I know, I know—there’s something nostalgic about a small, crinkly ticket. But unless you’re collecting souvenirs, avoid the paper ticket like a bad cheese sandwich. They’re overpriced, easy to lose, and you’ll regret it when you have to queue again at 8am.
Instead, grab an Oyster card or use a contactless bank card. These are the real heroes here. They automatically cap your daily fare, so you never overpay, even if you ride the tube like a marathon runner.
Pro tip from a guy who once bought the wrong ticket in front of a grumpy guard: Oyster cards work on buses, trams, and the Emirates Air Line cable car too. Think of it as your magic wand for London transport.
Where to Get an Oyster Card
Find a ticket machine in any tube station. They look like giant ATMs with a yellow “touch” circle. Tap the screen, press “Oyster card,” and pay a £7 deposit. That deposit is refundable when you’re done—don’t forget to return the card before you fly home.
You can also buy one at a manned ticket office, but the machine is faster and won’t judge your accent. I speak from experience: the machine never sighs when you take too long.
