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Oyster cards, contactless cards and rail discounts

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Here you can find information about getting an Oyster card and using your bank card on public transport as well as information about what discounts you may be eligible for.

Contactless payment

Oyster cards, 18+ student oyster photocards.

  • 16+ Zip Oyster cards

16-25 and 26-30 railcards

Young persons coach card.

Please note that this information is correct to the best of our knowledge but may be subject to change.

If your bank card issued on Visa, Mastercard, Maestro or American Express shows the contactless payment symbol, you can use it to pay-as-you-go on all Transport for London (TfL) services. 

Using a mobile payment, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, is the same as using a contactless card. You can make mobile payments with devices such as phones, watches, key fobs, stickers or wristbands.

For more information on using contactless payment methods on London transport, please visit the Transport for London (TfL) website.   

Please do not apply for the 18+ oystercard until you are living in London during term time and have updated your Portico record to show this. You will not be eligible for the card if you do not live in London during term time.

What is an Oyster card?

Many people living in London use Oyster cards to pay for public transport. An Oyster card is a plastic smartcard which can hold pay-as-you-go credit (money), Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes. You can load money on to your Oyster card (known as ‘topping up’) at any tube or London Overground station, as well as in any shop where you see the blue Oyster card sign. You can use an Oyster card to travel on bus, tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail, Emirates Air Line, River Bus services and most National Rail services in London.

Most people living in London will have an Oyster card, as Oyster fares are substantially cheaper than buying paper tickets for single journeys. 

You can find out the cost of single journeys using Travel for London’s Single Fare Finder tool.

Where can I get an Oyster card?

You can get an Oyster card from any Tube, London Overground and TfL Rail stations, as well as some DLR and National Rail stations.

How much does it cost?

You have to pay a £7 fee for an Oyster card, and if you bought yours on or after 4 September 2022, it is non-refundable. 

What is an 18+ Oyster card?

An 18+ Student Oyster photocard works in the same way as a standard Oyster card, but looks slightly different as it includes a photo of you. It also entitles you to some extra discounts.

What discounts can I get with an 18+ Oyster card?

If you have an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, you can get 30% off the price of adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.

A Travelcard season ticket gives you unlimited travel for a week, a month or a year. The cost of a Travelcard will vary depending on the length of time it is valid for and which zones you are travelling between. For example, if you are travelling only in zone 1 or between zones 1 and 2, a weekly Travelcard will cost £33. Travelling in zones 1-3 will cost £38.70. You can find a full list of rates on the TfL website .

Am I eligible?

If you're 18 or over, live at a London address during term time and in full-time education, or on a mandatory work placement in London, you may be eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard.

Please find the eligibility criteria outlined on the TFL web page.

You must have fully enrolled at UCL before you will be eligible . If you apply before you have fully enrolled, you risk your application being rejected and losing your application fee. If you are a part-time student, your application will be rejected unless you meet the TfL criteria, which can be found on the TfL website. You must use your correct programme end date from Portico when you apply otherwise your application will be rejected.

How do I apply?

In order to apply online for your photocard you will need to provide:

  • an active email address
  • your UCL student number (SN on the front of your UCL ID card )
  • London borough  address
  • Digital photo  which must be a .jpg, .bmp or .gif file and less than 6MB
  • Your correct programme of study end date from Portico

You will be required to pay an administration fee of £20 using a credit or debit card. Due to the £20 fee of registering for an 18+ Oyster card, it is worth considering whether or not it will be worth the money for you. Please make sure to select the 'University Course' option and not the 'Work Placement' option, as you may lose the administration fee if you choose the incorrect option. 

If you will only be making a few journeys on public transport, you may not need to use a Travelcard or Bus & Tram Pass season ticket and therefore would not need an 18+ photocard. You may be better off using pay as you go at the adult rate and not paying the £20 fee. For example, to hit a weekly Travelcard in zones 1-2, you would need to make at least fourteen Tube journeys (which would cost £2.40 each within zones 1-2) or 22 bus journeys (which always cost £1.50, no matter how far you travel) to make it worth buying a £33 weekly Travelcard, and thus benefit from the discount.

You can use TfL’s Single Fare Finder to work out how much single tube journeys would cost you for different zones, and whether or not you are likely to make enough journeys for it to be worth buying a weekly, monthly or yearly Travelcard. If you are buying multiple Travelcards, it may be worth paying the £20 fee to register for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard to benefit from the 30% discount.

Please note:  You must enter your institution name correctly in order for the application to be successful - if the form does not automatically select 'UCL' when you type it in, please click the link to view a list of all eligible institutions and pick 'UCL' from the list. If you extend your period of study, you will need to apply for a new Oyster photocard to cover the additional time. UCL is not responsible for any inaccuracies in your Oyster photocard end date. If your status changes and you are no longer eligible for the 18+ Oyster photocard (because you leave UCL, interrupt your studies or change to part-time status) we are required to report this to TfL.

You should be aware that once your Oyster has a discount attached to it, you can no longer share it with or lend it to other people as it is only valid with the associated discount card.

Apply for an 18+ Student Oyster Card

Checking your application status

Information on how to check your application status can be found on the TfL's 18+ Student Oyster photocard web page

If you have a query about the status of your application for the 18+ Oyster card, you may log an enquiry via askUCL. Please quote your application reference number.

16+ Zip Oyster Card

UCL can sign and stamp a 16+ Oyster card application for eligible students.

To be eligible for free bus and tram travel, the applicant must be aged 16 or 17 on 31st August and be living in a London borough. If the applicant is 18, UCL does not sign the form as a Higher Education Institute (level 6).

Full details of how to apply for the 16+ Oyster card can be on the Transport for London website .

What are railcards?

The 16-25 and 26-30 railcards are plastic cards or downloadable as an app that gives you 1/3 off rail fairs. Many home students consider buying a 16-25 or 26-30 railcard if they are intending to travel by train fairly often, for example, to visit family.

For more information visit the 16-25 railcard web page.

For more information, visit the 26-30 railcard website.

Where can I buy one, and how much do they cost?

You should only buy the 16-25 or 26-30 railcards from the official railcard website . They cost £30 for one year.

Linking your railcard and your Oyster card

You can also add the discount to your standard Oyster card or your 18+ Student Oyster photocard to get a 34% discount on single off-peak pay-as-you-go fares on London Underground and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services.

Peak times are from 06:30 to 9:29 and from 16:00 to 18:59 Monday to Friday. During peak travel times, some journeys cost slightly more. Your railcard will not get you a discount during these times.

