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How to Use Contactless Card on London Transport (Bus, Tube) | Fare, Transportation, & Alternatives

September 23, 2022

Winterville Staff

One of the most important aspects that a traveler looks for in a country or city is a convenient commute.

Thankfully, getting around London is made easy thanks to its wide network of public transportation and its simple way of paying for a fare.

You have probably heard about Oyster Cards and Travelcards as popular modes of payment in public transportation .

However, what if you don’t have one? What other ways can you pay for your fare in case you run out of credit, you lose your card, or it expires?

Fortunately, there is still another effortless way to pay for your fare without having the need to buy a card – and that is a Contactless Card.

Want to find out which payment method is suitable for London transportations? I suggest reading  Visitor Oyster Card Vs Oyster Card Vs Travel Card Vs Contactless Card  to help you decide which card is best for you.

If you are a frequent traveler, you probably need to know about the benefits of using a Contactless Card. It is secure, simple to use, and fast when paying transportation fares.

A Contactless Card is another type of card using pay-as-you-go technology, promising a hassle-free commute.

This Contactless Card guide guides you through the process of using it, fares, and many more.

Here’s what you will read about:

What Is a Contactless Card

Where is contactless card accepted, how much does tfl charge on contactless.

• How Does Contactless Work on the Tube, Buses, and Other Transportation

How to Manage a Contactless Card Account

Reasons why your contactless card may not work, penalties and refunds on contactless cards, alternatives for contactless cards, frequently asked questions.

(Photo by CardMapr.nl from Unsplash )

• 1 What Is a Contactless Card
• 2 Where Is Contactless Card Accepted
• 3.1 Single Fare Rate
• 3.2 Pay as you go Caps
• 4 How Does Contactless Work on the Tube, Buses, and Other Transportation
• 5 Penalties and Refunds on Contactless Cards
• 6 How to Manage a Contactless Card Account
• 7 Alternatives for Contactless Cards
• 8 Reasons Why Your Contactless Card May Not Work
• 9.1 Can you use contactless on the Tube?
• 9.2 Do You Need to Register Contactless Card for Tube?
• 9.3 Can I add Oyster Card to Apple Wallet instead of a contactless bank card?
• 9.4 Can I add Oyster Card to Google Pay instead of a contactless bank card?
• 9.5 Is Contactless Card better than an Oyster Card?
• 9.6 Can I add a Travelcard to a Contactless Card?
• 9.7 Can I get discounts and special offers with a Contactless Card?
• 9.8 Is it cheaper to travel with a Contactless Card than an Oyster Card?
• 10 Wrapping Up

Contactless technology allows you to pay without the need to physically touch or insert your card into a card reader.

By just tapping or hovering over a card reader, you will be able to pay instantly. Most debit cards and credit cards are equipped with contactless technology.

To know if your bank card has contactless technology, check if it has a contactless payment symbol. The symbol has four curved lines, making it look like a signal. Here is what it would look like on a bank card.

(Photo by Markus Winkler from Pixabay )

Does your bank card have a Contactless symbol? If yes, you can effortlessly use it to pay for your fare at most London public transportation .

Most non-UK bank cards are accepted as long as they are American Express (AMEX), MasterCard, Maestro, Visa, or V PAY.

However, keep in mind that not all bank cards may work in the UK. Thus, it is best to check with your bank if you can use it as a Contactless Card in the UK.

It is better to have an Oyster Card ready as a backup in case your card does not work.

Contactless Cards are used as a pay as you go cards on most public transportation :

• London Overground
• Elizabeth line
• London Cable Car
• Thames Clippers River Buses
• National Rail services

For London buses Contactless Card option, you can use the card on most buses except non-TfL route 477.

If using Contactless payment on trains like the National Rail services, you can use it for standard class travel at specific stations with a contactless option or stations between West Drayton and Reading.

Contactless payment on Tube is possible for all stations by tapping your Contactless Card twice, one going in and one going out.

Single Fare Rate

You are charged an adult rate fare on all Contactless Card payments, which also includes international transaction fees for non-UK bank cards.

The amount of additional international transaction fees depends on your bank issuer. You can pay for your fare as a single fare or with a cap.

The total cost of your commute depends on how far you are going. To know about your fare ahead of time, use the single fare finder of Transport for London (TfL).

Indicate the station you are coming from and where you are going. Then, choose the type of passenger traveling and click “show single fares”.

For instance, if you are traveling within the same zone from Bond Street Underground Station (Zone 1) to St. Paul’s Underground Station (Zone 1), it costs £2.50 for Contactless and Oyster Cards and £6.30 for cash payment.

However, for two different zones such as Bond Street Underground Station (Zone 1) going to Bethnal Green Underground Station (Zone 2), it costs £3.20 (Peak hours) or £2.60 (Off Peak hours) for Contactless and Oyster Cards and £6.30 for cash payment.

Pay as you go Caps

All transactions made on TfL public transportation can be seen on your bank statement and may be indicated as Travel charges, Travel refunds, Unpaid fares, or tfl.gov.uk/cp.

Aside from single fare payment, you can always cap your fare and keep traveling until your total fare reaches the cap amount. The capping system helps you stay within your budget and keep track of your payments.

You can put a cap per day or per week within your selected zones . Choose between Daily Peak cap, Daily Off Peak cap, or Weekly cap from Monday to Sunday. A Daily cap is between 4:30 am to 4:29 am the next morning.

Peak fares are charged from Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 9:30 am and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Off-peak hours are from Monday to Friday, between 9:31 am and 3:59 pm, and between 7:01 pm and 6:29 am the next day.

Moreover, if you travel to Zone 1 from a different zone from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the weekdays, it is also included in the Off-peak hours.

The table below shows the Pay as you go cap prices for Daily Peak, Daily Off Peak, and Weekly Cap from Zone 1 to Zone 9.

For buses and trams alone, the rate is different depending on the type of payment and passenger.

Traveling as an adult using pay-as-you-go costs £1.65. You can also register for a Daily cap of £4.95 or a Weekly cap of £23.30.

For other passenger types, they have different rates which are listed below.

To learn more about traveling by bus, read the London Bus Guide: How to Get around London by Bus .

How Does Contactless Work on the Tube , Buses, and Other Transportation

Using a Contactless Card works by simply tapping it on the yellow or pink card reader. The card reader usually shows an amber light when it is ready for payment.

When the light turns green with one beep sound, it means your payment worked and is accepted.

However, if the light turns red with two beeps, it means your Contactless Card was not accepted. If your card is rejected, you cannot enter and go through the ride.

Thus, it is always a good idea to come prepared with another card for payment.

Depending on the type of transportation, you either tap once or twice on your journey.

For travels using Tube , London Overground , DLR , Elizabeth line , National Rail, London Cable Car , or Thames Clippers River Bus , you need to tap the yellow card reader twice, one tap upon entering and another upon exiting.

If you are traveling by bus and tram , you only need to tap once when you enter.

To avoid penalties or paying the maximum fare, here are some key reminders when using your Contactless Card.

• A Contactless Card can only be used by one passenger. You can use it to pay for the fare of a person traveling with you as long as you have another type of card to pay for your own fare such as another Contactless Card, Oyster Card , or Travelcard .
• Make sure to pay using the same Contactless Card on one single journey. You cannot use two different Contactless Cards on the same journey, or else you will be charged with two incomplete fares.
• Follow the correct way of tapping your card, either twice with touch in and touch out or once for touch in only. If you do not tap correctly, you are charged a maximum fare or a penalty fare.
• Avoid entering and leaving the same station without riding the transportation. In case you make a mistake in entering and have to leave the same station, you may have to pay a maximum fare with your Contactless Card.
• Keep your Oyster Card and Contactless Card on a separate wallet or card holder to avoid card clashes . If you do not keep them separated, the card reader may not be able to read it correctly and charge you with a penalty fare .

If you were not able to tap the card reader the correct way, you may be given a Penalty Fare Notice with a penalty fare of £80. However, you can reduce the amount in half to £40 if you pay it in 21 days.

To apply for an appeal, you need to do it within 21 days of the 1st stage, 14 days of the 2nd stage, and 14 days of the 3rd stage of the appeal process.

You can pay the penalty fare online , by phone, or by post. If you are caught deliberately avoiding fare payment, it is considered a criminal offense and you will be prosecuted. When you are prosecuted, you get a criminal record and a fine of up to £1,000.

Moreover, you also need to pay several fees, including compensation for fares avoided, victim surcharge, and prosecution costs.

You will know when you are prosecuted when you receive a Single Justice Procedure Notice or a Postal Requisition.

Once you receive the notice, you need to send a reply of either a guilty or not guilty plea within 21 days.

In case you are charged twice the amount, you can request a refund after two days of your journey and up to eight weeks.

Refunds are only done after 48 hours since it takes 24 hours for the system to recalculate your total fares. Before asking for a refund, check your Contactless Card account again after 48 hours for any changes.

To help you manage your funds, you can create a contactless and Oyster account . Creating an account helps you check your transaction history, get refunds, and register for a cap. In case there are unpaid fares, you can also use the account to pay for them.

It is also the best way to track if you have accidentally made an incomplete journey. Once you have an account, you can easily log in using the free TfL Oyster and contactless app .

If you are also using an Oyster Card , the app can be used to top up, check your balance, and apply for a Travelcard or Bus & Tram Pass.

Not only are debit cards and credit cards compatible with contactless technology, but mobile phones, watches, or key fobs, too! These devices work the same way as you would with a Contactless Card.

If you are using Contactless Devices as payment, you can pay using Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Barclaycard Contactless Mobile, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, or bPay.

If the above mobile payments mentioned are connected with a non-UK bank, there is a possibility that they can be rejected.

Touch in and touch out using Contactless Devices is the same as tapping a Contactless Card on trains, the Tube , buses , and other transportation. Keep in mind that you can only use one Contactless Device per journey.

For instance, it is not allowed to touch in using your mobile phone and then touch out using a smartwatch.

Moreover, always make sure that your Contactless Device has enough battery life for your entire journey, especially when you need to touch out.

If your device runs out of battery and you need to touch out, you may be charged a maximum fare or a penalty fare.

For several reasons, there is a possibility that your Contactless Card or Contactless Device is not working.

With that said, it is recommended to have a backup payment just in case. The most common reason why a Contactless Card is rejected is that it is a non-UK bank card.

Your bank issuer may not allow international contactless payments or may have considered it a scam and declined it.

Even if you are using contactless mobile payment, it can be declined if it is using a non-UK bank card.

In order to avoid any issues, you should contact your card issuer regarding overseas contactless use before arriving in London.

If you are using a prepaid card, your payment may be rejected if it does not have enough funds.

Damaged or expired cards and cards without the contactless symbol are also not accepted as contactless payments.

Can you use contactless on the Tube?

Yes. Contactless technology is applicable when riding the Tube . Just tap the yellow card reader upon entering and exiting the Tube station.

Do You Need to Register Contactless Card for Tube?

It is not necessary to register and create an Oyster account since you can use your bank card to pay instantly for Tube fares .

Registration is only needed if you want to track your transactions online or through the app.

Moreover, you only need to register if you want to apply a cap for your bank card to prevent you from exceeding your daily budget.

Can I add Oyster Card to Apple Wallet instead of a contactless bank card?

Adding an Oyster Card to your Apple Wallet is not possible. The only way to pay is when you connect a bank card to your Apple Pay to pay for transport in London.

Can I add Oyster Card to Google Pay instead of a contactless bank card?

Adding an Oyster Card is not supported on Google Wallet. To pay for your fare, you need to use Google Pay which is connected to your bank card.

Is Contactless Card better than an Oyster Card?

A Contactless Card is better if you do not want to line up and buy an Oyster Card . Moreover, you do not need to keep recharging the card to pay for your fare.

However, the downsides of using a Contactless Card are the international fees and the possibility of a declined payment.

Can I add a Travelcard to a Contactless Card?

No, it is not possible to add a Travelcard to your Contactless Card. Travelcards are only compatible with Oyster Cards .

Can I get discounts and special offers with a Contactless Card?

Contactless Cards are not eligible for discounts such as Group and Young Visitor discounts. Discounts are only for Oyster Cards, Visitor Oyster Cards, and Travelcards.

Is it cheaper to travel with a Contactless Card than an Oyster Card?

Contactless Cards are charged with the same pay as you go rates as Oyster Cards. However, you may be paying more with a Contactless Card since there are additional international fees.

Wrapping Up

Conveniently pay for your journey in London with your own contactless debit card or credit card.

A Contactless Card is the ideal option if you do not want the trouble of purchasing an Oyster Card , Visitor Oyster Card, or Travelcard anymore. You should, however, test your card first to make sure it works in the UK.

No need to keep recharging and you do not have to worry about credit balances. With the help of TfL’s app, it is easy to keep track of your travel expenses.

To learn more about the proper use of Contactless Cards, read the Conditions of Use by TfL.

Have you tried using a Contactless Card or Contactless Device in London? Share how your experience went by writing it in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to share this easy guide with people you know who are traveling to London. Have a safe journey!

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London Underground 101: A guide to getting the Tube in London

Editor's Note

If you've never visited London before, navigating its iconic Tube system can be either an adventure or a confused mess of Tube lines, fare types and labyrinthian stations.

You might not have initially thought so, but there's a lot more to it than just getting to a station, hopping on a train and then exiting. Thankfully, TPG has your back, and we created this guide to the London Underground.

Let's dive in.

Related: The 23 best hotels in London

Paying for the Tube and how to save money

First of all, let's make sure the price is right.

There are many ways you can pay to travel around London via the Tube.

You can buy paper tickets from the ticket machines at each Tube, Overground and Docklands Light Railway station. One-way, return, daily and weekly travel cards are available. If you're buying tickets for single journeys, you'll probably spend more than you really need to if you take the Tube more than once.

The most convenient payment method, though, is to use your contactless payment card. Simply touch it on the yellow card readers found at Tube entrances and some platforms to pay for your ride.

These card readers also work with prepaid Oyster cards sold at all Tube and Overground stations, plus most Elizabeth Line stations and select newsstands and visitor centers throughout London, for 7 British pounds ($8.86) each. If you choose to purchase and pay via an Oyster card, you can add money to the card using the ticket machines found inside Underground stations. You can then purchase daily or weekly travel cards covering various zones.

Regardless of how you pay for your ride, you'll use the same process for confirming your payment. Use your phone (for contactless payments) or debit, credit or Oyster card to tap in and out at the barriers of your start and end stations. Remember that card readers aren't always connected to gates and are sometimes free-standing, so make sure you locate one and tap in and out to avoid getting charged for traveling through all nine zones.

To see the full details and decide exactly which payment method is right for you, check out the Transport for London website .

Daily limits

If you use an Oyster card or contactless payment to pay for your Tube journey, there is a cap on how much you can be charged, depending on the zones you travel in or between.

Say, for example, you only travel within Zones 1 and 2. For a full day of travel via the London Underground in those two zones, you'll pay 8.50 pounds (around $10.76).

You can view the prices for other zones on the TfL website .

Child discounts

All children under the age of 11 can travel on the London Underground for free, and children between 11 and 15 receive discounted fares (as outlined below). To ensure that you get a discount, you should talk to a member of the London Underground staff inside the station.

How much does travel on the London Underground cost?

The London Underground operates a peak and off-peak fare system. The amount you're charged depends on which zones you're traveling in or between.

Peak fares are charged Monday to Friday between the hours of 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Off-peak fares are charged at all other times and if you're traveling from a station outside of Zone 1 into Zone 1 between 4 and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Journeys on the Tube and the Elizabeth Line to and from Heathrow Airport (LHR) are always considered peak fares if you start, end or go through Zone 1.

