How this Oyster card fare calculator works
This tool gives you a practical estimate of London Oyster pay-as-you-go costs. You can quickly model a single trip, see what a day of travel might cost, and estimate your weekly spend based on your commute pattern.
Oyster fares depend on a few things: mode (Tube vs bus), the zones crossed, and whether you travel in peak or off-peak hours. On top of that, daily caps can lower your total when you make multiple journeys.
What affects your fare the most?
1) Zone coverage
In general, crossing more zones costs more. Journeys touching Zone 1 tend to be more expensive than orbital journeys outside central London.
2) Peak vs off-peak travel
Peak fares are usually charged during weekday commuting windows. Off-peak travel is often cheaper and can make a meaningful difference over a month.
3) Daily cap protection
Oyster has daily caps: after you spend up to a certain threshold, additional pay-as-you-go journeys that day may be free (within the same fare scope). This calculator shows both your raw total and your capped total.
Step-by-step: using the calculator
- Select your journey type (Tube/rail modes or bus/tram).
- For Tube-style journeys, choose start and end zones.
- Pick peak or off-peak time.
- Choose passenger type and add railcard discount if applicable.
- Enter number of journeys per day and travel days per week.
- Click Calculate fare to get single, daily, and weekly estimates.
Example scenarios
Commuter from Zone 3 to Zone 1
A weekday peak commute can add up quickly, but caps help if you make extra trips in the evening. If your schedule allows occasional off-peak travel, the yearly savings can be significant.
Outer-London orbital travel
Trips that avoid Zone 1 are often cheaper. If your route options are flexible, choosing a non-central path can reduce the per-journey fare.
Bus-heavy travel days
Bus/tram fares are simpler: flat single fare and a lower daily cap. For short multi-stop days, bus travel can be very cost-efficient.
Tips to lower your Oyster spending
- Travel off-peak where possible.
- Bundle errands into one day to maximize cap value.
- Check if a railcard discount can be linked to your Oyster.
- Consider routes that avoid Zone 1 when practical.
- Review whether pay-as-you-go or a season product fits your routine better.
Important note on accuracy
This calculator is designed for budgeting and planning. Real fares can vary by route, service type, policy updates, concessions, and special rules. Always confirm final pricing with official TfL sources before making financial decisions.
Quick FAQ
Does this include every concession and edge case?
No. It focuses on common adult and child-style estimates, railcard off-peak adjustments, and daily cap logic.
Is weekly capping included?
The weekly number shown here is an estimate based on your daily charge multiplied by travel days. It is intended for quick planning rather than official settlement rules.
Can I use this for contactless too?
In many day-to-day situations, Oyster and contactless PAYG behave similarly. Still, always verify your exact method and fare policy with current operator guidance.