Is Oyster cheaper than buying a ticket?

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 use Oyster 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.

Does an Oyster card save you money?

You can save 30% on Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes with our 18+ Student Oyster photocard. You can also use this Oyster card to pay as you go but you won't receive the 30% discount.

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.

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.

Oyster Tips That Will Save You Money

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 best to get an Oyster card in London?

Why You Should Buy An Oyster Card in London? The best reason to get an Oyster card is cost savings and convenience! It is significantly cheaper to travel in London using an Oyster card than it is to purchase individual tickets for each trip.

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.

Can I use Apple Pay instead of Oyster card?

It's not available to Oyster card users, but contactless and Apple Pay users can benefit from weekly travel card fares if they "tap in" across the week. TfL automatically works out the best cost according to your usage.

Does Oyster card cap weekly?

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.

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.

What are Zones 1 to 6 in London?

When it comes to getting around, London is divided into 'zones' 1-6, with 'Zone 1' being the city centre and 'Zone 6' being the outskirts of the city. The system itself exists as a method for TfL (Transport for London) to calculate a customer's travel distance and charge accordingly.

What happens if you forget to tap in your Oyster card?

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.

Does Oyster card give unlimited travel?

Travelcards are a flat rate pass where you have unlimited rides for the time period purchased. Oyster / Contactless payment cards are charged on a per journey basis but has a daily maximum you can be charged.

What happens if you tap in and out at the same station?

Same station exits

If you touch contactless (card or device) or an Oyster card on a yellow card reader when you enter a station, and then touch out to exit it within a short period of time, you'll be charged a same station exit: Between 0 - 2 minutes: a maximum fare.

What's the best way to get around in London?

Is it worth getting an Oyster card for two days?

Worth getting for 2 days? Probably. If you are arriving at Heathrow and travelling into central London, I'd say it's worth you getting one. And yes, you would each need one.

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.

Are buses still free in London?

All buses in London are cash-free.

What is the maximum charge on the tube?

We set maximum times for all pay as you go journeys on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail services. If you spend longer than the maximum journey time, you could be charged two maximum fares. A single maximum fare is: up to £8.90 in Zones 1-9.

How do I put money on 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.

Can I put my Oyster on my phone?

You must have a contactless and Oyster online account to use the app. The app will only work with contactless cards and/or Oyster cards; not Oyster photocards or other smartcards. You can only use the app if your Oyster card shows a 'D' symbol in the bottom left of the reverse side, as shown in the below image.