Travel cards

Peak and off-peak travel cards are also available in the Tube stations' kiosks. The cost of travel cards varies depending on the zones you travel in. Paying with an Oyster card or via contactless payment is usually cheaper.

An Anytime Day travel card can be used for the entire day that you purchase it until 4:30 a.m. the next day.

An Off-peak Day travel card is valid for an entire weekday from 9:30 a.m. — or any time on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays — until 4:30 a.m. the following day.

How to read the London Tube map

The London Underground map is divided into nine zones. The center of London — along with its most popular tourist attractions and iconic hotels — is in Zone 1. The outer parts of the city are in Zone 9. The zones are serviced by 11 tube lines and a handful of other rail services identified by color.

The London Underground lines are as follows:

• Bakerloo (brown) : From Harrow & Wealdstone in northwest London to Elephant & Castle south of the River Thames
• Central (red) : From West Ruislip in west London to Epping in east London
• Circle (yellow) : From Hammersmith to Edgware Road and then back to Edgware Road in a loop around central London
• District (green) : From Upminster in east London to Richmond in south London
• Hammersmith & City (pink) : From Hammersmith to Barking in east London
• Jubilee (gray) : From Stanmore to Stratford in east London
• Metropolitan (maroon) : From Aldgate to Amersham
• Northern (black) : From Edgware in the northern suburbs to South Wimbledon in southwest London
• Piccadilly (dark blue) : From Cockfosters via Hammersmith to Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; the Piccadilly Line has two branches, which split at Acton Town
• Victoria (light blue) : From Walthamstow Central in north London through central London to Brixton
• Waterloo & City (turquoise) : From Bank to Waterloo Station

Though not technically Tube lines, you'll also find the following rail routes on the Tube map:

• Overground (orange — double stripe) : From Watford Junction in the northwest to Croydon in the south and from Barking in the east of London to Richmond and Wandsworth in the southwest
• Docklands Light Railway (turquoise — double stripe) : From Bank in the City to Lewisham in east London and Bank to Woolwich Arsenal; there are further routes from Tower Gateway to Beckton, Stratford to Lewisham or Canary Wharf, and Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal
• Elizabeth Line (purple — double stripe) : From Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east

Taking the Tube to Heathrow Airport

Depending on where you're traveling from, the Tube or Elizabeth Line will likely be your cheapest and most direct route to Heathrow Airport.

You can learn more about the best ways to reach Heathrow here .

While there's extra space on the Piccadilly Line for suitcases, trains on other lines aren't always as accommodating. Either way, traveling with multiple pieces of luggage at peak times can make for a stressful and awkward journey for you and those around you.

It's not always possible to get to Heathrow without getting on the Tube during peak times. If possible, try to leave earlier to avoid rush hour and have a far more comfortable journey.

How to plan your trip

TfL provides a range of free Tube maps that are available in most Tube stations and some small shops to help you plan your journey.

You can also use TfL's journey planner . Add in your start and end destinations, and the site will work out the nearest Tube stations and what changes you may need to take. The site will also suggest bus routes if they're faster, and it'll advise on journey times.

You can filter its suggestions to only include buses if you wish to avoid the Tube; you can also filter for routes that are accessible, routes near taxi ranks or routes that have the fewest changes or least amount of walking.

In terms of apps, many Londoners tend to use Citymapper ( iOS / Android ) or Google Maps ( iOS / Android ), both of which will provide you with up-to-date Tube suggestions, walking routes and bus options.

How early does the Tube run?

The London Underground's opening times can differ depending on the line you want to take and where you're starting your trip. Generally, though, Tube trains begin operation around 5 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, with slightly reduced operating hours on Sundays.

How late does the Night Tube run?

On Friday and Saturday nights, you can ride the Night Tube when the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines run for 24 hours. Additionally, the London Overground operates a 24-hour service on these days between New Cross Gate and Highbury & Islington.

The Night Tube is charged at off-peak rates.

The quickest route might not be the obvious one

If you're not used to London, you might think you need to take the Tube to get anywhere. The Tube is your best bet for longer journeys in and out of the city. However, shorter journeys in central London will likely be quicker on foot.

When planning your journeys, the TfL website has a handy box to help you determine which routes are quicker to walk.

By walking shorter routes, you'll not only save time but will also breathe in less thick, soupy air. The views are guaranteed to be an improvement, too.

Travel etiquette on the London Underground

Polite behavior when traveling on the London Underground can pretty much be simplified into three main rules.

Escalator etiquette

Perhaps the most important rule of Tube stations is to stand on the right on the escalators. This allows those in a rush to glide down the escalators in a flash to avoid waiting an extra minute for the next train.

Mindful Tubing

Everyone getting the Tube has somewhere to be and is likely in a rush. Letting all passengers get off your carriage before boarding will enable a smoother, quicker and more pleasant journey for everyone.

Additionally, don't hog seats if someone in need, such as elderly people, pregnant women or people with disabilities, would benefit more than you by sitting down. Checking if someone needs your seat will go a long way in making someone's journey, if not their entire day, better.

As for rides during busy commuting hours, remember that squishing as tightly as possible into the area closest to the doors doesn't benefit anyone. Move down the train. It makes for a more comfortable, less sweaty journey for everyone.

In general, queueing is somewhat of a national sport for Brits. We do it anywhere and everywhere, and anyone who fails to queue correctly will receive passive-aggressive eye rolls and tuts from all who witness it.

This also applies to the Tube, whether you're waiting to get through the barriers, waiting to get on or waiting for the stairs, escalators or elevators to leave the station. Save yourself the glares and cranky tuts of fellow passengers by falling into line.

Bottom line

Love it or hate it, London would come to a standstill without the Tube. Whether it's your first time in the capital or you're a seasoned Londoner, the above tips will serve you well. Remember, above all else, to stand to the right.

Easy Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the London Underground for the First Time

If you have high anxiety like me, you’re probably wondering how to use the London underground for the first time.

The London tube system is massive and complex – where do you even begin? 

For anxious travelers like us, navigating a huge city like London can be overwhelming. If you’re worried about how to take the tube, you’re not alone.

I’m going to explain how to use the London tube: from maps to tickets to stepping on the train, I’ve got you covered.

Here’s my step-by-step guide for how to use the tube for the first time. 

Let’s start with the basics.

📖 London Underground Guide to Words and Phrases

Londoners use many of these common words and phrases when referring to the Underground.

Let’s look at the most common ones you will encounter and may need to understand.

• London Underground (or “The Underground”) : The official name of the public rapid transit system of London.
• Tube or “The Tube”: Nickname that has become the unofficial name for the London Underground. You can say either “tube” or “underground.” 
• Train: The trains that run within the underground network. Not to be confused with National Rail, which is the above-ground trains that run all over the UK. People usually say “I’m taking the tube” when they’re talking about the Underground, and “I’m taking the train” when making a longer journey out of London. 
• Carriage: the individual train cars that you board on the underground. A series of carriages make up the train. 
• Tap In/Tap Out: Touching your Oyster card or contactless payment card on the yellow card readers at the start and end of your journey to pay for your fare.
• Mind the Gap: A famous audible and visual warning to remind passengers to be cautious about the gap between the train door and the station platform.
• Oyster Card: A reusable, credit card-sized smartcard used to pay for journeys on public transport in London. It can be topped up with credit.
• Top Up: To add credit to your Oyster Card ( put more money on it either in the app or at a machine inside the station).
• Platform: The area in a station where passengers wait for the train.
• Lines: These refer to the different tube lines on the London Underground, each identified by its own name and color on the map. ( you might say “I’m taking the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden”) .
• Zone 1, Zone 2, etc.: The tube network is divided into fare zones (1-9) with Zone 1 in central London and higher numbers on the outskirts. Fares vary by how many zones you travel through.

Now that you know all the terms I’ll use here, let’s get into how to use the Underground!

🧭 How to Use the London Tube Map

The London tube map looks confusing, but it’s actually pretty simple. Every tube line is color coded, and every station is mapped with what lines connect through it.

If you’re visiting London, you don’t need to study or memorize the tube map.

Most travelers coming to London will have a mapping app (I like Citymapper the best ) that can tell you exactly where you are and where you’re going.

If you don’t have a phone or mobile data in London (I highly recommend you do!), then you can use the tube map to get around.

Alternatively, you can download maps within your navigation app when you’re on wifi, then use them when you’re out and about.

🧭 London’s Tube Lines Are Color-Coded

Each London Underground line has its own color so the routes are easily identifiable.

Follow your color through the station and onto the train. It’s that easy! (I’ll show you some photos from inside of a tube station and how to find the correct platform down below).

Just don’t call London’s tube lines “the blue line” or “the yellow line” – they are only referred to by their names.

🧭 Riding the Tube in London: Zones & Fares

The Underground’s zone and fare system is a bit more complicated, but for visitors, you don’t need to understand the whole thing.

The basic system is this: the transport zones categorizes areas of the London Underground by their proximity to Central London.

Zone 1 is the most central, Zone 2 is a bit further out, Zone 3 is even further out, etc.

Here’s what you need to know as a visitor about zones :

• The further out from Central London you go – the more zones you travel through – the more you pay in tube fare.

Here’s what you need to know as a visitor about fares :

• For each zone, there is a daily and weekly fare cap.
• If you’re using pay-as-you-go ( simply tapping in with a contactless or oyster card ), you’ll never pay more than the cap for the farthest zone you traveled to.
• The most central zones are cheapest, and the furthest zones are the most expensive, since you’re traveling farther.
• There are peak and off-peak fares, but these don’t affect the fare cap.
• You can use TFL’s Fare Finder to calculate a fare, or if you use Citymapper , it will tell you the price right in the app.

💳 How to Pay for Your Tube Ticket

Visitors to London can get overwhelmed by the amount of tube ticket varieties: daily or weekly Travelcards, Visitor Oyster Cards, single journey tickets, and more. It’s unnecessarily complicated.

✅ See my full guide to Oyster Card tourist options HERE. ✅

For MOST London visitors, you should just use Pay as You Go. That means simply tapping in and out with any any form of contactless payment .

Simply tap your phone or contactless card on the big yellow circle and the gate will open.

There’s generally no need to buy a ticket, an Oyster Card, or a Travelcard. These options are usually more expensive for visitors.

Tap again on the way out, and you’ll be charged the correct fare! When you use pay-as-you-go, you will automatically be capped at the daily maximum, no matter how many rides you take.

Make sure you have a different contactless payment method for each member of your party to avoid being drastically overcharged.

💳 Paying for the Tube When Traveling with Family or Groups

Don’t have enough contactless payment methods for everyone?

You can double the amount of contactless methods simply by adding your debit or credit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any digital wallet – those are counted as separate payment methods from the physical credit or debit card.

Keep in mind children under 11 travel free and don’t need any type of payment method, as explained in detail below.

For example:

• Traveler #1: Uses debit card A to tap in and out.
• Traveler #2: Uses Apple Pay connected to debit card A to tap in and out.
• Traveler #3: Uses physical credit card B to tap in and out.
• Traveler #4: Uses Apple Pay connected to credit card B to tap in and out.

💳 Do I Need an Oyster Card?

No. Unless you don’t have enough different contactless payment methods for everyone in your group, you don’t need to buy an Oyster card or any kind of travel pass or ticket.

Oyster Cards cost £7 for the card itself, along with however much money you want to load onto them. You can avoid this hassle by just using the contactless payment methods you already have.

However, if you’re traveling with children between 11-18, it may be smart to buy them an Oyster Card and have TFL staff apply the child discount to that card. Children’s fares are cheaper, but only using Oyster, and under 11’s travel free .

👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 How to Take the Tube with Kids

Riding the tube with kids under 11 is easy!

Locate the largest ticket barriers marked with blue signage.

Tap in with your contactless payment method, and the gate will open.

Your child or children walk through the barrier with you at the same time.

Do the same thing when you tap out at your destination. Done!

🚇 London Underground Guide: Exactly How to Ride the Tube for the First Time

Now that you know all about the maps, colors and payment methods, let’s go through exactly how to ride the London tube.

Have your mapping app and your contactless payment method ready for the journey.

✅ Step 1: Plan Your Journey

Riding the tube in London is easiest when you use a navigation app to guide you.

My favorite London navigation app is Citymapper , but you can also use Google Maps.

Plug in your destination, and the app will tell you which tube line you need and which station to catch the train at. 

Make your way to the station you need for your journey. 

Look out for travel alerts on your journey: an alert icon will come up if there are delays, strikes, or stoppages.

✅ How to Use the Tube for the First Time Step 2: What to do at the Station 

Once you reach the station, you will see a line of ticket barriers. If you have never gone through one before, just stand out of the way and watch what others do. 

When you approach the gate, have your contactless payment or Oyster Card ready.

Tap it on the big yellow circle and the gate will open. The little electronic display will tell you how much the fare is and the balance left on your Oyster Card (if you’re using one). 

Go through the gate and look for signs to the line that you need. 

✅ How to Take the Tube Step 3: Finding Your Train 

In your navigation app, find out which train line you need. They are all color coded : follow signs to the correct color. 

Going down the escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left.

DO NOT stand still on the left hand side of the escalators; this will block people who are going down the escalator in a hurry. 

At the bottom of the escalators, there will be more signs.

Look on your app to find out which direction your train is going (Northbound, Southbound, Eastbound, or Westbound). 

Locate the direction you need and follow the signs.

At some point you will reach a sign that has all of the stops that your train is going to. Make sure your stop is on that sign, and if it is, you can be sure that you’re taking the correct train !

✅ Riding the Tube in London Step 4: On the Platform 

Wait on the platform (well behind the yellow line) until your train arrives. There will be an electronic reader board that tells you when the next trains are arriving. 

When the reader board flashes, that means the train is approaching. Stand back. 

The doors will open, and passengers will get off. When no one else gets off, you can board the train. 

As the train approaches, it may be loud coming through the tunnel and you may feel a big gust of wind. There may also be a squeak as the brakes engage. 

You will hear and read the common warning “mind the gap”: this means to be aware of the gap between the train and the platform. Some gaps are big, and some you won’t notice at all.

✅ How to Use the Tube for the First Time Step 5: Finding a Seat 

You can sit in any open seat, including seats for disabled, elderly, or pregnant passengers, as long as no one else needs the seat.

If someone boards the train who needs that seat, make sure to get up and offer it to them. 

If the train is very crowded, like during morning and evening rush hours, you may need to stand and hold on to a railing. 

✅ London Underground Guide Step 6: Getting off the Train

Stops are announced both over the speaker and on the screen.

You can also look out the windows when you’re entering the station to see which station it is on the roundel logos (the red/blue circle logo that signifies the London Underground). 

Once you’re at the correct stop and get off the train, look at the signage.

If it’s your destination station, look for the exit signs. 

Once you step off the train, pull over out of the way to look at the signs directing you to where you need to go.

If the station is very crowded, just wait a minute by the wall. The passengers will clear out and you can more easily find the signs you need.

If you’re transferring to another line, look for the signage to that line. Transferring may involve more escalators, lifts, and walking through the station.

Just keep following the signs to the line you need, then repeat the same as above when you found your first train. 

✅ Riding the Tube in London Step 7: Exiting the Station

If you’re using Citymapper , it will tell you which station exit is best (if the station is large it may have multiple exits). 

Follow the exit signs, and tap out with the same card you used to tap in. Make sure you use the exact same card so that the fees will be charged correctly. 

If from here you want to connect to a bus, read my guide on how to catch a London bus.

Etiquette for Riding the Tube in London

There are lots of subtle courtesies Londoners use when riding the tube, but as a visitor, these ones are the most important for you to follow.

