How long do Oyster cards last?

The Long Life of Your Oyster Card: No Expiry, Just Effortless Travel

Navigating the bustling streets of London often relies on the convenience of the Oyster card. This little piece of plastic unlocks a world of transport options, from the Underground to buses, trams, and even some river services. But one question frequently pops up for tourists and seasoned Londoners alike: how long does an Oyster card actually last?

The good news is that Oyster card credit, the money you load onto the card, essentially has no expiry date. That’s right, the funds you add to your card will remain available for you to use until they are completely spent. Whether you’re a regular commuter topping up weekly or a visitor only needing a card for a few days, you don’t need to worry about losing your hard-earned travel funds due to some arbitrary time limit.

This indefinite validity offers significant peace of mind. Perhaps you’re a student returning home for the summer or a professional taking a sabbatical – your leftover Oyster credit will be waiting for you upon your return, ready to facilitate your next journey.

And when you do need to replenish your funds, the process is incredibly simple and convenient. You can top up your Oyster card at:

• Ticket machines located in Underground stations, Overground stations, and some National Rail stations.
• Oyster Ticket Stops, newsagents, and convenience stores displaying the Oyster card sign.
• Online via the Transport for London (TfL) website, although you’ll need to touch your Oyster card onto a card reader to activate the top-up.
• Using the TfL Oyster and contactless app on your smartphone.

This easy access to top-ups ensures uninterrupted travel. You can quickly add more funds whenever your balance gets low, allowing you to continue enjoying the seamless journeys that the Oyster card provides.

So, ditch the anxiety about expiry dates and embrace the freedom of your Oyster card. With its long-lasting credit and easy top-up options, it’s the perfect travel companion for navigating the capital, offering a convenient and stress-free experience for everyone. Forget worrying about deadlines, and focus on enjoying your London adventures, knowing your Oyster card has your travel needs covered, whenever you’re ready to explore.