If you are aged 11–17 and live or travel in London, the Young Person’s Oyster Card is a great way to save money on travel. Children aged 11–15 and young people aged 16–17 can get free or discounted travel on all London buses, trains, and the Underground using a Zip Oyster photocard. This card makes commuting to school, college, or fun trips easier and cheaper.
In this guide, you will learn who can apply, how much it costs, and step-by-step instructions to get your Young Person’s Oyster Card in 2026. You’ll also find tips for using the card, checking eligibility, and saving on travel across London zones.
What is Young Person’s Oyster Card (11–15, 16+)?
The Young Person’s Oyster Card is a special card for children and young people in London. It helps them travel for free or at a lower cost on buses, trains, trams, and the Underground.
- 11–15 Zip Oyster photocard – For kids who are over 10 years and 11 months and under 16 on 31 August. Even if a child turns 16 after 31 August, they can still use this card.
- 16+ Zip Oyster photocard – For young people aged 16 and 17, and 18-year-olds in full-time education who live in a London borough.
This card makes travel easy and cheap for school, college, or fun trips around London.
How to Apply for a Young Person’s Oyster Card (11–15 & 16+) – 2026
The Young Person’s Oyster Card helps children and teens travel for free or at a lower cost on London buses, trains, trams, and the Underground. There are two types: 11–15 Zip Oyster photocard and 16+ Zip Oyster photocard.
11–15 Zip Oyster Photocard
- A parent or guardian must apply for the child.
- You need a clear color photo of the child in .jpg, .bmp, or .gif format under 6MB.
- You need a valid passport to confirm the child’s age and identity. The passport photo page must show the child’s name, photo, date of birth, and passport number. Non-UK passports are accepted.
- A debit or credit card is required to pay the £16–£21 application fee.
- If your child doesn’t have a passport, start the application online, print a letter, and take it to a Post Office.
- If you live outside London, collect the card at a TfL Visitor Centre. Bring your confirmation email and proof of age (passport, EEA ID, or birth certificate). Apply at least 28 days before your collection date.
- If your child has an Application Registration Card (ARC) but no other ID, start online and call 0343 222 1234 for help.
16+ Zip Oyster Photocard
- For 16–17-year-olds and 18-year-olds in full-time education who live in a London borough.
- Apply online and upload a passport or proof of age.
- You may need a school or college verification letter. Take it to a Post Office to complete the application.
- The card allows discounted travel across London zones, making it easier for school, college, or leisure trips.
How to Apply Online for a Young Person’s Oyster Card (11–15 & 16+)
The first step to getting a Young Person’s Oyster Card is to set up an online photocard account. This makes it easy to apply, upload documents, and track your application from anywhere.
Create Your Oyster Photocard Account
- Go to the official Oyster photocard website.
- Click “Create Account”.
- Use a valid email address. If you already have an account for another Oyster card, use a different email.
- Fill in your name, date of birth, and contact details.
- Choose a secure password and confirm it.
Sign In and Apply
- After creating your account, sign in to start your application.
- If you forget your login details, you can easily reset your password.
- Upload your photo and identification documents, and pay the administration fee online.
Having an online account allows you to check application status, upload required documents, and manage your Oyster card anytime.
After Your Young Person’s Oyster Card is Processed: Delivery & Usage Guide?
Once your photo, passport, or Post Office letter has been approved, your Young Person’s Oyster Card is usually delivered within two weeks.
If your card does not arrive after two weeks, call 0343 222 1234 between 08:00 and 20:00, seven days a week (charges may apply). If you need to travel before the card arrives, you will need to pay for your journeys until it is delivered.
When you receive the 11–15 or 16+ Zip Oyster photocard, you can start using it immediately. Remember:
- Always touch in at the start and touch out at the end of your journey on yellow card readers.
- On buses and trams, you only need to touch in.
You can manage your card online by signing in to your photocard web account. This lets you check your balance, report a lost, stolen, or damaged card, and update your details easily.
Why Get a Young Person’s Oyster Card?
- Save money on travel in London.
- Travel freely on buses, trains, trams, and the Tube.
- Easy to use and perfect for school, college, or fun trips.
Benefits of the Young Person’s Oyster Card (11–15 & 16+)
The Young Person’s Oyster Card gives children and teens in London many travel benefits, making it easier and cheaper to get around the city.
Key Benefits:
- Free travel on London buses and trams for eligible cardholders living in London.
