Why should I get an Oyster card?

The advantages of an Oyster card are that you can top up your credit online and add an electronic 7 Day Travelcard onto the card. You can also get an Oyster card before you arrive in London if you live in the UK. If you do not live in the UK, you can still get an Oyster card but only when you arrive in London.
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What is the point of an Oyster card?

A Visitor Oyster card* is one of the cheapest ways to pay for single journeys on the bus, Tube, DLR, tram, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus service, London Overground, TfL Rail and most National Rail services in London.
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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.
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Is it good to get an Oyster card?

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



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.
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Is Oyster cheaper than paper tickets?

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).
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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).
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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.
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Do Oyster cards 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What is the difference between Oyster card and Visitor Oyster card?

A Visitor Oyster card can be delivered to your home before your visit, or Oyster cards can be purchased at all London airports and stations. Visitor Oyster card holders also enjoy a range of special offers and discounts across the city.
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Can two persons use one Oyster card?

If you only have pay as you go credit on your Oyster card, you can lend it to someone else. Two people can't use the same contactless or Oyster card for a journey. If you have a Travelcard, Bus & Tram Pass or discount added to your Oyster card, you can't lend it to someone else.
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Can I use Oyster card on Heathrow Express?

Oyster & Contactless payment

Oyster cards, contactless bank cards and mobile devices are accepted on the Heathrow Express. This speeds up the process of buying tickets for this train for customers who can enter with just a tap of your card on the ticket barrier.
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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.
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What happens if you don't tap out Tube?

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.
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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.
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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.
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What is cheaper bus or Tube in London?

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