Oyster card is an easy and convenient way to pay for most of the public transportation options in London.Oyster cards allow you to get in and out of Tube stations, trams, and buses quickly and easily.The Oyster card can be intimidating at first, but in a few journeys you can use it like a pro.
Step 1: Purchase a card.
Oyster cards can be purchased in a number of places.They are available at all Tube, London Overground, and TfL rail stations.Hundreds of newsagents and shops in London can act as Oyster ticket stops, allowing you to buy or refill a car.Oyster cards have a $5 activation fee that is due at the time of purchase of a new card.
Step 2: If you are a tourist, you can buy an Oyster Visitor card online.
Oyster visitor cards can be purchased online if you are visiting another country.This can be shipped to you in advance of your trip, so that you have your card and a set value of ride credit ready to go when you get there.You can purchase your card from this link: https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/visitor-oyster-card.
Step 3: You can add money to your Oyster card.
As you use London transit systems, you can add money to pay your fares.You can top up your Oyster card at any of the places where you can buy it.Cash or credit card can be used.You can add money to your Oyster card through your online account if you live in the UK.You will need to use a bank or credit card to add money to your online account.You don't need to add a set amount to your card since the fares are based on distance and time of day.Make sure you have enough money for your trip.If you get a yellow light instead of a green light, you can use the TfL fare finder.If you want to complete your journey, top up your card with enough money.
Step 4: In lieu of fares, add a Travelcard to your card.
Travelcards allow an unlimited number of rides for a fixed period of time.You can purchase Travelcards for a day, a month, or a year.The day passes are printed on paper, but the rest are Oyster cards.You can find travelcards in different price brackets based on where you will travel.Travelcards can be expensive, so think about how much you really plan on using public transportation before committing to the cost.If you only plan on taking a few rides, a day pass may not be worth the price.
Step 5: Look for a yellow card reader.
There will be yellow card readers at National Rail stations.The gate that lets you on and off the train platform will be next to the card reader.The reader is usually to the right of the gate you want to enter.
Step 6: Attach your card to the reader.
You don't need to use your Oyster card in public.You should be able to access the platform if you tap it to the card reader.The indicator light at the upper left corner of the reader goes from yellow to green if you hold your card to it.Proceed through the gates to your platform.Some people leave their card in their wallet or purse and simply tap it against the reader.If you choose to do this, the card reader could detect and deduct fares from any payment cards you're keeping in the same place, costing you more.
Step 7: You can leave your station by using your card again.
You will need to tap your card again when you reach your destination stop or station.Proceed toward the exit and you will find gates with yellow card readers.To leave the station, tap your card to the reader.This makes sure you are charged the correct amount.You may be charged the maximum amount for your trip if you fail to tap as you exit.You should tap as you leave to make sure you only pay for the journey you take.
Step 8: Pink card readers can be used to transfer between lines.
Some journeys are cheaper than others, and pink card readers help TfL know where you've been so that you don't get over charged.If you see a pink card reader, you can use it to transfer.Some transfers won't have pink card readers.When you see them, use them.
Step 9: The Oyster card is used the same way as other transportation.
Oyster cards are accepted on rail transit in London, but you can also use them to get on and off the MBNA Thames Clipper river bus.You could get a discount if you pay for these with your Oyster card.You can receive a 10% discount on the river bus.You can receive a 25% discount on the cable car.
Step 10: There is a yellow reader on the tram platform.
Touch your card to the yellow reader on the platform before boarding the tram.Proceed onto the tram if you wait for the yellow light to turn green.
Step 11: As you board the bus, please touch your card to the yellow reader.
There is a card reader on the bus.Wait for the yellow light in the upper left corner to turn green after touching your card.Proceed onto the bus after that.
Step 12: Don't try to get off the bus or tram.
You don't have to tap to exit the buses and trams.You don't want to go to a reader and try to tap as you leave.You can exit the bus or tram if you pay the flat fare.