For example: a single Tube journey within zone 1 or between zones 1 and 2 outside the hours of 06:30 to 9:29 and from 16:00 to 18:59 or on a weekend would cost £2.40. With a railcard linked to your Oyster card, the same journey would cost £1.59. Journeys made within those hours (during peak times) would cost £2.90, regardless of whether or not your Oyster and railcard are linked.

You can use TfL's Single Fare Finder to work out how much single Tube journeys would cost without being linked to a railcard.

Due to the £30 fee when you buy a railcard, it is worth considering whether or not you would use the discounts it gives you often enough for it to be worth the money.

How do I link my railcard and my Oyster card?

To link your Oyster card and railcard, you need to take your Oyster card and your railcard to an Underground station, Overground ticket office or some National Rail ticket offices and ask the clerk to add your discount entitlement to your Oyster card. It will be valid until the expiry of the railcard.

Young person coach cards are available for all people aged 16 - 26 or full-time students over the age of 26. They give you a third (33.3%) off all Standard and Fully Flexible coach fares with the National Express. 

Find out more information on the National Express website .

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November 30th, 2022

How to apply for and use your 18+ student oyster photocard.

2 comments | 11 shares

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

If you’re new to London, one of the first things you’ll notice is the convenient and efficient public transport system the city has. Transport for London (TfL) has impressive connectivity across the city that helps you get anywhere you’d like to go with great ease. As a student, the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard helps you cut down on travel costs and makes exploring the city fun and affordable. How, you ask? Read on.

What is it?

The 18+ Student Oyster Photocard is specifically designed for students living and studying in London. It’s a card that you tap-in and tap-out (for the tube) and tap-in only (for the bus) to pay for your ride. It’s different from the usual Oyster Card because it’s got your picture printed on it and offers you discounted rates.

How do I apply?

To apply for the student photocard, you have to first complete your campus enrolment and then apply online on the TfL website . The card costs £20 and remains valid until the end of your course. The application process is straightforward and requires basic information covering your student enrolment ID, London address and digital photograph. Be sure to check the instructions for your photograph before uploading.

After application submission, the university approves it and then TfL will post your card to your address. You will receive email/text updates on your application.

I received my card within two weeks of applying.

What are the benefits?

The student photocard helps you save 30% on adult-rate Travelcards as well as on Bus and Tram Passes . Once you receive your card, you can buy discounted travelcards and bus passes on the TfL website. You can also add pay as you go credit but there are no discounts for this.

The adult fare for a 7-day bus pass is £23.30 but with a 30% discount using the student photocard, the price drops to £16.30. For the tube, between Zone 1-2 the adult fare for the 7-day travelcard is £38.40 but the discounted travelcard using the student photocard costs £26.80.

Another benefit of the student photocard is that you can add your 16-25 Railcard to it. By doing this, you can save 34% on pay as you go fares during off-peak hours. You can apply for the 16-25 Railcard online and it costs £30 per year. If you’re between 16-25 years old or a mature student , you’re eligible to apply. Once you receive your card, you can link it to your student photocard at any tube station by asking a staff member.

How do I make my choice?

The choice between travelcards and pay as you go fares depends on how often you plan to take public transport. Compare the prices of the discounted travelcards and pay as you go fares for the number of journeys you will make. If you will take more than two rides each day for the whole week, the discounted travelcard on your student photocard will be economical. If not, you’re better off with pay as you go fares. It’s cost-effective to buy 7-day travelcards as opposed to the monthly ones because during some months you would not use public transport as frequently and so a 7-day travelcard helps you save money.

I usually take between 6 to 8 rides a week. So, pay as you go fares are economical for me.

Any tips for navigating public transport?

  • Getting around London becomes super easy with a transport app. Citymapper is a great one that gives you several route options with real-time updates on delays.
  • Check for updates from TfL when planning your journeys. This is especially useful when there are planned closures on the transport network.
  • Check for weather updates before planning your travel and always leave some buffer time to avoid running late.
  • If you can, do check out alternate modes of transport for a change. London is a very walkable city and it also has a great cycling network.

About the author

london student travel card

I’m Aish, an MPhil/PhD student at the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science. I study the impact that personality characteristics can have on performance at the workplace. When I’m not actively PhD-ing, I spend my time cooking, writing, and hula-hooping.

I’m so interested by joining your team how to apply

LSE have rejected my student oyster verification… who can I contact at LSE about this? Thanks

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Student Oyster Photocard

All full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 and over may be eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard , which provides a 30 per cent travel discount on most Transport for London (TfL) services.

The 18+ Student Oyster photocard enables you to buy Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets at 30 per cent off the equivalent adult weekly and monthly fares. These are for use on:

  • National Rail trains in the London area
  • the London Underground (the tube)
  • Docklands Light Railway
  • London bus services

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard, you must be aged 18, be living at a London address during term time AND be one of the following:

  • a full-time student enrolled on a full-time course, consisting of 15 or more tuition-led and/or structured learning hours a week over a period of at least 14 weeks
  • receiving NHS Bursary funds as a full-time student (proof is required)
  • a full-time postgraduate student (e.g. studying or writing up for 15 or more hours per week)
  • a part-time postgraduate student on a course lasting at least 14 weeks, and receiving NHS bursary funds (you must provide evidence of this)
  • a sabbatical officer
  • a full-time student as defined above on mandatory work placement in London for a minimum period of 14 weeks

Part-Time Students

Please be aware that part-time students are generally not eligible under the terms of the 18+ Student Oyster photocard scheme, and applications will not be approved automatically.

If you are a part-time student and believe that you qualify for an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard, please contact the Student Funding Office by emailing [email protected] providing your name, King's ID and course details, and let us know which criteria you believe you qualify under. 

How do I apply?

Applying online is the only way to receive your discount entitlement. Your 18+ Student Oyster photocard will be sent to the address you provide and should arrive within five to seven days after approval from King's (this is carried out by the Student Funding Office ). 

Please note that when applying you will need:

  • A colour, digital photo
  • Your student, enrolment ID from your school, college or university
  • A London address
  • A valid debit or credit card to pay the £20 administration fee
  • An active, valid email address

When applying for your TfL 18+ oyster card please ensure you search for 'Kings College London' and select the entry with address ‘Kings College London, James Clerk Maxwell Building, 57 Waterloo Road.’

If selecting the institution from a list, make sure to select Kings College London, and not the NHS Foundation Trust or “Kings London.”

If you don’t apply to the correct 'Kings College London' your application will be rejected by another institution and you may have to make a new application and incur the £20 administration fee again.

