London Underground travelcard help.

[Sammy h]

Will be going to London for three days in November, just wondering if there is a cheaper way of using the underground?

I usually just buy a zone 1-2 travel card for about £8 whilst I'm down there, is it worth getting an Oyster card? My knowledge of fares etc on the underground isn't that great so I do apologise.

There will be two people travelling as well if that makes any difference. Only amounts to roughly £48, but it is always worth asking

 

[LexyBoy]

An Off Peak Day Travelcard for Zones 1-2 is £7.30, and the Oyster PAYG Off-Peak cap is £7.

So if you'll be doing a lot of travelling, there's not much saving, but Oyster means that if you don't reach the cap you're not paying for travel you don't use. A Tube single is £2.10 for example, so you'd need to make 4 journeys to reach the cap.

Another advantage is that you don't have to decide where you're travelling beforehand - if you need to go to Z3, just make your journey and Oyster will ensure you're charged the correct fare (and cap at the appropriate point).

 

[Sammy h]

Perfect, thanks for your help, exactly what I needed to know.

One more thing, can I apply for an Oyster card online, or have to get one when I'm down there?

 

[LexyBoy]

You can get them online - here - but it's probably as convenient to pick one up on arrival. There are machines issuing them at major stations and any Underground ticket office will give you one.

However you get one, it's £5 refundable deposit plus however much credit you add. No need to register the card, though if you do it means you can recover your credit if it's lost.

 

[maniacmartin]

Don't get the Visitor Oyster card at £3 though, as its non-refundable!

 

[paddington]

And it's only refundable with photo ID and proof of address, even if you don't register it!