Fares and tickets

London’s Oystercard system provides seamless electronic ticketing across most of London’s public transport modes, making journeys easier and less stressful. Oyster is also generally cheaper than paying the equivalent cash fare.

In October 2007, the Mayor announced that single fares for Tube, DLR and buses in London would be frozen in 2008. One-day travelcards and travelcard season tickets will increase in line with inflation, as their price must be negotiated with the National Rail Train Operating Companies.

Taking into account inflation, average bus fares are around 7% lower than in January 2007, and average Tube fares are around 1% lower.

For more information about fares and tickets, download the latest Guide to Fares and Tickets.

Free and discounted travel on London’s public transport

Under 18s

All under-18s in full time education were granted free bus and tram travel on 1 September 2006. The scheme will help many families in London by improving access to education, sport and leisure. Encouraging young people to use public transport will help to continue London’s move away from car journeys, and should also cut congestion, pollution and accidents by reducing the school run.

Under 11s and Under 16s

The Mayor introduced free bus and tram travel for under-11s in January 2004 and under-16s in September 2005. In April 2006 the Mayor extended free travel on the Tube and DLR to under-11s, when accompanied by an adult who has a valid ticket. Under-11’s can now travel free at any time on public transport.

18+ student travel

Full time students, or part time students in receipt of financial support, may be eligible for the 18+ student photocard, which allows the bearer to buy 7-day or longer travelcards or bus passes at 30% off the adult price.

18+ Student Travel Research

Transport for London commissioned research, on behalf of the Mayor, to look into the travel habits of London’s students. The research, which was undertaken in late 2007, aimed to find out more about their travel patterns and to gauge the level of use of the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard.

18+ Student Travel Research Report PDF
18+ Student Travel Research Report RTF

Bus and tram discount

Londoners in receipt of Income Support are now eligible to apply for a bus and tram discount Card, which entitles them to travel on London’s buses and trams at half of the adult rate using pay-as-you-go or period bus passes.

Photocards

Young people require either a 16/17 or 14/15 Oyster photocard to be eligible for free bus and tram use. Some under-14s must have a valid Oyster photocard to get free or child rate travel. From September 2008 a new photocard for 11-15 year olds will be launched, known as Zip.

For more information on free and discounted travel visit Transport for London’s fares and tickets page.

What has been achieved by the Mayor to date?

Free bus & tram travel for all under-18s in full time education and discounted travel to 16-17 year olds at work. Previously under-11s were granted free travel in 2004 and under-16s in September 2005.
Free travel for under-11s on the Tube when accompanied by an adult.
Introduction of the Oyster smartcard for use on Tube, bus, Tramlink, DLR and National Rail services.
Simplification of fares on Tramlink and integration with other public transport - Tramlink accepts Bus Passes for the first time.
Free travel for school parties in London.
Introduction of the student Oyster card (replacing the LT card scheme), which entitles holders to a third off the adult rate for a number of fares.
Night bus fares equalised with day fares.
Visitors can purchase their Oystercard tickets in advance of entering the UK via the Visit Britain website.
Introduction of a New Deal Photocard to give unemployed people the help and support they need to get into work.
From August 2007 a quarter of a million Londoners on income support received the opportunity to benefit from half price bus and tram fares.
New bus saver tickets with overt anti-counterfeit measures.

Related websites

Links to related websites.