When entering your Course Details (Step 3) you will be asked to provide your Student enrolment (ID) Number. This is the 7 or 8 digit number on your student card. Please do not enter the ID that begins with a “K” as this may cause delays in approving your application.

18+ Student Oyster photocard

Applications cannot be approved until your first day of term, so we will not be able to submit approval before this date. 

We will only be able to approve applications for students who have fully completed registration, including on-campus enrolment and the collection of their student ID card.

If you have any further issues, please contact the Student Funding Office on [email protected]

16+ Zip Oyster photocard

As King's is a university, under the terms and conditions of the 16+ Zip Oyster Photocard scheme we are not able to approve applications for this scheme. Students at King's who are not yet 18 will be able to apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard after their eighteenth birthday.

Can I get discount on National Rail?

Students can apply for a National Rail 16-25 Railcard (formerly known as a Young Persons Railcard). It costs £30 and saves students 1/3 on rail fares throughout Great Britain for a whole year. For information about eligibility and how to apply visit the 16-25 Railcard website .

Mature students (over the age of 26 and in full-time education) can also apply.

Changes in Registration

Please note that if your registration status changes (e.g. if you graduate, interrupt or withdraw from your studies or change your study status to part-time), you may no longer be entitled to the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard under the terms and conditions of the scheme. Under these circumstances we are required to report this to TfL and your card will be stopped.

If you have interrupted your studies, then you will need to reapply for a new 18+ Student Oyster Photocard when you have re-enrolled as a full-time student.

Medical students intercalating externally will be considered as interrupted at King's, and will need to apply for a new 18+ Student Oyster photocard with the institution where they are completing their intercalated degree, once their card at King's is stopped.

If you extend your period of study you will need to apply for a new 18+ Student Oyster photocard to cover this additional study time. 

You can find out further information on the TfL website. 

Disclaimer:

King's has tried to give students an early opportunity to begin their research of student funding. Although every effort has been made to ensure that information provided is both helpful to prospective candidates and accurate at the time of its publication, it is possible that some information may be outdated or superseded before the start of the 2022/23 academic year.

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How To Travel Around London

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Travelling around London may be costly, so we’ve compiled a list of tips for navigating about the capital city efficiently. Get a student travel card or a student Oyster card sent to your door to help you save money and minimise travel costs daily!

Student Oyster Card | Student Travel Card | How To Travel Around London

Student Oyster Card For Bus Travel

Get A Student Oyster Card To Save Money On Tube, DLR, Bus And Overground

If you are 18 or older, a student, and live in a London borough, you can use an Oyster Photocard to save money on your journeys. You will save up to 30% on the Adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.  You may apply online by clicking here!

Keep in mind… when your course ends, your 18+ Student Oyster Photocard expires. Your school, college, or university will notify TFL if you are no longer qualified or if the end date of your course has changed. Your Photocard benefits will then end.

If you are in a hurry, you can take a taxi around London. There is the traditional taxi as well as private rental cars known as minicabs such as Addison Lee and local cab businesses. There has recently been a surge in the number of new taxi services, such as Uber, Ola, and Lyft. All of this is accomplished through the use of phone apps. Some individuals may prefer these apps since they allow you to get a cab quickly and without having to plan ahead of time. You can also earn discount codes and credits to help save on your journey.

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The cost of renting a Santander Cycle is £2 for unlimited travel of up to 30 minutes. If your journey lasts more than 30 minutes, you will have to pay £2 for every extra 30 minutes. If you do not return the cycle within 24 hours, you will be charged. Simply download the Santander Cycles app or go to any docking station terminal with your bank card and touch the screen to get started. When you’re through with your journey, return it to a docking station.

Use A Student Travel Card

If your route requires you to travel on public transport that is outside of London’s central zones, you may need to obtain a student travel card. The 16 to 25 Railcard is an example of this. This Railcard gives you one-third off train fares. When you make your purchase you have the choice of receiving it in digital or physical form. It just costs £30 each year or £70 for three years. More information about Railcards may be found here !

So, as a student, take advantage of these travel options!

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London Public Transport

We realise that being a foreign student in a big city like London can be a bit overwhelming, especially when trying to take public transportation. Do not worry! We have broken everything down for you so that you can get to where you want to go without any troubles and for the cheapest price.

You can buy an Oyster or travel card here:

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Planning Your Journey

  • Before taking the Tube, always check to see when the first and last trains are.
  • The first thing you need to know is what tube station you are leaving from and at which station you will need to arrive at.
  • Once you know where you are leaving from, check to see where your station is on the underground line. Locate your destination and the underground line that it is on.
  • Remember to check the train's destination, which can usually be found on the front of the train or on the display boards, to make sure that you are getting a train going in the right direction – and that if you need to change lines, you keep going the right way!
  • Note: Sometimes trains do not travel all the way to the terminal station and will terminate a few stations before. There will usually be a train that goes to the end of the line shortly afterwards, but it means that you may have to get out and wait at the platform for a while.

Oyster Cards

An Oyster Card is a pay as you go travel pass that you can use for the underground, bus, tram, DLR, London over-ground trains and some National Rail train services.

There are two advantages to having an Oyster Card. Firstly, they are so convenient. When you've just arrived back in London from your summer holiday, the last thing you want is to be messing around buying a Travelcard every day. The other major benefit is that Oyster Cards make travelling much cheaper. It will always calculate the cheapest price for your journey, and paying for a journey with an Oyster Card costs a lot less than buying a paper ticket.

There are two types of Oyster Card: 

Standard Oyster Card

You can pick one of these up from selected high street shops or at most train stations in London, or get it delivered within the UK. They are free but have a refundable £5 deposit. They can have season tickets placed on them, be pay as you go, or auto top-up.

Visitor Oyster Card

If you want to get your Oyster delivered abroad before you arrive in London then this is for you. They have a £3 non-refundable deposit and you can get them already topped up when they arrive.

Order One Now 

Make sure you touch your Oyster Card to the yellow sensor at the start and the end of your journey. If you forget to touch in or touch out, you will be charged the maximum daily fee.

If you travel during peak times, Monday to Friday (4:30–9:30 in the morning) you will be charged more for your journey.

Student Oyster Cards

Student Photo Oyster Cards are available to students over the age of 18 and enrolled at a participating university or institution. Although you can still use the Student Oyster Card for pay-as-you go travel, no additional discounts are available for single journeys, daily travel or 3 day travel. The Student Oyster Card allows you to spend less money on travel in and around London when you purchase Travelcards valid for 7 days, one month or longer periods of time (up to one year). You will end up saving 30% off the adult fare for that Travelcard. Eligible students must apply for a student oyster card online or by post through their university or institution. Contact your Student Union or the National Union of Students for more information.