• Have your contactless card ready at the barriers. Don’t block the barriers while fumbling to take out your card, especially if the station is very busy.
• On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left. Do not block the whole escalator – many, many people walk on the escalators (on the left) instead of standing still.
• Don’t be oblivious to someone who needs a seat. You can sit in the priority seats if no one needs it, but if anyone enters the carriage who needs it more than you do, give them your seat.

How to Use the London Underground for the First Time: Final Tips 

Using the London Underground for the first time might seem daunting, but with this step-by-step guide, you can confidently explore the city.

It’s absolutely the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to get around in London.

Simply plan your journey in advance, use contactless payment, and follow the signs within the stations. If you get lost, ask any Underground employee for help!

Remember, London’s Underground is a safe, efficient, and exciting way to see the city, so take a deep breath, embrace the adventure, and enjoy your journey!

More on Navigating London

The Best Oyster Card Tourist Options to Save Money

How to Catch a Bus in London for the First Time

Where Can I Charge my Phone in London? Local’s Ultimate Guide (2024)

What NOT to do in London: The Truth About these 15 Tiring Tourist Traps

The Ultimate London Underground Quiz: Can you Pass? 

How to Travel in London During a Tube or Rail Strike

The Best Navigation App for London to Download Now 

How to Use Google Maps in London

The Best Free Viewpoints in London 

How to Use the London Tube: FAQ

How do i use the london tube ticket machine.

The ticket machines in every station are very easy to use. First select your language, then follow the prompts. If you need help, TFL staff are always happy to assist you.

Does the Tube always come from the left?

For the most part, yes, but not always. Tube trains run on the left hand track (tracks are like a road underground; there are left tracks and right tracks) so they generally enter the station from your left when you are standing on the platform. But this isn’t true for all stations. 

Do I need a card for the tube?

Not necessarily. You just need some type of contactless payment method. 

Do I need an account to use contactless on the tube?

No. Just use your contactless card or digital wallet on your phone to tap in and out. There’s no need to register an account! 

Does the tube take cash?

No. The London Underground only uses contactless payment methods at the ticket barriers.

You CAN use cash to purchase an Oyster Card at some ticket machines inside stations, but not all ticket machines accept cash.  

Is it cheaper to use Oyster card or contactless?

The rate you pay for your journey will be the same whether you use Oyster or contactless. But if you buy a physical Oyster Card, it costs £7 for the card, not including any money you put on it.

If you have a contactless card for each member of your party, there is no need to purchase any Oyster Cards. 

Is the Tube faster than the train?

The tube and train are two different things. The “tube” refers to the London Underground network. The “train” in London is referring to National Rail, which are trains that run to and from London.

You will rarely have a journey where you can take either the tube or the train to the same destination; it’s usually one or the other. 

Can you just use a debit card on Underground?

Yes, as long as it’s contactless. You’ll know if you have a contactless card by the chip on the front of the card.

If your card does not have a chip, it is not contactless and you will need to either set up a digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Wallet) to tap in and out of the tube, or purchase an Oyster Card. 

What is the cheapest way to use the Tube in London?

Fares vary by zone: which zone you start in and how many zones you travel through. There is no “cheapest” way for a single journey: the cheapest way is simply to use a contactless card to tap in and out (always use the same card).

Never buy a travel card or a single journey ticket at the ticket machines. These are rip offs. 

What to do if you forget to tap in on the tube?

It’s unlikely that you’d forget; you won’t make it through the ticket barriers unless you tap in and out. 

What is the cost of a day Travelcard in London?

Travelcards start at £15.20. The daily fare cap is usually less than this , so don’t buy a travelcard. 

Do all tube stations have ticket machines?

Yes, every tube station in London has a ticket machine. Rarely they will be out of order and you will need to find one somewhere else.

What happens if I touch in with one contactless card and touch out with another on the same journey?

You’ll be charged for two incomplete journeys. Always tap in and out with the same card. 

Can 2 people use the same contactless card on the tube?

If you each have different physical cards on the same bank or credit account, that’s fine: you have two different cards. But you can’t tap in with the card then hand it to the person behind you to tap in, too. That would really mess up the prices and you’d be overcharged. 

How do I pay contactless without a card?

If you don’t have your physical card with you, you can set up a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. If you don’t have a credit or debit card at all, purchase an Oyster Card.

Can you bring food on the tube?

Yes, but try not to bring really smelly foods (a tunafish sandwich, for example) or messy foods. 

Do I need to register my contactless card to use on underground? Do I need to register my debit card for London Underground?

No, just tap in and out. No need to register for anything. 

Can I just tap my card on the tube?

Yes! If it’s a contactless card, just tap in and out with the same card. 

Can I charge my phone on the London Underground?

The Elizabeth Line is currently the only line that offers charging ports on trains, but many stations offer charging stations and battery rentals.

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• London Guides

How to Use the Tube (London Underground)

Knowing how to use the tube is so important if you’re planning on visiting London as it’s the most efficient way of getting around. The tube is the nickname that Londoners have given the London Underground – similar to the metro or subway in other major cities. There are a total of 11 tube lines in London that will get you all over the city. Our guide will teach you everything from how to pay, to how to actually use the trains to get to our chosen destination.

Table of Contents:

• How to Plan Your Route
• Getting on the Carriage
• Accessibility
• Top Tips for the Tube
• Opening Times, Night Tube, & Peak Times
• Tube Stations
• How Else to Get Around

How to Pay on the Tube

There are 3 methods of paying for your tube journey in London:

• Contactless Payment – This includes both contactless cards and things like Apple Pay. At the barriers to the tube you will be able to tap in and tap out to pay for your trip.
• Oyster Card – The Oyster Card is a physical card that you can top up with money online or at a station to use on all London transport. These cards are available to purchase at some stations and local newsagent shops (they tend to have an Oyster sticker in the window if they have them).You can also buy a Visitor Oyster Card in advance of your trip and have it delivered to your home.
• Physical Ticket – Every station will have a ticket machine where you can buy a ticket to your destination or an all day travel pass which you can use on the buses too. These tend to be more expensive than contactless and Oyster.

If you’ve chosen to use an Oyster Card or contactless payment please make sure you stick to the same method when tapping in and out, and all day. This is to ensure you do not get overcharged. 

Price of the London Underground 

These prices were last updated on 9th September 2023. Prices are subject to change & we hold no liability if these are not reflective of up-to-date costs.

Single Journeys with Physical Tickets (these cost the same no matter the zones you travel in):

• Adult – £6.70
• Child – £1.70

Daily Travel card (Unlimited Travel in Zones 1 – 4)(Oyster/Contactless) : £14.40

How Much You’ll Pay if Using Contactless/Oyster Card:

Planning Your Route on the London Underground

There are 11 tube lines, as well as the DLR (Docklands Light Railway), Overground, and Crossrail (the Elizabeth Line). To navigate London by tube, we have the ‘tube map’ which is a stylised map with all the underground lines in an easy to read format. There are a few ways to plan your underground route in London:

• Use a Map App – Apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and our favourite Citymapper are excellent for telling you the quickest route to your destination. We particularly love Citymapper as it tells you which carriage to get on for your exits as well as the most air-conditioned line in hot weather!
• Plan on the Transport for London Website – The TFL website has a journey planner where you can put in your start and end point and it will tell you the best route to get there on the tube.
• Use a Map within the Stations – Every station will have a map of the intersecting underground lines. Simply find where you are and where you want to get to – look for if they’re on the same line or if you need to travel elsewhere to switch lines.
• Is it Quicker to Walk? – Lots of places in London are actually very close together – make sure it’s not quicker to walk (if you’re able to) before going down into the underground!

If you’re unsure, make sure to ask a member of staff in the stations as they’ll be well equipped to help you! If that fails, look for a somewhat friendly Londoner who may be able to point you in the right direction!

Reading the Tube Map

So you’ve got a tube map in your hands and are wondering how to read it – it’s not like regular maps so it can be confusing the first time you look at it! Here are our top tips for reading the London Underground map:

• Identify the Tube Lines – Each tube line is represented by a different colour e.g. the Circle Line is yellow, whilst the Victoria Line is light blue.
• Find a Stations – The small dots on the map are representative of stations, the names of the stations will be written by its corresponding dot.
• Interchanges – Stations with more than 1 line have larger circles to make them more easily identifiable, if you need to switch to another line to get to your final destination – look out for one of these that has a line of your end point.
• Zones – The grey and white numbered areas at the bottom of the map are ‘zones’ these effectively are the different price areas within London for taking public transport. 
• The Thames – The tube map often has the River Thames on it – this is represented by a blue line.
• Accessibility – Stations with step-free access should be marked on the map also. Do listen for announcements on the tube itself as sometimes these stations won’t have step free access due to work.

Navigating Tube Stations & Changes

Tube stations can be large underground warrens, which to those new to them can be overwhelming – particularly at busy times when Londoners are rushing around to get where they need to go. But don’t worry! 

Every line is well sign posted within the stations from the tops of stairs all the way down to the platforms (including the direction of travel). Simply look for the signs with the colour of the line you’re heading for (they’ll also have the name too) and follow them down.

If you’re switching tubes, then the process is the same, when you get off take a look at the walls for the arrows navigating you to the next line.

Getting on the Train

Getting on the train carriage may seem like the simplest thing when learning how to use the tube. But there are a few unwritten rules you need to follow to adhere to tube etiquette:

• Check the Branch – Some tube lines have multiple end destinations, Double check which brand you need to be on, and check the arrivals screens to ensure you don’t get on the wrong one!
• Let People Off First – When the doors open you must let passengers off the carriage before you attempt to get on.
• Be Aware of Priority Seats – To the left and right of the doors are where you will usually find priority seats for those who are disabled, pregnant, or less able to stand. We recommend not sitting here when possible, but keep an eye out for other passengers if you do. You should also offer other seats to passengers who are less able than yourself too.
• Move Down Inside the Carriage – When it’s super busy you will need to move down inside the carriage to make room for more people. We promise that people will move when you need to get off – so don’t panic if you’re in the middle of the seats!

Accessibility on the Tube

Whilst not all stations have step free access there are a number that do. Here are the elements of the London Underground that are accessible:

• Step-Free Access – Many stations have step free access with lifts (elevators) for easier navigation, especially for passengers with wheelchairs, strollers, or heavy luggage.
• Accessible Toilets – Several stations offer accessible toilets equipped with wider entrances and baby-changing facilities.
• Priority Seating – Look for marked priority seating areas on trains and offer these seats to passengers with disabilities, pregnant women, and parents with small children.
• Assistance Services – Request assistance in advance or at the station for help with boarding, alighting, and navigating the Tube system.
• Buggy/Wheelchair Ramps – Trains are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, with retractable ramps available and platform staff assistance if required.
• Designated Waiting Areas – Some stations have designated waiting areas, even those on the platform, for passengers with disabilities or families.
• Accessible Information – Stay informed through audio announcements and digital displays in trains and stations, providing travel updates and service information.
• Travel Support Cards –  Passengers with invisible disabilities can request a “Please Offer Me a Seat” card to discreetly request seating assistance.

Top Tips for Using the Tube in London

• Always Tap in & Out – Ensuring you tap in and out is vital, whether on your contactless or Oyster as this is how TFL will work out how to charge you.
• Escalators – stand on the right, walk on the left. Never block the left hand side of the tube escalator – otherwise you’ll be angering Londoners!
• Let People Off the Carriage First – when getting on the tube, let everyone get off first, before you get on.
• Stand Behind the Yellow Line – The edge of the platform has a yellow line you should stand behind for your own safety.
• If You Drop Something on the Tracks Get a Member of Staff – If you accidentally drop something on the tracks, do not try and retrieve it yourself – get a member of staff. They have a system for retrieving lost items that keeps everyone safe.
• Walk on the Left in Corridors – Lots of tube corridors will have people going in more than one direction. Make sure you walk on the left, as this ensures the traffic moves as fluidly as possible. 
• Tube Doors Open Automatically – Whilst there are door open buttons on the carriages these are never needed as the doors will open and close automatically.
• Make Sure You’re Inside the Carriage When the Beeping Starts – There is a loud beeping just before the tube doors shut, make sure you’re on the carriage and clear of the doors at this time. The doors are heavy when they shut – but don’t worry if you do get trapped they will open again very quickly.
• Bring Water – the Tube gets hot – even in winter, due to it being underground. Make sure you bring water with you to stay hydrated, particularly in the summer months. 

Tube Opening Times, the Night Tube, & Peak Times to Avoid

Generally you’ll find that London’s Underground trains run from 5am to Midnight, Monday – Friday. There are slightly reduced hours on a Sunday so check your journey before travelling later in the day.

Certain lines, including the Victoria, Central, Jubilee, Northern, and Picaddily, have Night Tube services on Friday and Saturday nights. If your tube line isn’t running at night, there are lots of night buses to help you get where you need to go.

If you’re a tourist and don’t need to be somewhere at a specific time, we recommend avoiding the tube at peak hours. These range from 7.30am-9am and 5pm-7pm on weekdays.

What are the Tube Zones?

The zones on the tube map are simply a way for TFL to work out pricing based on distance travelled. Here is a rough guide to where each zone consists of:

• Zone 1 – Central London, includes major attractions.
• Zone 2 – Surrounds Zone 1, covers neighbourhoods like Notting Hill and Canary Wharf.
• Zone 3 – Extends further, includes areas like Wimbledon and Wembley.
• Zone 4 – Suburban London, with locations like Ealing and Stratford.
• Zone 5 – Covers outer suburbs, including areas like Harrow and Croydon.
• Zone 6 – Extends even further, includes locations like Uxbridge, Kingston, and Epping.

All You Need to Know About Tube Stations

Tube Stations are all marked by the classic roundel sign – the classic red circle with a blue block across labelled with the station name. Each station has this clearly displayed, often in a luminous way to make it easier to spot from a distance.

In the station you’ll find ticket machines, as well as the barriers awaiting you to tap or put your ticket in to begin your journey.

Other Ways to Get Around

The London Underground isn’t the only way to travel around the Big Smoke. We also have a comprehensive bus system, as well as Black Cabs that are used for private transport. We also recommend walking as much as you possibly can to take in everything our wonderful city has to offer!

About The London Eats List

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London Underground - 2024 fares and how to use them

Be informed and in control using london's underground / metro system.

For the visitor to London the Underground or Tube will probably be the transport of choice to get around town. The Underground is normally the fastest way to get around town, often much faster than any taxi.

There is invariably an underground station nearby where you want to go and also your hotel and finding your way around the system is very easy. 

There are currently 13 Underground lines, with the Elizabeth Line the latest, which opened in May 2022.

Journey planner   Map   DLR, overground & TfL   Oyster card, contactless & Travelcards   Night service   Fares   Concessions   Child fares   Group tickets   Purchasing tickets   Access

Key points about the London Underground

It is still encouraged to wear a facemask when using public transport in London, but it is no longer mandatory.

The authorities penalise you heavily for buying single journey tickets. In the centre you can pay more than double the price than if you used an Oyster Card for example.

A single journey on the London Underground can involve 1 or 2 changes of train. Your journey starts when you go through the ticket barrier of the station entrance you depart from and finishes when you pass through the ticket barrier at the exit of your destination. You cannot break a journey on a single fare, once you go though an exit barrier of a station that is journey completed.

The buses, Underground, DLR and London suburban trains are managed by a central government body called Transport for London (TfL) chaired by the Mayor of London. The transport passes that nearly everyone uses, Oyster and Travelcard, allow you to travel seamlessly across all modes of transport, bus, Underground, train and DLR using the same ticket/pass.

Children under 11 travel free on the London Underground and DLR (Docklands Light Railway) at all times. Child fares are available for those under 16 and it is possible to get discounted fares if you are under 18 or studying in London with an ID card.

