QUICK ANSWER :-
Transport in London typically costs £7 to £15 per day using contactless or Oyster. Weekly travel costs usually range from £35 to £70, depending on zones and travel frequency.
Plan your trip budget with our Holiday Spending Calculator.
How much does transport cost per day in London?
Typical daily costs:
- Zones 1–2: £7–£10 (daily cap)
- Zones 1–4: £10–£15
- Single journeys: £2–£4
👉 Most visitors stay within Zones 1–2
London Underground (Tube) prices
- Peak fares: slightly higher
- Off-peak fares: cheaper
- Daily cap limits total spend
👉 The Tube is the fastest way to travel around London
London bus fares :-
- Flat fare: ~£1.75 per journey
- Unlimited bus journeys within 1 hour
- No daily cap advantage vs Tube
👉 Cheapest way to get around
Oyster card vs contactless — which is cheaper?
There is no price difference between Oyster and contactless for most users.
Contactless:
- Easier (no card needed)
- Same daily caps
Oyster:
- Good for kids or travel cards
- Requires top-up
👉 Most tourists should use contactless
Travelcard vs pay-as-you-go
- Travelcard (weekly): £35–£70+
- Pay-as-you-go: capped daily
👉 For most visitors:
👉 Pay-as-you-go is cheaper
How much is a 7 day Travelcard in London?
Typical prices:
- Zones 1–2: ~£40
- Zones 1–4: ~£55–£70
👉 Worth it if you travel frequently every day
Things to do while in the capital, try The London Eye to visit
Is public transport cheaper than taxis?
- Tube/bus: £7–£15 per day
- Taxi/Uber: £10–£40 per trip
👉 Public transport is significantly cheaper
Tips to reduce transport costs in London
- Use contactless for daily caps
- Walk short distances
- Avoid peak travel times
- Stay within Zones 1–2
- Use buses for cheaper travel
“See our full London spending money guide”
RELATED GUIDES
- 👉 See our London Spending Money Guide
- 👉 Read Cheap Things to Do in London
- 👉 Check How Much a UK Holiday Costs
- 👉 Explore London Eye Ticket Prices
FINAL THOUGHTS
Transport in London is one of the most efficient in the world, and with daily caps in place, it’s easier than ever to control your spending. Most visitors can get around comfortably for under £10 per day.