How to Save Money on London Transport, Including the Tube

1. Use an Oyster Card or Contactless Payment

Instead of buying paper tickets, use an Oyster card or a contactless bank card to benefit from cheaper fares.

Why it saves money:

• Pay-as-you-go fares are significantly cheaper than paper tickets.
• Daily and weekly fare caps ensure you never pay more than a set amount.
• Contactless payments follow the same pricing structure as Oyster cards, meaning you can tap in and out with your debit or credit card without needing to top up.

2. Get a Travelcard for Unlimited Travel

If you travel frequently within London, a Travelcard can offer better value than pay-as-you-go fares.

Best options:

• 7-day, monthly, or annual Travelcards for unlimited travel within selected zones.
• If travelling outside London, combine a National Rail Travelcard with an Oyster card for additional savings.

3. Take Advantage of Weekly and Monthly Fare Capping

Using an Oyster card or contactless payment comes with an automatic cap on how much you pay per day or week.

How it works:

• Once you reach the daily cap, all further journeys are free for the rest of the day.
• If you travel multiple days in a week, you can benefit from a weekly cap which may work out cheaper than buying a Travelcard.

4. Apply for a Railcard and Link It to Your Oyster Card

If you’re eligible for a National Railcard, you can link it to your Oyster card to get a 33% discount on off-peak pay-as-you-go fares.

Available Railcards:

• 16-25 Railcard – for young adults and students.
• 26-30 Railcard – for young professionals.
• Senior Railcard – for those aged 60 and above.
• Disabled Persons Railcard – for eligible travellers.
• Family & Friends Railcard – ideal for those travelling with children.

5. Travel Off-Peak to Reduce Costs

Travelling during off-peak hours can lead to significant savings on the Tube, trains, and even some buses.

Off-peak hours:

• Weekdays: Before 6:30 AM, between 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, and after 7:00 PM.
• Weekends and public holidays: Off-peak fares apply all day.

6. Use the Hopper Fare for Unlimited Bus and Tram Transfers

If you rely on London’s bus and tram network, the Hopper fare can help you save money.

Benefits:

• Unlimited bus and tram transfers within one hour of your first tap, for just £1.75.
• No need to pay extra when switching between different bus routes.
• Works automatically when using an Oyster or contactless card.

7. Walk or Cycle Short Distances

London is a walkable city, and many Tube stations are much closer together than they appear on the map.

Ways to save:

• Use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps to check walking distances before hopping on the Tube.
• Take advantage of Santander Cycles (£1.65 for 30 minutes of use).
• Walking between Zone 1 stations can often be faster than taking the Underground!

8. Use Discounted Travel Schemes

London offers several discount travel schemes for different groups of people.

Popular options:

• Zip Oyster Photocard – Free or discounted travel for children and teenagers.
• 60+ Oyster Card – Free travel for London residents aged 60 and over.
• Student Oyster Card (18+) – 30% off Travelcards for full-time students.
• Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount – Discounts for jobseekers.

9. Plan Your Journey to Avoid Extra Costs

Avoid unnecessary expenses by planning your routes strategically.

Smart tips:

• Use TfL’s Journey Planner or the Citymapper app to find the cheapest routes.
• Avoid getting caught in Zone 1 if possible – rerouting via Zone 2 or 3 can reduce fares.
• Check for planned Tube closures and strikes to avoid delays and expensive last-minute taxis.

10. Consider Annual or Employer-Backed Travel Schemes

For regular commuters, investing in a Season Ticket or employer-backed travel schemes can lead to big savings.

Best options:

• Annual Travelcards (which often come with a discount equivalent to two free months of travel).
• Season Ticket Loans from employers, allowing you to spread the cost over monthly salary deductions.

11. Use Alternative Transport Modes

London has multiple transport options, and choosing the right one can be more cost-effective.

Alternatives to consider:

• Thames Clippers River Bus – Pay with Oyster for cheaper fares compared to tourist boat trips.
• National Express or Megabus – Affordable intercity travel instead of expensive trains.
• Electric scooters – Now legal in some London boroughs, offering a fun and cheap travel alternative.

12. Avoid Buying Tickets at the Station

Buying tickets directly from ticket machines or counters can be more expensive than using Oyster or contactless.

Cheaper options:

• Download the TfL Oyster App to top up your Oyster card on the go.
• Book train tickets in advance via National Rail or train company websites to secure cheaper fares.
• Consider split-ticketing for longer rail journeys beyond London.

Conclusion

London transport doesn’t have to drain your budget. By using an Oyster card, taking advantage of fare caps, and travelling off-peak, you can significantly cut your travel costs. Walking, cycling, and planning your routes effectively can also make a big difference. Whether you’re a commuter or just visiting, these strategies will help you save money and navigate London more affordably.