There are no seniors fares for visitors. If you reside in London and are over 60 you can get a pass that makes free bus and Underground travel available. If you have an English National Concessionary bus pass you cannot use it on the London Underground (but you can use it on London's red buses).

The London Underground is closed from around midnight until around 5am, getting started a little later on Sundays. However on Friday and Saturday nights, much of the Underground runs through the night. In Central London there is a very good night bus network when the Underground is closed.

You will rarely have to wait more than 5 minutes for an Underground train at any time of the day.

London Journey Planner - for all types of transport across London

Use the TfL (Transport for London) journey planner to plan your travel. The journey planner covers all public transport.

TFL Journey planner

London Underground map

The London Underground map is a classic design that when first launched was immediately taken up worldwide for similar systems. The clarity, simplicity and ease of use compromises strict geographical accuracy.

The Circle line doesn't really go around in a squashed circle and it is not apparent for instance that Bayswater Underground is only 100 yards from Queensway.

In 2016 the Night Tube was introduced. On Friday and Saturday nights only Underground trains run through the night. For lines that operate a night service see the Night Tube map linked below or on the right-menu.

In May 2022 the long awaited Elizabeth Line opened its first section. The Elizabeth Line provides a route connecting East and West London. Find out more about the new Elizabeth Line .

Underground map   Tube & rail map   Night tube map

Docklands Light Railway (DLR), overground and TfL rail trains

To the east of London in the Docklands region you will see a region covered by something called the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). You can treat this network as just another Underground line.

Not in the centre of London, but in the suburbs you will find a train network called the Overground which can also be thought of as being part of the Underground for ticketing purposes.

Commuter trains into the suburbs are very confusing for the visitor. You can still use Oysters and Travelcards on these but those lines run by the national railways only give free travel to children under 5.

In the north and east of London most of these services are now run by TfL Rail or the Overground so free travel is available to children under 11, but to the south and west of London, services are still dominated by national railways companies.

The Tube and rail map usefully shows which railway stations are in which travel zones. Travel zones are the basis for fare charges on London's railways and Underground system.

London Underground Night Service - the Night Tube

In 2016 the London Underground began to introduce a full 24/7 service on Friday and Saturday nights only. Introduction has been on a phased basis.

Night Tube services are now running on the Central, Victoria, Jubilee line, Northern line (Charing Cross branch) and Piccadilly line (but not Acton to Uxbridge branch). The Night Tube will offer a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays. Standard off-peak fares are levied for travelling on the Night Tube using Oyster and Contactless cards.

Travelcards are valid from the first day of issue (using the date printed on the card), and for journeys starting before 4.30am the following day. For example, if you buy a 1-day Travelcard at 11am on Friday, you can use it until 4.29 on the following Saturday.

Night Tube map - current lines operated

London Underground fares

The London public transport system is divided up into zones that radiate from the centre. Nearly all the hotels and the main sights are in Zone 1. Heathrow Airport is in Zone 6 and the furthest zone out is Zone 9.

The majority of visitors will only travel in the two most central zones 1 and 2. The Underground Map (link above) has the stations and their zones marked.

Some stations, such as Turnham Green, are in two zones. You use whichever zone for these stations is most beneficial in working out your fare.

Underground fares

You can see from the table below there is big financial incentive not to purchase individual tickets and use an Oyster card or Contactless payment card .

The other main way of paying is purchasing a Travelcard , which is a pass giving you unlimited travel for a set time period. The cost goes up with the coverage of zones required. The more zones you require the more expensive the Travelcard.

London Underground Fares from 3 March 2024 - March 2025

Oyster cards, contactless payment cards & travelcards.

As you can see from the above fare structure the authorities do not want you to buy single tickets, they want you to purchase one of the three payment options, Oyster cards, Contactless payment cards or Travelcards.

The Oyster card is a permanent reusable electronic ticket which is topped up from time to time by its owner. Londoners also have their season tickets loaded onto Oyster cards as well and there are passes for one weekly and monthly durations. All can be loaded onto the one electronic Oyster card.

Contactless cards are standard credit or debit cards that support the contactless payment technology, the total cost of all the journeys that you make in one day is calculated at the end of the day and a single charge is made to your Contactless payment card account.

Unlike the Oyster card the contactless facility has a 7-day cap as well as the Oyster daily cap used by Oyster.

You can use Oyster cards on all of London's public transport, not just the Underground, but buses, overground, DLR, suburban rail services and some river services.

Travelcards are another alternatives. Travelcards are valid on the same modes of transport but are unlimited travel passes for a fixed flat fee. Travelcards are available for 1 and 7 days, 1 month and 1 year durations.

You can purchase and subsequently top up Oyster cards and Travelcards from Underground stations and a wide variety of other outlets throughout London including neighbourhood stores, but not Contactless payment cards.

Oyster cards - more details

Contactless payment cards - more details

Travelcards - more details

Seniors concessions

There are no seniors fares for visitors. If you reside in London and are of pensionable age you can get a Freedom pass giving free travel. If you are 60+ and live in London the Seniors Oyster ID Card that makes free bus travel available. You can apply online or get a form from your local Post Office.

Anybody with an English National Concessionary bus pass can use that on London's red buses too and travel free of charge.

If you have a Senior Railcard you can get your 1/3 discount on off-peak Oyster fares. You have to ask a member of staff to load the concession on to a standard Oyster card (note, not a Visitor Oyster card) at an Underground station after showing your Seniors Card.

If you have a Senior Railcard you can also buy a 1 day off-peak zone 1-6 Travelcard at the discount applied.

Child concessions

This is a very complex subject and is covered in detail in the table below. Generally, a child is defined as under 16 years old, but in the last couple of years it has been possible to get child fares after jumping through a few hoops up to the age of 17.

Children under 11 can travel free on the London Underground, DLR and buses without a ticket. If a child is between 11 and 15 years old, you require an Oyster 11-15 Photocard (which has a fee, see below). This allows 11 to 15 year olds to travel at child fares on the Underground, DLR, Overground and some trains, free on the buses.

If you are a short-term visitor (in London for up to 14 days) with kids between 11-15 you can take advantage of the Young Visitor Discount. This means you can get half price fares on an Oyster card on a temporary basis for your child without going through the hoops and expense of getting an Oyster ID card. You do need to read carefully the rules of this scheme though.

Children's Fare Concessions

Group tickets - 1-day group travelcard for groups of 10 or more.

This ticket is for groups of 10 or more travelling together.

This in scope is the same as a 1-day off-peak Travelcard for zones 1-6 and 1-9 providing unlimited travel on all services after 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.

The pricing is particularly attractive if you have kids in the group and those staying in one of the outer zones, however if you are staying in the centre of London zones 1 to 3 it will be cheaper to purchase individual Oyster cards.

If you are a group of 10 or more then do check out this product.

Purchasing tickets & fares levied

There are no longer manned ticket offices at Underground and DLR stations. All tickets are dispensed by ticket machines in the ticket hall and there will be a member of staff hanging around these.

The same machines will allow you to top up your Oyster cards or see what the balance is on your Oyster card and they will also allow you to cancel your Oyster card and get your deposit and any cash left on the Oyster refunded.

If you prefer talking to people selling the tickets there are Oyster ticket stops. These are many of these and typically are convenience stores or news-stands that sell public transport tickets as a sideline. These outlets will have a sign in their front window.

The fare you pay is set by which zone your departure and destination stations are in. Your journey starts when you go through the ticket barrier of the station entrance you depart from and finishes when you pass through the ticket barrier at the exit of your destination. You cannot break a journey on a single fare, once you go though an exit barrier of a station that is your journey completed.

Access to platform & luggage

To gain access to the platforms, and again to exit a station you have to pass through automatic barriers (pictured). There is always one wide ticket barrier for wheelchairs, pushchairs and people with large suitcases.

If you have a single ticket, the barrier at your destination will not return your ticket. There is a manned side gate by the barriers. If you have a Travelcard you insert the Travelcard into the same slot as for the single tickets, the barrier will check that your Travelcard is valid for both date and zones travelled.

If you have an Oyster card or Contactless payment card you swipe the card over a bright yellow pad, the barrier will check validity and will record the station you have started your journey before opening the barrier. The barrier may display the balance on your Oyster too.

At your destination station, exiting through the barrier in effect tells the system you have ended your journey and it works out the fare to be deducted from your card.

BUY VISITOR OYSTER CARD & TRAVELCARD FOR LONDON

Visiting London? Save time and money on London public transport

• Visitor Oyster Card • Travelcard for 1 day anytime / off-peak or 7 days anytime • Group day travelcards available

LONDON TUBE MAPS (PDF)

Understanding Zones And Fares For London Tube Tickets

The London Underground network is a massive transportation system that serves millions of passengers each day. It is the world’s oldest underground railway network and the most extensive public transport system in London. To navigate the Tube, passengers need to be familiar with the zones and fares system. Understanding this system can save you time and money, making your journey in London more enjoyable.

The Tube system is divided into zones, which are concentric circles radiating out from the city center. These zones determine the price of your journey, and the further out of the city center, the more expensive your ticket will be. There are nine zones in total, and the price of your ticket depends on the zones you travel through.

The fares system works on a pay-as-you-go basis, which means that you pay for each journey you make. However, there are many options available to make your journey more cost-effective, such as purchasing an Oyster card, which is a smart travel card that you can top up, giving you access to cheaper fares.

To get London tube tickets, you can purchase them at ticket machines or ticket offices located in each Tube station. You can also buy tickets online or via mobile phone apps. However, it’s essential to plan your journey before buying your ticket so that you can select the correct zones to travel through and get the best fare for your journey.

Fare Structure And Pricing

The fare structure and pricing for London tube tickets depend on the zones traveled and time of travel. The cost of a single ticket can range from £2.40 to £6.00, while a contactless or Oyster card can offer reduced fares for frequent travelers. The travel card and visitor Oyster card offer unlimited travel for a day or week, which is suitable for tourists. Additionally, the off-peak travel fare is also a cheap alternative for travelers who avoid peak time rush hours.

To get London tube tickets, one can go to any station and purchase a single ticket, travel card, or Oyster card. Contactless cards can be used for tap in and out of tubes and buses. Apart from that, online booking of tickets and contactless payment cards can be used which make the ticket purchase process even more straightforward.

If you are wondering what to do in London for fun, why not check out some alternative theatre shows?

Oyster Card Usage Benefits

Oyster Card usage benefits include being able to purchase tube tickets prior to your journey and reload the card as needed. It also allows for quick and easy access through the tube barriers without having to purchase a new ticket every time. The Oyster Card also has daily and weekly fare caps, which means you will never pay more than the daily/weekly cap no matter how many journeys you take. This makes it an economical choice for regular travelers in London. Moreover, the Oyster Card can be used on other forms of transportation in London, such as buses and trains, making it a convenient all-in-one option for traveling around the city. With the Oyster Card, travelers can also receive discounts at restaurants and attractions. Overall, the Oyster Card is a useful and efficient tool for navigating the London tube system, ensuring a hassle-free experience. If you are interested in exploring alternative housing options, check out this guide on how to move out of London social housing.

Paying With Contactless Cards

To get London tube tickets, you can use contactless cards to pay for your journey. When you enter a tube station, look for the contactless symbol to tap your card on the reader. The fare for your journey will be deducted automatically from your card balance. You can use contactless cards issued by Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Contactless cards have a limit on the amount that can be spent per transaction, which varies depending on the bank that issued the card. If you’re planning to use contactless cards for frequent travel, it’s recommended to check with your bank about any additional fees or charges.

Using contactless cards is a convenient and quick way to pay for your tube journeys without the hassle of buying paper tickets or topping up an Oyster card. It’s also a safe and secure payment method as you don’t need to reveal any sensitive information. Remember to check your bank statements periodically to monitor your spending and report any fraudulent transactions.

In sum, paying with contactless cards is a simple and hassle-free way to get London tube tickets. Just tap your card on the reader and you’re good to go. If you want to avoid overcrowded tourist areas in London, check out our guide on where not to stay in London.

Off-Peak Vs Peak Fares

Off-peak fares are cheaper than peak fares, and they are available outside of the busiest times of the day. Peak fares are available during the busiest times of the day, and they are more expensive than off-peak fares. The London Tube offers both off-peak and peak fares, and to get London Tube tickets, one needs to decide which option they prefer.

Off-peak fares are available during weekdays after 9:30 am and all day on weekends and bank holidays. They are cheaper than peak fares and are great for travelers who are on a tight budget or are not in a hurry. Peak fares are available during weekdays before 9:30 am and between 4 pm and 7 pm. They are more expensive than off-peak fares and are ideal for travelers who need to reach their destination quickly or have a business meeting.

To get London Tube tickets, travelers can buy a pay-as-you-go Oyster Card, which charges off-peak fares automatically. They can also buy a paper ticket at the station or use their contactless bank card to pay for the fare. It is important to note that peak fares can sometimes be double the price of off-peak fares, so it is recommended to plan accordingly.

In conclusion, getting London Tube tickets depends on whether one prefers off-peak fares or peak fares. While off-peak fares offer cheaper rates and flexibility on timings, peak fares are ideal for travelers in a hurry or with time constraints.

Tube Map Reading Skills

Tube map reading skills are essential when buying London tube tickets. Firstly, decide on a starting and ending point along with the intended travel date and time. Obtain a tube map, study and identify the best route to the destination. Choose either a single or return ticket or consider the convenience of an Oyster card or contactless payment card for multiple journeys. Compare prices for peak and off-peak travel, and also consider alternative routes, which may be quicker with fewer changes. Additionally, look out for line closures and delays, which can impact the journey time. At the ticket office, approach the ticket agent, provide the travel details and ticket type, pay the amount due and collect the ticket. Alternatively, Oyster cards can be obtained at vending machines at tube stations or through online purchase, which require activation when first used. Contactless cards can also be used to tap in and out for each journey, with the card balance deducted accordingly. With adequate map reading skills and knowledge on ticket options, travelling on the London tube can be convenient and cost-effective.

Ticket Vending Machines Usage

To use a ticket vending machine to get London Tube tickets, first select “buy tickets” on the main screen. Then, choose the type of ticket you need such as a single, return, or Oyster card. Next, select the number of tickets needed and the zones of travel. After, pay for the tickets using cash or card. Finally, collect the tickets from the dispensing slot on the machine. It is important to note that ticket vending machines are available at all London Underground stations and some other locations such as the airport. The machines have step-by-step instructions in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese. They also have a help button for assistance if needed. It is recommended to use a contactless card for payment to speed up the process. Overall, using a ticket vending machine is a quick and easy way to purchase London Tube tickets.

Single And Return Tickets

The London tube offers a variety of ticket options to choose from depending on one’s travel needs. The two most common ticket options are Single and Return tickets. Single tickets are valid for a one-way journey and can be purchased at the station from a ticket machine or ticket desk. The cost of the ticket depends on the distance between stations and the time of travel. The ticket is valid for a single journey only and must be used within the specified time limit.

Return tickets, on the other hand, offer a round trip journey between two stations. They are also available at ticket machines and ticket desks and the cost depends on the distance and time of travel. Just like the single tickets, return tickets must be used within the specified time limit. However, they offer a cheaper option compared to buying two single tickets for the same journey.

It’s important to note that Single and Return tickets are not valid for travel on any other modes of transport, such as buses or trains. Additionally, there are other ticket options available that may offer greater flexibility and cost savings, such as the Oyster card or Travelcard.

Overall, Single and Return tickets are a great option for those traveling on a one-off journey within London and can be easily purchased at any tube station.

Travelcard And Visitor Oyster Card.

Travelcard and Visitor Oyster Card are two common types of tickets used for travelling on the London underground system.

To purchase a Travelcard, you can either buy it in advance online or in person from a ticket machine, ticket office or a travel information center. It allows unlimited travel on the London underground and bus network, as well as some national rail services within the zones chosen, for a specific period of time, such as one day, seven days or longer.

