# What's the cheapest way to get around London?

> Walk and take buses, and pay by contactless card or Oyster; daily caps limit spending, and the bus Hopper fare gives unlimited bus rides within an hour.

The cheapest way to get around London is a mix of walking and buses, paying with a contactless bank card, phone wallet or Oyster card rather than paper tickets. Pay-as-you-go fares are much cheaper than single tickets, daily caps stop you from paying more than a set amount per day, and the bus "Hopper" fare lets you take unlimited buses and trams within one hour for a single fare.

## The cheapest options, step by step

1. **Walk.** Central London is more compact than the Tube map suggests; many neighboring stations are only a few minutes apart on foot.
2. **Take the bus.** Buses are cheaper than the Underground, and a flat fare covers any bus journey. Buses do not accept cash.
3. **Use contactless or Oyster.** Tap in and out on the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR (tap in only on buses). Fares are the same for contactless and Oyster, and both are capped daily.
4. **Use the same card every time.** Caps only work if you pay with one card or device; don't switch between your phone and physical card.
5. **Travel off-peak.** Tube fares are lower outside weekday rush hours.
6. **Stay in zones 1–2.** Most sights are there, and fares rise with each zone.
7. **Rent a bike.** Santander Cycles are good for short rides; keep each ride within the time included in the hire fee.
8. **Use the river only for sightseeing.** Thames boats are scenic but cost more than buses and the Tube.

Check current fares and cap amounts on the official [Transport for London website](https://tfl.gov.uk/).

## Contactless, Oyster or Travelcard?

- **Contactless** is the simplest for most visitors with a card that has no foreign transaction fees. It also offers weekly capping from Monday to Sunday.
- **Oyster** is useful if you don't have a contactless card or want to avoid foreign card fees; it requires a refundable deposit or fee.
- **Paper Travelcards** rarely beat capped pay-as-you-go for typical tourist use.

## Getting from the airport cheaply

From Heathrow, the Piccadilly line is the cheapest rail option, and the Elizabeth line is faster. The Heathrow Express is quick but much more expensive. From Gatwick, Stansted and Luton, compare trains with National Express buses.

## FAQ

**Is Oyster or contactless cheaper?**
Pay-as-you-go fares and daily caps are the same. Contactless adds weekly caps; Oyster avoids foreign card fees if your bank charges them.

**Can I travel around London for free?**
Children under 11 travel free on buses and, with an adult, on the Tube. Walking and many free museums cost nothing.

**Is a London Pass the same as an Oyster card?**
No. The London Pass is an attractions pass; Oyster is a transport card.

**Do London buses take cash?**
No. Pay by contactless card, phone or Oyster.

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https://inyourtravel.com/what-s-the-cheapest-way-to-get-around-london/ · In Your Travel · Checked 2026-10-30