LONDON TRANSPORT
The London Travelcard is the original pass for public transport in London. The Travelcard is easy to purchase and as well as saving money also saves a lot of time obtaining tickets individually.
In 2003, the Oyster Card alternative was introduced. Most Londoners will have an Oyster Card for their transport needs as its offers the cheapest travel. However, for many short term visitors to London the Travelcard still finds favour. Unlike the Oyster Card you do not need to make a deposit and for those with children they offer a work around for photocards required for discount travel. Travelcards also potentially offer access to significant discounts on London's major attractions.
| London Travelcard Fares 2009 |
The London Travelcard is the original London public transport pass and comes as a ticket on card which you dispose off when finished with.
In 2003, the Oyster Card was introduced. This is a smart card electronic device. The Oyster Card is very flexible and is the lowest cost way of travelling in London. Nearly all Londoners have Oyster Cards.
We have a dedicated page addressing the Oyster Card v Travelcard what is best for you debate. For short term visitors to London, the Travelcard is still often the optimum solution to travel needs in London.
The Travelcard allows unlimited travel on the Underground (Metro), buses and trains in the London urban area. You also get a discount on many of London's scheduled river services too. London public transport is divided up into six circular zones radiating out from the centre. You pay more, the more zones you need. Most visitors will only need Zones 1/2 where all the attractions are. (Heathrow Airport though is in Zone 6) |  |
| London Travelcard Prices Purchased in London (from 2 Jan 2009 ) |
Zones | Day
(Peak)* | Day
(Off Peak) | 3 Day
(Peak) | 3 Day
(Off Peak) | 7 Day |
1-2 | £7.20
(£3.60) | £5.60 | £18.40
(£9.20) | - | £25.80
(£12.90) |
1-4 | £10.00
(£5.00) | £6.30 | - | - | £36.80
(£18.40) |
1-6 | £14.80
(£7.40) | £7.50
(£2.00) | £42.40
(£21.20) | £21.20
(£6.00) | £47.60
(£23.80) |
* Off peak hours are after 9 30.a.m. Monday to Friday, all day Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays |
How To Use
For most buses just show the driver your Travelcard as you board. For the long "bendy" buses with 3 entrances just board at any entrance.
For the Underground and DLR to gain access to the platforms, and to exit a station you have to pass through automatic barriers, (pictured left).
You are allowed through by inserting your Travelcard ticket into a slot in the barrier, or if you have an Oyster Card swiping it over the yellow pad.
All Underground trains run at about 1-4 minute intervals between around 05:00 and 24:00.
LONDON AIRPORTS
NEW TERMINAL FIVE