Visitor Oyster Card, on the other hand, is a smart card that can be topped up with credit and used for pay-as-you-go travel. It can be purchased online in advance or in person from a ticket machine or visitor center. It offers a discounted fare compared to paying with cash, and the card can be used on buses, trams, the underground, the DLR and some national rail services.

Both cards can be used on the same day of purchase and offer convenience for travelers who don’t want to worry about buying individual tickets for each journey. The Travelcard is often more cost-effective for those who plan to use public transport frequently, while the Visitor Oyster Card is better for those who plan to make fewer journeys or those who want flexibility.

Final point

In conclusion, getting London Tube tickets is an essential part of navigating London’s public transportation system. There are various ways to obtain tickets, including purchasing them at ticket machines, ticket offices, or using a contactless payment method. The use of Oyster cards is highly recommended as they offer better value for money and additional benefits such as daily caps and automatic top-ups. Additionally, tourists can purchase Visitor Oyster cards or Travelcards for convenience and unlimited travel on specified routes. Always remember to plan ahead, research online, and consider alternative modes of transportation such as buses or walking when exploring different parts of London. Following these tips will ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience within the bustling city of London.

To get London Tube tickets, the first option is to purchase them from the ticket machines that are located at the station entrances. There are several types of tickets, including single tickets, daily Travelcards, and weekly Travelcards. Payment can be made using coins, banknotes or cards, and the machine will dispense the ticket with a receipt.

The second option is to visit a ticket office, where a ticket agent can assist with purchasing tickets and provide information on the best routes and fare prices. Alternatively, commuters and visitors can use their contactless debit or credit cards for faster and more convenient payments. The fares are automatically calculated based on your travel routes and will be displayed at the end of your journey.

For visitors, purchasing a Visitor Oyster card is highly recommended. These cards offer discounts on fares and are refundable, making it ideal for those who are only visiting for a short period. Travelcards are another option for those who need a longer period of unlimited travel on the Tube, buses, and other modes of transportation. Remember to plan ahead, check the latest updates on line closures and delays, and consider using the bus or walking to explore the city.

Contactless Fares 2024 - London Bus, Tube & Daily Cap Prices

What is a contactless card.

A contactless card is just a bank card – your normal everyday debit card or credit card. As long as it has the fan symbol on it then you should be able to use it straight away:

Contactless cards work in exactly the same way as Oyster cards . There’s no need for a PIN, a signature, or to insert it into any reader. All you have to do is wave it in front of the yellow Oyster readers and the computer will use wireless near-field communication (NFC) technology to deduct the correct bus fare or tube fare from your bank account.

Contactless cards also work when attached to mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung, Barclaycard Mobile and bPay .

What are the benefits of a contactless card?

• It’s just your normal everyday bank card, so you probably already have one
• Contactless payments are accepted all over the TFL network on the buses , London underground , DLR, TFL Rail, National Rail, Thames Clipper , and even the IFS Cloud Cable Car
• Contactless bus fares and tube fares for single journeys are always the cheapest fares available (alongside Oyster), but unlike Oyster, there’s no need to pay a £7 deposit to get one
• The contactless daily cap is always cheaper than buying a 1-day travelcard
• The contactless weekly cap is the same price as a weekly travelcard
• Unlike Oyster cards there’s no need to keep topping them up with extra credit, or worrying that your credit is about to run out on the journey home
• The technology is safe – there’s no need to insert your bank card into any slot, or enter your PIN where somebody might see it. You shouldn’t even need to take your card out of your wallet if you don’t want to, as the machine is sensitive enough to read it through the material

What are the downsides of a contactless card?

• Unlike Oyster cards , it’s not possible to load a travelcard onto a contactless card
• If you’re travelling with more than one person then you’ll each need your own bank card
• There are no contactless fares for children
• Foreign cards might not be accepted, and overseas banks might add on a transaction fee every time you purchase something abroad, which will bump up the cost of each bus ticket and tube ticket

Using contactless on a mobile phone

Contactless cards attached to mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung, Barclaycard Mobile or bPay can be used to pay fares on the London Underground and TFL buses.

Just wave your mobile phone or iWatch near the big yellow Oyster readers – exactly as you would with a normal bank card.

But you must remember to use the same device each time, otherwise you won’t benefit from the contactless travel cap. If you tap down with your actual bank card at the start of your journey, but switch to your mobile phone at the end, then the computer won’t recognise it as being the same card (even if it’s the same card number). That’s because mobile pay systems don’t pass over bank card number. They actually pass over a totally unique number derived from your bank card and device, so TFL’s system has no way of linking the two journeys.

Can foreign bank cards be used on the London Underground?

Only a few foreign bank cards are accepted on the London Underground… chiefly American Express and most MasterCard, Maestro and Visa cards. You can check whether yours will work at the TFL website .

But be careful! If you’re using a foreign bank card then you should be extremely careful about the travel charges, because your bank might add on an extra foreign exchange fee every time you use it overseas – which will likely include each individual bus and tube ticket.

UK-issued bank cards should work fine as long as they carry the contactless payment logo

What is the daily and weekly cap?

Daily price cap – Contactless cards have something called a ‘daily cap’. This is the maximum amount of money that the computer will take from your bank card each day – and it’s always lower than the cost of a one day travelcard .

Every time you use a London bus or tube train the computer will total up the cost of each individual journey, and if the accumulated amount exceeds the daily cap it will stop charging you. Every journey you make after that will be free.

Buses and trains have their own travel caps. If you stick with the buses all day then the cap will be cheaper. If you use the trains all day (or a combination of buses plus trains) then the cap will be higher. You can see what the caps are in the contactless fares table above.

Note: the computer doesn’t actually charge your bank account for each individual bus or tube journey, because it needs to see if you reached the cap. It waits until the early hours of the next day and then deducts a lump sum for all of the journeys combined.

Weekly price cap – The contactless weekly cap is the maximum amount that you will be charged over seven consecutive days – and it’s always the same price as a weekly travelcard .

Unfortunately there’s a catch… because the computer can only keep track of journeys from Monday and Sunday. If you’re travelling over any other stretch of seven days, like Thursday to Wednesday for example, then you’ll end up paying seven daily caps instead – so in that scenario you’re probably better off buying a weekly travelcard because that can start on any day you like.

When are Peak and Off-Peak train times?

Peak: Peak time is 6:30 AM to 9.30 AM, and 4.30 PM to 7 PM (Monday to Friday). Any journey that starts during those times will have to pay a peak fare. It doesn’t matter what time your journey finishes.

Off-Peak: Outside peak time is off-peak . Weekends and public holidays are always off-peak. Note: Between the 8th March and 31st May 2024 TFL are running a trial called ‘Off-Peak Friday Fares’, where Fridays will be classed as off-peak all day.

Do you need to register contactless cards?

There’s no need to register your contactless card on the London Underground. As long as it carries the wireless payment symbol then it should work fine:

TFL website – If you do want to register your card then you can set up an account on TFL’s website . Most of the benefits only apply to Oyster card users, but contactless users can look up their last twelve month’s worth of journeys.

TFL app – You can also register your card through TFL’s Oyster & Contactless app .

Can you get a receipt for a contactless tube journey?

It’s not possible to get a paper receipt at the point of travel. The Oyster readers at London Underground stations don’t have the facility to print out receipts.

If you really need a record of your bus or tube journey then you can register your contactless card on the TFL website beforehand, where they log twelve month’s-worth of journeys. If you don’t want to register your card then you can get a record of the previous seven days here .

Can two people share one contactless card?

No – it’s not possible for two people to share one contactless card. Each person in your group must have their own card if they want to pay a contactless fare.

This also applies to couples with a joint bank account – each partner will need to have their own card.

Can you pay two train fares with one card?

Tourists often tap one card down twice, making the perfectly reasonable assumption that it will subtract two fares, but the system doesn’t work like that. The first time you tap down the computer will think you’re starting your tube journey, and the second time you tap down it will think that you’re ending it. Only one tube fare will be charged in total, so if you get stopped by a TFL inspector you’ll be in a bit of trouble.

If you really do only have one card between you then buy the other person a paper ticket at the self-service machine first (which will be charged as a cash fare), and then you can tap it down on the gate for yourself (which will be charged as a contactless fare).

Is contactless the cheapest way to travel?

Contactless cards are the cheapest way to travel on the bus and London Underground, alongside Oyster. But contactless usually works out cheaper if it’s your very first visit to London because you also have to pay a £7 deposit the first time you buy a Oyster card .

The contactless daily cap is always cheaper than buying a one day travelcard , and the weekly cap is always the same price as a weekly travelcard . But the contactless weekly cap only runs from Monday to Sunday, so a weekly travelcard will work out cheaper if you’re travelling over any other stretch of seven days, and you’re planning on making three or more journeys on six days, or two or more journeys on seven days.

Where can you use contactless cards?

Buses – Contactless bus fares are available all over London.

London Underground, London Overground, DLR, TFL Rail, National Rail – Contactless tube fares are available within Oyster zones 1-9, plus some stations outside the zones including Watford Junction and Gatwick Airport. Note: If you use your contactless card on the Gatwick Express and Heathrow Express then the cost won’t count towards the TFL contactless cap – it will just deduct a one-off fare straight from your account.

You can use TFL’s map to see which stations are within the Oyster zones: http://​content.tfl.gov.uk/​london-rail-and-tube-services-map.pdf .

Taxis – Unlike Oyster cards and travelcards, contactless cards can also be used to pay for black taxi cab rides (assuming the fare is less than the current contactless limit of £100).

Thames Clipper and Cable Car – You can also pay for a ticket on the Thames Clipper riverbus service and IFS Cloud Cable Car . They have exactly the same kind of readers that you find on the buses and trains.

How do you use contactless on the bus?

Using contactless cards on a London bus is very easy. All you have to do is touch your bank card against the big Oyster reader by the door (it’s bright yellow – you can’t miss it). If it registers okay then you will hear a beep and see a little green light on the machine. If you hear two beeps and see a red light then you should try again. Try taking your card out of your wallet or purse and holding it flush against the reader.

Some buses also have a second reader by the middle doors, and a third one by the back door, but if you’re an inexperienced traveller then we recommend sticking with the front door. That’s because the front door will always have a reader, and if you try and board a bus through a door where there isn’t one then it will look like you’re trying to dodge your fare. You will soon get to know which buses have extra readers as you make more journeys.

Note: There’s no need to touch down again when you leave the bus – you only have to do that when travelling on the train.

How do you use contactless on the train?

Using contactless cards on the London Underground is very easy. When you enter a the station and approach the ticket barriers you will see a big yellow Oyster reader at the front of the gate. Just wave your contactless card next to it and the gate will open automatically.

If the gate beeps and refuses to open then take your card out of your wallet and touch it flush against the reader. If it still doesn’t work then you’re probably out of money (which means your bank account is empty!).

When you leave the station at the end of your tube journey you’ll need to touch it down again. That’s because the computer needs to work out what your route was. If you only touch down at the start then the system won’t know which zones you passed through and will hit you with a penalty fare instead (ouch!).

Note: During rush hour the TFL staff will sometimes open the barriers to speed the flow of people through the station, but you STILL need to tap down – even if the gate is already open.

Why won’t your contactless card work?

Card clash – There are loads of different reasons why your card might not work, but the usual one is ‘card clash’. If you keep your Oyster card and bank card in the same wallet (or two different bank cards) then the computer might register the presence of both and get confused about which one to charge. It will then end up rejecting both. If this happens to you then don’t worry… just separate your cards and try again.

New bank card – If you have a brand-new bank card then your bank won’t allow you to make a contactless payment until you’ve made at least one chip-and-pin transaction. This is a security measure put in place by your card issuer. So all you have to do is go into a shop and buy something that requires you to enter your actual PIN number, or withdraw some money from an ATM cash machine, and it should start working okay after that.

Foreign bank card – If your card has been issued by an overseas bank then you should check whether it’s accepted on the TFL website .

Not enough money – The final reason is that maybe you just don’t have any money in your account.

Your comments and questions

MP Hi, was just wondering if when using contactless can two people use one card?

Staff Hi. No, if you're tapping down on the gate then each person will need their own card. But you can use one card if you buy two tickets at the machine - but then you'll be paying the cash fare instead of the contactless fare

Sarah Can I get a receipt when I make a contactless payment please?

Staff Hi Sarah, not at the station. But if you register your card on the TFL website beforehand than they will log your last 12-months worth of journeys

Steve Do I need to register my credit card with London Transport before I can use Contactless on the Tube?

Staff Hi Steve. No, you can use it straight away. It's no different to just using it in a shop. The only real reason you'd need to register it is if you want to see a record of all your journeys.

John Hi. Can one contactless card be used to pay for more than one person (ie 3 adults) on the same journey?

Staff Hi John. No, you will each need your own card. If you tap down multiple times on the gate then it doesn't charge multiple fares. But you can use one card to buy three paper tickets at the self-service machine if you want - but then you'll be paying the cash fare, rather than the contactless fare.

Joe Hello, I will be in London from Friday to Monday and will be travelling on trains between zones 1-3. Firstly, do I need to register online before using contactless payment or do I just touch and go? Secondly, what would be the maximum I would be charged in that 4 day period please? Thank you very much.

Staff Hi Joe. You don't have to register your card first. The only reason you might do that is if you wanted to check all your journey's and fares on the TFL website later. The maximum amount you will pay each day is the 'daily cap' for the zones you travel through. Prices are shown in the table above

PKing I travelled into London today from Cockfosters using my contactless bank card, when I arrived back at Cockfosters this evening the barrier was open and without thinking I just went straight through but didn't touch my card back through, I have just seen on this website that you must check in and out etc as you will be changed the maximum price... What is maximum price? I am really worried that it is going to cost be a fortune? Please someone help?!

Staff Hi PKing. Assuming that you remembered to touch down on the way in, then it would have charged you whatever the maximum journey was on that line - right up to the last stop. For example, if you started your journey in zone 1, and forgot to tap down when you left the train in zone 2, it would have charged you all the way up to the last stop on the line (Cockfosters in zone 5). But seeing as that's where you were going anyway it should be the same price. [Note: I suppose it's possible that they will charge you the other way instead - towards Heathrow - because they won't be able to tell which way you were headed. The maximum price for that would be zones 1-6, rather than zones 1-5.]

PKing Thanks for the reply, I went Cockfosters to South Kensington then Piccadilly Circus and back to Cockfosters again. I did the payment at Piccadilly Circus but not when we got back at Cockfosters as gates were open and kids busting for a toilet so I didn't give it a second thought, will I be fined? It was first time using the contact less today as well.

Staff As long as you remembered to tap in on the way in, then you'll be fine because they're still charging you a fare (the maximum possible one). If you forgot to tap in at both ends then that would be different - that's when you can get in trouble.

PKing Thank you, what a worry! Thanks so much for replying

Mari I used a contactless card for tube journey correctly going & returning all worked well but when home found my card had been locked - had a lengthy call to bank to unlock and enable another £30 limit to be drawn. Why would this be?

Staff Hi Mari. You'll have to ask your bank, but I know my bank would freeze my card if it was used for unusual things. It's a security thing, to protect your money. So if this was the very first time you've used contactless on the underground then they may have seen that as unusual.

Dean Can I use my iPhone and Apple watch to pay for a cashless train ticket

Staff Hi Dean. Yes, you can use Apple Pay. You just touch in and out the same way you would with a normal contactless card.

Pat Whaley If both my wife and I use the same card and scan it twice? As I do not have contactless on my card

Staff Hi Pat. No. Only one fare will be deducted. (The first time she taps down the computer will think she's entering the station, and the second time she taps down it will think she's leaving the station.) But she could use her card to buy you a ticket at the self-service machine. But then you'd be paying the cash fare instead of the contactless fare.

