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I have been living in London for many years yet I still can't figure out when I am not allowed to use my Oyster card and I have to ask every time I suspect that it can't be used.

Two recent examples:

  • Trains from Paddington to Slough for example stop at Ealing Broadway, Southall, Hayes & Harlington, West Drayton and Langley

I know for sure that I can use my Oyster to go to Ealing Broadway as I have done it hundreds of times and I am very sure that I cant use it to go to Slough. I cant remember which of the rest of stations are within the coverage of the Oyster card. There are no signs at the station to explain that.

  • Trains from St Pancras to Ebbsfleet

If I remember correctly I can get off at Stratford, no problem using the Oyster card but you have to buy a ticket if you are going to Ebbsfleet

Again no signs and no way to tell not even the ticket machine warns you about that.

Is there something I am not aware of?

A E
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Ulkoma
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1 Answers1

19

Consult this map, which marks all zones and the stations located within them http://content.tfl.gov.uk/london-rail-and-tube-services-map.pdf

While I haven't bothered to memorise every single zone Limit (since I'm not a UK resident, but a fairly frequent visitor), I do know where the outer boundaries of the TFL area are located, which is the most important thing.

On the route to Reading, you can go as far as West Drayton, and as you say, up to Stratford on the high-speed line

Crazydre
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