oyster ID Card application page & full details

Other child rate work around options

Other ways of obtaining child fares other than Oyster ID Cards and the Young Visitor Discount are:

You can buy child single journey tickets for journeys on the Underground, DLR and trains but not the buses. But note these are the most expensive child rate fares available.
You can buy child 7 day Travelcards from national railway station ticket offices without Oyster ID Cards. As a rough guide if you travelling in London 5 or more days in any 7 then a 7 Day Travelcard works out cheaper than Oyster Pay As You Go.
If you do not have a railways ID card you will need to provide a passport size photo and this is made up on the spot free of charge. Railway stations in the centre of London with railway ticket offices (that are manned) include: Paddington, Marylebone, Euston, King's Cross, St Pancras, Liverpool Street, Fenchurch Street, London Bridge, Charing Cross, Waterloo and Victoria. You cannot buy 7 day Travelcards from the railways at any airport station.

Travelcards - more details

You can buy 7 Day Child Travelcards without any photo ID online from the TfL / Visit Britain online shop and have them delivered to your home, including overseas. There is a delivery charge.

TfL/Visit Britain online shop

Previously asked questions on child fares in London

At present we are unable to maintain the discuss service but you can contact us using the Contact Us link at the bottom of each page. We have decided to leave the answers here as they are useful for many of the questions we receive. If you cannot find an answer to your question, we'll be happy to hear from you.

Child fares in London transport explained. Ask Bob if still confused.

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Apply for a Child Under 16

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Respond to a Letter or Email

Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply with their child, you will need to show us more documents.
You cannot renew your child's passport using Form DS-82.
Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years.

Steps to Apply

1. fill out form ds-11 and print it.

Use our Form Filler tool to fill out your child's form on a desktop or laptop computer and then print it. If you are experiencing technical issues with the Form Filler, download a PDF .

Tips to complete your child's form :

Do not sign your child's form until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee.
You can apply for a passport book , a passport card , or both documents.
You may ask for a larger passport book with more visa pages, at no extra cost, by checking the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-11.

2. Get Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (and a photocopy)

Your evidence must be an original or replacement copy. The document must have the official seal or stamp of the office which issued it. You must submit one of the following documents for your child:

Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
Lists applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth
Lists the parent(s)' full names
Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
Has the registrar's signature
Has the seal or stamp of the city, county, or state which issued it
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
Certificate of Citizenship
Please note you must also provide a document, such as a birth certificate, that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Full validity means the document is or was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.

If you cannot submit one of these documents, go to our Citizenship Evidence page for more information.

Paper only : You cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the document.

Returning your child's document : We will return your child's document in a separate mailing up to 8 weeks after you receive the new passport.

Tips for making a photocopy :

Black and white (no color)
Use 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper
Use a single side of the paper

If you do not submit a photocopy, you must submit a second copy of your citizenship evidence. We will keep this copy for our records.

3. Show Your Relationship to Your Child

You must submit a document that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Examples include:

U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
Foreign birth certificate
Adoption decree
Divorce or custody decree
A court order

Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show both U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).

You and your child may have different last names, as long as the document showing your relationship to your child lists your full name.

If your name is different than the one on the document showing your relationship to your child, submit proof of your legal name change.

4. Get a Photo ID (and a photocopy)

Both parents or guardians must bring a physical, photo ID and a photocopy of it. If your photo ID is from a different state than the state in which you are applying, bring a second photo ID.

You must show at least one of these photo IDs:

Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
U.S. military or military dependent ID
Current (valid) foreign passport
Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
In-state, fully-valid learner's permit with photo,
In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo,
Temporary driver's license with photo, or
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

If you do not have one of these photo IDs, go to our Identification page for more information.

5. Show More Documents (if both parents or guardians cannot apply)

Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply in person with their child, you will need to show more documents.
Submit Form DS-3053 and other notarized statements within three months of signing them.
In some countries, you may need to get Form DS-3053 notarized at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Go to the frequently asked questions section below on this page to get the list of countries.

6. Provide a Photo

You must provide one photo with your child's application. Go to our Passport Photo page for photo requirements and to see examples of photos.

Do not attach or staple your child's photo to the form. The acceptance agent or passport employee will review the photo and staple it to your form.
Some passport acceptance facilities
A company which offers photo services
Home. Ask your friend or family member to take your child's photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper.

7. Calculate Fees

When applying using Form DS-11, you will pay two separate fees - an application fee and an execution (acceptance) fee. You will pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, and the execution (acceptance) fee to the facility which takes your application.

Add $60 to your application fee if you want expedited service .
Add $21.36 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after we issue it.