Tim Sharp Do you have to set anything up to use your contactless card, or does it just work? Also, not absolutely certain what the 'cap' means - does it just mean that when you reach a certain spend, your journeys effectively become free, or does the card stop working?

Staff Hi Tim. You don't have to set anything up. It's no different to using it in a shop, you just tap it down and it should work. The cap is the maximum amount the computer will take off your card in any one day, but you can still carry on making journeys after you reach it. And you still have to carry on tapping down - you just won't be charged.

Tim Sharp Thanks, that's very helpful - we'll just use our contactless cards this weekend then

Lyn Do you still get issued with a ticket if you pay by contactless. If not how does the ticket person know you have paid for the train

Staff Hi Lyn. You don't get a ticket with contactless. If an inspector wants to check you've paid then he has a little handheld reader which he'll touch against your card.

Fiona Gee Can I use my phone (Apple Pay) as a contactless payment for a tube fare, like I do in a shop?

Staff Hi Fiona. You can, yes. It works in exactly the same way

JC Hi, am I right to understand that for contactless weekly cap, it will work just right if travels begin Monday and the cap will be computed and charged to the bank/debit card on Sunday? If there is no travel whatsoever on 1 day of the week, what happens then? Will it be charged as daily cap until the next Monday begins? Thanks.

Staff Hi JC. That's right, it only counts from Mon to Sun. Your account will still get charged fares at the end of each day (or the daily cap, or whatever you owed), but if the accumulated total reaches the weekly cap before the end of Sunday night then it will stop charging you. You don't have to travel every day, but you would have to travel for at least 5 or 6 days to reach the total (depending on which zones you are travelling through).

Tara Hi can you explain how the contactless works for me please. I am making a one off journey from Oxford Circus to Liverpool Street and then a day later Liverpool Street to Paddington. If for instance I got the central line to Oxford Circus then Bakerloo line to Paddington, is this two payments or should I get Hammersmith line direct to Paddington from Liverpool St? Thanks in advance,

Staff Hi Tara. You tap down at the start of the journey, and then again at the end of your journey. When you change trains in the middle of the journey you don't have to pass through any barriers, so there's no need to tap down. All you're doing is walking between different platforms. It's only when you pass through some barriers and exit the station that your journey comes to an end.

Bob Howard If two adults are travelling together, but have only one contactless card with them, how do the both pay at the same time with the contactless card?

Staff Hi Bob. You can't. If only one of you has a contactless card, then only one of you gets a contactless fare. It's not possible to tap down twice and pay two fares. But you can use the card to buy a paper ticket at the self-service machine for your partner if you want - but then you'll be paying the cash fare instead.

Mary Where can I get a contactless card?

Staff Hi Mary. It's just your everyday bank card. If you've got an old one that hasn't got the contactless symbol on it then you might have to ask your bank to send you a new one

Tort If I use my debit card (contactless) how many journeys can I use it for in one day as I see there is a daily cap. I need to get to Greenwich and then to North Greenwich from Paddington. Two of these journeys will be at peak times.

Staff Hi Tort. There's no limit. You can make as many journeys as you like. Once the accumulated total reaches the cap the computer will stop charging you, but you can still carry on making journeys

Tony The cap for contactless is that all I will be charged if I travel all day

Staff Hi Tony. As long as you use the same card each time, yes. That is the maximum amount you will be charged in one day

Nigel I notice off peak travel from zone 1-6 on the underground is between 09:30 & 16:00. I'll be using a contactless card so does my journey have to end by 16:00 or does it still apply if I start at, say, 15:45

Staff Hi Nigel. The only thing that matters is when your journey starts. If it starts during off-peak hours then it will be charged as off-peak. It doesn't matter when it ends.

Kathghee If my daughter and I use contactless payment for our single journey where do we buy a ticket for 12 year old grandchild travelling with us?

Staff Hi KathGhee. All underground stations have self-service ticket machines, so you can use your contactless card to buy her a ticket from there

Joan If I use contactless on the tube and I have a child with me who goes free, how do they get through the barrier?

Staff Hi Joan. All tube stations have extra-wide gates for people with buggies and wheelchairs. Just use that one and you'll have plenty of space to walk through together. If he doesn't make it you can ask a member of staff at the barrier to swipe him through

MP Can I use contactless on overground trains as well as the tube and do they both have a daily cap? Thanks in advance

Staff Hi MP. You can use contactless on the overground as well, but only if the stations are inside the Oyster fare zones. Here's a map which shows all the underground and overground stations inside the zones: tfl.gov.uk/​cdn/​static/cms/images/london-rail-and-tube-services-map.gif

Mandy M Sorry to sound so dim but by contactless card do u mean my normal debit cash card?

Staff Hi Mandy. That's right, yes. It's just the normal bank card that you use to do your everyday shopping

Philip B Can I just confirm that if I intend to use contactless card for the same fares as an Oyster card I have no need to do anything other than turn up with my card, IE no need to set up any account etc, thanks for useful site.

Staff Hi Philip. That's correct, yes. You don't have to set up an account if you don't want to. It just does some handy things like log all your journeys so you can see where you've been and what you were charged, but that's about it, really.

Helen To purchase a day cap contactless for zone 1, do I simply scan my debit card at the turnstile at each station I use? Regardless of the number of trips, does it only debit the daily cap price? Do I then not need a ticket as such? Thanks, I have never used contactless before.

Staff Hi Helen. You don't buy a daily cap. Every time you touch your contactless card down on the gate the computer will charge you the relevant fare. It will also keep track of the accumulated total throughout the course of the day, and as soon as it recognises that you've reached the daily cap it will stop charging you (but you still need to carry on tapping down for each journey). And you don't need a ticket - just your bank card.

LBS Coming down for 4 nights with my daughter (12) and will use my contactless card for payment on tube... Can I just scan my card twice each time, or will I need to use one card for me and one for my daughter?

Staff Hi LBS. You have to use two different cards. If you try touching it down twice with one card then it will still only take one fare. The first time you touch down it will think you are entering the station, and the second time you touch down it will think you are leaving the station. If you've only got one card then buy her a ticket at the self-service machine with it, and then touch it down on the gate for yourself (but then she'll be paying the cash fare instead, rather than the contactless fare)

Bil How do I get a receipt if I use contactless payment

Staff Hi Bil. It's not possible to get one at the gate, but if you register your card on the TFL website beforehand it will give you a journey history and log all the payments it took.

Lily This site is brilliant and explained so much. One thing I am still not sure about, my 12 year old daughter and I are coming for a day out in London soon, staying in Zone 1, and want to use just buses not the underground. I would rather use contactless payment but realise I will not be able to do this for her too, what would the easiest thing be to do in this situation?

Staff Hi Lily. I would probably get her on Oyster card. It might seem that a 1-day bus-only travelcard is cheap because it only cost £5.20, but you will also need to pay a £5 deposit on top for a brand-new oyster card (assuming that she doesn't have one), because the 1-day bus-only travelcards only come loaded onto an oyster card. The bus+train travelcards do come as a paper ticket, but they are more expensive - £13:90. So seeing as you've got to pay the £5 deposit for a brand-new Oyster card anyway you may as well just get her one of them, because the daily cap on the bus is only £4.65. (If you'd rather not have the hassle of getting an oyster card on the day then maybe just order her 1-day bus+train travelcard straight from the TFL website for £13:90, and have it posted to you. It's not possible to buy the bus-only ones from their website)

Eunice Hello, May i know is that ok sometimes i use apply pay on phone, another time i use my contactless card? (They are actually the same bank a/c) just wondering will they still count as the same account to meet the daily cap? Thanks!

Staff Hi Eunice. It has to be the same card every time, not just the same account. But I’ve got an inkling that Apple Pay doesn’t pass your card number over, so the computer wouldn’t be able to match the two together. I would check with TFL to be sure - tfl.gov.uk/​help-and-contact/​contact-us-about-tube-and-rail

Ian Hi how would i get my 4 year old grandchild through the barrier/gate if he travels for free?

Staff Hi Ian. There's always at least one extra wide barrier for wheelchairs and people with luggage. If you use that then there will be plenty of space for her to get through beside you. But if she misses it then all you have to do is ask a member of staff behind the barrier and they will let her through

Dave Dee If my 14 yr old uses a bank card for contactless, does she get the child discount or will she have to pay full fare. Regards David

Staff Hi David. She’ll just pay an adult fare. There are no child discounts for contactless. (The reason is because bank cards don’t contain any information about your age, so the computer has no way of knowing you’re a kid)

Altaf Hussain Hi there, I want to travel on Saturday from Victoria u g to wimbledon main station. Can please tell me the total return cost of the journey. Many thanks.

Staff Hi Altaf. Look in the table under zones 1-3, off-peak. There are no return fares, you just pay the same price as two singles

Derek Can I buy a card from Canada and have it sent to me

Staff Hi Derek. Not a contactless card, no, because it’s a bank card. It comes with a bank account. But you can get a Visitor Oyster card sent over - londondrum.com/​transport/​visitor-oyster-cards.php

Susan Hi. We will be travelling with 4 children ages 10, 7, 5 and 10 months. Will they need their own tickets to use the train?

Staff Hi Susan. No, they can all travel for free (if accompanied by an adult) - londondrum.com/​transport/​child-train-fares.php

Anna My partner doesn’t have a bank account can she use my applePay (on phone) and I use use my bank card as they both come out of the same account?

Staff Hi Anna. To quote directly from TFL: “You can pay for someone else's travel with your contactless card or device if they're travelling with you. You need to pay for your own travel with a different card or device” So if it’s the same card on ApplePay then the answer would seem to be no. But they also say you can pay with a different device, so maybe. [You could certainly use your card to buy your partner a ticket at the self service machine (for the cash fare) and use your card to get the contactless fare for yourself.] But you really need to ask TFL for a definitive answer - tfl.gov.uk/​help-and-contact/​

Derek John Charlton My wife and I each have a contactless card for the same account, can we use them on the tube. Thanks

Staff Hi Derek. Yes, as long as you each have your own card. (You can't tap one card down twice and have it take two fares.) To quote TFL: "If you have a joint bank account, you can usually both use your contactless cards to travel as each card will be charged separately."

Sophia Hi! I'll be arriving in the UK via Heathrow with my parents on 15th December and will stay in London till 20th December, before making our way to Cambridge. My cards are foreign banks and I take note of your reminder about the exchange rates charges. That said, would it be wise for us to purchase the 1-day travelcard daily, or the weekly travelcard to be used on the London tube and buses during our stay in London? Also, can we use the same travelcard for the bus ride to Cambridge? Many thanks!

Staff Hi Sophia. You'd normally have to make at least 3 journeys on the six days you're in London for it to work out cheaper than contactless, but seeing as you might have extra charges on your foreign bank card you're probably better off with the weekly travelcard. You can't use it to Cambridge though, because that's too far away. you'll have to buy a completely separate ticket for that. Note: If you want to use the travelcard from Heathrow then you'll have to get zones 1-6, but you probably don't need to use zones 1-6 all week (you'll likely only need zones 1-2, depending on where you're going). so you could buy a zones 1-2 card and then just buy yourself single tickets at Heathrow station to get you into London, which will save you about 18 quid

STEPHEN NICHOLS I'm travelling from East Croydon 12:00 to Gatwick Airport. I notice a day return is cheaper than 2 singles. Will contactless charge the cheaper day return rate or 2 singles?

Staff Hi Stephen. Gatwick is outside the zones so there are no separate contactless fares. all youre doing is paying a normal gatwick fare with your card. if you want a return ticket youd have to buy it at the machine beforehand

STEPHEN NICHOLS Thank you replying to my day return ticket or contactless East Croydon to Gatwick question. Nat rail website flagged up oyster and contactless has been extended to certain stations including Gatwick. A normal single ticket is £5.70 or off peak day return £6.90. However contactless to Gatwick was flagged up as £3.40 each way making £6.80 return. Contactless best for the 2 journeys.

Staff Hi Stephen. Bit difficult to check without knowing your date, but when we look on the national rail website for East Croydon to Gatwick its just coming up as £6,90 for a return. two singles are coming up as 2 x £5,70. can't find that £3,40 fare.

STEPHEN NICHOLS Hi, typed East Croydon to Gatwick weekday 11am return 3.30 pm. On Nat rail website 'Train time & tickets' section just above "Departs at" info top left of website page was “with Oyster or Contactless (pay as you go) from £6.80". However this is only cheaper if I journey back before 4 pm else it rises to £8.90 return when the day return ticket £6.90 is best. Thanks for taking time with earlier two questions.

Nell Hello sorry if this sounds daft. I'm only in London one day a Thursday. I will be going from Earls Court to London Bridge. I understand I just tap my card to get onto the stations, there is no added cost to using the contactless. I don't want to get home and find the cost is more than i was expecting. Thank You for reading my request.

Staff Hi Nell. That’s right, that’s all you have to do. The only way you’d be charged extra is if you forget to tap down at either end, and get a penalty fare. Or if your card is from a foreign bank, then your bank might charge an extra fee on top.

Sue Is there a child fare and do i have to purchase this?

Staff Hi Sue. There are no child fares for contactless, only adult ones. Here are all the child fares - londondrum.com/​transport/​child-train-fares.php

Steven Hi, my family and I (3 adults) had used our contactless cards to pay for a bus (number 427) ride from Ealing Broadway to Ealing Common on Saturday 12/3/22 at 20:00 as Ealing Common tube station was closed for some works. We were each charged 7.45 GBP so it seems to be a most expensive bus ride for such a short distance. Is there any way to get a reimbursement?

Staff Hi Steven. We can't see anything that costs £7.45, so we don't know how that came about. If you haven't registered your contactless card with TFL beforehand (most people don't) then TFL only keep the last 7 days of your journey history so you'll have to query it in the next few days. See '7 day journey & payment history' on this page - contactless.tfl.gov.uk/​UnregisteredCustomer/​Show

Robert Hi , when using a contactless card , say i go from heathrow to paddington , do i tap my card when i enter And exit when i get to paddington ? then from there just use my card to enter and exit different stations thank you

Staff Hi Robert, You have to tap down at both ends of the journey, yes. thats so the computer knows which route you took and what to charge you.

Debbie I’ve been in London for 3 days using my contactless card to travel in zone 1 only, one journey was in peak time. I have been charged 2 separate charges; £21 & £5. I thought my daily journeys would be capped at £7.70 per day making the cost £23.10. Am I missing something.

Staff Hi Debbie. The £5 is probably two single fares of £2.50 (the system waits until the end of the day before it charges you, to see if you reached the cap, and then charges you a lump sum). But I can't imagine what the £21 was. Did you maybe get a train from Gatwick? Because that price wouldn't be included in the cap. But you can check the last 7 days of payments on the TFL website, even if you haven't registered the card - contactless.tfl.gov.uk (check the link for '7 day journey and payment history')

Debbie Hi no I travelled to Kings Cross, walked to Leicester Square on the first day. I haven’t left Zone 1 on any of the days. I used an Uber boat on the second day, would that have been included in the £21 charge? I thought I would be charged for that separately. I’ll give the link you sent a try. Thanks.

Staff Thats probably what it was… maybe a £16:10 return ticket on Uber, which isnt included in the cap, and then a couple of £2.50 single fares - thamesclippers.com/​plan-your-journey/​ticket-information

Yesi I will travel from Newcastle to London Kings Cross and from London Kings Cross to Paddington to get Heathrow express. 1.) How to get the tube ticket from Kings Cross to Paddington? Can I use contactless? 2.) Do I need to exit the gate to get Heathrow express from Paddington station? How if I use contactless but not exit the gate from Paddington?

