I am planning to go to several museums in the suburbs of London where there are no tube stops. The web sites say that the Oyster card can be used for trips on National Rail in zones 1-6. How does that work? Do I buy a ticket at a railway station from one of the automated tellers using the Oyster card? Or, do I stand in line for a real person? Surely, I don't just show my card to the train attendent?!?
Posted by
London, UK
356 posts
My local rail station has an Oyster card reader. It's not at a barrier like in the tube stations. It's just in a corner in the foyer of the station so you just have to remember to swipe in/out.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32893 posts
It is critical if using an Oyster Card on National Rail you must do two things. You need to be sure that your journey can be done with an Oyster card. Download the map from:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/oyster-rail-services-map.pdf Then, when you've decided it will work, make sure you have enough credit on your Oyster Card, then into the station you go. As said above, you need to find that swipe pad. Touch your card to it and get on the train. At the other end you must touch out on a similar swipe pad. If you don't a much bigger amount will be taken off for an incomplete journey. And if you just get on without touching in and the inspector checks your card you will have a big fine. I'm pretty sure the fine in London is up to £50 now. Its £20 here in Birmingham.