A very simple Oyster query

[pinguini]

I feel stupid for asking this, but I can't find where Oyster travelcards are explained anywhere for newbies.

If I needed to buy a monthly season ticket on the Oyster to travel from Richmond (zone 4) to Heathrow (zone 6) do I just need to buy a zone 4-6 travelcard, or is this not allowed because you have to change in zone 3 for this journey

 

[maniacmartin]

With travelcards, it must cover all of the zones that you travel through.

So with a paper zone 4-6 travelcard, this journey would not be allowed. However with a travelcard stored on Oyster, as long as you touch in at both ends and have sufficient balance on the card, you will be fine. You will be automatically charged a Pay as you Go fare for the the Zone 3 portion only.

 

[Urban Gateline]

Also, with that Z4-6 Travelcard you can use the SWT route via Feltham and take the local bus 285 from there to Heathrow Airport

 

[yorkie]

It's allowed, but ensure you have credit on your Oyster card (I recommend auto top-up) and ensure you touch in/out correctly.

If travelling via a zone or zones not covered by your Travelcard, you may be charged a PAYG fare for the additional zone(s). In some cases, you will, and in others you won't, but you must ensure you carry out your obligations and then it's down to the system if you are charged extra or not.