Can I travel without an Oyster card?
You can buy a daily travel from some shops and newsagents, and railway stations, but they cost more than using an Oyster card. Or you can use a contactless credit or debit card. That's your only options.
If your Oyster card runs out of money while traveling in London, the gates of the station will not open and you will not be able to continue your journey. Additionally, if you tap your card and it is detected that there are insufficient funds, you will be charged a penalty fare.
Instead of adding money to an Oyster card, you can also use your contactless debit or credit card, mobile phone or other device for adult rate PAYG travel. Find out more about contactless, including valid payment methods and devices.
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).
Travelers in the capital can also use the TFL Oyster and contactless app, and those with Apple or Android smartphones can top up using their phones. As it was launched as early as 2003 the Oyster card has now become the most familiar way for Londoners to pay for travel.
You can get an Oyster card at all London airports except London Southend Airport. Heathrow London Airport – exit the airport and follow the signs for the Underground. You can buy an Oyster card at the airport Tube station cashier window.
If your bank card shows the contactless payment symbol, you can use it to pay as you go straight away. You'll pay an adult rate fare. Many contactless cards issued outside the UK can be used to pay as you go for travel (overseas transaction fees may apply): American Express (AMEX)
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, most London Overground and most Elizabeth line stations.
If you're visiting London for 3 days or less, the best option is to get the Oyster Card, as it's the most cost-effective system. For stays of over 4 days, we recommend getting the 7-day Travelcard, since it's cheaper than getting 7 x 24-hour travelcards.
Is it cheaper to use Oyster or contactless? As both cards use the same Pay As You Go system and are compatible with the TfL Oyster & Contactless app, the costs are comparable. As a tourist in London, it can be worth getting an Oyster Card as part of the London Pass.
Can I use Apple Pay instead of Oyster card?
You can use Apple Pay to pay as you go across all Transport for London services, including the Underground, buses and trams. Paying for journeys is easy using Apple Pay and works the same as using a contactless card.
You can get a new Oyster card online and at many locations across London. You need to pay £7 and add a minimum amount of pay as you go credit, or a season ticket to your new card to use it straight away. Once you've got your new Oyster card, you can use our TfL Oyster and contactless app.
In conclusion, the main difference between Standard and Visitor Oyster cards is that Standard Oyster cards are reusable, while Visitor Oyster cards are disposable. In addition, standard Oyster cards do not come with a daily price cap, while Visitor Oyster cards do.
Choose a £20 Visitor Oyster card which will usually cover a full day of unlimited travel in zone 1-2. Travelling in central London for 3 days? Choose a £25 Visitor Oyster card for unlimited travel in zone 1-2.
All orders of Travelcards and Visitor Oyster cards are dispatched within 24 hours of being placed, Monday to Friday. Our fulfillment warehouse is closed at the weekends. Any order placed after 08:30 (GMT) on a Friday will be dispatched the following Monday (excluding public holidays).
It is significantly cheaper to travel in London using an Oyster card than it is to purchase individual tickets for each trip. The only reason you would want to just buy individual tickets is if you are only using public transportation once or twice during your stay.
You can use a contactless card or mobile device, such as a phone or watch, to pay as you go on all our services. Overseas transaction fees or charges may apply for non-UK cards.
- Get an Oyster card. ...
- Go contactless. ...
- Know where you're travelling to. ...
- Avoid travelling during peak hours. ...
- Take the bus for long distances. ...
- Take advantage of the Hopper fare. ...
- Rent a bike when it's sunny. ...
- Walk wherever possible.
| Zone(s) | One Day Anytime | One Day Off-peak |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 only | £8.10 | £8.10 |
| Zone 1 and 2 | £8.10 | £8.10 |
| Zone 1, 2 and 3 | £9.60 | £9.60 |
| Zone 1, 2, 3 and 4 | £11.70 | £11.70 |
If you stay in London for 6–7 days and use the underground, trains, and buses every day, the weekly Travelcard is the most cost-effective travel pass. The one-week pass including central London (zones 1-2) is £40.70. It's valid for travel at anytime; there is no peak or off-peak rate.
Can an American buy an Oyster card?
Visitor Oyster cards from us cost from £15 to £55. These prices include a £5 activation fee, and the rest is credit that is pre-loaded onto your card.
For most people travelling around London, the cheapest way to get around is by using an Oyster or contactless payment card. An Oyster card is a smart card you can use instead of paper tickets, available on buses, Tubes, trams, rail, DLR and some river services.
How much does an Oyster card cost? The Oyster card costs £7. You then add money to the card to pay for your travel. The £7 fee is not a deposit.
The most convenient place to buy Oyster cards for visitors are Underground stations, including Heathrow Airport. You can pay cash or credit card.
There is no expiry date on Oyster cards. Dormant card? Oyster cards unused for 12 months or more.
References
- https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/getting-around-london/best-ways-for-visitors-to-pay
- https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/oyster_card_tc
- https://independenttravelcats.com/tips-for-buying-using-the-oyster-card-in-london/
- https://visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk/en/help
- https://www.ilovelondon.com/the-main-differences-between-standard-and-visitor-oyster-cards/
- https://www.visitbritainshop.com/nl/en/london-visitor-oyster-card
- https://getsby.com/en/what-is-the-difference-between-oyster-card-and-contactless/
- https://www.londontoolkit.com/briefing/oystercard.htm
- https://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/getting-around-london/oyster-faqs/which-card-to-buy
- https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/tfl-oyster-and-contactless-app/first-generation-oyster-cards
- https://www.quora.com/What-happens-if-you-run-out-of-money-on-your-oyster-card-while-travelling-by-train-or-bus-in-London-UK
- https://www.toptiplondon.com/transport/tickets/oyster-card
- https://www.supportcentre-rbs.co.uk/Banking-from-home/How-to-use-the-Mobile-App/Apple-Google-Pay/913220042/How-do-I-use-Apple-Pay-on-Transport-for-London-TfL.htm
- https://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/transport-advice/travelling-around-london/
- https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/pay-as-you-go/contactless-and-mobile-pay-as-you-go
- https://www.toptiplondon.com/transport/tickets/underground-tickets-travelcards
- https://uktravelplanning.com/oyster-card-v-contactless/
- https://visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk/en/london-visitor-oyster-card
- https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/tickets-railcards-and-offers/ticket-types/oyster-contactless-and-travelcards/
- https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/visitor-oyster-card
- https://www.clinkhostels.com/city-tips/the-cheapest-way-to-travel-in-london/
- https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/new-fares
- https://www.londoncitybreak.com/oyster-card
- https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/buying-tickets-and-oyster
