Visitor Oyster Card (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Oyster and visitor Oyster cards? ›

In conclusion, the main difference between Standard and Visitor Oyster cards is that Standard Oyster cards are reusable, while Visitor Oyster cards are disposable. In addition, standard Oyster cards do not come with a daily price cap, while Visitor Oyster cards do.

You can't buy a Visitor Oyster card in London. Go to the Visitor Shop website to buy your card before you leave home and it will be delivered to your home address.

A £10 Visitor Oyster card covers a full day of unlimited travel in central London within zones 1-2, as the travel price is currently capped at £8.10. A £25 card is ideal for 3 days' travel in zones 1-2.

As both cards use the same Pay As You Go system and are compatible with the TfL Oyster & Contactless app, the costs are comparable. As a tourist in London, it can be worth getting an Oyster Card as part of the London Pass. Visitor Oyster Card holders may also be given access to exclusive deals and discounts.

If you plan to stay in London for a couple of days and make two to four journeys a day, or want to travel to the outskirts of the city, then a Visitor Oyster card* may be the cheapest option. It is delivered to your home by post before you arrive in London, saving you time when you arrive.

Child Oyster cards (5–10 Zip Oyster photocard, 11–15 Zip Oyster photocard, Visitor Oyster card or a blue Oyster card with the Young Visitor discount applied) can be used to travel free on Heathrow Express.

For a 2 day trip, we recommend that you get £15 pay as you go travel credit on your Visitor Oyster card for unlimited travel in central London (zones 1 and 2). You can always add more pay as you go credit if you run out by topping at stations' ticket machines, Visitor Centres and Oyster Ticket Stops.

You can check the balance on your Visitor Oyster card before leaving London at a Tube, DLR or London Overground station ticket machine or at an Oyster Ticket Stop – you cannot do this from home.

They recommend getting a Visitor Oyster Card pre-loaded with £15.00, which should last you about 2 or 3 days if most of your travel will be in Zone 1. Oyster Visitor Cards have a daily price cap on how much you will pay. The cap varies depending upon whether you travel at peak times or off-peak times.

How to get around London as a tourist? ›

Far and away the best way to get around London – besides walking, of course! – is via public transit. You have two basic options, the Tube (also called "the Underground") and buses.

If you need to add more value/credit to your Visitor Oyster card you can simply 'top up' at one of the machines in the stations, or by going to one of the Transport for London ticket desks.

There are two types of Oyster card. If you buy in London you get the standard Oyster card, if you buy outside London including airport trains and National Express coaches, overseas agents and you will get a Visitor Oyster card.

Can families or groups all use the same Oyster card? No, each person must have their own Oyster Card, except under 11s who travel free with a paying adult on Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and some National Rail services - up to 4 children per adult.

It's more than 50% cheaper than buying a paper Travelcard or single tickets with cash. Oyster cards have a daily price cap – once you reach this limit, you won't pay for any additional journeys (excluding Thames Clippers River Bus where there is no capping).