the key

A smarter way to travel

The key is a rechargeable travel smartcard that can save you time, money and hassle on all Oxford Bus Company services.

Visit the key website

There are a number of advantages to having a key smart card:

  • You make big savings on daily or occasional travel.
  • You can top-up online or in person at one of our Travel Shops, located at Gloucester Green and on the High Street. 
  • There’s no need to carry cash - just touch and go!
  • If you lose your key we can block anyone else from using your travel and issue a replacement smartcard.
  • Access to key benefits that are available in Restaurants, Shops, Attractions and Theatres across Oxford.

Travel options available on the key

  • cityzone

    cityzone is an affordable and convenient way of travelling around Oxford on our buses. Weekly passes are great value starting at just £14.50 a week!

    Visit the cityzone page

  • SmartZone

    Travel on any Oxford Bus, Thames Travel or Stagecoach bus within SmartZone. Weekly passes are great value starting at just £15.99 a week!

    Visit the SmartZone page

  • park&ride

    With 5 car parks located around Oxford’s ring road and fast and frequent bus services until late evening, the park&ride is the only sensible way to travel into Oxford City Centre.

    Visit the park&ride key page

  • cityzone EXTRA

    The cityzone EXTRA product is a cheaper option for those travelling between Abingdon and Oxford, with the added flexibility of making other journeys around Oxford city.

    Visit the cityzone EXTRA page

  • South Oxfordshire Zone

    South Oxfordshire Zone covers all routes outside the cityzone operated by Oxford Bus Company, plus many Thames Travel services operating in South Oxfordshire.

    Visit the South Oxfordshire Zone page

  • cityzone & South Oxfordshire Zone

    cityzone & South Oxfordshire Zone offers local travel on Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel services within both areas. Stagecoach services are not included.

    Visit the cityzone & South Oxfordshire Zone page

  • SmartZone & South Oxfordshire Zone

    SmartZone & South Oxon Zone offers local travel on OBC and Thames Travel services within both areas. Stagecoach services can be used within SmartZone but are not included in the South Oxfordshire Zone.

    Visit the SmartZone & South Oxfordshire Zone page

Please note that all online top-ups are collected on an Oxford Bus Company bus reader and can take up to 48 hours to become available for use on your smartcard. You can also collect a top up on a Thames Travel bus reader but please note that top ups can take up to 72 hours to reach Thames Travel buses.