Oyster Card - how does it actually work?

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I have heard about the Oyster Card for London transportation network. You top it up with cash or credit card, and then you just swipe it in buses, subway, trains, and also when you leave the subway or train station. This way you are supposed to pay the lowest fare possible.

I wonder, is it really more cost effective, than daily or monthly tickets?






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How does an Oyster card 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.

How does a pay as you go Oyster card work?

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).

Is it worth getting a Oyster card?

It is really worth getting an Oystercard if you are in London for more than one day and you don't already have a contactless card - you can ride the Tube and buses all day to your heart's content.

Is it cheaper to travel with 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.



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




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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