LONDON PASS ULTIMATE GUIDE
If visiting to over 95 attractions in London for a fraction of the cost sounds like a dream come true, then you obviously haven’t heard of The London Pass.
The London Pass is a travel card specifically designed for tourists in London who want to visit as many London attractions and landmarks as humanly possible during a short period of time… and for a fraction of the cost! Not only does The London Pass grant tourists free entry to over 95 attractions, customers can also take advantage of queue-jumping privileges at some of London’s top attractions, and each visitor will be given a guidebook packed full of all sorts of special offers and tips as well. All in all, if you combine your London Pass with booking some free walking tours, you will be able to visit the best of London on a budget.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the London Pass: what it includes, how to purchase one, and how to decide if it's a good value for you.
How does The London Pass work?
The London Pass is essentially a sightseeing credits package. You purchase your desired credits package and redeem your credits to gain access to the attractions. The card is valid for consecutive days from when it’s first used, with each day of validity being one calendar day rather than a 24-hour period.
You can purchase a one-day pass, a two-day pass, or even six and ten-day passes, depending on how long your stay in London is.
However, the longer your stay and your pass is, the more money you will eventually save; so if you only plan on visiting a handful of attractions during your trip to London, then The London Pass may not be for you.
Once you purchase your London Pass, get the free Go City® app on your phone. The app includes everything you need for sightseeing, such as entry information, opening hours, a digital map, and an itinerary builder. After downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play, sync The London Pass® by entering your order number from your confirmation email. This will provide you with a QR code for The London Pass® within the app. You also have the option to print your pass if you prefer. This step won’t activate the pass; it only activates when you scan it at your first attraction.
In addition, the pass allows you to skip the long entrance queues at several attractions. It also comes with a useful smartphone app and downloadable guidebook that is packed with special offers and helpful tips for your visit.
Can I travel with a London Pass?
All London Passes include a free 1-day Hop on Hop Off bus tour and a 1-day River Roamer pass with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. For more extensive transportation options, you can do as the locals and purchase a Visitor Oyster card for easy access to public transportation throughout the city.
The Visitor Oyster card is a smartcard used on London's public transport system, covering the Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services. It covers zones 1-9, including travel to and from Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, and London City Airport.
Instead of paying for each journey separately, you use the credit loaded onto your card. Fares are cheaper than buying a single ticket or Day Travelcard. Additionally, the Visitor Oyster card offers daily capping, allowing unlimited travel in a single day with a capped fare (in other words, after taking some transportations, the next trips are free).
Combining the London Pass with the Visitor Oyster card makes exploring London more convenient and budget-friendly.
What’s included in The London Pass?
- Free entry into over 95 different attractions, tours and museums in London including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court, Kensington Palace, the London Zoo, Kew Gardens, the Churchill War Rooms, Windsor Castle and many, many more. (Please note that the London Eye and Madame Tussauds are not included in the London Pass.)
- Fast-track entry into various attractions which could save you hours of waiting in line at London’s most popular landmarks (like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, just to name a few)
- A free Hop-on Hop-off bus tour with Big Bus
- One river cruise on the River Thames
- A 160-page guidebook full of tips, information and maps (available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Japanese)
- Various discounts at shops and restaurants
How do I buy The London Pass?
It's very easy! You can purchase your London Pass online through their official website (LondonPass.com). Please note that the London Pass can only be purchased online as a mobile ticket. Upon purchase, you'll receive an email with a link to download and use your pass, as well as a printable version.
Once you purchase your London Pass, you have up to 90 days to cancel it and receive a full refund, as long as the pass has not been activated. Additionally, the pass is valid for two years from the date of purchase, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your visit.
How much does The London Pass cost?
London Passes are available for adults (16 years and older) and children (5 to 15 years old).
One-day passes cost:
- £114 for adults
- £74 for children
Two-day passes cost:
- £159 for adults
- £99 for children
Three-day passes cost:
- £184 for adults
- £119 for children
Six-day passes cost:
- £239 for adults
- £139 for children
Ten-day passes cost:
- £289 for adults
- £164 for children
The Visitor Oyster card can be bought separately for £5.
A Few Tips and Advice
- Some attractions require reservations or advance notice for London Pass holders. Be sure to check ahead of time.
- The London Pass may not be a good value for children, as they often receive reduced or free entrance fees. Check prices before purchasing a pass for children.
To make the most of your trip without breaking the bank, you might want to check out the numerous free tours in London departing daily.
