Tramlink ticketing has changed a number of times.

When the system was being planned, it was envisaged that ticketing would be point to point fares from one stop to another stop with a variety of fares based entirely on distance travelled.

However, by the time the system opened in May 2000, zonal fares were becoming increasingly used in London. As a result, Tramlink started with point to point fares but just two fares in use. Journeys from East of Wandle Park to anywhere to the East or West as far as the Zone 3/4 boundary at Merton Park were 90p. Fares that crossed the boundary to stops West of Merton Park were £1.30. A concession existed to allow a 90p fare between stations west of Wandle Park. Bus Passes were strictly not permitted on trams and a £2.80 Bus and Tram ticket allowed travel on both modes.

A big change came on 19th August 2001, when the Point to Point ticketing system was scapped. Zonal tickets were introduced with Zone 4 tickets for journyes within Zone 4 at 90p. Zone 3 & 4 tickets covering any journey at £1.30 and the concession was kept on the Wimbledon line with "Zone 3 (up to Wandle Park)" tickets at 90p from stations West of Merton Park and Zone 3 and 4 tickets priced at 90p between Wandle Park and Merton Park. Bus and Tram passes were made available on the machines, together with through ticketing to LUL via Wimbledon. Previously, Bus and Tram passes were only available from PASS agents.

On 4th January 2004 a further major change took place with the introduction of a flat fare ticketing system. This brought Tramlink into line with London Bus fares. A £1 flat fare was introduced for all journeys. And, the Bus and Tram pass was scapped as a result of Bus Passes being permitted on Tramlink in the Zones that they cover. In addition, any travelcard covering any of Zones 3, 4, 5, or 6 was made valid on any part of Tramlink. And Free travel for Under 11s was introduced with photocards to prove age.

Oyster PrePay was the next development, launched on 16th May 2004. PrePay Oystercards are available at Ticket agents, including the Tramlink shop for a £3 returnable deposit. Once you have one, or if you already have an Oystercard, you can charge "PrePay" credit to that card at ticket agents or Underground stations or online at oystercard.com. When travelling on a tram, you must touch the Oystercard on the reader at the stop before boarding. This will deduct 70p (note you save 30% by using oyster over a normal cash fare) from your credit and you can board the tram. Oyster currently has some unusual restrictions on use when changing to feeder buses or using Wimbledon station to exit. It also can't cope with changing trams well. These problems and the introduction of price capping is expected to be introduced soon.

From January 2005, Fares rose to £1.20 single cash and 80p Oyster. However, Peak Oyster fares were introduced, for travel 0630 - 0900, costing £1 single. Price capping is now in force capping to the value of a One Day Bus Pass.

From July 2005, the Penalty Fare increased to £30, reduced to £20 if paid within 15 days.

From 1st September 2005, Free travel was introduced for Under 16s, subject to having a Child Oyster Photocard for over 14s (or over 11s going to Wimbledon which has ticket barriers). Child Fares retained for Student and New Deal discounts, and children without photocards, including those withdrawn for misuse.

From 2nd January 2006, Child Fares were withdrawn on paper tickets with 16-17 Students and New Deal discounts only available on Oyster at 40p Off Peak, 50p Peak. Cash Fares increased to £1.50 single to encourage transfer to Oyster ticketing.

From 2nd January 2006, Cash Fares rose to £2 single, £4 return (50p Single for Child Fares which remained available on machines). Oyster Off Peak was withdrawn resulting in all Oyster Fares being £1 single, £2 return. Child fares modified again to allow free travel for 16-17 year old London residents in full time education if holding the relevant Oyster Photocard. A separate Photocard enables and 16-17 year old to claim Child Rate fares (purchased on Oyster).