An Oyster card itself costs £7, which is a non-refundable fee for the card.
To activate and use your new Oyster card for travel on London's public transport network, you must also add a minimum amount of pay-as-you-go credit or purchase a season ticket (such as a Travelcard) to it.
Understanding the Initial Cost
The £7 fee is specifically for the physical Oyster card, which is a smartcard designed for electronic ticketing across London's transport system. This card fee is separate from any funds you load onto the card for your actual journeys.
Here’s a breakdown of the initial costs involved:
| Item | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oyster Card Fee | £7 | A non-refundable charge for the physical card itself. |
| Travel Credit | Variable | The amount of pay-as-you-go credit or the cost of a season ticket required to begin using the card for travel. |
Getting and Managing Your Oyster Card
Once you've purchased your new Oyster card, it's ready to be topped up with funds. Key aspects of using an Oyster card include:
- Activation: The card becomes active for travel as soon as you add either pay-as-you-go credit or a season ticket.
- Convenience: Managing your card balance and topping up is made simple through the official TfL Oyster and Contactless App, which allows you to view your balance and transaction history on the go.
- Where to Buy: Oyster cards can be acquired at London Underground stations, Oyster Ticket Stops, and most National Rail stations within London.
The Oyster card is a widely used and convenient method for paying for travel on the Tube, buses, Trams, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services in London.