Staff Hi Yesi. You can use contactless for Kings Cross to Paddington. You don't need a ticket, you just tap your bank card down on the gate, as explained on this page. You will have to exit the barriers at Paddington, because you need to leave the underground part and go up to the National Rail platforms to catch the Heathrow Express. You can then use contactless on the Heathrow Express as well if you want, but you'll probably find it cheaper to buy a ticket online in advance

Maria Hi, I'll be travelling with my 10 year old son. Will I have to pay separately for him if using contactless? Or can he travel for free since he's with a paying adult?

Staff Hi Maria. Kids under 11 travel for free, but if he's 10 and looks over 11 you might want to take proof of age just in case one of the staff queries it - londondrum.com/​transport/​child-train-fares.php

Bill Where to get contactless card

Staff Hi Bill. It’s just your normal everyday bank card, so you need a bank account

Claire Just check every time enter station and leave I scan my contactless card ? I’m coming for day on Sunday want go to London eye then not sure where else at minute thanks my daughter will be ten.

Staff Hi Clare, Thats right, yes. On the trains you touch down at both ends of the journey. But on the buses you only do it when you get on.

Harsh Shall I use same bank account to tap for 2 person tickets? One by card and another contactless tap by phone.

Staff Hi Harsh, that will only work if its a different card number. you cant use one card to pay two contactless fares

Josie I'll be visiting London on a Tuesday arriving at Kings X and traveling to the Barbican (using the tube) for the Museum of London. Both of which are in zone 1 I believe. I will use contactless, and understand that I need to tap before taking the tube, and tap again when exiting. Will I just be charged for that single journey, and another single journey from the Barbican to Kings X (on my return) or some other amount ie a cap? Please explain what the 'cap' is, how much it is, and how it works. Thanking you.

Staff Hi Josie. You tap in at the start of each journey, and tap out again at the end. You will be charged two single fares (they dont do return fares on the underground). You’d only pay the daily cap if the total combined value of all your journeys that day equals it, but if you look at the fare table above you can see that two single fares are less than the daily cap. Its all explained in the ‘What is the Daily Cap’ section above.

Tony Can I use my bus pass on any bus?

Staff Hi Tony. It depends what one you’ve got. If you’re talking about a senior one issued outside of London, and it has a red rose symbol on it, then you can use it on TFL buses after 9 AM - londondrum.com/​transport/​senior-bus-fares.php

Pauline Hughes I have reached the daily zone 4 cap £11. If I now get a bus will the zone 4 cap apply or how do I find out if the bus I'm getting is in zone 5 which presumably increases the cap to zone 5 £13.10? I'm trying to work out my cheapest option ...

Staff Hi Pauline. Buses don't have zones (only trams and trains have zones). So if you've been catching trains in zones 1-4, and then get a bus in what would be zone 5 for a train, then you'll still get charged the zones 1-4 cap. But if you've been using buses all day, and no trains, then you'd use the cheaper cap shown here instead - londondrum.com/​transport/​adult-bus-fares.php

Eve Why is a contactless card charged as paying by cash when used in a ticket machine - no staff to ask for advice at the station - return journey from North Greenwich to Mile End charged at £12.60 rather than £3.40 a difference of £9.20 !!!

Staff Hi Eve. You don't need to buy a ticket from the machine if you're using contactless. You just tap your card down on the yellow reader by the gate. If you buy one from the machine you’ll always be paying the cash fare. Contactless fares rely on the computer tracking one person’s journey through their card, but it has no way of knowing who’s going to be using the paper ticket.

Gote Hi I got a Swedish Debit Bank / Visa card. can I use that as contactless card (since it is a foreign / non British bank card)?

Staff Hi Gote. The only ones that TFL mention as definitely being okay are (quote) "American Express (AMEX) MasterCard and Maestro (some cards issued in the USA, Canada and the Netherlands aren't accepted), Visa and V PAY (some cards issued outside the UK aren't accepted)". So your visa card might be okay. We don't usually recommend it though, because they might add on a transaction fee every time you buy something abroad, which will include individual bus and train tickets.

GOTE Hi again If i have a contactless card and use it for travelling as follows - can you please verify prices and the use of the card. 1. Day one travelling from Heathrow to Tottenham Court Road I use the card at the gate once entering at Heathrow and once exiting at Tottenham Court Road? and nowhere in between? Which train / line to use and where to change if necessary? Total cost £5.00 2. During my stay in London there is a daily cap for travelling within zones 1-2 of £7.70? 3. When returning to Heathrow, the travel is as above just the opposite order?

Staff You can get the elizabeth line for £5,50 - londondrum.com/​transport/​train-journey.php?from=heathrow-terminals-1-2-3&to=tottenham-court-road . At the moment the daily cap is £7.70 for zones 1-2 (the prices always go up in March). And the return journey will be the same in the opposite order. But remember they might add on a transaction fee if it's a foreign card.

Brian I think I understand the cap. Does this apply to tube and bus or are they separate. Say I used up all my 8.10 tube fares, would I then be charged for using a TfL bus

Staff Hi Brian. If you use buses all day, and no trains, then you'll pay the bus daily cap, which is cheaper. But if you use trains all day, or a combination of trains and buses, then you'll pay the train daily cap instead. You wouldn't have to pay for the bus in your example, because once you reach the daily cap you can still carry on riding the buses and trains, but the computer stops charging you.

Jen If my journey starts with the tube at Waterloo and then I change to a train at Liverpool St, do I have to tap off the tube and then onto the train? Zone 1-3

Staff Hi Jen. If you're changing to another tube train at Liverpool Street, then no, you should be able to change platforms without passing through any barriers. But if you mean you're catching a National Rail train at Liverpool Street, then yes, you'll have to go through a gate and tap out.

Christine Remnant Do you need to tap your Card again when you finish your journey

Staff Hi Christine. Only on the trains. You don't have to tap them down again on the buses

Jean Hi, we're travelling from Westminster to Wembley Park on a Sunday paying for tickets via our Debit cards. Each of us will use contactless at the self service machines to get a paper ticket. Can we buy our outgoing and return tickets at the same time if staying within the same zones. And is the route we want to take direct or must we change

Staff Hi Jean. Assuming that you’ve both got UK bank cards, it would be better to just touch them down on the gate because then you’ll be paying the contactless fare. If you buy tickets at the machine you’ll be paying the cash fare, which is more expensive. If you do choose to pay at the machine there’s no such thing as a return fare, but you can choose a return journey. The price will be the same as two single journeys, and the machine will give you two single tickets. it is a direct train - londondrum.com/​transport/​train-journey.php?from=westminster&to=wembley-park

Deidre Gray Can you use a rail card when you pay contactessly with a credit card?

Staff Hi Deidre. Unfortunately not, no. Theres no way to load a railcard onto a bank card, only oyster cards. Oyster has the same fares as contactless, so maybe you can get one of them instead

Joanne I'll be travelling in London with my 11 year old daughter, just for one day and probably just two journeys in zone 1. I know there are no child fares but if she swipes one of my bank cards (contactless, and not the one I'll be using) is this OK? Presumably I'll just be charged adult fare for her?

Staff Hi Joanne. If they're two completely different card numbers then you could do it, but technically i’m not sure whether banks allow other people to use your card, even if you give your permission, which is something to be aware of. If you want to be safe then just buy her a paper ticket at the machine with your card… but then she’d be charged a cash fare

Tarun Hi, hope you're doing well. Is there any significant difference in price between using an Oyster card vs. a contactless card (aside from the £7 deposit). I will be staying in London long-term so would like to know which would be the best option in the long run. Thanks!!

Staff Hi Tarun. The fares are identical. The only time they might be different is if you had a foreign bank card, because some banks add on a transaction fee every time you use it overseas.

john Do we pay for children 16 years and below

Staff Hi John. 11-17 year olds from London can get discount fares with the right card. Under 11s are free - londondrum.com/​transport/​child-train-fares.php

Carole Why do you not tap out when getting off the bus, how will it know what to charge. Also if I travel from deptford bridge station to cutty sark station can I use contactless to pay and do I tap on and off.

Staff Hi Carole. On a bus you pay for one journey, rather than the number of stops. It doesn't matter whether you travel one mile or five miles, it's still the same price. You can use contactless on the bus. You only have to tap when you get on, not off.

Jerry If I'm traveling from Heathrow to Tottenham court, then to Leicester square, then back from Tottenham to Heathrow using the E-line and the tube is that capped for one day at the zone 1-6 cap?

Staff Hi Jerry. No, because if you add up the individual journeys they don't quite reach the daily cap, so you'd be charged the individual fares instead (i make it £14, but it depends if your tottenham court road to leicester square bit is peak or off-peak)

Jerry I must be misinformed; I thought the fare from Heathrow to Tottenham on the E-line was 13.90 each way?

Staff We have found that mentioned on the internet, so we see what you're saying, but we've double-checked it on TFL's official fare finder page and it's coming up as normal underground prices (which is what we quoted above). They also mention the Elizabeth line at the top. Heres the page if you'd like to check -- tfl.gov.uk/​fares/​find-fares/tube-and-rail-fares/single-fare-finder?intcmp=54716 —- but we’ve sent a query to TFL to confirm

jerry Thank You for taking the time to inquire about this for me, i have not been able to find a definitive answer.

Staff Received a reply from TFL - "We appreciate how confusing this can be for the travelling public. Fares on the Elizabeth line are generally the same as fares on the Underground, but the single fare to and from Heathrow is £12,80 in Peak hours (£10,20 in Off-Peak hours). This compares favourably with Heathrow Express prices but the Tube fare is cheaper"

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Travelling around London

Planning your journey.

You can find journey planners on the National Rail Enquiries and TfL websites. TfL’s journey planner allows you to compare different modes of transport and now includes fares information for each mode.

Oyster and contactless payment cards

An Oyster card costs £7 to buy .

If you are visiting London from other parts of the country or from abroad and don’t have a contactless payment card, it will probably work out much cheaper to use an Oyster card.

Another advantage of using an Oyster card or contactless bank card to travel around London is that it allows you to also take advantage of capping. Capping is effectively a limit of how much you pay to travel either in a single day or over one week. Once you’ve reached the daily or weekly limit, any additional journeys that you make after that will be free. You can find out more about capping on our page .

Below you can find some examples of the savings you can make when an Oyster card or a contactless payment card over a paper ticket:

Tube (Zone 1)

Oyster/Contactless card single peak fare – £2.80.

Oyster/Contactless card single off-peak fare – £2.70

Cash single fare – £6.70

Daily cap – £8.50

Weekly cap – £42.70

Rail Peak Fare (Zone 1 – 5)

Oyster/Contactless card single fare – £6.30

Cash single fare – £8.10

Daily cap – £14.60

Weekly cap – £73.00

Rail Off-Peak Fare (Zone 1 – 5)

Oyster/Contactless card single fare – £4.20

Daily cap – £4.60

Oyster/Contactless card single fare – £1.75

Cash single fare – N/A

Daily cap – £5.25

Weekly cap – £24.70

*The Hopper Fare allows unlimited travel on Buses and Trams within 1 hour for £1.75

Prices: 3 March 2024

Contactless payment cards

You can use a contactless payment card to pay for travel on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services in London.

You will be charged an adult-rate Pay As You Go fare each time you make a journey. You benefit from all the features of Oyster Pay As You Go (although you can’t add railcard discounts to a contactless card) as well as being able to take advantage of monthly, daily and Monday to Sunday capping . This gives you with another option if you have run out of credit on your Oyster card or have lost or forgotten your Oyster card. Contactless is a useful way for tourists and visitors to London from other parts of the UK to get the same benefits as people using Oyster Pay As You Go.

Further information on contactless payments can be found on TfL’s website.

Walking and cycling

TfL  and  Walk London  offer free guided walks led by experienced guides. These can be booked on the  Walk London website . The TfL website also has information about walking in London, including their  Walking Tube maps .

You can hire a Santander Cycle from as little as £1.65. Just go to any docking station with your bank card and touch the screen to get started. If you hire a bicycle regularly you can save money by registering for Santander Cycle membership .

The TfL website also contains  information for cyclists  including  free route maps  and  cycle guides .

You can also read about some excellent safety tips for locking your bike on the Best Bike Lock blog written by cycling enthusiast Henry Clark.

Alternatively, you can buy a Travelcard which allows unlimited travel within specified zones. These tickets range in price according to zone. The cheapest is a day off-peak (after 9.30am Monday to Friday, all weekend), which costs £15.20 for zones 1-6 and £21.50 peak.

If you use Oyster Pay As You Go, the price charged is capped so you should never pay more than the Travelcard price and will often pay less. Be aware that Travelcards are not available for every combination of zones. You can compare caps and Travelcard prices on TfL’s website .

If you have a Zone 1-3 Travelcard and are making a peak journey outside this area, it is often advisable to break your journey in Zone 1 to avoid being charged the maximum peak Oyster fare for the extension part of your journey. For example if you travelled to Farringdon from Harrow on the Hill (Zone 5) between 4-7pm you would be charged the off peak Oyster fare but if you went from Harrow on the Hill to Herne Hill via Farringdon you would be charged the peak Oyster fare.

Travelling outside the area covered by your Travelcard

If you want to travel outside the area covered by your Travelcard make sure you either purchase an extension ticket from the ticket office or ticket machine if there is no ticket office available. This will be cheaper than buying an individual ticket between the last station covered by your Travelcard and your destination. If your destination is still within the Oyster area, make sure you put sufficient Pay As You Go credit on your Oyster card before you travel. Also make sure that you touch in at the start of your journey, and touch out at the end even though these parts of your journey might be covered by your Travelcard, to avoid a maximum fare, a penalty fare or prosecution.

Ticket buying tips

Please remember, when putting credit on your Oyster you must touch your card twice – once to show what type of card you have before you select how much money you want to add to it, and once again when you have paid. If you don’t touch the card for a second time you could end up losing the cash you paid or having money taken from your credit/debit card but not have this added to you card.

Pink Readers

If you’re travelling across London but not through Zone 1 and you see a pink card reader when changing trains, touch your card on it to pay the right fare. There are pink card readers at some Tube and London Overground stations. Using a pink reader rather than the standard yellow Oyster/Contactless card reader will ensure that you pay a cheaper fare as the system will know you didn’t travel through Zone 1.

Driving in London

Congestion charge.

Remember the Congestion Charge and the ULEZ charge are not the same charge. Many drivers have to pay both charges to drive into London.

Ultra Low Emission Zone

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) now operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year except Christmas Day. The zone now covers all areas inside the North and South Circular Roads. The North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) roads are not in the zone. Most vehicles, including cars and vans, need to meet the ULEZ emissions standards or their drivers must pay a daily charge to drive within the zone.

• £12.50 for most vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles and vans (up to and including 3.5 tonnes)
• £100 for heavier vehicles, including lorries (over 3.5 tonnes) and buses/coaches (over 5 tonnes)

Check your vehicle and its charge .

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London Oyster Card

The Oyster card is a reusable electronic card which is used to pay for travel on all types of public transport in London: buses, underground, DLR (Docklands Light Railway), trams and local trains.

There are two main ways to use the Oyster card:

As a Pay as you go (PAYG) Oyster card You add money to the Oyster card and use it to pay for single journeys or for travel for the whole day (the ‘daily cap’). It’s a bit like a Pay as you go SIM card for mobile phones. When you use your card (by tapping in and out at the ticket barriers), the cost of travel is deducted from your Oyster card balance. To store season tickets Weekly or monthly Travelcards or Bus Passes are ‘loaded’ onto an Oyster card.

See Travelcards or Bus tickets & passes

You can also add some extra money to your Oyster card if you have a Weekly or Monthly Travelcard. This is useful if you need to travel outside your weekly Travelcard zone.

