Is An Oyster Card In London Worth The Hassle?

Article Written By: Rajul Chande

The Oyster system has made a big difference to London's underground tube system. An Oyster card allows you to use most of London's public transport network (though a few stations remain outside the system). It provides a big discount on standard fares and also helps save you time in queueing to buy tickets.

The system automatically saves you money as it works out the cheapest fare at the end of the day (based on the journeys taken). If you travel more than you expected to initially, it only charges you the lowest fare instead of pricey singles and returns.

So does this system have any disadvantages?

- It can sometimes be a bit complicated for new London visitors, since you have to buy an Oyster card in advance. You may need to pay a few quid deposit (but you should get this back quickly in savings).

- You also need to "touch in and out" on all parts of your journey. But you'll pick this up quickly if you copy the many Londoners heading to and from work. So unless your trip to London is a very brief trip, you're certainly advised to get onto the Oyster scheme. As far as I know, Oyster cards have no expiry date: you should be able to use them when you return to London.

- If you do not expect to come back to London in the near future, you can usually get your deposit back (but please verify this with London Underground before you purchase).

- There's also a so-called "Visitor Oyster" available from selected outlets which is supposed to be designed for tourists. But it is not clear at the moment if this has any special benefits.

If you absolutely don't wish to deal with an Oyster card, please ensure that you always buy the cheapest London travelcard for unlimited travel for the day on both the tube and buses. But you should wait until after 9.30am on a weekday since it will then cost much less. You can also get a weekly travelcard for a greater discount if you're staying longer, but this does require you to provide a photo.

Do recall that Oyster cards and travelcards may be used on the tube and buses, though they are not valid at all rail stations. It's important to confirm before travelling. To get informed about the Oyster scheme and London's public transport you should certainly visit the official Transport for London website.

Finally, always wait until later than 9.30am on a weekday to avoid paying London's super-expensive peak fares.

About the Author

The author provides inside tips on the best of London as well as real-time London hotel tips on Twitter.

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