TripHip - Travel Tips and Advice for Traveling on a Budget

London's Oyster Cards

tpaajanen Profile Photo
Posted by
tpaajanen on 07/27/2009
Tags:
london, public transportation, buses, subways, fares, the tube
Location:
London,
United Kingdom
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No, they're not for seafood restaurants. The Oyster card is used for cheaper fares on London's public transit system. It looks like a credit card, that you touch to card sensors at various points in the Tube stations, buses and tram stops.

You just charge the card up before your trip, and you're ready for much more convenient travel around London. It's easier to use than paper tickets, and the rates are significantly lower (sometimes 50% lower). Just don't forget that when you use the Tube, you have to touch the card sensors at the END of your trip because rates are calculated based on total distance.

Buy an Oyster card at any Tube station and many news stands too. You can even order one through their website, and then you'll be ready to go the minute your plane arrives in London.

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  1. Posted by
    OmnivoreInk on 08/02/2009
    OmnivoreInk Profile Photo
    Technology is wonderful, but soulless! Twenty years or so ago, when I was able to travel to London frequently, each Underground station would sell it's own pasteboard tickets, and each would have their name on them. They make fun souvenirs.
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