What are the London Underground Zone 1/1-2/1-3/2-etc fares for?

I am confused - please enlighten me:

On railuk tickets, e.g. "London Underground and DLR Zone 2"
On lnr.uk site as well as on WMT ticket machines, "London Underground Zone 1"
I cannot find any reference on National Rail Enquiries or GWR journey planner.

What exactly are these destinations used for? I can't seem to find any information on the rail websites about it. Do these have any link to the London Zones 1-6 travelcard?

As I understand it.

A single or return ticket to/from such a location allows a single or return journey (as appropriate for the ticket purchased) to/from a London Underground or DLR station in the appropriate zone.

Outboundary travelcards by contrast allow one outward journey from their origin station to the zonal area, Unlimited travel within the zones they cover and then one return journey back to their origin.

When both are offered, an outboundry travelcard is usually slightly more expensive, but gives more flexibility.

plugwash said:

As I understand it.

A single or return ticket to/from such a location allows a single or return journey (as appropriate for the ticket purchased) to/from a London Underground or DLR station in the appropriate zone.

Outboundary travelcards by contrast allow one outward journey from their origin station to the zonal area, Unlimited travel within the zones they cover and then one return journey back to their origin.

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That's exactly right. For ease of identification, an outboundary Travelcard would usually be issued to London Zones 1-6, as it's valid on all modes and rail operators (except Heathrow Express and Southeastern High Speed).

By contrast, a ticket to "London Underground and DLR Zones 1-2" is only valid on the Underground, DLR and Elizabeth line (in the core section between Abbey Wood and Paddington). It is also valid on National Rail services where they are interavailable with Underground services, e.g. between Stratford and Liverpool Street, and the Thameslink core between London Bridge and St Pancras.

plugwash said:

When both are offered, an outboundry travelcard is usually slightly more expensive, but gives more flexibility.

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Yes - the only scenario where an "Underground Zones" ticket would be more flexible is if you wanted a period return - as Travelcards are only issued as day tickets or season tickets.

Thanks! I completely trust and I am grateful for your responses -
Can I ask, where is this information available online?

For an example, for Birmingham to either Oval, Bermondsey or White City (all Zone 2), I would buy London Underground and DLR Zones 1-2. This would be good for both a walk-up ticket, as well as on an advance single. Correct?

trainJam said:

Thanks! I completely trust and I am grateful for your responses -
Can I ask, where is this information available online?

For an example, for Birmingham to either Oval, Bermondsey or White City (all Zone 2), I would buy London Underground and DLR Zones 1-2. This would be good for both a walk-up ticket, as well as on an advance single. Correct?

Click to expand...

Yes, that's correct.

West Midland Trains does a reasonable off-peak day return from B'ham with an integrated Z1-6 travelcard for £46, only £4 more than the period off-peak return. There's also a much more restricted Super Off Peak. It's worth considering if you would like a little flexibility and are on a day trip.