Thames Clippers

• 10% discount available on standard price single ticket journeys and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts.
• To be eligible for the 10% discount, the balance must be paid using the pay as you go credit on the Oyster card.
• Customers will always be charged the lowest discount they are eligible for - i.e. Customers with a Travelcard will be entitled to a 33% discount off the current single fare. The fare can be paid using the Oyster pay as you go credit provided there is  sufficient credit on the card.
• Journeys made on Thames Clippers are not included in the Oyster daily price cap.
  Read more about daily price capping.

Read the Oysterisation of Thames Clippers river services press release.

Frequently asked questions

• What is an Oyster card?
  The Oyster card is a ticketing smartcard used on the Transport for London network. Oyster is generally the cheapest way to make single journeys in the Capital. An Oyster card can store three Travelcard season tickets and up to £90 pay as you go credit.
• Where can I use my Oyster pay as you go?
  An Oyster card can be used on the majority of the transport within the Greater London area, including bus, Tube, tram DLR, London Overground and some National Rail Services in London. From 23 November 2009, you will be able to use your Oyster pay as you go onboard Thames Clippers river services (excluding The O2 Express).
• When is Oyster pay as you go due to go live on Thames Clippers?
  Oyster pay as you go will be available on board Thames Clippers from November 2009.
• How can Oyster pay as you go be used on Thames Clippers?
  Onboard the Thames Clippers vessel by swiping your card at the hand held machine carried by a member of staff. The fare will be then deducted from the credit available on your Oyster.
• How much does it cost?
  Customers with pay as you go credit on their Oyster card will be entitled to a 10% discount off the current single fare. The balance must be paid using the pay as you go credit on the Oyster card. Customers with a Travelcard will be entitled to a 33% discount off the current single fare. The balance can be paid using the pay as you go credit on the Oyster card.
• Can I get discount for having a Travelcard on my Oyster card?
  Yes. You will receive 1/3 off a full priced single fare, paying the discounted amount how you want (£10 minimum spend on Credit and Debit card transactions).
• Do I get a discount if I have a  monthly/weekly period ticket loaded on my Oyster card?
  Yes, the same 33% discount will apply for any type of TfL Travelcard (paper or Oyster)
• What are the advantages of using Oyster pay as you go?
  The pay as you go credit paid onto an Oyster card can be used as you need it and doesn't expire. It saves the hassle of carrying cash and is easier for the customer.
• Can I top up the pay as you go credit on my Oyster card on board?
  No. All cards must have sufficient credit to cover the fare. Oyster cards and pay as you go credit cannot be purchased from Thames Clippers.
• What if I don't have enough pay as you go credit, can I get a discount anyway if I show my Oyster card and pay in cash?
  No. All Oyster users should have sufficient pay as you go credit for their journey before they travel unless they have set up an automatic top up facility with their bank.
• On which Thames Clippers services can I use pay as you go?
  - The timetabled scheduled service (Mon-Sun, every 20 minutes)
  - The Hilton ferry
  - The Tate to Tate service
  - Oyster pay as you go may be used on The O2 Express but the 10% discount does not apply
• Are there any Thames Clippers services that do not accept Oyster pay as you go?
  The O2 Express service which runs on The O2 arena event days between Waterloo and The O2, will accept payment by pay as you go Oyster, however, the 10% discount does not apply
• Is the boat service included in Oyster daily price cap?
  Currently the boat service is not included within the capping system.
• Is Oyster pay as you go accepted on all river boat operators on the Thames?
  No. Currently Oyster pay as you go is only accepted on Thames Clippers.