Getting to grips with transport in London can be something of a headache. The London Underground, buses, overground trains and even boats across the Thames, offer hundreds of different ways to travel around this vibrant and exciting city.
Not only can London travel seem complicated, it can also be expensive. Standard fares on the London tube soon add up when you whiz from the Tower of London, to Buckingham Palace, over to the South Bank and then back to Covent Garden and the West End.
Using an Oyster Card to pay for all your transport in London makes sense. Oyster cards offer cheaper, quicker and (more or less) hassle free travel in London.
What is an Oyster Card?
An Osyter Card looks like a standard plastic credit card. It is a system of electronic ticketing set up by the official Transport for London government organsiation. Rather than buying tickets as you use transport in London, you swipe your Oyster Card, for fast, convenient access to train, bus and the London Underground.
Getting Your Card
You can order Oyster Cards online from the official Transport for London website. Alternatively, you can buy them from London Travel Information Centres, which can be found in all the major London railway stations. You can even get hold of one from a newsagent or shop on the highstreet. Oyster cards are free, but you will need to pay a £3.00 refundable deposit.
Uploading Credit Onto Your Oyster Card
As soon as you get hold of your card, you can start uploading credit. This can be done on-line, by credit or debit card. Alternatively, you can top-up your card with cash or by card at any of the other locations mentioned above. You can also add credit to your Oster Card via standard ticket machines at London tube stations.
Transport in London Made Easy
Once you have a card and some credit, Oyster Cards are simple to use – and it will save you money as you travel around London.
Oyster fares are lower than standard bus or London Underground standard fares. So, everytime you pay by Oyster Card, you save money. You no longer have to worry about finding change for the bus, or standing in a queue at the ticket machine down at the tube station.
On London buses, when you board the bus, you will see a yellow Oyster Card reader (see image below) next to the driver's cab. Simply hold your Oyster Card over the yellow pad until the red light flashes green. And that's it. An Oyster single fare by bus costs £1.20.
On the London tube, you will find a similar system. Walk right up to the ticket barrier and hold your Oyster Card over the yellow card reader on the right hand side of the barrier. As long as you have credit on your card, the gates will open automatically. An Oyster off-peak adult single fare for Zones 1-2 (Central London) costs £1.80.
Handy Hints
London Underground ticket barriers will flash up how much credit you have left. If you see the red "Seek Assistance" sign, it may mean that your credit is running low.
Sources