If you are under the age of 19 and in full time Education in the UK, you may qualify for the 16+ Student Oyster Card, which will entitle you to free transport on London buses and trams and allow you to purchase Travelcards at a child's rate.

You can purchase a Travelcard valid for transport on the underground, London over-ground trains, DLR, tram, schedules riverboat services and some National Rail services for anytime travel or off-peak travel (travel starting after 9:30 in the morning). You can also purchase a travel pass only valid for the bus and tram network in London. This pass will not allow you to travel on the tube or on any trains.

National Rail Cards allow you to have unlimited travel on National Rail services between the zones specified on your card for the duration of your card. Students holding the National Rail 16-25 cards can purchase travel cards at the off-peak rate, which is a great deal and can save you 50% off your travel costs.

Before taking the bus, always check to see what the times for the first and last buses are. It is also a good idea to check if there are any delays or closed routes by using the Journey Planner.

For bus route map and timetable information, check TFL. You can also use the Journey Planner to find out which bus you will need to take in order to reach your destination.

When you arrive at the bus stop, make sure the bus you need to take, stops at that station (bus numbers are listed on white plaques at the stop). If it does not, look to see if there is any other bus stop nearby or ask a local shop owner for help.

When you arrive at the correct bus stop, check the route map to make sure your bus is heading in the correct direction. If you are unsure, check the front of the bus to see if its last stop is in the direction you wish to travel.

If you find that the bus is heading in the opposite direction to the one in which you want to travel, you will probably need to cross the street to take the bus heading in the right direction.

If you have an Oyster Card, make sure to touch in, but you will not have to touch out. Sometimes, you will be allowed to buy a bus ticket on the bus, although not usually in Central London. Check around the bus stop to see if there is a machine to purchase tickets before your bus arrives.

Night Buses

Night Buses are run on a limited service, late at night. The Night Bus service usually starts after midnight. The routes are much longer and the stops are less frequent. Students usually take the Night Bus to get home after a late night out because it is the only mode of public transport to run through to the early hours. To find out which Night Bus services your area, check at bus stops near you or use the Journey Planner. Night Buses have an "N" before the route number e.g. N11.

In London, you have two cab options: Registered Black Cabs and Mini-Cabs.

All airports have a Black Cab service. Riding in a Black Cab can be a great experience for a foreigner, as the cab driver will most likely tell you about picking up members of the Royal Family, celebrities and other interesting people. They are also quite knowledgeable about London and if you ask, they will probably tell you what you want to know.

However, if you are not careful, you can run up a hefty bill in a Black Cab. All the cars run on a meter that charges per portion of a mile and per minute stopped. If you hit some traffic, you will be broke in no time! Though they are convenient, they are not the best way to save money.

Mini-Cabs are the way to go if you want discounted taxi transportation. Unlike Black Cabs, you cannot hail Mini-Cabs on the street.

You have to call a Mini-Cab station and they will send you a taxi if you have not pre-booked. Mini-cabs charge for the entire journey, regardless of traffic. When you want to book a Mini-Cab, make sure you call the nearest company to you, as they will most likely be the cheapest.

There are also Mini-Cab companies run by women only for women, so if you are a female and you are wary of cab drivers, know that there is another option for you.

london student travel card

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Valid for anyone aged 16-25 years old  and mature students in full time study*

How to get 1/3 off rail fares.

*If you’re a mature student in full time study, you’ll need to submit a proof of age or study when buying your 16-25 Railcard. Find out more here .

About 16-25 Railcard

If you live in london, you can even get 1/3 off tube fares on oyster.

Once you’ve bought your Railcard, go to a London Underground station with your 16-25 Railcard and ask a member of staff to add your discount to your Oyster card.

Please note:

1. The Railcard is available to residents of Great Britain aged between 16 and 25 years of age and mature students in full-time study. You will be required to provide details of your valid passport of UK driving licence as proof of age and mature students need to prove eligibility.

2. Railcard to be carried on all journeys and used when purchasing discounted tickets.

3. A minimum fare applies for all journeys between 4.30am-10am Monday to Friday. If you travel regularly before 10am then a weekly or monthly season ticket may be more appropriate (Railcard discount will not apply). However there is no minimum fare in July or August, on Public Holidays, and at weekends.

4. A full set of 16-25 Railcard Terms & Conditions is available from any staffed station ticket office or at www.16-25railcard.co.uk .

5. The Railcard and train travel are subject to the National Rail Conditions of Carriage.

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I'd like to order a Student Oyster Card

What do i need to do.

If you are living near LSE or don't frequently travel on bus, underground or DLR services you may not need a discounted Student Oyster card

What is an 18+ Student Oyster photocard and do I need one?

It is your decision on whether to apply for a Student Oyster card depending on your individual circumstances.

If you're 18 or over, a full-time student and living in a London borough, you may be eligible for a 30% travel discount on most Transport for London  (TfL) services with an 18+ Student Oyster photocard . 

The  18+ Student Oyster photocard can be used to purchase discounted weekly and monthly season tickets. It cannot be used for discounted  pay as you go journeys.

There is an application fee and the 30% discount can only be applied to travelcards or season tickets.

Some students find that it is cheaper to travel on a pay as you go basis, particularly if they are eligible for a  16-25 Railcard . Railcard discounts can be applied to off peak pay as you go journeys made using Oyster. You will need to register your Oyster card and valid Railcard to a London Underground station with a ticket office and ask a member of staff to set the discount for you.

Transport for London (TfL) have a useful tool to help you work out the best way to pay your fares - visit  what's the best ticket for me .

If you are under 18:

You may be able to get free and discounted travel using a  16+ Zip Oyster photocard .

If you are a part-time student:

You are not generally eligible under the terms of the  18+ Student Oyster photocard  scheme unless you are in receipt of a hardship fund from LSE.

If you are a part-time student and believe you qualify for an  18+ Student Oyster photocard , please contact the Student Services Centre prior to submitting your application, by  submitting an enquiry .

When should I apply for my Oyster card?

You must not submit your application to TfL until you have arrived in London and have campus enrolled. If you apply before this your application will be rejected because the School needs to verify your status.

Refer to TfL's  18+ Oyster card guidance  for further information. 

How do I apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

Top tip: if you are completing the form online you need to choose the school's full name ' the london school of economics and political science ' otherwise you will be made to complete a paperform that will delay you receiving your oyster discount..

