If you’re planning a trip to London and you’ve heard about the London Pass, you’re probably wondering: Is the London Pass worth buying? It sounds too good to be true-unlimited entry to over 80 attractions, skip-the-line access, and a free guidebook for one flat price. But is it really a money-saver, or just a marketing trick? I’ve used it twice, talked to locals, and crunched the numbers. Here’s what actually happens when you buy it.
What the London Pass Actually Covers
The London Pass isn’t just a ticket to the Tower of London. It’s a bundle of 80+ sites, including big names like Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Zoo, and the Churchill War Rooms. You also get access to river cruises, hop-on-hop-off bus tours, and even some lesser-known spots like the Design Museum and the Postal Museum.
Here’s the catch: not all attractions are included at full value. For example, the London Eye is excluded entirely. The Shard’s observation deck? Also out. So if your dream is to see the city from above, you’ll need to pay separately. The pass works best if you’re into history, architecture, and museums-not thrill rides or panoramic views.
The pass comes in 1-, 2-, 3-, or 6-day options. Prices start at £89 for one day and go up to £179 for six days. You can add an Oyster card for public transport, but that bumps the cost even higher. The guidebook is useful, but it’s not worth the price difference by itself.
How Much You Actually Save
Let’s say you plan to hit five major attractions. Here’s what it costs without the pass:
- Tower of London: £33.40
- Westminster Abbey: £27
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: £28
- London Zoo: £38
- Churchill War Rooms: £30
Total: £156.40
Now compare that to the 3-day London Pass: £139. You’re saving £17.40 just on entry fees. But here’s the twist: you’d need to hit at least four of these to break even. If you only do three, you’re paying more with the pass.
And don’t forget: some attractions have free alternatives. The British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern are all free. If you’re planning to spend most of your time there, the pass won’t help. But if you’re the kind of traveler who wants to tick off every famous site, the math gets better fast.
Who It’s Best For
The London Pass isn’t for everyone. It’s a tool for a specific kind of traveler:
- You’re staying in London for 3+ days and want to pack in sights.
- You’re not picky-you’re okay visiting multiple museums in one day.
- You hate waiting in line and value skip-the-line access.
- You’re traveling with kids and want to include family-friendly spots like the London Zoo or the SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
If you’re a solo traveler who likes to wander, read, or just sit in a pub with a pint, the pass is overkill. I met a couple from Canada who bought it because they thought they’d “do everything.” They ended up skipping half the attractions because they were exhausted. The pass didn’t save them time-it just made them feel guilty for not using it.
The Real Benefit: Skip-the-Line Access
The biggest hidden perk isn’t the price-it’s the time saved. At popular spots like the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey, lines can stretch over an hour in peak season. With the London Pass, you get a dedicated entrance. That’s not just convenient-it’s worth £20+ in lost time if you’re on a tight schedule.
I used the pass in July 2024. At the Tower of London, I walked straight in while the regular line snaked around the courtyard. I got in, saw the Crown Jewels, and was out in 90 minutes. Someone in line behind me told me they’d waited 75 minutes just to get inside. That’s a full hour and a half of your day gone. If you’re on a 5-day trip, that adds up fast.
When the London Pass Is a Waste of Money
Don’t buy the pass if:
- You’re only in London for 1 or 2 days.
- You plan to visit mostly free museums (British Museum, National Gallery, V&A).
- You’re traveling in winter-many attractions close early or have reduced hours.
- You want to see the London Eye, The Shard, or other top views.
- You’re on a tight budget and can’t afford the upfront cost.
One traveler I spoke to bought the 3-day pass for £139, then only used it for two attractions. He spent £100 on the pass and £40 on the London Eye. He ended up paying £140 total-more than if he’d just bought tickets separately.
Alternatives to Consider
If the London Pass feels too rigid, here are other options:
- London Explorer Pass: Choose 3, 5, or 7 attractions from a list. You only pay for what you use. Good if you’re selective.
- Go City Pass: Similar to the London Pass but with more flexibility. Includes some attractions the London Pass doesn’t.
- Buy individual tickets online in advance: Many sites offer 10-20% discounts if you book ahead. You can also find combo deals, like Tower + HMS Belfast for £50.
- Free walking tours: Many are pay-what-you-want. Great for history buffs who don’t need museum tickets.
I used the London Explorer Pass on my second trip. I picked the Tower, Westminster Abbey, and the London Zoo. Total cost: £95. I skipped the cruise and the bus tour-things I didn’t care about. Saved £44 compared to the London Pass.
Pro Tips for Using the London Pass
If you decide to buy it, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Download the official app before you arrive. It has maps, opening hours, and real-time wait times.
- Plan your days around opening times. Many places open at 9:30 or 10 a.m. Start early to beat crowds.
- Use the hop-on-hop-off bus to move between sites. It’s included and saves you from walking miles in the rain.
- Don’t try to do too much. One big attraction per day is enough. Rushing leads to burnout.
- Check for special events. Some sites offer free entry days or extended hours during holidays.
I once tried to hit six attractions in one day. I ended up skipping three because I was too tired. The pass didn’t make me efficient-it made me overconfident.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Yes-if you’re planning to visit at least four paid attractions and you value your time. No-if you’re only doing a few sights or sticking to free museums.
The London Pass is not a magic ticket. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it only works if you use it the right way. For families, history lovers, or travelers with packed itineraries, it can save money and stress. For solo travelers who like to go slow, it’s just another thing to carry around.
My advice? Calculate your own list of must-see sites. Add up the prices. If the total is over £120, the pass is worth a look. If it’s under £90, skip it. And always, always check the official website for current inclusions-some attractions change yearly.
Does the London Pass include the London Eye?
No, the London Eye is not included in the London Pass. You’ll need to buy a separate ticket. The same goes for The Shard and other major observation decks. The pass focuses on museums, historic sites, and cultural attractions-not panoramic views.
Can I use the London Pass on non-consecutive days?
No. The pass starts the first time you use it and runs for consecutive calendar days. If you activate it on Monday, it expires at midnight on the last day of your chosen duration. You can’t pause it or use it on weekends only.
Is the London Pass cheaper if I buy it online?
Yes. Buying online through the official website usually gives you the lowest price. Third-party sellers sometimes charge extra fees or offer outdated deals. Always check londonpass.com before purchasing.
Does the London Pass include public transport?
The base pass does not include public transport. But you can add an Oyster card for an extra fee. This gives you unlimited travel on buses, tubes, and trains within London zones 1-6. It’s only worth it if you plan to use transit frequently.
Are children free with the London Pass?
Children under 5 get in free at most attractions without a pass. For ages 5-15, you can buy a discounted child pass, usually about 30% cheaper than the adult version. Always check the official site for current child pricing.