Are you visiting London for the first time? Read our guide to London’s transport tickets and passes .

Pay as you go (PAYG) Oyster card: an overview

The PAYG Oyster card is the cheapest and most flexible way to pay for travel, especially if your visit to London is between 1–5 days. Even if it’s only for a few journeys, it’s much cheaper than paying the full cash fare.

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. You do not get this money back.

How does it work?

Once you have an Oyster, you add money to it (‘ top up ‘) and the fare for your journey is taken from your Oyster card balance when you use it.

It works out the cost of the journey and how many journeys you take when you tap your card on the Oyster card reader (‘ tap in and out’ ) at a tube or train station ticket barrier, or by tapping the reader when you get on a bus.

Oyster single fares: 2024 prices

The Pay as you go Oyster card is the cheapest way to pay for single tickets on the underground. For journeys in central London (zone 1), ticket prices are more than 50% cheaper with an Oyster card.

Here’s a comparison between Pay as you go Oyster card single fares and the standard tube ticket fare from a ticket machine (‘Cash single’).

Oyster single fares 2024

See single ticket prices for travel in zones 2,3,4,5 & 6

Oyster single fares: peak and off-peak times

If you use your Pay as you go Oyster card only few times a day, the price you pay for each single journey depends on the time of day you travel.

Peak Monday–Friday 6.30am–9.30am and from 4pm–7pm. If you travel into central London (zone 1) from an outer zone, there is no afternoon peak fare . The off-peak fare is charged. Off-Peak Off-peak fares are charged at all other times, including Public Holidays.

Oyster one-day fares: 2024 ‘daily cap’ prices

If you plan to travel by tube at least 3 times in one day, you benefit from the Oyster card ‘daily cap’. This is the maximum amount deducted from your card for travel in one day.

Oyster Daily Cap 2024

There’s a cheaper ‘daily cap’ if you only use the buses

How does the Oyster daily cap work?

For example, if you load £10 onto your Oyster card and travel by underground in central London (zone 1- off peak):

• If you make 1 journey £2.70 is deducted from your card
• If you make 2 journeys, £5.40 is deducted
• If you make 3 journeys, £8.50 is deducted. You have now reached the ‘daily cap’ and all other journeys until 4.30am the following morning are free. £1.50 of Pay as you go credit will remain on your Oyster card

Oyster Weekly Travelcard Cap

Your Oyster card will automatically cap at the weekly Travelcard fare (this is also available on a contactless card ). The cap starts on Monday and ends Sunday, so it mainly benefits Londoners or those working in London.

How much money do I need to add to an Oyster card?

It’s up to you how much money you add to the card. The beauty of the Oyster card is that it’s flexible.

Some people add enough for a single journey, especially if they’re not a frequent traveller. Some add the price of the daily ‘cap’ for the zones they’re visiting for that day. Others just add £15 or £25 and keep an eye on the balance.

Best option for visitors

For visitors, the best option is to add the cost of the daily cap to your card x the number of full days in London. Add a little extra to cover any single journeys at the start or end of your trip if necessary. For example, to and from Heathrow airport.

If you do this then you won’t need to worry about topping up your card again. If there is money on your Oyster card at the end of your trip, you can get it back or keep it on your card for your next visit (it never expires).

Aim to have £10 or less of Pay as you go money on your card at the end of your trip and you can easily get a refund at an underground station ticket machine . Refunds are more complicated if you have more than £10 left on your card.

Where to buy an Oyster card

Oyster cards are available from the following outlets. You can usually top up your card as well.

Underground ticket machines

There are no longer any underground ticket offices. Oyster cards are available from ticket machines. The machines take notes (not £50 notes), coins and credit/debit cards.

Local shops and newsagents

Many newsagents and corner shops are licensed to sell London Transport tickets including Oyster cards. They normally have signs in the window saying ‘Oyster Ticket Stop’.

Find an Oyster Ticket Stop .

London train stations ticket machines

Oyster cards and oyster top-ups are available from ticket machines in London train stations

TfL Visitor Centres

Transport for London has several Visitor Centres at Heathrow, Victoria, Kings Cross/St Pancras International, Liverpool St & Piccadilly Circus.

How to use an Oyster card

Underground.

It’s important to touch in and out when using a PAYG Oyster card. Even if there’s no physical barrier or if the barriers are open, you still need to touch the yellow card reader when you enter and exit the station. If you don’t, the full cash fare (£4–£7) is deducted for your journey.

If you have a lot of luggage or are pushing a pushchair, station attendants will quite often push open the barrier for you. Do make sure you touch the yellow reader for the reason mentioned above. The attendants don’t always remind you to do it.

Place your card flat on the yellow card reader near the driver when you get on the bus. You do not need to touch out when you get off the bus.

How to check your Oyster card balance

If you want to check how much money you have on your Oyster card, there are several ways to find out:

From an underground station ticket machine

Place your card on the yellow card reader on a ticket machine and your remaining balance will flash up on the screen. This is the easiest way to check your balance.

Via an Oyster account online

If you register your card online with TfL , you can check how much money you have on your card.

Via the Oyster app

Check your balance on the official Oyster app. You will need to register your Oyster card. ( ios or android ).

On an underground station ticket barrier

When you place your card on the yellow card reader on a ticket barrier, the balance on your card flashes on the screen. When you arrive at your destination and touch out at a barrier, your remaining balance flashes on the screen along with the fare charged for that particular journey. This doesn’t work on all barriers.

How to get back unused money on your Oyster card

Anyone can get any unused money on your Pay as you go balance. See how to claim back unused money on a PAYG Oyster card .

The Visitor Oyster card

The Visitor Oyster Card is aimed at tourists — you might be offered one by a tour company or airline before you arrive.

The card comes pre-loaded with money and there’s a £5 fee (plus postage).

You can’t load a weekly Travelcard or Bus Pass to a Visitor Oyster, which makes it less flexible than the ‘ordinary’ Oyster. It can only be used as a Pay as you go card, and the ‘daily cap’ is still applied.

The Visitor Oyster Card is only worth buying if:

• You’re happy to pay for postage to your country and you can order it in advance
• You want to pay for your travel before you arrive
• You’re arriving after the tube stations have closed and can’t use a contactless card payment and want to use the night buses

Otherwise, just wait until you arrive in London and get an ordinary Oyster card from one of the places listed above.

Related pages

• Guide to London’s transport tickets & passes
• Oyster single tickets
• Oyster refunds
• Contactless cards
• London Transport zones

Last checked: 22 June 2024

Transport tickets & passes

• Guide to London's transport tickets
• One day & weekly Travelcards
• Zone 2–6 weekly Travelcards
• Bus tickets & passes
• Oyster card
• Oyster card refunds
• Child tickets & passes
• Local train tickets

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Telegraph article on the cost of non-contactless/Oyster fares in London

• Thread starter TUC
• Start date 3 May 2024

Established Member

Single Tube ticket soars to £6.70 under Sadiq Khan

RailUK Forums

TUC said: issue of the lack of ability to use railcards for contactless travel Click to expand...

Sonic1234 said: And the railcards that can not be added to Oyster. I doubt very many, if any, would switch back to paper tube tickets even if there were the same price as Oyster. Paper National Rail tickets do have some niche uses within the Zones. Click to expand...

As an Oyster card costs £7, it's a no-brainer to pay that rather than £6.70 minimum for a single journey.  

fandroid said: As an Oyster card costs £7, it's a no-brainer to pay that rather than £6.70 minimum for a single journey. Click to expand...

Veteran Member

TUC said: Not if you're only an occasional visitor to London. One has to make several journeys with a railcard for the £7 charge to be counterbalanced. Click to expand...

TUC said: Martin Quinn, of campaign group the Payment Choice Alliance, accused the Mayor of “forcing people to go cashless”. Click to expand...

JonathanH said: That is why most visitors would use a contactless card. Trying to get traction on a campaign around reducing the cost of paper tickets is a lost cause. Click to expand...

Noticed the comment regarding oyster v contactless. At present as far as I'm aware you can add a weekly/monthly travel pass on oyster also I have a disabled railcard tagged to my oyster card. My question is, can you buy a weekly travelcard via contactless and tag it to the contactless online ? As far as I'm aware it's not possible to buy a physical weekly travel if paying with contactless at a terminal only a one day travel card can be brought.  

Vespa said: My question is, can you buy a weekly travelcard via contactless and tag it to the contactless online ? As far as I'm aware it's not possible to buy a physical weekly travel if paying with contactless at a terminal only a one day travel card can be brought. Click to expand...

43066 said: The above statement by Martin Quinn is ridiculous - cashless buses are a huge improvement on what went before and expensive cash tube fares are a complete non issue to 99.9% of those who use London’s integrated transport system, which is the envy of the rest of the UK. Click to expand...

TUC said: Mayors have legal powers to impose a levy, known as a “mayoral precept”, on the populations they serve. Londoners have seen a 71pc surge in “Sadiq’s stealth tax”. Families in London are currently charged an average of £471 per household, which is the highest figure in the country for this type of tax. The levy has increased from an average of £276 when Sadiq Khan took office. Click to expand...

43066 said: One wonders who the target audience of this article is. OAPs who virtually never visit London and just like to moan, most likely - oh yes, it’s been published in The Telegraph! Click to expand...

Vespa said: My question is, can you buy a weekly travelcard via contactless and tag it to the contactless online ? Click to expand...

deltic said: It's part of the steady stream of anti Kahn articles that appear in that paper. Click to expand...

WestAnglian

TUC said: The Telegraph has an article today on the cost of cash fares in London as compared to contactless/Oyster. 'Single Tube ticket rises to £6.70 under Sadiq Khan – double the price of contactless Mayor accused of ‘penalising cash-payers’ with introduction of blanket pricing The price of a cash ticket for a single Tube journey in central London has risen by 37pc under Sadiq Khan’s leadership, more than double the cost of commuting by card. In 2016, when Mr Khan was first elected Mayor of London, a single journey cash ticket – meaning a paper ticket bought by cash or card – cost £4.90 in central London, but today the cost is £6.70. When paying with a contactless card or oyster card, the same zone one journey costs £2.80 at peak time and £2.70 off peak . Prices for both contactless and card travel have been rising steadily over the past decade but in 2022 Mr Khan put in place a blanket price for all cash single tickets at £6.70 for all of London. It means that those paying by cash now pay double the amount paid by card users in the centre of the capital for a single journey both on and off peak. Figures from Transport for London (TfL) show that around 66 million journeys a year – about 2pc of all journeys – are taken via single paper ticket. Buses in London haven’t accepted cash for 10 years, requiring travellers to buy a prepaid ticket or use a contactless form of payment. Martin Quinn, of campaign group the Payment Choice Alliance, accused the Mayor of “forcing people to go cashless”. He said: “The shocking disparity between cash tickets and pay-as-you-go fares shows the contempt that Transport for London and the Mayor have for Londoners and, let’s face it, tourists who may not have contactless cards and want to purchase tickets using cash. Why should they be penalised and forced to go cashless”. Mr Khan has frozen all TfL prices until March 2025, in a move that he says will save Londoners up to £90 a year. Fares were previously frozen from 2016-2021, however funding reductions as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic meant they needed to rise again. Prices for single ticket “cash” fares and Oyster pay-as-you-go fares have differed since 2003. Mr Khan introduced contactless bank card payments in 2014. About 20pc of all journeys on the Tube network are not paid for using contactless options. This includes single tickets, travelcards, bus passes and Oyster pay-as-you-go top-ups. Labour’s Mr Khan has served two terms as Mayor of London, arriving at City Hall in 2016. Londoners went to the polls on 2 May to elect a Mayor for the next four-year term and Greater London Assembly. The last Savanta survey for Centre for London ahead of the vote put Mr Khan on a 42pc share of the vote, ahead of Tory candidate Susan Hall on 32pc. Mayors have legal powers to impose a levy, known as a “mayoral precept”, on the populations they serve. Londoners have seen a 71pc surge in “Sadiq’s stealth tax”. Families in London are currently charged an average of £471 per household, which is the highest figure in the country for this type of tax. The levy has increased from an average of £276 when Sadiq Khan took office. A TfL spokesman said: “There has been a difference in the fare for single tickets (often called ‘cash’ fares) and pay-as-you-go with Oyster fares since 2003. “The vast majority of customers on London Underground now use pay-as-you-go with contactless or Oyster, as this is a convenient way to travel. Single tickets are used for less than 2 per cent of all journeys, mostly from outside London, where they are priced differently, because they are often linked to National Rail fares. “Alongside fare freezes in recent years, as well as a wide range of concessions available to pay-as-you-go customers, we continue to work to keep all fares as affordable as possible.” Single Tube ticket soars to £6.70 under Sadiq Khan Mayor accused of ‘penalising cash-payers’ with introduction of blanket pricing www.telegraph.co.uk Frustratingly, what the article doesn't bring out (although readers have picked up on in the comments below the article) is the issue of the lack of ability to use railcards for contactless travel. That is a key reason why some buy tickets. Click to expand...

WestAnglian said: Which is exactly what the staff helping with the queues of tourists at major stations tell the tourists: use contactless. They really discourage both cash and Oyster. Click to expand...

When are the Telegraph going to do an article about train fares everywhere else in the country.  

yorksrob said: When are the Telegraph going to do an article about train fares everywhere else in the country. Click to expand...

JonathanH said: Presumably when someone comes to them with a story. Maybe you could lobby the journalist who has written the story quoted in this thread with a starting point for a story on train fares in the rest of the country. Click to expand...

yorksrob said: Perhaps I should point them towards the fares section of this forum. Plenty of material there. Click to expand...

Haywain said: If they are a half decent journalist (yes, 'if'), they would already be aware of it. Click to expand...

JonathanH said: Even if they are a 'half decent journalist' they will still have to consider priorities for news coverage. Awareness doesn't raise issues such as the level of fares between Wakefield and Buxton and whether they are affordable or not. I recognise they wouldn't deal in such specifics but it could be quoted as an example of the issues people face. The story that is quoted here refers to the 'Payment Choice Alliance' and seems to pick on particular bugbears. You wonder who placed the original story with the journalist. Click to expand...

The only thing that surprises me about the article is the fact that it appeared after the mayoral election.  

TUC said: The issue isn't just about paper tickets though. Click to expand...

Haywain said: The issue in the article is about the price of paper tickets, so it is very much about those. Acceptance of eTickets is a completely separate issue and I very much doubt the 'Payment Choice Alliance' would be interested in that. Click to expand...

TUC said: My point is that, however ill- informed the journalist is, that is the real issue, not that of paper tickets. Click to expand...

JonathanH said: The story that is quoted here refers to the 'Payment Choice Alliance' and seems to pick on particular bugbears. You wonder who placed the original story with the journalist. Click to expand...

It's a silly article blaming Khan when this has been going on for over 20 years, but there's a reasonable underlying point to it - why is it that eg. a ticket bought in advance with a card costs more than double the contactless fare using the same card? Clearly they want to 'nudge' people towards PAYG - though this is more a shove than a nudge - but at this point surely the lack of daily capping when going down this route would be sufficient incentive for most, so this just appears to be price gouging those who don't want to use PAYG for whatever reason. The issue is rather confused by calling this a 'cash' fare, but we don't need to debate the other issues often discussed about cash in this case because this super-inflated fare isn't just for those wanting to use cash. I know there's a whole generation of people now who are happy with PAYG - which I view as the modern equivalent of writing a blank cheque and hoping the rail company fills in the amount correctly - but there's still a lot of us who aren't, and the penalty in this case for continuing to want to transact in the way that has worked well for centuries seems incredibly excessive here, clearly well out-of-proportion from any actual economic cost.