Child Applicants :

For more information on how to pay and a full list of fees, go to our Passport Fees page.

*How to fill out your check and pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State. Please note you must pay a separate execution (acceptance) fee.

Families may write one check or money order to the U.S. Department of State if they are applying at the same time. The check or money order must include the name and date of birth of each applicant.

8. Find Location to Apply

In the United States:

Traveling in more than 3 weeks? Go to a passport acceptance facility such as a post office, library, or local government office. Check with the facility to see if you need to make an appointment.
Traveling in less than 3 weeks? Make an appointment to apply at a passport agency or center.

In another country:

Contact your U.S. embassy or consulate .

9. Track Your Application Status

You can subscribe to email updates about your application status, and learn more about each status update .

It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your child's application status is “In Process.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you send my child's passport and supporting documents.

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

New passport book
New passport card
Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your documents, call us at 1-877-487-2778 to report that you have not received your documents.

If you want us to reimburse you for a lost supporting document, you must contact us within 90 days of the date which we mailed your passport. You will also need to provide a receipt to show the cost of replacing the document.

Can I pay for faster delivery and return shipping?

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
Returning the passport to you : Pay $21.36 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport 1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid.

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What countries require Form DS-3053 "Statement of Consent" to be notarized at an embassy or consulate?

In certain countries, a DS-3053 must be notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate and cannot be notarized by a local notary public. Currently, these countries include:

Special Passport Fairs

Find a Special Passport Fair near you!

We're holding special passport fairs all across the United States to help you get your passport more easily. New events are added to our site every week.

Most events are for first-time applicants and children, (who use Form DS-11). If you can use Form DS-82, you can renew by mail at your convenience!

Processing Times

Routine: 6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel. Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it.
Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel: See our Get my Passport Fast page.

How to Apply for your Child's Passport

Watch this video to learn how to apply in person for your child's U.S. passport!

