Transport discounts in London: Oyster and contactless caps, the Hopper fare, 18+ Student Oyster, 16+ Zip and other concession cards
Published: Last checked: October 20266 min read
Short answer
In London, Oyster or contactless applies daily and weekly caps automatically, and the bus Hopper fare gives unlimited bus and tram changes within an hour. The bus fare rises to £1.85 on 1 November 2026. Students get 30% off Travelcards, 16 to 17-year-olds half fares; ages 5 to 10 travel free.
In short
- This post is general information. It is based on the Railcard and TfL pages and on GOV.UK and National Rail announcements as they were on 18 October 2026; prices and conditions change often.
- In London (the TfL network) you pay with Oyster or a contactless bank card or device instead of buying tickets. Daily and weekly caps stop your payments after a certain amount.
- On buses and trams the "Hopper" fare gives unlimited journeys within 1 hour.
- There are concession cards for students, young people, older people and jobseekers.
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Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- TfL: Bus and tram fares
- TfL: Pay as you go caps
- TfL: Free and discounted travel
- TfL: 16+ Zip Oyster photocard
- TfL: 18+ Student Oyster photocard
- TfL: Bus & Tram Discount photocard
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