Oyster Cards are now available throughout National Express’ UK coach network in a deal brokered with Transport for London (TfL).

National Express – the UK’s largest coach operator – is the first such company to offer the Oyster Card that allows unlimited travel across Zones 1 to 6 on a pre-paid basis.

Branded as the Visitor Oyster Card, the facility nonetheless comes at a fairly hefty £12 ($23.60) with £2 of that going towards an administration fee leaving £10 for travel use. A conventional, off-peak daily Travelcard for Zones 1 to 6 in London is £7 and peak, £13.80, although these would have to be purchased on arrival in London.

Addressing the cost issue, a TfL spokeswoman said: “This card is specifically designed for the visitor market and does not expire – the whole idea is to allow people ease of access.”

Where the Visitor Oyster Card may well prove successful is at airports such as Luton, Stansted and Heathrow, from where Network Express has significant connections into central London.

Visitors who do not use their full allowance on the Oyster Card can keep it for future use or pass it on to anyone coming to London.