Exploring various major attractions within London's urban area becomes much more cost-effective with the use of an Oyster Card. In comparison to buying single journey tickets with credit cards or cash, the Oyster Card for London's transportation system can save you a significant amount on transportation expenses. Consider it the London equivalent of an Octopus Card, offering discounted fares for students within the city. Curious about the procedures for purchasing and refunding an Oyster Card? Below, Cyclopes provides you with a concise guide to navigating the Oyster Card, the student transportation card in the UK.
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Where Can You Use the Oyster Card?
The Oyster Card is valid for use on various forms of public transportation, including the Tube, Overground, National Rail, DLR (Docklands Light Railway), and Tram. However, it's essential to note that the Oyster Card is only usable within the London fare zones.
London's urban area is divided into Zones 1-9, with the primary tourist attractions concentrated in Zones 1 and 2. Heathrow Airport, on the other hand, falls within Zone 6.
Attractions in Zone 1 include Victoria Station, King's Cross Station, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye, Covent Garden, Hyde Park, Tower Bridge, and the British Museum.
Zone 2 attractions encompass Camden Market and the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
If you plan to visit destinations beyond London, such as Oxford or Cambridge, you'll need to rely on services like National Rail and long-distance buses. Keep in mind that the Oyster Card is restricted to London's zones. For train travel, Railcards offer more benefits.
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How to Purchase an Oyster Card and its Types
Oyster Cards come in various types, primarily the Standard version and the Visitor version. The significant distinction between the two lies in the refund policy. The Visitor version, being commemorative, cannot be refunded for the cost of the card itself. This version can be purchased online. On the other hand, the Standard version can be obtained from self-service ticket machines at London stations. However, due to policy changes, starting from September 4, 2022, even the Standard version of the Oyster Card is no longer refundable for its deposit.
Furthermore, there's the Student version of the Oyster Card. Children under 18 years of age can use child Oyster Cards with photos. These include the 5-10 Zip Oyster photocards, 11-15 Zip Oyster photocards, and 16+ Zip Oyster photocards. Students aged 18 and above can opt for the 18+ Student Oyster photocards. Depending on the age category, child Oyster Cards offer various discounts, such as free rides or fare reductions. Students aged 18 and above, enrolled in schools registered with Transport for London and residing within the London area, are eligible to apply for this version of the Oyster Card. In comparison to the standard version, they also enjoy a 30% discount, making it particularly beneficial for students planning to pursue education in the UK.
Source: UK Government
How to Refund an Oyster Card?
Oyster Cards do not expire, but if you won't be visiting London again in the near future, you might consider refunding your Oyster Card at the self-service ticket machines within the London Underground stations. As long as the balance on your Oyster Card is below £10, you can process the refund using the ticket machine. However, if the balance exceeds £10, you'll need to handle the refund procedure at the airport ticket counters, London Visitor Centres, or the "TfL Oyster and contactless" app. With this guide on purchasing the student UK Oyster Card and the refund process, we hope to assist you in making the most of your trip to London!