1.  Check your eligibility on the 18+ Student Oyster photocard   webpage. It is your responsibility to check you are eligible before submitting an application. You must also review Transport for London (TfL)'s  Terms and Conditions .

2. Create an account with Transport for London (TfL) . 

3. Place your order. You will need:

  • A colour, digital photo
  • Your LSE student number (as shown on your LSE student card or offer letter)
  • Your programme start and end dates
  • Choose ' The London School of Economics and Political Science ' in the drop-down. Don't just look for LSE or the London School of Economics .
  • A credit or debit card to pay the application fee (see  TfL 18+ Oystercard  webpage for details)
  • An active email address (we recommend using your LSE email address)

What happens after I have applied for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

1. Your application will be checked by Transport for London (TfL) before it is passed to the Student Services Centre at LSE for institutional approval.

2. The Student Services Centre will process all applications in the order they are received by LSE, usually within five working days

3. Once we have approved your application, Transport for London (TfL) will post the card to you within 2 weeks 

As part of the application process, you may be asked to print a verification form which you will need to bring to the  Student Services Centre  for completion. 

You can check the status of your application  online .

What if my application has been rejected or placed on hold?

Your application will be rejected if:

  • We cannot find your LSE student record based on the name you have provided in your Transport for London (TfL) application
  • Your contact/term-time address in LSE for You does not match the address you provided in your Transport for London (TfL) application and must be in London
  • Your date of birth is incorrect
  • You have not yet campus enrolled for your programme 
  • You are a returning student and have not yet re-enrolled

If your application is rejected, you'll need to re-apply and pay the application fee again (see TfL 18+ Oystercard webpage for details).

What if my student/enrolment status changes after I receive my 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

If your registration status changes you may no longer be eligible to use an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard.

Your eligibility is likely to change if you:

  • Complete your studies
  • Interrupt your studies You will need to reapply for a new 18+ Student Oyster Photocard once you have returned from interruption and meet the eligibility criteria again.
  • Withdraw from your studies
  • Change from full-time to part-time study For a part-time student to remain eligible you must be in receipt of hardship funding from the School
  • Are unot campus enrolled and only registered to take assessments

We are required to report any changes of your student status to Transport for London (TfL) under their terms and conditions. 

What if I have a question that hasn't been answered?

Please contact the Student Services Centre by submitting an enquiry . 

We will respond to your enquiry within three working days.

Further information on SSC opening hours can be found on our webpages here . 

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london student travel card

How to travel in London as a student

London is a huge, bustling city with an incredible range of sights, activities, and transport options. For students new to the city, the idea of travel may sound slightly confusing at first, but luckily this isn’t the case. From its iconic red buses to the infamous London Underground and rentable bikes, the capital has a variety of travel options on-hand for you to choose from.

Here are just a few of the tips and travel methods we recommend when it comes to finding your way round this busy city:

Our london travel tips, 1. 18+ student oyster photocard.

The cheapest way to travel in and around London is by making use of a student Oyster card. Students over 18 can use this card on the London Underground, red London buses, DLR trams, and a variety of other transport options.

An Osyter card is a smartcard you top up on a pay-as-you-go credit basis at any tube or overground station, as well as any shop with a blue Oyster card sign. Owning an Oyster card gets you 30% off adult-rate weekly, monthly, and annual travel cards, as well as bus & tram season tickets.

Find out more information about Oyster cards here.

2. 16-25 Rail Card

If you’re using National Rail services to travel between home and London, or even to get around London, a 16-25 Rail Card is for you.

Owning a Rail Card allows you to get 1/3 off prices of tickets and can result in a huge amount of money saved for regular travellers.

3. Travel Hours

When travelling round London, the difference between peak and off-peak hours can vastly affect your journey. Travelling in the peak hours of 6:30-9:30am and 4:00-7:00pm will usually result in your journey taking much longer than usual. Not only is it less busy in off-peak hours, but services such as the London Underground have cheaper rates for those travelling on the tube in off-peak hours

Hear us out – while walking may sound like an obvious travel option it can be a sensible idea depending on where you’re going and what time. In peak times when tube stations are busiest and lines are long, we recommend loading up Google Maps and checking the walking time estimate. Not only will walking also save you money, but it’ll give you a chance to take in London’s many sights!

5. Santander Cycles

For just £3 you can cycle round the city on a Santander bike!

Getting started is easy, all you have to do is use the Santander Cycles app or take a bank card to any docking station and you can get going.

When it comes to travelling around London as a student, we recommend making use of London’s big red buses.

While the tube can be more direct and can save time depending on your destination, London’s buses can make a relaxing change to the cramped environment of the underground.

By making use of the 18+ Student Oyster Photocards previously mentioned, you can also get 30% off all weekly, monthly, and annual bus passes

6. Hopper Fare

A new introduction to London’s public transport is the hopper fare . This allows students and the public to ‘hop on’ any London bus or tram for £1.75 and then swap to any other bus or tram for free within an hour of starting their journey.

To get the most out of discounted travel using the hopper fare we recommend planning your route in advance.

Apps to help you with London travel

Stuck for choice? Luckily, there are apps you can download to your smartphone that can help you out with your travel.

1. Citymapper

A free to download app, Citymapper can be a lifesaver when it comes to finding your way round the busy capital. Just type in your location and your destination and the app will work out the best routes for you to travel whether it’s by tube, bus, rail, walking or something else!

2. Tube Map

London’s network of tubes can be confusing, so you’ll likely find this app on many people’s smartphones around the city.

The Tube Map app helps you plan the route of your tube journey as well as helping you make sense of the various stations and lines.

TFL’s official map can be a big help when moving about the city, with live bus and train times for every station as well as live updates on all TFL network transport such as buses, tube, London overground, TFL trams and more.

Not only this, but the TFL Go app allows you to check accessibility at London stations such as information on toilets, lift statuses and platform access

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What travelcards & discounts can I get on public transport?

Studying in London is a unique experience compared to other universities. Whilst the capital offers an unrivalled amount of things to see and do, it can at first be challenge. Although there are a few discount options available to help reduce costs, understanding which one is best and most suitable can in itself be a confusing process. Most students are aware of the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard, but there are also other, lesser known discount railcards. So, which one is the best? The simple answer is that it depends entirely on you - how frequently you use the transport network, and during which times.

Important to know:   If you’re travelling on public transport in London, check the  Transport for London (TfL) to see which services are running, plus y ou can sign up for email updates from TfL.

What is the 18+ Student Oyster card and how can I get one?

