London Pass Review and Guide 2024: Is It a Good Deal? (2024)

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The London Pass includes entry to over 90 of the best attractions in London. Learn how it works and whether it is worth it in this complete London Pass review.

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London is easily one of my favorite cities in the world. Something about it just keeps pulling me back. The history. The majesty. The culture. I could visit London a million times and never grow tired of it. I absolutely adore the city!

Unfortunately, London isn’t cheap.

Consistently ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world, a trip to the UK’s capital city can put a serious strain on your pocketbook. And, since prices there are listed in British Pounds, things can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.

Don’t let the price tag scare you off, though. There are plenty of ways to save on your London vacation, and that includes saving money with a sightseeing pass. To get the most bang for your sightseeing buck, consider purchasing one of my favorite sightseeing passes of all – the London Pass.

What Is the London Pass?

The London Pass is an all-inclusive sightseeing pass that provides entry to over 90 of the city’s best attractions. In addition to admission fees, the pass also includes “fast track entry” to some of London’s busiest spots, helping you to skip the long ticket lines and save valuable sightseeing time.

If this is your first trip to London, this pass is the perfect way to experience the city’s top spots at a fraction of the cost. In fact, we personally used it to save well over $100 USD during our first visit there.

Like the New York Pass, the London Pass is an absolute no-brainer for me, and it should be for you too. As you’d expect, the pass includes entry to most of London’s major historical sights – like the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and more. These are all “must see” sights that no visitor should miss.

Additionally, the London Pass includes about 90 other attractions. And, with prices for many of the city’s major attractions hovering around £25 (roughly $31 USD at the time of publishing), you only need to visit about 2 places a day to make a multi-day London Pass worth it. Even better, the pass frequently goes on sale, providing even more value for your travel dollars!

If you plan to use London’s fabulous public transit system, you can also add an “Oyster Card” for an additional fee. (We’ll talk more about this later!)

SAVE BIG IN LONDON! Grab the London Pass and save big on admission to the city’s most epic sights. Learn more here.

How It Works

Like other all-inclusive passes, the London Pass works on a consecutive day basis. This means that you purchase the pass for a set number of days, allowing you to visit as many of the included attractions as you like during the time that your pass is active.

The London Pass is available in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10-day varieties. So, if you choose a 3-day London Pass, your pass is good for 3 consecutive days from the time it is activated. Capiche?

To activate your card, simply present it at the gate of your first attraction. They’ll scan your card and – voila – you’re good to go! The pass is your ticket for each attraction. Simply present the pass upon entry and you’re set. (Editor’s note: Some attractions and tours may require reservations in advance. Check your pass guidebook or the London Pass app for details.)

The London Pass comes as a digital pass that you can carry on your mobile device using the free London Pass app. You can also print a paper copy if you wish. If you add the Oyster Travelcard, that card will need to be shipped to you prior to your arrival in London.

Keep in mind that the London Pass uses calendar days, not 24-hour periods. Regardless of whether you activate your pass at 9 AM or 2 PM, that counts as your first day. So, it’s typically best to activate your pass early in the day to ensure you get the most value out of Day 1.

Attractions on the London Pass

The London Pass provides entry to over 90 of the top tourist attractions in London, including:

• Tower of London (£29.90)
• Westminster Abbey (£27.00)
• Hampton Court Palace (£26.30)
• Windsor Castle – Afternoon Entry (£30.00)
• St. Paul’s Cathedral (£23.00)
• The View from the Shard (£37.00)
• Kensington Palace (£25.40)
• The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace (£17.00)
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (£24.00)
• 30+ London Sights Walking Tour (£47.00)
• Uber Boat Thames River Boat Cruise (£23.00)
• Hop on Hop off Bus Tour (£37.00)
• London Zoo (£41.80)
• Cutty Sark (£18.00)
• Royal Observatory Greenwich (£18.00)
• Chelsea FC Stadium Tour (£28.00)
• …and much more (view the full attractions list here)

*Current as of April 17, 2023

(Editor’s Note: Some attractions and tours may require reservations.)

Remember, these are just a few of the 90+ London attractions included on the pass. As you can see, the London Pass offers a ton of value – making it easily one of my favorite sightseeing passes in the world!

Speaking of value…

London Pass Pricing

So, how much does the London Pass cost? I knew you’d ask!

The London Pass has 8 different pricing options based on how long you plan to use the pass. Separated into 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10-day passes, you can use the pass for as long or little as you like.

