Contactless, Oyster, Fare cap: choose by your route, party and the exact product conditions.
Compare at a glance
| Option | Best fit | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Contactless | A supported card or wallet | Consistent payment method |
| Oyster | A separate travel balance | Eligibility and top-up |
| Fare cap | A limit under applicable rules | Included travel and time period |
Choose the option that fits your journey
Compare payment methods using the current TfL rules for your journeys. Check whether the card is supported and whether your bank applies overseas charges. A contactless cap and a ticket valid everywhere are different concepts; read which journeys and periods the cap covers.
Read the detail that changes the booking
Use the appropriate touch-in and touch-out process for the mode and keep the same card or device where required. Do not assume a physical card and its phone-wallet version are interchangeable for journey matching. Prepare a fallback and check airport travel separately.
Keep the final confirmation available
Use the linked operator or seller information for your travel date. Save the selected product, address or meeting point and the terms that apply to your party. Source review dates are separate from publication dates: an English edition is not a claim that a price or service remains unchanged. Leave a practical margin before any fixed onward departure.
Before you book
- Contactless: Consistent payment method
- Oyster: Eligibility and top-up
- Fare cap: Included travel and time period
- Travel date, participant or guest eligibility and final conditions
Common questions
Does this page show live availability?
No. It is a sourced planning comparison. The linked operator and the selected booking product provide the current availability and terms.
Is this a firsthand review?
No. It explains published information and editorial planning choices; it does not claim firsthand use or guarantee the outcome of a booking.
Sources and booking conditions
- tfl.gov.uk — operator, destination or property information
- support.visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk — operator, destination or property information
English edition published 2026-10-03. Source review date inherited from the original guide: 2026-10-01. Editorial recommendations are not firsthand reviews or live quotes. Check current prices, availability and conditions before purchase.