Can I get an Oyster card in London?

You can get an Oyster card: Online with a contactless and Oyster account, if you live in the UK. At Oyster Ticket Stops in many newsagents in London. At all Tube, London Overground and most Elizabeth line stations.

Can I buy an Oyster card when I arrive in London?

You can buy a Visitor Oyster card* online before you travel to London. It will be posted to your home address. This means you arrive in London with your travel ticket ready to start exploring the city. You cannot buy a Visitor Oyster card when you arrive in London.

Is it cheaper to use an Oyster card in London?

The Oyster Card is a magnetic rechargeable plastic card valid for all of London's public transport. It not only simplifies the payment system, but it is also cheaper than paying for a single journey ticket every time you ride the Underground, bus, DLR or Overground.

Is it cheaper to get an Oyster card or a Travelcard?

As a general rule a Travelcard is more expensive than an Oyster card or Contactless payment card. The exception is if you make 3 or more journeys for 6 days or more within a 7 day period. In this case a 7 day Travelcard works out cheaper than an Oyster or Contactless payment card.

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.

How To Travel Around London and Buy an Oyster Card - Important Tips!

How much is a Oyster card?

A Visitor Oyster card costs £5 (plus postage) and is pre-loaded with pay as you go credit for you to spend on travel. You can choose how much credit to add to your card: £10, £15, £20, £25, £30, £35, £40 or £50. The credit on your card never expires - it stays there until you use it.

What is the best way to travel in London?

How long do Oyster cards take?

We'll post your 16+ Zip Oyster photocard to you within one week of applying. You apply online and need to provide: Active email address. A colour image of your child's valid, machine-readable passport.

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 you use credit card as Oyster?

As of today, you can board buses and tube trains in London by simply swiping your credit or debit card. Handily for visitors, tourists or anyone who's left their Oyster card in their other pantaloons, you no longer need to buy a paper ticket or top up your Oyster.

Is Oyster cheaper than 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.

How does an Oyster card work in London?

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.

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.

Is London easy to get around?

As one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world, it can be a bit daunting to get around London. Unlike other cities, you can't travel around the whole of London on foot. It's far too big so visitors need to rely on transport to see all of London's sights.

What is the best time of year to visit London England?

The best time to visit London is March through May when the temperatures are mild and the city's parks are green and blooming. However, late spring – along with summer – is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge.

How do I get an Oyster card in the UK?

What zones can I use my Oyster card?

You can use your Oyster card on all Southern trains within the London Zones 1-6 – as well as on buses, Tubes, Trams, The Docklands Light Railway, London Overground, TfL Rail and most National Rail services in London.

Can I use Oyster to Gatwick?

You can use Oyster on all of our trains for journeys that start and finish in the London Travelcard area. Oyster can also be used between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria on Gatwick Express services. It's quick and easy to buy an Oyster card, top up online and add your Travelcard or season ticket.

Are buses in London still free?

All buses in London are cash-free.

How much is a day travel card in London?

What are the different London Travelcard prices? Travelcard prices start at £14.40 for a central London 1 day Travelcard and go up to £70.30 for a 7 day Travelcard covering zones 1-6. Child Travelcards are approximately half these prices.

How do I add money to my Oyster card?

If you need to add more value/credit to your Visitor Oyster card you can simply 'top up' at one of the machines in the stations, or by going to one of the Transport for London ticket desks. Any credit you don't use can be kept on your card for use at a later date.