photograph courtesy of hereiskaty

If you were in the dark about London’s transport system before—paying a ridiculous 4 quid (€5,90; $7.70) for a single journey on the Tube—you needn’t be anymore. Last week we highlighted London’s love affair with the Oyster card.

To simplify things for short-term visitors, there are also two Oyster cards specifically intended for tourists—a one-day card and a three-day card. The Oyster card for Visitors gives cardholders nearly 50% off all cash fares around London on tube, tram, bus, and Docklands Light Railway. Although you have to register your details to get an Oyster card—this part is too Big Brother for us; we suggest you register as “John Doe” if you don’t want Transport for London knowing your every move—it’s worth it for the savings.

With an Oyster card, you’ll pay £1 for bus fares and between £2 and £2.20 for Tube rides, a fraction of what you’d otherwise spend. The beauty of it is you can now snag an Oyster card for Visitors before you even get into London. A new partnership with Gatwick Express allows visitors to buy cards on the train from Gatwick on your way into town. For more information, poke around the Transport for London site.

Popularity: 8% [?]

photograph courtesy of LoopZilla

We asked you for your best London budget tips and you provided! Thanks! Our winning tip was provided by Dan F., who lives and works in London.

“Everyone in London gets around with an ‘Oyster card.’ The cards don’t cost anything to use and they get you major discounts on all public transportation in London.” Sounds good, right? Dan continues: “They’re good on the Tube, the bus, trams, and local trains, too. You fill up your Oyster card with cash and refill it when the card has run low, so there are no lines. Best of all, the pass cuts fare prices in half.”

Indeed, Dan! Check it out: A single Tube ticket in Zone A costs a whopping £4, while the same ride with your Oyster card costs £1.50. The Oyster card is free to use, so it would be foolish to travel Oyster-less. We’re also quite taken with its snazzy turquoise logo.

How can you land an Oyster card? They’re available in most Tube stations, through the Oyster Web site, and in 2,200 Oyster Ticket Shops around London.

Popularity: 5% [?]