The 18+ Oyster entitles you to 30% off travelcards and Bus and Tram season tickets. It is available to full-time King’s students living in the Greater London area, and you apply online using the TfL website at a cost of £20. You’ll simply need your course dates, the student number on your ID card, as well as a photo and your email. Applying a discounted travelcard to an Oyster gives peace of mind that you won’t spend any more than the amount you’ve already paid. However, bear in mind there is no discount to pay-as-you-go fares with an 18+ Oyster. You could be overpaying for a travelcard if you aren’t using the tube or buses frequently, so it is worth considering the other option before handing over £20 to TfL. We recommend reading the detail of what the benefits are, as well as the eligibility criteria for this travel card at TfL 18+ Student Oyster photocard . If you are eligible and wish to apply, please refer to our specific guidance when applying as a King’s student in the guidance below. Important to know: If you take a break from your studies, you won’t be eligible for the 18+ Oyster card for the duration of your interruption.

How do I apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

Full-time students can apply for a Transport for London (TfL) 18+ Student Oyster photocard, which provides a 30% discount on travel in London. You can  apply online  via the dedicated TfL site and will need a digital photograph and a credit/debit card. You can check your eligibility at  TfL 18+ Student Oyster which also includes important information about how and when applications will be validated. Steps when making your application

When you make your application, please ensure that you select King’s College London as the institution: ‘Kings College London, James Clerk Maxwell Building, 57 Waterloo Road.’ (institution code 0403).

If selecting the institution from a list, make sure to select Kings College London, and not the NHS Foundation Trust or “Kings London.”

If you don’t apply to the correct 'Kings College London' your application will be rejected by another institution and you may have to make a new application and incur the £20 administration fee again.

When entering your Course Details (Step 3) you will be asked to provide your Student enrolment (ID) Number. This is the 7 or 8 digit number on your student card. Please do not enter the ID that begins with a “K” as this may cause delays in approving your application.

Important to know:

Most part-time students and students on a break/interruption of study are not eligible for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard. Please refer to the more detailed guidance at  TfL 18+ Student Oyster and to our guidance on interruptions for undergraduate students or postgraduate taught students .

The King's Student Funding Office confirms whether applicants are registered as full-time for TfL.

Applications  cannot be approved until the first day of term , so the Student Funding Office will begin approving application from then onwards.

How long will it take for my Oyster application to be approved? The Student Funding Office approves all Oyster card applications directly with TfL. It takes a couple of weeks for this to come through at the start of term, but these are approved as soon as possible. 

What is the 16+ Student Oyster card and can I get one?

If you are still 17 on the 31 August ahead of starting your degree course (usually September), you should be able apply for this discount without university approval, and it will remain valid until your 18 th birthday.

Foundation courses can count as level 3; this means that if you are 18 and studying on the King’s International Foundation course, you can apply for this discount but because of your age, you’ll need to get approval from King’s for this.

To apply (for students on Foundation courses):

Submit a Form Request and upload your application form.

We will check your record and ensure you meet the relevant criteria, and then sign and stamp the form for you, returning it to you via email.

If you're eligible, we will then let you know - at which point please book an appointment to come a collect your form in person.

Important to know: When seeking to apply for this discount travelcard, please make sure you read all the information at 16+ Zip Oyster photocard and please refer to the TfL Eligibility criteria before applying . If your application is rejected because you are ineligible, you run the risk of losing your application fee. If you are at all unsure if you are eligible, please seek advice from TfL .

What is the National Rail 16-25 Railcard and can I get one?

Important to know: When it comes to the railcard, there is no discount to peak fares Monday-Friday 06:30-09:30 and 16:00-19:00 or to bus fares. How can I apply?

If you’re aged between 16-25 years , you can do it all online yourself, opting for a digital or plastic railcard at 16-25 Railcard .

If you’re over 25 , you are best to apply for the  26-30 Railcard .

If you’re over 30 and a full-time student , you’ll need to start off your application online and then you’ll be directed to a Mature Student Railcard application form, which we’ll need to sign and stamp for you. Please:

If you would like to collect this in paper form in person, please ensure you have still logged a  Form Request  and uploaded your application form first, and let us know through your enquiry if you want to collect the completed form in person.

  • Students studying on a distance learning course don’t qualify for a railcard. Please visit the  16-25 railcard eligibility  for more information.

I’m a part-time student; am I eligible for this railcard?

We will check your record and ensure you meet the relevant criteria by liaising directly with your department for confirmation, and then sign and stamp the form for you, returning it to you via email.

This railcard is not tied to your student status but rather your age; if you’re under 25, you can apply whether you’re a student or not.

Always carry your 16-25 Railcard when buying tickets and travelling.

If you’re unsure if you’re eligible for this railcard, visit 16-25: Are you eligible?

What is the National Rail 26-30 Railcard and can I get one?

A valid passport or UK Driving Licence to verify your identity.

A digital passport-style photo saved to your computer, tablet or mobile phone.

A debit or credit card.

The  Railcard app .

Check when and with which ticket(s) you are permitted to use your 26-30 railcard by visiting  Where and when can I use my Railcard?

Always carry your 26-30 Railcard when buying tickets and travelling.

I’m a mature or part-time student; am I eligible for this railcard?

Both the 26-30 and the 16-25 railcards are dependent on your age, so you don’t have to be a student to apply. Anyone under 31 is covered by either one of the railcards without needing any further approval – you can apply directly through the website. The main difference comes if you are studying and over 30; for this you’re best to refer to details for the 16-25 railcard.

Comparing the 18+ Student Oyster card and 16-25 Railcard: which student travel card is right for me?

If you are not using public transport frequently but instead walking or cycling to university and only using the tube occasionally, the 18+ Oyster may not be worthwhile. To check fares for travel across the different zones using the various payment methods, refer to TfL 18+ Student fares . Unless you travel very regularly on pay-as-you-go fares, a 16-25 Railcard may be more appropriate to save money on off-peak fares, when using the tube or city trains to see friends or explore London for leisure. Even if you use the tube frequently on one day, fares automatically cap at the zone rate, ensuring you can’t spend any more than this in one day. Caps can increase year on year, so if you think you might stick to standard pay-as-you-go, we recommend checking TfL’s Pay as you go caps . The 16-25 railcard offers an additional ⅓ off daily caps when using the tube off-peak bringing the cap down further. On the other hand, if you are regularly using transport to travel into university and at peak times, the discounted travelcard allows for unlimited journeys on a weekly or monthly basis, and so may make the 18+ Oyster better value. If you do opt for the 18+ Oyster, you can still apply a 16-25 railcard discount allowing for the best of both worlds. You can opt for a discounted travelcard in the weeks you use public transport frequently whilst allowing for a pay-as-you-go discount when not using transport frequently outside of term time. If you are living in Zone 2, you may opt for a Zone 1-2 weekly travelcard to get to university, but use the 16-25 Railcard when you make journeys to Zone 3 and beyond to explore areas outside of Central London. A combination of the two allows for maximum flexibility. In the end, it depends entirely on your personal use. It’s a good idea to check how much you are using public transport to see if the total regularly exceeds or is below the cost of a travelcard for your zone. To work out what you’re spending your money on to help you budget better, refer to our guide on managing your money .

