Transport for London

London Underground, London Buses, London Overground, Oyster

For information on getting around London using public transport including London Underground (tube) and London bus information please visit the Transport for London website.

Click here for assistance getting around London on London Transport.

Oyster cards

What is an Oyster card?

An Oyster card is a plastic credit card sized 'smart card' which is accepted by Transport for London (TfL) as a ticket for travel with the London Fare Zones. The card has a micro-chip embedded within it that is capable of storing and conveying details of electronically stored season tickets ie. 'in-boundary' travelcards and TfL Bus Passes.

The chip also records details of money added to the card, known as pay as you go (PAYG). The card holder can use PAYG to travel on both TfL (tube and buses) and participating National Rail services.

The Oyster card is neither a travel document, a ticket or a permit to travel. Nor is it a credit card or debit card. It is simply a way of storing a ticket such as a Travelcard season, and a cash value for payment of single journeys.

What products can I put on an Oyster card?

An Oyster card can hold up to three 'products' at the same time. These may be Travelcards, bus passes or 'Pay As You Go' (PAYG). Travelcards can be loaded onto the Oyster card up to a month in advance of their start date.

How do I use an Oyster card - what do I do at the station?

If you do not 'touch in' at the start of your journey and 'touch out' at the end of your journey, you may be charged more than the advertised Oyster single fare and the daily price capping promise will not apply. You may also be liable to a Penalty Fare or you may be prosecuted.

Where can I buy an Oyster card?

You can buy new Oyster cards, renew Travelcards and top up your PAYG at some National Rail stations. These are usually those stations which serve both the Underground and National Rail.

Please go here to learn where you can use Oyster on our network.