Navigating London: The Oyster Card
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Oyster cards are smartcards that can be used in lieu of paper tickets on the bus, Tube, tram, DLR, and London Overground in London. The Oyster card heavily discounts the cost of travel on public transportation, making it the most economical way to see London. Oyster cards can be reused and never expire. To use the Oyster Card, simply touch it to the yellow card reader on the bus, Tube, tram, etc., at the start and end of your journey. Additional funds can be added to the card at all Tube stations, Oyster Ticket Stops and Travel Information Centres. |
Oyster Card Price Comparisons:
| Zone | Cash | Oyster: Peak |
Oyster: Off-peak |
Oyster: Peak Price Cap |
Oyster: Off-Peak Price Cap |
Travelcard: Day Anytime |
Travelcard: Day Off-Peak |
Travelcard: 7 Day | ||||||||
| Zone 1 Only | £4.50 | £2.10 | £2.10 | £8.40 | £7.00 | £8.80 | £7.30 | £30.40 | ||||||||
| Zones 1-2 | £4.50 | £2.80 | £2.10 | £8.40 | £7.00 | £8.80 | £7.30 | £30.40 | ||||||||
| Zones 1-6 (Heathrow Airport) |
£5.50 | £5.00 | £3.00 | 15.80 | £8.50 | £16.40 | £8.90 | £55.60 |
The above chart only shows a small portion of the travel options that exist in London, focusing on Zone 1 (central London, where the conference hotel is located) and Zone 2 (immediately surrounding central London). Heathrow International Airport is located in Zone 6. For more information on travel to other parts of London, visit the Transport for London webpage.
Registration Option: Pre-Order Oyster Cards
The Oyster Card itself ordinarily costs £5, but conference attendees who pre-ordered them through ICA's registration purchased their card for £3. The cards purchased through ICA will be pre-loaded with £10, enough to cover attendees' first 3-4 rides. Please Note: Oyster cards ordered through ICA will be included in attendees' registration packets. Given this, the cards will not be available until Monday, 17 June at 8:00 AM.
Purchasing Oyster Cards in London
Individuals who did not pre-order an Oyster Card during conference registration can purchase one at any London Tube station for £5. Cards can be "topped up", or have value added to them, as needed.