I'd like to learn how oyster passes actually work. Does one have an account that contains funds and as you travel the funds are deducted? We'll be visiting London for 2 weeks. Is it worth the effort to get an oyster pass rather than the weekly zone passes? Thank you!
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Yes, I've used it two weeks ago. You buy the "empty" Oyter card at any London Transport ticket vending desk. You pay GBP 3.00 which is a deposit. You then load any amount onto your card in GBP 5 charges (5, 10, 15, etc.). When entering the actual station you hold your card in fron of that yellow round symbol. The centralized computer system notes that card number xyz is going to take a journey. The amount available on your card shows on the little display, the bar opens and you're free to enter. At the station of your destination you do the same, it automatically calculates the correct fare and displays the amount remaining on your card. The fees are: Heathrow to downtown off-peak hours and weekends: GBP 2 instead of 4 if payed cash or credit card. Any underground ride inside downtown is 1.50, any bus ride is 1.00 flat (you don't swipe again upon hopping of the bus, just when you board as it's a flat). Plus it's obviously capped so that you never pay more than 6.70 a day (day ticket).
Posted by
OP
Cortland, NY, USA
2 posts
Thank you for your response. It was very detailed and clear. I appreciate it very much!
Steve