The Oyster Card, a reusable travel card was introduced to speed up the process of travelling around London. It is a cashless pre- pay system. You pay for your card(£3,which is refundable if you are using cash pay as you go). You can then register the card which gives protection if it is lost or stolen. You can also lend it to a friend if you don’t travel very often.

The traditional methods such as single tickets will cost you more than double the amount which is deducted from you Oyster Card automatically when you ‘touch in’ on the screen. It doesn’t matter where you live you just use it again the next time you visit London.

You can choose 7 Day, Monthly or long period Travelcards, Bus Passes and /or Pay as you go.

There are over two thousand places where you can buy or top up the cash on your card:-

By telephone 0845 330 9876 which is also the Oyster Helpline.

Online at tfl.gov.uk/oyster.

Tube and Overground station touchscreen ticket machines.

London Travel Information Centres.

Some National Rail Ticket Offices.

The recognisable blue Oyster sign is displayed in newsagents and other shops. These are known as the Oyster Ticket Stops.

Discounts are available for children, teenagers and students.

You can also opt for Auto top-up. Your pay as you go card will automatically be topped up by £20 or £40 if your available balance goes below £5.00.

You touch in and touch out when you travel on the Tube/DLR/Overground/National Rail Trains. This calculates your cheapest fare. On Buses and Trams you only touch in. Make sure that the green light has cleared your card before you leave, or you might get a Penalty Fare or even be prosecuted.It is the cheapest way to get around with fares generally less than half price. Your Travelcard or Bus Pass Season Ticket can be stored in cash on your Oyster Card. It can be used on Buses, Tube, Tram, DLR ( Docklands Light Railway) and London Overground Rail Network.