Is having an Oyster ticker beneficial to commute to London?

Question

I live outside zone 6 and commute into central London every day using one overland train and one tube train to get to and from work. I buy an all zones travel card. I'm so confused with the prices so will ask if it will save me money by buying a monthly return to London and then an oyster for the tube? Or stay with my travel card? Cheers!

Answer 1

i think it works out cheaper. If memory serves, you're better off with the pre-paid top up one if you use the tube/train less than like, 3 times a week.. but if you go into work everyday a weekly or monthly is the cheaper option. Plus on those you can use them wherever, whenever (before 9) and on the weekend and everything.

Plus evverryyoonee has an oyster, you don't want to look 'uncool' do you? :P

*plus you don't have to wait at the machine everyday! you can top it up at the shops!)

Answer 2

Ok, I work for tfl so I should be able give you pros and cons. Firstly yes its cheaper to have an oyster card. But I will stress that you read the booklet from front to back be for using it! As incorrect use may deduct £4 from your pre payment every time you travel! Or worse, the dreaded £20 penalty fare. The oyster card has a top function, like a pay as you go. You can top it up on line, news agents, underground stations and some stations on the dlr. You don't have to register your card (so you won't feel tracked) but if you don't and loose it or if it becomes faulty then you will loose the money on it!!! Two of my oyster cards have gone 'blank' in the past four years! On a positive note, it's fast, easy to use and mostly stress free and of course save you a little bit of money on the most expensive railway in the world!

Answer 3

It's totally beneficial to get an Oyster card if you take more then one TfL bus, tube/DLR, or tram in your life.

As for the overland train, I can't say since I don't know which company you use for that.

As to what Joolz say about being tracked, you don't have to register it, you can buy and top up with cash.

Answer 4

In a way  your idea sounds good, as you would not have to pay out for the 6 zones. All you would have to do is buy an Oyster Card (Costs £3) and then 'Charge it up' with the price of a ticket between the stops that you get the tube for.

I you then need to travel further then you would need to put a further £5,£10 or £20 to get about...BUT you will not be able to use it on the trains (unlee you buy a monthly ticket)! So if you are wanting a ticket that cover trains, buses & Tubes then stick with you present ticket.

Also you do realise thatyour Oyster Card if you get one is used as a tracking device showing 'Red Ken' where you have been!

Answer 5

I believe that the cardboard travel card and oyster travel card is the same price - oyster is definatley more convenient (you can pretty much never take it out of your wallet!) but there is actually a £3 deposit on them - in the first month you switch over, you'll lose £3!