Additional support for students with disabilities  

I’m a disabled student living in London, can I apply for a freedom pass?

If you live in a London borough and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass, which can provide free access to public transport across the Transport for London network. For further guidance on how to submit an application, visit the London Councils webpage ​​​​​​.

Step 1: Make sure you're using either an Oyster or Contactless Card

Paper ticket fares are incredibly expensive in London, and nowadays often unnecessary when so many credit and debit cards have the contactless feature.

You will know if your debit card is contactless depending on whether it has the contactless symbol. Though contactless removes the need to top-up, discounts cannot be applied and it can be more difficult to keep track of spending.

Adult Oyster cards are available at ticket machines at any Tube station for a £5. Even if you opt to apply for an 18+ Oyster, it is worth paying this while you wait for your 18+ Oyster, because it can sometimes take a couple of weeks for the university to approve this for you.

Step 2: How much are you using transport and when?

To keep track of usage, make sure to register your Oyster Card online following the instructions on the TfL website. Once you have done this, you can view journey history and see daily expenditure.

You may wish to set up a Contactless and Oyster account which also has a matching app , which allows you to check your journey history, easily top-up credit and you’ll get notifications when your credit runs low.

Keeping track of your journeys and your spending means you can total the weekly and estimate the monthly and annual costs, and compare this with the cost of discounted travelcards for each zone. For details on fares across a range of transport types in the capital visit TfL Find fares .

Step 3: Apply for the discount cards

If you find you are exceeding the cost of a travelcard via pay-as-you-go fares it is likely that an 18+ Oyster is a sound investment and can be applied for online. Please refer to our guidance in How do I apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

If you are only occasionally using public transport and therefore coming in below the cost of a travelcard, or simply want both discounts and the option of discounts on trains throughout the UK, you can apply for the 16-25 Railcard online .

Buses are almost always cheaper than the tube and the Hopper Fare gives you unlimited journeys, made within 1 hour of touching in.

Remember to tap in and tap out at all stations even if there are no barriers. Forgetting to tap both in and out on the tube will lead to a penalty fare .

King’s Student Funding Office confirm student attendance to TfL for applications to be approved. September and October are very busy periods as many students apply for the 18+ Oyster card, so bear in mind you may need to wait; please allow at least 3 weeks for processing.

How can I travel around London on a budget?

If you’d like to minimise your travel on public transport and want an alternative cheap mode of transport, you could try  Santander Cycles . This is an easy bike hire system with no need to book in advance. You can simply hire a cycle by going to your nearest docking station terminal with a debit or credit card. Be sure to take your card with you; while contactless cards are accepted, but contactless devices including phones and smartwatches, are not .

You can also download the free Santander Cycles app  and pay for the hire using the app instead. For up to 30 minutes, you can ride an unlimited journey for just £2. Every additional 30 minutes will be charged at £2. Remember to return your cycle within 24 hours to your nearest docking station terminal. Otherwise, you may be charged.

The Money Mentors have also put together some tips in their blog  Getting around London: practical tips .

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Student Travel Discounts

Oyster cards or contactless payment cards are the cheapest way to pay for single fare journeys on the underground, buses, DLR and some trains in London. 

Pay as you go

If you don't travel frequently, you may find pay as you go is the cheapest option. If you visit a tube ticket office, you can also link a 16-25 Young Persons Railcard  to your Oyster card to save money on off-peak travel.

16+ Zip Card 

Students aged 16 and 17 can apply for a 16+ Zip card and request to have the form stamped at the Student Hub. Students aged 18 and over need to apply for a 18+ Student Oyster card

18+ Student Oyster Card

With an 18+ Student Oyster Card, you can save 30% off adult-rate Travelcards & Bus/Tram season tickets.

Eligibility

To get an 18+ Student Oyster Card you must be:

  • A student aged 18 or over
  • A registered, full time student for a minimum of 14 weeks course duration
  • Living at a London address during term-time

 How to apply

Once you have enrolled, applications can be made online with  TFL

You will need:

  • A colour digital photo to upload
  • Your CID number from the College
  • Your course start and end dates
  • The full postal address of your London based term-time address
  • A valid debit or credit card
  • To use the end date on your student card

 You can find more information, including full terms and conditions on the  Transport for London website

Frequently Asked Questions

Are part-time students eligible for the 18+ student oyster card.

Part-time students are not eligible.

When will my card expire?

Your 18+ Student Oyster Card will expire on your course end date.

How long will it take to get my card?

After the College has confirmed your student registration to TFL, you should receive your card within two to three weeks. 

You can track the status of your application by signing into your 18+ web account with TFL.

What information does the College release about me to TFL?

Once you have made an application for the 18+ Student Oyster Card, the College is required to confirm that you are a registered student, and the expected end of your course.  

If you make an application for an 18+ Student Oyster Card, you are agreeing to the College releasing this information to Transport for London and its agents.

Am I eligible for a 16+ Zip Oyster card?

Only students aged 16 and 17 can apply for the 16+ Zip Oyster card. The application form can be stamped by staff at the Student Hub,

Students aged 18 and over can only apply for the 18+ Student Oyster Card. 

Where can I find out more information about the 18+ Student Oyster Card?

You can find out more information on the  TFL website

Study in the UK with UNI Britannica

Everything students need to know about Travel Cards. Get your discount on Transport for London!

Traveling around London can be quite expensive for students. Luckily, all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 and over are eligible for a Student Oyster Photocard (student travel card London). This card gives them a 30% travel discount on most Transport for London services, including buses, the underground and trains.

student travel card london

If you’re 18 or over, live at a London address during term time and in full-time education, or on a mandatory work placement in London, you may be eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard .

discount on oyster cards

If you’re 18 and live in London, you may still be eligible for a Zip 16+ Oyster photocard which offers half-price travel on rail services and free travel on buses.

