Is Oyster Cheaper Than Contactless? Your London Travel Guide

Getting around London comes with a few options for paying your fare, like Oyster cards, contactless payment cards, and paper tickets. Knowing if Oyster is cheaper than contactless helps you choose the best way to pay.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, picking the right payment method can save you time and money. This guide compares Oyster cards and contactless payment cards, covering the benefits and potential costs, so you can travel across London smoothly and avoid any extra charges.

Key Takeaways

• Which is Cheaper: Oyster or Contactless? Both Oyster and contactless cards charge the same fares with daily and weekly caps, making them both affordable options for London travel.
• Benefits of Contactless Cards Contactless cards are convenient with easy tap and go payments, no need to preload, and work on all transport including with smartphones.
• Choosing the Right Payment Method Oyster cards offer discounts for tourists and help avoid foreign fees, while contactless cards are ideal for quick and hassle-free use.

Oyster Cards vs Contactless Payments: What’s the Difference?

Paying for public transport in London is easy with either an Oyster card or a contactless payment card. But which one should you choose? Let’s explore what makes each option different.

Oyster Card

An Oyster card is a prepaid card designed for London transport. You load it with credit before you travel, and it automatically applies fare capping, which means you won’t pay more than a set amount each day or week, regardless of how many journeys you take.

• Track Spending: You can monitor your balance and journey history through your Oyster account.
• Special Discounts: A Visitor Oyster card offers extra discounts on attractions, food, and shopping around London.
• Great for Tourists: If you’re planning a lot of sightseeing, the Visitor Oyster card can help you save on entry fees at popular spots.

The downside is that there’s a £7 fee for the card, and you need to remember to top it up. Any unused credit might go to waste if it’s not all used up.

Contactless Payment Cards

Using a contactless payment card, like your regular bank card, debit card, or even your smartphone, allows you to just tap and go without needing to top up. Contactless payments offer the same fare capping as Oyster, making them just as cost-effective.

• No Preloading Needed: The funds are taken directly from your bank account, so there’s no need to add credit in advance.
• Widely Accepted: Works on all London transport services, including National Rail and the Elizabeth Line.
• Fare Caps Apply: Daily and weekly fare caps work the same as with Oyster cards, ensuring you don’t overspend.

A potential drawback is that some banks may charge extra for foreign transactions if your card is issued outside the UK. It’s a good idea to check your card issuer’s fees before using it abroad.

When to Use Oyster Cards vs Contactless Cards

Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide which option suits you best:

Criteria	Oyster Card	Contactless Card
Foreign Fees	Avoids bank charges	May incur fees from your bank
Ease of Use	Requires topping up	No top-up needed, just tap and travel
Daily Fare Capping	Yes	Yes
Discounts on Attractions	Available for Visitor Oyster	Not available
Lost Card Recovery	Manageable via Oyster account	Report to your bank if lost
Tracking Spend	Track via Oyster account	Track via bank statement

If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, the Visitor Oyster card might offer better value with its extra discounts. However, if you prefer to keep things simple, contactless payments are likely the way to go.

Where You Can Use Oyster and Contactless Cards in London

Both Oyster and contactless payment cards are accepted on most types of public transport in London. These include:

• London Underground
• London Overground
• Buses
• Elizabeth Line
• Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
• Trams
• IFS Cloud Cable Car
• Thames River Buses

Pay As You Go on London Transport

Both Oyster and contactless payments work on a Pay As You Go system. This means you’re only charged for the trips you actually take. The system automatically calculates the cheapest fare each day, so you always get the best deal without needing to think about it.

Overall

Choosing between an Oyster card and a contactless payment method depends on what works best for you. Both are easy to use and come with fare caps, so you won’t end up paying more than necessary.

For tourists, the Visitor Oyster card might offer extra value with its discounts, while locals or frequent travellers might prefer the simplicity of contactless payments.

Always remember to tap in and out at the yellow card readers to avoid any unexpected charges. London’s transport network is designed to be user-friendly, so once you’ve got your payment method sorted, you’re ready to enjoy exploring the city.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Oyster cards and contactless payment cards?

Oyster cards need to be preloaded with credit, while contactless payment cards debit directly from your bank account. Both have the same fare capping system, making them equally cost-effective.

Is Oyster cheaper than contactless on the London Underground?

Both Oyster and contactless use the same fare structure and caps on the London Underground, so the cost is generally the same. However, Visitor Oyster cards can offer discounts on attractions, which might be helpful for tourists.

Can I use contactless payment on the London Underground?

Yes, contactless payment cards are accepted on the London Underground, as well as other public transport in London, including buses and trains.

Does fare capping work the same for Oyster and contactless on the London Underground?

Yes, fare capping works the same for both Oyster and contactless payments, ensuring you don’t pay more than the daily or weekly limit.

Are there fees for using a contactless payment card on the London Underground?

It depends on your card issuer. Some banks may charge foreign transaction fees if your card is from outside the UK, so it’s best to check before you travel.

Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay on the London Underground?

Yes, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and similar contactless technologies can be used on the London Underground just like a contactless card.

What happens if I forget to tap out on the London Underground?

If you forget to tap out, you might be charged the maximum fare for that journey. Always make sure to tap in and out to avoid unnecessary costs.

Can multiple people use the same Oyster card on the London Underground?

No, Oyster cards can’t be shared for the same journey, but they can be passed on to someone else to use later.

How do I get an Oyster card for the London Underground?

You can get an Oyster card at most ticket machines in Underground stations, online through the TfL website, or at various outlets including airports.

Is paying with cash still an option on the London Underground?

Cash payments are generally not accepted on London buses and are more expensive where they are accepted on the Underground. It’s best to use Oyster or contactless.

Is it worth getting a Visitor Oyster card for a short trip on the London Underground?

Yes, if you’re planning to travel frequently and visit attractions, a Visitor Oyster card can save you money with its fare capping and additional discounts.