- Discounted pay-as-you-go fares on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, and Elizabeth line (except between West Drayton and Reading).
- 50% off most National Rail fares in London.
- 50% off adult fares on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers River Bus services.
- Access to child rate Travelcards for 7 days, monthly, or longer periods, including Bus & Tram Passes.
These benefits make it simple and affordable for children, teens, and students to travel for school, college, or fun activities across London.
How to Top‑Up & Manage Your Young Person’s Oyster Card (11–15 & 16+)
Managing your Young Person’s Oyster Card is easy and convenient. You can top up your card, track your balance, and see travel history in several ways. Here’s a simple guide for children, teens, and parents.
Online Top-Up
You can top up your card online using your Oyster photocard account.
- Sign in to your account on the TfL website.
- Choose the amount you want to add to your pay-as-you-go balance.
- Pay with a debit or credit card.
- The balance is added immediately, and you can start using your card right away.
Online top-up is safe, fast, and perfect for busy families.
Auto Top-Up
Auto top-up automatically adds money to your card when your balance is low.
- Sign in to your Oyster photocard account.
- Set a top-up amount and balance threshold.
- Your card will automatically reload when needed, so you never run out of money while traveling.
This is ideal for students and young travelers who use public transport frequently.
At Station Machines
You can also top up your Young Person’s Oyster Card at ticket machines in:
- Tube stations
- London Overground stations
- Elizabeth line stations
Simply insert your card, select the amount to add, pay with cash or card, and your balance updates immediately.
Managing Balance and Travel History
To manage your balance and check your journey history:
- Sign in to your Oyster photocard account online.
- View your current balance, recent journeys, and travel zones used.
- You can also report a lost, stolen, or damaged card and manage auto top-up settings.
Managing your card online helps children and parents stay in control of travel costs and plan journeys efficiently.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Broken Young Person’s Oyster Card
If your Young Person’s Oyster Card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can report it and get a replacement quickly to continue traveling in London.
How to Report a Lost or Stolen Card
- Sign in to your Oyster photocard account online.
- Select “Report Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card.”
- Follow the steps to block the old card and request a new one.
- You can also call TfL customer service at 0343 222 1234 (Monday–Sunday, 08:00–20:00; charges may apply) for help.
Replacement Cost
- A small replacement fee may be charged for lost or damaged 11–15 or 16+ Zip Oyster photocards.
- You can pay the fee online or at a ticket machine when ordering the replacement card.
Transferring Your Balance
- If you report the lost or broken card, any remaining pay-as-you-go balance can be transferred to your new card.
- Make sure to report the card before topping up a new one; otherwise, the balance may be lost.
Reporting quickly helps children and teens travel safely without losing money and ensures they continue to enjoy free or discounted fares across buses, Tube, trains, and trams.
Expiry Dates for Young Person’s Oyster Cards (11–15 & 16+)
11–15 Zip Oyster Photocard
The 11–15 Zip Oyster photocard expires on 30 September in the year after your child turns 16. Even after applying for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard, your child can continue to use the 11–15 card until it expires.
Any remaining pay-as-you-go credit on the 11–15 card will not transfer to the new 16+ card. To get a refund for unused credit, call 0343 222 1234 between 08:00 and 20:00, Monday to Sunday (charges may apply).
16+ Zip Oyster Photocard
If your child lives in a London borough, the 16+ Zip Oyster photocard expires on 30 September in the year after they turn 18.
If your child lives outside London, the card expires the day before their 18th birthday. Any leftover pay-as-you-go balance will not transfer to a new 18+ Student Oyster photocard. Refunds can also be requested by calling 0343 222 1234 during office hours.
By keeping track of expiry dates, students and young people can ensure uninterrupted travel and continue to enjoy free or discounted fares on buses, trains, and the Underground in London.
Young Visitor Discount for Children Visiting London
If you are visiting London and your children do not have an 11–15 Zip Oyster photocard, they can get the Young Visitor discount for up to 14 days. This makes travel cheaper and easier on London’s public transport.
What You Get with the Young Visitor Discount
- 50% off adult pay-as-you-go fares on buses, Tube, trams, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services.
- 50% off daily fare caps so children do not spend too much in one day.
Where to Add the Discount
The discount can be added to a standard Oyster card or Visitor Oyster card by a staff member. You can do this at:
- Any Tube or London Overground station
- Selected Elizabeth line stations
- Visitor Centres
Children must be with you when the discount is added.