Take note that you cannot split up your available days. The pass is good for a set number of consecutive days only.If the consecutive day pricing model turns you off, you may want to consider the London Explorer Pass instead. Or, just purchase the London Pass and plan accordingly.

Here is the pricing structure:

You can also include the Oyster Card for travel on London’s fabulous public transportation system when you purchase your London Pass. Personally, I love using London’s transit systems. Both the Tube and the National Rail systems are convenient and easy to navigate, so I think it’s money well spent. (Read more about London’s rail systems below.)

How Much Will I Save with the London Pass?

Let’s talk about how much you’ll save with the London Pass. First, let’s take a quick look at how much the pass costs per day for adults:

• 1-Day Pass: £96/day
• 2-Day Pass: £62.50/day
• 3-Day Pass: £48.67/day
• 4-Day Pass: £41.75/day
• 5-Day Pass: £36.20/day
• 6-Day Pass: £32.10/day
• 7-Day Pass: £28.57/day
• 10-Day Pass: £21.40/day

So, let’s assume you get the three day pass. In order to break even, you would need to visit attractions that totaled at least £48.67 each day. Anything above that is money you’ve saved. Essentially, you’ll need to visit 2+ attractions each day with an average regular price of about £25 apiece for the London Pass to be worth it.

Now, let’s look at an actual example. Here’s what you would spend at the gate for tickets to six of the London’s top attractions without it:

• Tower of London: £29.90
• Westminster Abbey: £27.00
• Hampton Court Palace: £26.30
• Windsor Castle: £30.00
• The View from the Shard: £37.00
• Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour:£37.00
• TOTAL: £186.30 per adult

Assuming there is no sale happening, which there often is, the regular price 3-Day London Pass costs just £146. By visiting just 2 of these attractions a day, you’ll save £40.30 per adult!

By hitting 3 attractions each day, you’ll save considerably more. That’s definitely not chump change, especially if you’re traveling with a family or small group. You’ll also get fast track entry at several of these spots, saving you valuable time as well! And if you grab the pass on sale, you stretch your savings even further!

Seriously, to me, buying the London Pass is an absolute no-brainer.

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5 Top Reasons to Get the London Pass

1) Save Money

Let’s face it: Visiting London can be expensive. That’s why it’s important to save money any way you can…and that includes sightseeing.

With the London Pass, you can visit the best attractions in the city and save big. In fact, we personally used it to save some serious cash on our first trip to London. So, if you’re looking to enjoy London for less, we highly recommend this pass!

2) Tower of London

The Tower of London is easily one of my favorite places in all of Europe. Built by William the Conqueror around 1070 A.D., the Tower of London has served as a royal residence, an armory, a royal mint, and a prison.

Yep, this is the place where the “Two Princes in the Tower” were believed to be murdered by their uncle, King Richard III, so that he could usurp the throne. It’s where two of King Henry VIII’s queens (Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard) lost their heads. And, it’s also the spot where countless political prisoners (like Sir Thomas More) arrived through “Traitors’ Gate” and were imprisoned before they were made a head shorter.

Guided walking tours of the grounds led by a Yeoman Warder (a.k.a. a “Beefeater”) are included with your London Pass entry. These tours also provide access to the Church of St. Peter ad Vincula – the burial spot of both executed queens.

Last but not least, make your way to the Waterloo Barracks to view the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. When in London, The Tower is a sight not to be missed.

3) Westminster Abbey

Possibly the most famous structure in all of London, Westminster Abbey was founded in 960 A.D. and remains a working church to this day. The famous double towers on its western facade are known throughout the world.

You probably recognize Westminster Abbey as the site of numerous royal weddings (like Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s) and funerals (like Princess Diana’s). What you may not realize is that, since 1066, Westminster Abbey has been the site of every English and British monarch’s coronation. While you’re there, be sure to sneak a peek at King Edward’s Chair – the throne used in every coronation since 1308.

Additionally, the abbey acts as a cemetery for many of the most famous people in English and British history. Walk through the abbey and discover the final resting places of famous royals like Elizabeth I, Henry VII, Edward the Confessor, Mary I, Mary Queen of Scots, Edward I, Richard II, and many more.

4) Hampton Court Palace

Get transported back in time and enjoy a trip through Tudor history with a visit to Hampton Court Palace. Located about 11 miles from Central London on the Thames River, the palace is a short 35-minute train ride away.

