Are Oyster cards worth it?

An Oyster card may be the most cost-effective option if you are only visiting for a few days. A 7 Day Travelcard is a good option if you are visiting for a week and only plan to visit central London. You can also use contactless payment, which has both a daily and weekly fare cap.

Is it cheaper to use an Oyster card or contactless?

There is a very small financial advantage to using a contactless card if you're in London for more than a week and travel extensively every single day (weekly capping) but otherwise it's no cheaper than using an Oyster.

Do Oyster cards make it cheaper?

The daily Oyster/Contactless payment cards price cap is less than the cost of a 1 day Travelcard so over one day is cheaper. Over longer periods Travelcards can work out cheaper depending on your travel.

What is the advantage of an Oyster card?

Supports travelcards: One of the main advantages of the Oyster card is that it supports travelcards. These are fixed payment pre-paid options, where you pay a certain amount for unlimited travel inside specific London zones for a weekly, monthly or annual price.

Is a Visitor Oyster card worth it?

Great value. Pay as you go fares are cheaper than buying a paper single ticket or Day Travelcard. Your Visitor Oyster card offers daily capping. This means you can travel as much as you like in a single day and the amount you pay for your travel is limited (or capped).

Oyster Card VS Contactless - EXPLAINED

How can I get a discount on my Oyster card?

If you're 60 or over, you can get 1/3 discount on off-peak pay as you go travel. Add your discount to an Oyster card. You can also buy discounted Off-Peak Day Travelcards to travel: At any time on weekends and public holidays.

What is the cheapest way to get around London?

The cheapest way to travel is with an Oyster card. An Oyster card allows you to travel between all parts of London on the Underground, Trams (DLR), Overground, some river boats, Emirates Air Line, and the iconic red London buses.

Is contactless cheaper than buying a ticket?

You can add money to an Oyster card or use contactless (card or device) straight away. You only pay for the journeys you make and it's cheaper than buying a paper single or return ticket (train companies may offer special deals on some journeys).

Does Oyster card have a daily cap?

Make as many pay as you go journeys as you like using contactless (card or device) or an Oyster card in one day or in one week and we'll cap your fare so you don't pay more.

What is the best way to travel in London?

In the majority of London, you will usually find that there is an underground stop within easy walking distance, and a train arriving within 10 minutes or less. Because the underground doesn't have to worry about traffic and streets, it is one of the most efficient ways to get around, and usually the best choice.

Does an Oyster card expire?

Refunds. "Pay-as-you-go Oyster cards do not expire and customers are able to return their cards at any time for a refund of the remaining balance and card deposit," Transport for London said. "Revenue generated from fares, including Oyster fares, is used to operate, maintain and upgrade London's transport network. ''

Can I use Oyster app instead of card?

TfL has launched its own official smartphone app, for checking Oyster card balances. The new app enables iPhone and Android smartphone owners to use their phone to add pay as you go credit or Travelcards to their Oyster card.

How do Oyster cards work?

An Oyster card is a smart card that you add money to, so you can pay as you go. You can pay as you go to travel on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, most Elizabeth line, Emirates Air Line and Thames Clippers River Bus services. You can also travel on most National Rail services in London and some outside London.

Do I need an Oyster card in London?

You can use it to pay for travel on public transport in London. Visitor Oyster cards are only available to buy before you arrive in London. They're great value and can save you time as you won't have to queue for a ticket. There is a daily cap on fares, you won't pay any more for that day in the zones you travel in.

What happens if you don't tap in Oyster?

Please wait at least 48 hours as you might receive an automatic refund: Oyster - we'll automatically add it to your card the next time you touch in or out of a rail journey. Contactless - the refund will show on your next card statement, or we will adjust the fares charged when you next travel.

What happens if you tap out without tapping in?

Charges if you don't touch in and out

If you don't touch in and out, we can't tell where you've travelled from or to, so your journey will be incomplete. Maximum fares don't count towards capping. If you don't touch in, you may be charged a penalty fare.

What happens if you forget to tap out using contactless?

If you forget to tap in or out with your contactless card you'll get the same maximum fare as you would with Oyster.

Where should a first time tourist stay in London?

Mayfair is the best area to stay in London for first time visitors to the city because of its proximity to Hyde Park, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The architecture and tiny side streets also make Mayfair one of the most instagrammable spots in London.

What is cheaper bus or Tube in London?

Bus transport in London is cheaper than Underground travel, and the bus network is very extensive.

What type of Oyster card do I need?

If you buy a 6-day London Pass* with travel included, you don't need to buy a Visitor Oyster or Oyster card. If you buy a London Pass without travel included, you will need to buy a Visitor Oyster card*, Oyster card or 7 Day Travelcard ticket separately.

Are buses still free in London?

All buses in London are cash-free.

Does an 11 year old pay on the Tube?

Children aged 11 to 15 years old can get free or discounted travel with a Zip Oyster photocard, or a Young Visitor discount. Sixteen and 17 year olds pay half the adult rate on Tube, DLR and London Overground journeys with a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard.

What time is off peak on the Tube?

Peak fares - Monday to Friday (not on public holidays) between 06:30 and 09:30, and between 16:00 and 19:00. Off-peak fares - at all other times and if you travel from a station outside Zone 1 to a station in Zone 1 between 16:00 and 19:00, Monday to Friday.