Oyster Card Single Fare Calculator
'/%3E%3Ccircle cx='48' cy='39' r='19' fill='%23f2c9a5'/%3E%3Cpath d='M27 35c3-16 39-17 42 2-8-8-27-9-42-2z' fill='%23374151'/%3E%3Cpath d='M21 86c5-24 49-28 56 0z' fill='%232563eb'/%3E%3Ccircle cx='41' cy='41' r='2' fill='%23111827'/%3E%3Ccircle cx='55' cy='41' r='2' fill='%23111827'/%3E%3Cpath d='M42 52c4 3 9 3 13 0' stroke='%2392400e' stroke-width='3' fill='none' stroke-linecap='round'/%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
Use this Oyster Card single fare calculator to estimate the cost of a single journey on London's transport network. Simply enter your journey details and get an instant fare estimate.
How to Use This Calculator
To calculate your Oyster Card single fare:
- Select your journey type (Zone 1-6 or Zone 1-6 with a bus)
- Choose whether you're traveling during peak or off-peak hours
- Click "Calculate Fare" to see your estimated cost
The calculator uses Transport for London's (TfL) current fare structure to provide accurate estimates. Remember that actual fares may vary slightly depending on your specific route and any promotions or discounts that may be available.
How Oyster Card Fares Work
Oyster Card fares are based on the zones you travel through during your journey. The fare increases as you travel through more zones. Here's how it works:
- Zone 1 is the central area of London
- Zones 2-6 extend outward from Zone 1
- Fares are higher during peak hours (typically 6:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM on weekdays)
Fare Calculation Formula
The basic fare is calculated as:
Fare = Base Fare × Zone Multiplier × Time Multiplier
Where:
- Base Fare is £2.50 for Zone 1-6 journeys
- Zone Multiplier increases by 0.25 for each additional zone beyond Zone 1
- Time Multiplier is 1.5 during peak hours, 1 otherwise
For example, a journey from Zone 1 to Zone 3 during peak hours would be calculated as:
Fare = £2.50 × 1.5 (Zone 3 multiplier) × 1.5 (peak time) = £5.625
Worked Examples
Example 1: Zone 1-2 Journey During Off-Peak Hours
Calculation:
Fare = £2.50 × 1.25 (Zone 2 multiplier) × 1 (off-peak) = £3.125
Rounded to the nearest 5p, this would be £3.15.
Example 2: Zone 1-4 Journey During Peak Hours
Calculation:
Fare = £2.50 × 2.00 (Zone 4 multiplier) × 1.5 (peak time) = £7.50
This would be £7.50 as it's already a round figure.
Note
Actual fares may be slightly different due to route-specific variations and promotional offers. Always check the Oyster Card app or TfL website for the most up-to-date information.
Assumptions and Limitations
This calculator makes the following assumptions:
- You're traveling on a weekday
- You're using a standard Oyster Card (not a contactless payment)
- You're not eligible for any discounts or promotions
- You're traveling between the specified zones without any intermediate stops
For more accurate results, especially for complex journeys, always check with the Oyster Card app or TfL website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which zones I'm traveling through?
You can check the zones for your journey using the TfL Journey Planner or the Oyster Card app. The zones are marked on maps available on the TfL website.
Are there any discounts available for Oyster Card users?
Yes, certain groups such as students, seniors, and disabled passengers may be eligible for discounts. You can check the TfL website for more information on available discounts.
How do I know if I'm traveling during peak or off-peak hours?
Peak hours are generally 6:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM on weekdays. You can check the exact times for your specific route using the TfL Journey Planner.
Can I use this calculator for journeys that include buses?
Yes, the calculator includes options for journeys that include buses. The fare will be calculated based on the zones you travel through, including any bus travel.