Bit of advice on London commuting for a few days

BenEadir

Hi all,

I'll be travelling from East Croydon train station to London Bridge and back again each day next week.

What's the smartest (cheapest) way to do that? I used to buy one day or one week travel cards when working in London previously (10 years ago) but I understand the Oyster Card has replaced the old paper travel cards so I'm in need of some up to date advice!!

Ben

Vic_08

BenThere wrote: »

Hi all,

I'll be travelling from East Croydon train station to London Bridge and back again each day next week.

What's the smartest (cheapest) way to do that? I used to buy one day or one week travel cards when working in London previously (10 years ago) but I understand the Oyster Card has replaced the old paper travel cards so I'm in need of some up to date advice!!

Ben

If you are not going to make any other bus/rail/tram/underground journeys during the week then a travelcard would not be good value. Paper day returns would probably be the easiest option, oyster PAYG or possibly a 7day season might be cheaper depending on your travel times.

schemingbohemia

I thought Oyster automatically gives you the cheapest fare? It would be the handiest certainly, if you do decide to get a Tube any other time or the bus also.

Lapin

You can still get the old paper tickets and travelcards but they are more expensive than the Oyster card.

The following price guidelines are based on the assumption that you will be commuting during peak hours.

Single ticket cost from East Croydon - London Bridge
East Croydon is in Zone 5

Zones 1-5
£5.30

5 day cost, £53.



Weekly Travelcard,

Zones 1-5
£49.80

5 day cost, 49.80



Cost using Oyster Card

1-5
£4.40

5 day cost, £44


A £5 refundable deposit is required when purchasing an Oyster, but it can then be topped up anywhere in London to use for future trips or passed on to family and friends visiting London.

Victor

Are you travelling at peak times?

Vic_08

If the outward journey from Croydon begins later than 09.30 then an off-peak return is available for 8.50, this can be used to return at any time.

A Croydon-London 7 day season costs 38.20 which would be the cheapest option of all. A photocard is required to use season tickets, you would need to bring a passport photo to the ticket office to get one issued; there is no charge for this and they will issue it on the spot.

WillieFlynn

schemingbohemia wrote: »

I thought Oyster automatically gives you the cheapest fare? It would be the handiest certainly, if you do decide to get a Tube any other time or the bus also.

It will change to a day ticket if that is cheaper, but if a weekly or longer ticket would be cheaper you need to buy it before hand and load it onto you Oyster card.

BenEadir

Thanks all,

Yes I'll be travelling at peak times (8am and 6pm) so I guess I'll bring a passport photo and get a 7 day season ticket.

Cheers,

Ben

LXFlyer

If you are going to be using the Tube/Bus as well as the train then get a Zone 1-5 Weekly Travelcard for £49.80 loaded onto your oyster card. The bus/tube fares will mount up otherwise.

If you are only going to use the train then go for the East Croydon/London weekly season ticket.