Tfl Oyster Card Fare Calculator
Calculate your TfL Oyster card fares quickly and accurately with our free online calculator. Whether you're planning a commute, day trip, or weekend adventure in London, this tool helps you estimate journey costs based on your travel routes and time of day.
How to Use This Calculator
Using our TFL Oyster card fare calculator is simple:
- Select your starting and destination zones from the dropdown menus
- Choose whether you're traveling during peak or off-peak hours
- Select the type of journey (single, return, or daily cap)
- Click "Calculate Fare" to see your estimated cost
The calculator uses TfL's current fare structure to provide accurate estimates. Keep in mind that actual fares may vary slightly depending on exact routes and special promotions.
How Oyster Card Fares Work
The Oyster card system uses a zone-based pricing structure where London is divided into multiple zones. The fare you pay depends on:
- The number of zones you travel through
- Whether you're traveling during peak or off-peak times
- The type of journey (single, return, or daily cap)
TfL offers different fare caps to encourage more sustainable travel habits. The daily cap is particularly useful for commuters who make multiple journeys in a day.
Oyster Card Fare Structure
Here's a simplified breakdown of Oyster card fares:
| Zone Range | Peak Fare (7-10am, 5-7pm Mon-Fri) | Off-Peak Fare (Other times) |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | £2.50 | £2.10 |
| Zone 1-2 | £3.30 | £2.70 |
| Zone 1-3 | £3.90 | £3.30 |
| Zone 1-4 | £4.70 | £4.10 |
| Zone 1-5 | £5.50 | £4.90 |
| Zone 1-6 | £6.30 | £5.70 |
Daily cap fares are fixed at £11.70 for Zone 1-2 and £12.50 for Zone 1-3, regardless of the number of journeys made in a day.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Zone 1-2 Off-Peak Single Journey
If you travel from Zone 1 to Zone 2 during off-peak hours, the fare would be £2.70. This is calculated as the difference between the peak and off-peak fares for Zone 1-2.
Example 2: Zone 1-3 Peak Return Journey
For a return trip between Zone 1 and Zone 3 during peak hours, the fare would be £7.80 (£3.90 each way). The return fare is typically 20% cheaper than two single fares.
Example 3: Daily Cap Zone 1-2
If you make multiple journeys within Zone 1-2 in a single day, you can save money by using the daily cap. Instead of paying for each individual journey, you pay the fixed daily fare of £11.70.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which zones I'm traveling through?
You can check the zones for your starting and destination points using TfL's journey planner or the Oyster card app. The zones are color-coded on maps available at TfL stations and online.
What counts as a peak journey?
Peak times are defined as 7-10am and 5-7pm on Monday to Friday. Weekends and public holidays are always considered off-peak.
How does the daily cap work?
The daily cap applies to all journeys made within the specified zone range on the same day. Once you've reached the daily cap, any additional journeys within that zone range are free.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes, certain groups such as students, seniors, and disabled passengers may qualify for discounts. You can apply for these through TfL's website or at customer service points.