Vicky Parry
19th Jun 2025
Reading Time: 4 minutes
If you live in London, you’ll know the cost of getting around the city can eat up a big chunk of your monthly budget. In 2025, the average London commuter spends more than £1,800 a year on public transport—rising to £2,500+ for those commuting from outer zones or using a mix of Tube, trains, and buses.
But here’s the good news: you could save over £1,000 a year with a few smart tricks.
This complete guide is packed with money-saving tips for travelling around London, from TfL hacks and railcard discounts to free days out and hidden concessions. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or planning cheap family adventures, this is your ultimate travel cheat sheet for 2025.
1. Use Contactless or Oyster to Maximise Daily and Weekly Fare Caps
Never buy paper tickets in London—they’re often the most expensive option. Instead, use Oyster or contactless cards, which automatically cap your fares:
- Daily cap (Zones 1–2): £8.50
- Weekly cap (Zones 1–2): £42.70
Savings tip: Switching to contactless/Oyster could save you £300+ per year if you’re still using Travelcards or paper tickets.
2. Save 33% on Rail with a Railcard (Yes, Even in London)
Railcards aren’t just for long-distance travel. Many work on off-peak TfL and National Rail services within London, giving you serious savings.
Popular 2025 railcards:
- 16–25 Railcard – £35/year
- 26–30 Railcard – £30/year
- Disabled Persons Railcard – £20/year
- Two Together Railcard – £30/year
- Family & Friends Railcard – £35/year
Savings tip: Using a Railcard for just 2–3 off-peak journeys a week could save you £200–£300 per year.
3. Concessions & Free Travel Schemes for Londoners
If you meet the criteria, free or discounted travel is up for grabs:
- Freedom Pass – Free off-peak travel for older or disabled Londoners
- 60+ Oyster Card – Free travel after 9am for London residents aged 60+
- Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card – Up to 50% off for those on Universal Credit
- Veterans Oyster Card – Free travel for eligible ex-forces personnel
Savings tip: Eligible users could save £800–£1,200 a year through these schemes.
4. Cycle with Santander Bikes from Just £1.65
Santander Cycles (aka Boris Bikes) are one of the cheapest ways to get around London:
- £1.65 for a 30-minute ride
- £3/day for unlimited 30-minute journeys
Savings tip: Switching from Tube or bus to Santander Bikes just a few times a week can save £300–£500 a year.
5. Walk or Split Your Journey to Cut Travel Costs
Sometimes, walking a few extra minutes between stations can help you avoid crossing zone boundaries or unnecessary changes.
Examples:
- Walk from Elephant & Castle to Borough to avoid Zone 1 fares
- Walk instead of switching Tube lines during peak times
Savings tip: Smart walking and journey splitting can save £100–£200 a year.
SEO keywords: how to avoid Zone 1 fares, cheapest ways to commute in London, walking vs Tube savings
6. Cheap Days Out: Free Attractions & 2-for-1 Deals
Make the most of what London has to offer without breaking the bank:
- Check Bablands for free family events, play spaces, and holiday activities
- Use National Rail 2-for-1 deals for big attractions
- Get a London Pass or Go City Card for bundled entry savings
Savings tip: Families using these offers could save £400+ a year.
7. Advance Tickets, Cashback & Discount Sites
Booking early and shopping smart can boost your savings even further:
Savings tip: You could save £100–£200 annually with cashback and deal sites alone.
Summary: Estimated Annual Savings
| Tip | Estimated Annual Saving |
|---|---|
| Switch to Oyster/contactless | £200–£300 |
| Use Railcards | £200–£300 |
| Concessions (if eligible) | £800–£1,200 |
| Santander Cycles | £300–£500 |
| Walk/split routes | £100–£200 |
| Free & discounted attractions | £400+ |
| Advance booking & cashback | £100–£200 |
Total possible saving: £1,200–£2,000+ per year
Conclusion: Travel London for Less in 2025
With fares rising and household budgets stretched, this is the year to get smart about how you travel. Whether you’re commuting, parenting, or planning a staycation, these tips can help you save over £1,000 a year.
Get started today: switch to contactless, apply for a railcard, check out Bablands, and start stacking those savings. London is yours to explore—without overspending.