Elizabeth Line Stations and Hours
| Station | Monday–Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilford | 10:00–15:00 | 10:00–15:00 | Closed |
| Romford | 10:00–15:00 | 10:00–15:00 | Closed |
| Ealing Broadway | 10:00–15:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 10:00–17:00 |
| West Ealing | 10:00–15:00 | 10:00–17:00 | Closed |
| Hayes & Harlington | 10:00–15:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 10:00–17:00 |
| Southall | 10:00–15:00 | 10:00–17:00 | Closed |
| West Drayton | 10:00–15:00 | 10:00–17:00 | Closed |
| Custom House | 10:00–15:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 10:00–17:00 |
| Woolwich | 10:00–15:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 10:00–17:00 |
| Canary Wharf | 10:00–15:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 10:00–17:00 |
| Paddington | 10:00–15:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 10:00–17:00 |
The Young Visitor discount is an easy way for visiting children to save money while traveling on buses, trains, trams, and the Underground in London.
How Children Can Travel with a Discounted Day Travelcard
Children aged 5–15 can get a discounted Off-Peak Day Travelcard for Zones 1–6 or 1–9 when traveling with an adult who also buys a discounted Off-Peak Day Travelcard.
Who Can Use the Discount
To buy a discounted Travelcard, you need one of these valid cards:
- Annual Gold Card
- Network Railcard
- Family and Friends Railcard
- HM Forces Railcard
Everyone using the discounted Travelcards must travel together.
Where to Buy the Discounted Travelcard
You can get the discounted Off-Peak Day Travelcard at:
- London Overground stations
- Elizabeth line stations
- National Rail ticket offices
- Visitor Centres
Make sure to show your Railcard or Annual Gold Card to staff when buying the ticket.
This discount is a great way for children and families to save money while traveling on buses, Tube, trains, and trams across London.
Rules for Children and Teens Using a Young Person’s Oyster Card
When you apply for a Young Person’s Oyster Card, you agree that you and the cardholder will follow the Young Person’s Behaviour Code. This code sets out the rules for safe and responsible travel. If the rules are not followed, TfL may remove the concession or cancel the photocard.
For detailed information, you can read the terms and conditions for the 16+ Zip Oyster photocard on the official photocard terms and conditions page.
Need Help With Your Application?
If you have any issues applying online, proving your age, or showing your address, call 0343 222 1234. The helpline is open Monday to Sunday, 08:00–20:00 (charges may apply). Choose option 1 for support with Young Person’s Oyster Cards.
Following these rules ensures that children and teens travel safely and can continue enjoying free or discounted fares across London’s buses, Tube, trains, trams, and Overground services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Young Person’s Oyster Card
1. Do young people get discount on Oyster cards?
Child must be present when adding a Young Visitor discount. This discount gives your child half adult rate pay as you go discount for up to 14 days. You can also buy child Travelcards online for children aged 11-15. Find out more about travelling with children.
2. Is the 11–15 Oyster Card Free?
Children aged 11 to 15 can travel for free or at discounted rates using a Zip Oyster photocard or the Young Visitor discount.For 16–17 year olds, travel is half the adult fare on the Tube, DLR, and London Overground when using a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard.
3. How Much Does a Train Journey Cost with an 11–15 Oyster Card?
With an 11–15 Zip Oyster photocard, children pay a child-rate single fare of £1 during peak hours and 90p during off-peak hours for travel across Zones 1–6 on the Underground.
Fares may be higher for certain train journeys. Like adult Oyster cards, there is a daily cap, which is the maximum amount that can be charged in one day.
8. Who Can Apply for a 16+ Oyster Card?
To be eligible for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard, the applicant must be 16 or 17 years old on 31 August and live in a London borough. This card gives free travel on buses and trams.
Higher education institutions, like UCL, can verify and sign applications for eligible students. However, applicants who are 18 or older cannot get the form signed for free travel, as it does not apply to level 6 (higher education) students.
Conclusion
The Young Person’s Oyster Card (11–15 & 16+) helps children and teens travel across London safely, easily, and affordably. It offers free or discounted travel on buses, trams, Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services, perfect for school, college, or fun trips.
Parents and young travelers can top up online, set auto top-up, and manage travel history. Lost, stolen, or damaged cards can be replaced quickly, and visitors can use the Young Visitor discount for 50% off travel for 14 days. This card is the smartest way for young people to save money and travel around London in 2026.