Redeveloped by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey around 1515, the palace was eventually seized and occupied by King Henry VIII. Henry expanded the palace’s famous Tudor style, while William III and Mary II expanded the rear of the palace in the Baroque style of the late 1600’s.

Along with the “Tudor Kitchens”and the “Great Hall,” my favorite part of the palace is the “Chapel Royal.” In fact, it may be one of my favorite single rooms in all of London. The chapel itself is stunning, and standing in the king’s private pew gave me some legit goosebumps.

Give yourself time to wander through the magnificent gardens and the famous hedge maze. If you’re timing is right, you might even bump into different characters who are roaming the halls in full Tudor costumes. Turning the corner and seeing “Henry VIII” himself definitely gave me chills!

5) Windsor Castle

Located in the county of Berkshire, about a 30-50 minute train ride from Central London, Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. The castle was a favorite residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the famous Round Tower is recognizable throughout the world.

Originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the castle has been inhabited by English and British monarchs for nearly 1,000 years. At the castle, you’ll find one of England’s best examples of Gothic architecture, St. George’s Chapel.

In addition to being a fully operational church with multiple daily services, St. George’s Chapel serves as the final resting place for eleven monarchs – including King Henry VIII, his third wife Jane Seymour, and – most recently – Queen Elizabeth II. Since this is still a working royal residence, please note that some parts of the castle may not be open at all times.

Additional Benefits of the London Pass

Free entry into London’s best attractions isn’t all the London Pass has to offer. Here are some other great benefits of the card:

• Fast Track Entry – One of the biggest benefits of purchasing the London Pass is that you get “Fast Track Entry” into several of the city’s most popular attractions. During peak times, lines to get in can be crazy long. Purchase the card, skip the lines, and save yourself time (and headaches) so you can see more of London’s best attractions!
• Mobile App – Download the pass directly to your smartphone or use your London Pass with the London Pass app. The app features attraction information, example itineraries, an interactive London map, and more.

• The London Pass Guidebook – Your London Pass comes with a guidebook to help you plan your sightseeing in London. This little gem provides informative descriptions of all of the attractions available with the pass. Additionally, the guidebook supplies you with all of the opening/closing times and with directions on how to travel to each destination.

  Use the guidebook with the app or print a paper copy to carry with you.

Avoid Long Ticket Lines in London – Don’t waste precious time standing in long lines. The London Pass includes Fast Track Entry at some of the city’s hottest attractions. Learn more here.

Adding the Oyster Card to The London Pass

Let’s talk a little bit about transportation. In our Rome and Vatican Pass review, we mentioned that the Paris Pass includes a travelcard. While travel is not automatically built into the cost of the London Pass, you can add it on…which I think is an even better option!

London has one of the best – if not the best – public transportation system in the world. It’smy preferred method of getting around the city, and you should use it while you’re there too. Not only is it super convenient, it’s extremely easy to use.

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Although you can make your way around on buses, I prefer the city’s subway system. The subway is officially known as the “Underground” but is more affectionately referred to as “The Tube.”

You’ll find tube stations everywhere throughout the city. The easily recognizable signs, featuring a red circle with a white center and a blue horizontal stripe running through the middle, mark where the tube stations are located.

Here’s what the signs look like:

The other train system you need to know isthe National Rail system. You’ll use these trains to travel to attractions outside of London, like Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace.

Unlike the Tube, where trains come and go every few minutes, trains on the National Rail system leave at predetermined times. Check what time your train leaves before you make sightseeing plans for the day.

Typically, National Rail stations are identified by two horizontal red lines that look like fancy train tracks. Usually, they’ll look like some variation of this:

In order to board the trains, you’ll first need a train pass. With the Visitor Oyster Card, you can board either the Tube or the National Rail, making it the perfect travel card for sightseeing in London. Better yet, you can add it to the cost of your London pass for just a few pounds more.

Keep in mind, however, the Visitor Oyster Card does not provide unlimited transportation. Instead, your card is pre-loaded with credits. The amount of credits you get is determined by the number of days your pass stays active. If you run out of credits, you’ll need to refill them at the station. The card also includes daily credit limits, so watch out for that.

Whether you purchase the travel card with your pass or buy one at the tube station, I highly recommend you use London’s transit system. It is by far, the easiest, fastest, and best way to get to all the places you want to see quickly. Get your London Pass with travel card here.

Where the London Pass Falls Short

As you can tell, I absolutely love the London Pass. In fact, I struggle to find many negative things to say about it.