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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Free and discounted travel
Children under 5 travel free with a fare paying adult - check your fare. Children aged 5-10. ... 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard. Free travel on buses and trams, and discounts on our transport services. 16+ Zip Oyster photocard. Free and discounted travel on all our transport services if you're 16 or over. Rules of travel for under 18s.
11-15 Zip Oyster photocards
Children aged 11-15 can get free and discounted travel on all our transport services with a Zip Oyster photocard. Children aged over 10 years and 11 months, and under 16 on 31 August can get an 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard. If your child was 15 on 31 August, they can still apply for and use an 11-15 ...
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Free children's travel tickets are only available from a ticket office or on-board from a conductor. Under 5's travel for free on all National Rail services. Children aged 5-15 travel for free on Transport for Wales trains only. Adults travelling with a Family and Friends Railcard must pay for one child between the ages of 5 and 15 to be ...
Do kids need an Oyster card? Using the Zip Oyster card for children
Children under 11 travel free on most public transport services in London when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, or with a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard. Children aged 11 to 15 years old can get free or discounted travel with a Zip Oyster photocard, or a Young Visitor discount. 16 and 17 year olds pay half the adult rate on Tube, DLR and London ...
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It costs $25 a year and comes with free travel insurance as well. Check out the list of youth travel discounts you can get with IYTC card and learn more about how to get an IYTC card. 03 of 05. The Student Advantage Card. The Student Advantage Card provides student travel, retail, and entertainment discounts for an annual $22 membership fee ...
Travel between Canada and the USA for kids without a ...
However, this passport-free travel rule only applies if you enter the US by land or sea. So this means under 16s don't need a passport if entering by: driving across the border; taking a bus or train; taking a private boat, a ferry, or a cruise ; The bad news is that if you plan on flying from Canada, you will need to get your child a passport.
Free school transport
Your child will get free school transport if they're: aged 8 to 11, go to their nearest school and it's at least 2 miles away. aged 11 to 16 and go to a school 2 to 6 miles away - if it's ...
16+ Zip Oyster photocard
Apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard. If your child is 16 or 17 and lives outside London (or outside the UK) Apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard. If you were 18 on 31 August, in full-time education and live in a London borough. Apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard to get free travel on buses and trams only.
Train Travel with Children
Children under 5. Children under 5 years of age travel for free on most journeys but check with your train company to make sure. Please note, children under 5 who are travelling without a ticket may only occupy a seat that is not required by a fare-paying passenger. To have a reserved seat for a child under 5 you will need to purchase a child ...
London Child Fares and Tickets
Children aged 11-15. Children aged 11-15 travel for free on London's buses and at child-rate Pay as you go Oyster fares on the underground (tube), DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services if they have an 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard. The child-rate single fare with an 11-15 Zip Oyster is 95p (peak) or 85p (off-peak) for zones 1-6.
Who can travel on UK public transport for free?
Under 16s can also enjoy free off-peak travel. Free bus travel (and some rail) in Wales for over 60s. Anyone over 60 can apply for a bus pass enabling free travel in Wales, called a Concessionary ...
A Guide to Free Transport in London for Children
Children under 11 can travel free on the tube, DLR, Overground and TfL rail services when accompanied by an adult using pay as you go or with a valid ticket (up to four children can travel per adult). If children are traveling alone they'll need a 5-10 Zip Oyster Photocard in order to travel for free. If children do not have a valid Oyster ...
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Accessible travel. We have a range of ways you can save money on bus and train travel if you're a young traveller. And the great news is under-11s can travel for free, if travelling with an adult, and under-16s can enjoy free travel off-peak.
Travelling with children
Children can travel free on London transport services: Tube. DLR. London Overground. Elizabeth line. Some National Rail services. They can also travel with a discounted fare if they are aged between 11 and 15 years old. Every child aged 11 years old or older needs a ticket to travel. Children aged 16+ will need an adult ticket.
Get an under 16 photocard
This card is only for proving your age. Get a Swift child photocard if you want to buy a long term ticket, for example a season ticket. You can use this card to buy a child fare when you're paying cash on the bus, train and metro. The under 16 photocard is: Free and easy to use. Replaced free. Recognised by all operators across the West Midlands.
Cruise lines where kids sail free
These family-friendly cruise lines make travel more affordable with kids-cruise-free deals and discounted cruise fares for those under 18. ... River cruise line CroisiEurope's Family Club cruises let kids up to age 16 sail free or at reduced rates of up ... children under 16 years of age receive a 30% discount. This Family Club cruise deal is ...
Travelling in London with kids: Fares, Tickets and Advice
Children under 11 years of age. Children aged under 11 travel free on London´s buses and trams, at any time, and do not need a ticket. They also travel free on London Underground, DLR (docklands light railway), overground and Tfl rail. They don´t need a ticket as long as a paying adult accompanies them.
Fares and passes for young people
Children under 5 years old travel for free on buses. Children aged 5-11 can pay child fares on buses; If you are aged 11-16, you must have an igo pass to travel using a child ticket on buses in Greater Manchester. Child fares on trams. In Greater Manchester: Children under 5 years old travel for free on trams.
New contactless and cash-free Metro travel for Under 16s
An easy new cash-free way for Under 16s to pay for Metro travel has been launched by Nexus. A new smart card, called Junior blue, can be bought and topped up online, meaning passengers don't need to think about carrying cash or using ticket machines. The Junior blue smartcard will work like other Metro smartcards, and journeys are priced the same as the commercial single and day tickets ...
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Children under 11 years of age. Children under the age of 11 travel free on London´s buses and trams, with or without an adult, at any time, and don't need a ticket. Children under the age of 11 also travel free on London Underground, DLR (Docklands Light Railway), overground and TFL rail without a ticket if they're accompanied by a paying ...
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Here are some of the best volunteer abroad programs for teens in 2024 & 2025: Turtle Conservation in Bali. Animal Care in Costa Rica. Childcare in Tanzania. Environmental Scuba Diving. Volunteering abroad as a teenager is a rewarding experience that will stay with you for life and every year thousands of teens choose to volunteer abroad with ...
Free School Pass
Costs and benefits. The pass is free, and lasts for one academic year starting in September, and finishing on the 31 July the following year. It gives you free term-time travel in Greater Manchester by bus, tram or train on a specific route between home and school, up to 9pm. You can't use the pass for any other journeys.
Child Fares on London's Underground, Buses & Transport 2024
Children 5-10 years old. Under-11s can travel free at any time on London's buses and trams without a ticket. They can also travel free at any time on the Tube, London Overground and DLR (Docklands Light Railway) when they are travelling with an adult who has a valid ticket. Up to 4 children under 11 years old accompanied by a paying adult ...
Apply for a Child's U.S. Passport
Apply for a Child Under 16. Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person. If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply with their child, you will need to show us more documents. You cannot renew your child's passport using Form DS-82.

Travel between Canada and the USA for kids without a passport (land/air)

Right now, the federal government’s waiting list to get a Canadian passport (or renew one) can be very long. Anyone planning a quick trip across the border for the rest of the summer may need to cancel, postpone, or leave the kids at home if the kids don’t have a valid passport.

Entering the US with a kid

Entering Canada with a kid to come back

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