A Month in London: To Oyster or Not to Oyster?

If you plan an extended stay in one of our London serviced apartments, you will want to consider how you will get around London for a month. One question often arises: should you get an Oyster card or not? This article looks at the pros and cons to help you decide.

What is an Oyster Card?

An Oyster card is a smart card that you can use to pay for travel on London’s public transport network, including buses, trains, and the Tube. Simply top up the card with credit, then swipe it at ticket barriers to gain access to various modes of transit.

 

 

 

A Simple Case Study

 

Imagine you’re staying for a month at our Earl’s Court serviced apartments and have plans to travel to see family at our Kensington serviced apartments regularly. Without an Oyster card, a single cash fare is around £4.90. Making this journey back and forth daily would cost you £9.80 per day, which adds up to £294 for a 30-day month. 

 

On the other hand, if you opt for a Pay-as-you-go Oyster card, the fare for each trip is £1.50, amounting to £3 daily and £90 for the month. 

When you compare the costs, using an Oyster card would save you a significant £204 over a month.

Pros of using an Oyster Card

Oyster cards are more than just a cheaper way to travel; they’re designed for the convenience and flexibility that modern city living and touring demand. Here’s why an Oyster card could be a game-changer for guests staying in hotel apartments in London:

• Cost-Effective – As we saw in the mini-case study, the savings can be significant, especially for extended stays.
• Convenience – No more standing in long queues to buy a ticket every time you travel. Just tap and go.
• Flexibility – Whether it’s a last-minute decision to explore a new part of the city or a quick trip to a business meeting, the Oyster card has you covered.

Oyster cards fit seamlessly into varied travel needs, giving you one less thing to worry about during your stay in London.

Cons

While Oyster cards offer numerous benefits, there might be better choices for some. If you’re planning on an extended stay of a month but don’t expect to be hopping all over the city, here are some downsides to consider:

• Initial Cost—The card has an upfront cost of £5, which might not be worth it if you’re not travelling much.
• Limited Utility – If your month-long stay has you mostly walking to nearby destinations or your travel is limited to specific zones, an Oyster card might not offer much value.

Alternative Options

If an Oyster card doesn’t seem the right fit for you, don’t worry. Contactless payment methods like debit or credit cards offer a convenient alternative. Especially for those staying in London apartment hotels for a month, just tapping your card at the gate can be a seamless way to navigate the city.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Planning a longer stay in our hotel apartments in London? Think ahead about your travel needs. Booking directly with us gets you the best rates and tips for getting around.