With that said, in recent years, the London Pass has added a per day credit cap. This effectively caps the total amount of savings you can get from the card, and credit limits are based on the length of the pass.

While I’m never a big fan of capping an all-inclusive pass, the credit limits on the London Pass are pretty generous. Even the hardest charging sightseer would be hard pressed to hit them.

For example, the credit limit on the 3-day pass is £355. That means you’d need to visit 4 attractions a day with an average value of £29.58 each. Honestly, that probably ain’t gonna happen. Even if it does, you’d still be saving £209 per adult.

Also, as we mentioned above, the Visitor Oyster Card no longer offers unlimited rides when purchased with the London Pass. Instead, you’ll receive a pre-loaded card filled with credits – which, of course, are determined by the length of your pass. Keep in mind that you won’t be charged after your first three journeys each day, so that is a plus.

Although this is a bit of a bummer, it’s still super convenient to purchase your Visitor Oyster Card at the same time you purchase your London Pass. An unlimited Oyster Card would be nice, but – if you run out of credits – you can simply add more at the station.

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Who Is the London Pass Good For?

First-time visitors – For first-time visitors, the London Pass is a great way to see the major sights and save money doing it. In fact, almost every major sight in the city is included on the pass. Why not save money at the places you’re going to visit anyway?

Both power and casual sightseers – If you want to see as much as you can in the time you have, the London Pass is for you! The more you use the pass, the more value you’ll get. In fact, you only need to visit 2+ attractions a day to get your money’s worth. That’s a pretty great value and easy to do!

Families and small groups – Tourists who are traveling with their family or in a small group get even more value from the London Pass. Use the card with the whole group, and your savings will multiply quickly!

Who Should Avoid the Pass?

Those not interested in sightseeing – Let’s face it, London is a pretty exciting city all on it’s own. If you have no interest in visiting the major tourist attractions, you obviously won’t benefit from this pass.

People only interested in free activities – Likewise, there are plenty of free things to do in London – like visiting the various parks, hitting the British Museum (free but donations are requested), and just soaking up the atmosphere. Of course, you can always spend a few days doing the free stuff and use the pass during the rest of your time in London.

Getting the Most from the London Pass

Want to get the most value out of your London Pass? Here are a few tips to help make that happen!

• Visit 2-3 attractions per day– As we’ve mentioned, to make the London Pass worth it, be sure to visit 2 or 3 attractions each day. You’re bound to come out ahead by doing this.
• Visit the most expensive attractions– Obviously, the more expensive attractions provide the most value. If you’re planning to visit some of the attractions after your pass expires, visit the most expensive attractions while your pass is still active. Then, pay for the cheaper attractions later.
• Start early in the day– The earlier you get going the more sights you’ll be able to see. Start your days early and you’ll get more value from the card.
• Don’t activate your card in the afternoon– Likewise, don’t activate your first day in the afternoon. You’ll essentially lose an entire day’s worth of value in the pass.
• Plan your sightseeing accordingly– If possible, group your sightseeing by sights that are close to each other. That way, you’ll waste less time in transit between each attraction.
• Get a travel credit card – When traveling abroad, it’s always a good idea to carry a credit card with you – preferably one with no foreign transaction fees. You may even be able to book flights and hotels on your next trip for pennies on the dollar! Get started with our list of the best travel credit cards here.
• Skip the 1-Day Pass. – Although the 1-Day pass may be worth it, it’s a lot easier to come out ahead with the multi-day passes. I’d recommend getting a pass that lasts at least three days.

How to Get a London Pass

Ordering your London Pass is a piece of cake. Look for the latest sale and get your London Pass here.

Unlike the past, the pass is now sent to you via email. You can either download the pass to your phone, use the London Pass app, or print a paper copy of your pass.

Personally, I like to order mine before I depart from home. That way, I know I have it, it’s already on my phone waiting for me, and I know there are no issues. It also allows me totake advantage of any online sales or discounts being offered prior to traveling.

The Verdict: Is the London Pass Worth It?

So, is the London Pass worth it? ABSOLUTELY!!!

The London Pass is easily one of the best sightseeing passes in the world. By visiting just 2-3 of the included attractions each day, you will easily save a ton of time and money!

Purchase your London Pass using the link in the box below. Enjoy London and happy traveling!

Save Big in London! Sightseeing in London can be expensive, but you can save big money with the London Pass! The more you use it, the more you save on the city’s best sights. Get your pass here.