Navigating London's public transport system can feel overwhelming, especially with various ticket options and travel cards available. Add contactless payments to the mix, and it's easy to see why visitors might be unsure about the most cost-effective and convenient way to get around.
At the VisitBritain Shop, one of the most common questions we receive is: "What's the difference between using a Visitor Oyster card and contactless?"
To help you make the best choice for your trip, we've put together this handy guide comparing the two options.
Understanding these payment methods can save you both time and money, so read on to find out which travel option is best suited for your trip.
Travelling with a Visitor Oyster card:
The Visitor Oyster card is a prepaid smart travel card that can be used on the Tube, bus, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and most National Rail services within London.
- It automatically caps your daily spending based on the zones you travel through and how often you travel.
- Owning a Visitor Oyster card gives you access to discounts on certain experiences, bars, and restaurants through the accompanying offers booklet.
- You can purchase your Visitor Oyster card before you travel, with delivery to your chosen address, ensuring it's ready to use upon your arrival in London.
Travelling with Contactless:
You can use a contactless-enabled bank card to pay for travel on the Tube, bus, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and most National Rail services within London:
- Similar to the Visitor Oyster card, it automatically caps your daily spending depending on the zones you travel in and how frequently you travel.
- Be aware that overseas charges may apply when using contactless, and some foreign bank cards may not be accepted (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are generally accepted).
- When travelling in a group or family, each member aged 11 and over must have their own contactless bank card.
Visitor Oyster card vs. Contactless: a quick comparison
| Feature | Visitor Oyster card | Contactless payment |
|
Ease of acquisition |
Buy before you travel, delivered to your address | Use your existing contactless bank card |
|
Cost-Effectiveness (daily capping) |
Potential discounts and special offers | Potential overseas transaction fees |
| Child Discounts (11-15) | Eligible for 50% Young Visitor discount (applied in London) | Not eligible for discounted fares |
| Budget Control | Prepay and top up as needed, clear spending limit | Spending linked to your bank account |
| Potential fees | None from TfL; initial card purchase cost | Potential overseas transaction fees from your bank |
| Card acceptance | Universally accepted on TfL services | Some non-UK cards may not be accepted |
| Convenience/Security | Less need to take out your bank card | Convenient if you always have your card with you |
| Phone dependency | No reliance on phone battery or security | Phone battery and security could be a concern for mobile payments |
| Additional benefits | Offers booklet with discounts on attractions, etc. | None specific to TfL travel |
| Reusability | Can be kept for future trips or as a souvenir | Your regular bank card |
| Group travel | Each person needs their own card (can be beneficial for child discounts) | Each person aged 11+ needs their own contactless card |
Why choose a Visitor Oyster card when contactless is accepted?
While contactless payment offers convenience, the Visitor Oyster card has several advantages, especially for tourists:
- Ideal for families with older children: Children aged 11-15 can receive a 50% Young Visitor discount on their fares with a Visitor Oyster card – a saving not available with contactless payment.
- Budget control: You can set a clear budget for your travel by pre-loading your Visitor Oyster card and only topping up if you choose.
- Avoid overseas bank charges: Using a Visitor Oyster card eliminates the risk of incurring foreign transaction fees from your bank.
- Guaranteed acceptance: Some bank cards issued outside the UK might not be accepted on TfL services, whereas the Visitor Oyster card is specifically designed for this purpose.
- Enhanced security: You may feel more comfortable using a separate travel card rather than constantly taking out your bank card in busy areas. Additionally, it removes the reliance on your phone battery if you use mobile contactless payments.
- Exclusive discounts: Enjoy a range of special offers and discounts at various attractions, bars, and restaurants around London with your Visitor Oyster card offers booklet.
- Reusable: You can keep your Visitor Oyster card after your trip to use on future visits, lend to friends, or keep as a memento of your time in London.
Why is the Visitor Oyster card ideal when travelling as a family?
While children under 11 travel free on most London transport, those aged between 11 and 15 can benefit from significantly reduced fares with a Visitor Oyster card. This Young Visitor discount can lead to substantial savings for families travelling with older children. Contactless payment does not offer this option.
How to use the Visitor Oyster card with older children:
- Individual cards: Each person aged 11 or over in your family will need their own individual Visitor Oyster card.
- Apply the discount in London: Once you arrive in London, take the Visitor Oyster card(s) to a Transport for London (TfL) staff member at most Tube stations or a TfL Visitor Centre and ask them to add the Young Visitor discount.
- Valid for 14 days: The Young Visitor discount is valid for 14 days from the date it is applied.
- Travel as normal: Once the discount is applied, your child can use their Visitor Oyster card as normal for all their TfL journeys in London.
Consider the London Day Travelcard
If you're travelling as a family and prefer a paper ticket, you might also consider the London Day Travelcard. You can purchase adult or child versions, allowing unlimited travel on the Tube, bus, train, and DLR within your chosen zones (Zones 1-6 or Zone 1-4) for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days.
Like the Visitor Oyster card, it can be purchased in advance and is date-stamped for your intended travel dates.