To apply for student travel card London, you must be enrolled:

london student travel card

  • With a school, college or university that’s registered on the TfL scheme
  • On a mandatory work placement in London or
  • On an eligible full-time or part-time course  

You can top up your pay as you go credit and buy Travelcards for your 18+ Student Oyster photocard online. 

You can only do this via your 18+ Student Oyster photocard account. If you try to buy a Travelcard via a contactless and Oyster account, you will be charged the full adult price. 16-25 Railcard is a perfect solution for students who travel a lot by train. It costs £30 a year and gives you a third discount on all UK rail travel. You can get a 12% discount with the NUS Extra card .

london student travel card

The National Express Young Persons Coachcard costs £10 a year and gives people aged 16 to 26 a 1/3 discount on full National Express bus tickets for travelling to anywhere in the UK.

3 thoughts on “Everything students need to know about Travel Cards. Get your discount on Transport for London!”

Hurrah! After all I got a web site from where I know how to really take valuable facts concerning my study and knowledge.

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To the unibritannica.com webmaster, You always provide clear explanations and step-by-step instructions.

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  1. Student travel

    London is a great city to be a student. If you've just started studying, we've got tips to help you get around, travel safely and save money on your fares. You can save 30% on Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes with our 18+ Student Oyster photocard. You can also use this Oyster card to pay as you go ...

  2. Oyster cards and travelcards in London

    A Visitor Oyster card* is one of the cheapest ways to pay for single journeys on the bus, Tube, DLR, tram, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus service, London Overground, TfL Rail and most National Rail services in London. Save time - your card is delivered to your home address and ready to use as soon as you arrive in London.

  3. Oyster cards, contactless cards and rail discounts

    You can also add the discount to your standard Oyster card or your 18+ Student Oyster photocard to get a 34% discount on single off-peak pay-as-you-go fares on London Underground and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services. Peak times are from 06:30 to 9:29 and from 16:00 to 18:59 Monday to Friday.

  4. PDF 18+ Student prices: All Tube, DLR, London Overground and TfL Rail

    18+ Student 2020 prices Daily Anytime Daily Off-peak Monthly Annual Zone Pay as you go Travelcards Caps Day Anytime Day Off-peak 7 Day Zones 3-5 £12.30 £12.30 £19.10 £13.50 £20.90 £80.30 £836 Zones 3-6 £13.20 £13.20 £19.10 £13.50 £25.10 £96.40 £1,004 Zones 3-7 £14.40 £13.30 £24.20 £14.30 £32.80 £126.00 £1,312

  5. How to apply for and use your 18+ Student Oyster Photocard

    By doing this, you can save 34% on pay as you go fares during off-peak hours. You can apply for the 16-25 Railcard online and it costs £30 per year. If you're between 16-25 years old or a mature student, you're eligible to apply. Once you receive your card, you can link it to your student photocard at any tube station by asking a staff member.

  6. Student Oyster Photocard

    Student Oyster Photocard. All full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 and over may be eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, which provides a 30 per cent travel discount on most Transport for London (TfL) services. The 18+ Student Oyster photocard enables you to buy Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets at 30 ...

  7. Student Oyster Card

    Get A Student Oyster Card To Save Money On Tube, DLR, Bus And Overground. If you are 18 or older, a student, and live in a London borough, you can use an Oyster Photocard to save money on your journeys. You will save up to 30% on the Adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets. You may apply online by clicking here!

  8. How to apply for a student oyster card

    Applying for a Student Oyster Card is a breeze. Start by visiting the Transport for London (TfL) website. Here, you'll find a dedicated section for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard. The online form is straightforward, guiding you through each step. You'll need to provide: your personal details.

  9. London Public Transport

    The Student Oyster Card allows you to spend less money on travel in and around London when you purchase Travelcards valid for 7 days, one month or longer periods of time (up to one year). You will end up saving 30% off the adult fare for that Travelcard. Eligible students must apply for a student oyster card online or by post through their ...

  10. Travelcards and group tickets

    Travelcards. A Travelcard (in the zones it's valid for) gives you unlimited travel at any time on bus, Tube, Tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail services in London. You can use it on all buses, and if valid in zones 3, 4, 5 or 6, on all trams. Travelcards can start on any day.

  11. Student Travel Card

    Anyone aged between 16 and 25 years old as well as students in full time study can apply for a 16-25 Railcard. Benefits - Get 1/3 off: Advance, Off-Peak and Anytime rail fares in Great Britain. TFL Oyster Off-Peak pay as you go Daily Price Cap and Off-Peak pay as you go single fares for journeys on National Rail, London Underground and ...

  12. I'd like to order a Student Oyster Card

    It is your decision on whether to apply for a Student Oyster card depending on your individual circumstances. If you're 18 or over, a full-time student and living in a London borough, you may be eligible for a 30% travel discount on most Transport for London (TfL) services with an 18+ Student Oyster photocard.. The 18+ Student Oyster photocard can be used to purchase discounted weekly and ...

  13. How to travel in London as a student

    1. 18+ Student Oyster Photocard. The cheapest way to travel in and around London is by making use of a student Oyster card. Students over 18 can use this card on the London Underground, red London buses, DLR trams, and a variety of other transport options.

  14. What travelcards & discounts can I get on public transport? · Student

    Step 3: Apply for the discount cards. Important to know: Buses are almost always cheaper than the tube and the Hopper Fare gives you unlimited journeys, made within 1 hour of touching in. Remember to tap in and tap out at all stations even if there are no barriers. Forgetting to tap both in and out on the tube will lead to a penalty fare.

  15. Student Travel Discounts

    With an 18+ Student Oyster Card, you can save30% off adult-rate Travelcards & Bus/Tram season tickets. Eligibility. To get an 18+ Student Oyster Card you must be: A student aged 18 or over. A registered, full time student for a minimum of 14 weeks course duration. Living at a London address during term-time.

  16. Student Travel Card London: see if you are eligible for commute discounts

    This card gives them a 30% travel discount on most Transport for London services, including buses, the underground and trains. If you're 18 or over, live at a London address during term time and in full-time education, or on a mandatory work placement in London, you may be eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard.

  17. What's the best ticket for me?

    Benefits. Make unlimited journeys in the zones covered by your Travelcard. Travel on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail services in London. 7 Day, Monthly and Annual Travelcards, or one with any start and end date you choose (any length between 1½ and 10½ months) Day Travelcards are available for Zones 1 ...

  18. Caps and Travelcard prices

    Covers Travelcards and Cap fares for Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and most National Rail services.