What is a TravelCard?
TravelCards are travel passes that allow you to use London’s transportation system as often as you like, meaning unlimited travel.
You can use the Underground, buses, trams, DLR, Overground, and National Rail services within the specified London Underground zones.
They are valid for 1 or 7 days and come in paper format. These are validated in the slots at the access barriers like regular individual tickets.
Children under 11 travel for free on the Underground, DLR, and Overground as long as they are accompanied by an adult who has paid for their ticket (their own, not the child’s). Children under 11 can use buses for free without any restrictions.
There are two types of TravelCards: for adults and for children. No photo ID is required to obtain your TravelCard as they are issued in paper-card format.
Where to Get Your TravelCard
The quick answer is at The Visitor Shop. But you can also get them at:
- Underground stations
- Oyster Ticket Shops
- Travel Information Centers
- Online at visitbritainshop.com
Types of TravelCard
There are several types of TravelCard:
- Anytime Day TravelCard: You can use it to travel at any time on the day for which the card is valid on the transport systems mentioned above until 4:30 am the next day. This card is valid for zones 1-2, 1-4, 1-6, 1-9, and 1-9 including Watford Junction.
- Off-Peak Day TravelCard: This card can be used after 9:30 am on the day you validate it from Monday to Friday, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, always until 4:30 am the next day. It is only valid during off-peak hours, providing a cost saving. It is valid for the same zones as the Anytime Day TravelCard except for 1-4.
- 7 Day TravelCard: This is exactly the same as the Anytime Day TravelCard, except it lasts for 7 days.
- Monthly and Annual TravelCards: These allow unlimited travel for a month or a year, ideal for residents and long stays.
As a curiosity, if you buy your 7 Day TravelCard at an Underground station, at an Oyster Ticket Shop, or at a Travel Information Center, the 7 Day TravelCard will be issued on an Oyster Card.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
If you travel with a TravelCard in a zone it does not cover, you will have to pay a fine. This does not happen with the Oyster Card, which can be used in any zone.
TravelCards for 7 days refer to consecutive days.
When you get your 7 Day TravelCard on an Oyster Card, you need to leave a £5 deposit which is refundable. If you want to avoid this and have it on paper, you will need to buy it online. The 1 Day TravelCards do not come in Oyster format, but thanks to Daily Capping, with an Oyster you will never pay more than with a 1 Day TravelCard.
If you buy a TravelCard, note that they are valid for the dates indicated. Do not think that they can be validated at any time, but only on the dates you specified when purchasing them.
TravelCards do not have the name of the holder printed on them, so in theory, they are transferable.
Key Benefits of TravelCards
- Savings: Economical for frequent travel.
- Flexibility: Unlimited travel within the chosen zones.
- Convenience: Avoid buying individual tickets.
Prices
| Type of TravelCard | Zones 1-2 | Zones 1-4 | Zones 1-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anytime Day | £14.40 | £14.40 | £20.30 |
| Off-Peak Day | £14.40 | £14.40 | £14.40 |
| 7 Day (Adult) | £38.40 | £55.20 | £70.30 |
*Prices are subject to change. Check [tfl.gov.uk] for updated information. *Updated to 2024
Usage
As mentioned in the types section:
- TravelCards allow unlimited travel on the Underground, buses, DLR, London Overground, and National Rail services within the specified zones.
- They are available for periods of 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, or 1 year.
Validation of TravelCards
Paper TravelCards (1 day and 7 days):
- In the Underground and trains: Insert the card into the slots at the access barriers.
- On buses: Show the card to the driver when boarding.
TravelCards on Oyster Card (7 days or more):
- Touch the card on the yellow reader when entering and exiting Underground and train stations.
- On buses, just validate when boarding.
Recharge
- Paper TravelCards cannot be recharged. Once expired, you need to buy a new one.
- TravelCards on Oyster Card can be renewed at:
- Ticket machines in stations
- Station ticket offices
- Oyster Ticket Shops
- Online through the Transport for London (TfL) website
TravelCard vs Oyster Card
| Feature | TravelCard | Oyster Card |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Limited to specific zones | Usable in all zones |
| Duration | 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, or 1 year | Reloadable, no expiry |
| Capping | Not applicable | Daily and Weekly Capping |
| Best for | Frequent travel in specific zones | Occasional or variable travel |
Tips for Travelers
Although we discuss this topic extensively in this essential article, here is a summary:
- Plan your zones: Make sure your TravelCard covers all the zones you will need to visit.
- Compare with Oyster “Pay as you go”: For short stays or infrequent travel, the Oyster Card might be more economical.
- Take advantage of discounts: TravelCards offer discounts at some tourist attractions and Thames cruises.
- Children under 11: Travel for free with an adult who has a valid TravelCard.
- Travel outside your zone: If you need to travel outside the zones your TravelCard covers, you will have to pay the difference.
- Start time: 1 Day TravelCards are valid from 9:30 am on weekdays (all day on weekends and holidays).
- Flexibility: 7 Day or more TravelCards allow you to travel at any time of the day.
- Keep your TravelCard: Keep it in good condition as you will need it to enter and exit the transport system.
- Plan ahead: If you know you will be in London for a week or more, a 7 Day TravelCard may be more economical than buying daily tickets.
- Combine with Oyster: You can have a TravelCard on your Oyster Card and “Pay as you go” credit for occasional travel outside your usual zones.
