Best Pass for London: Guide to Choosing (2026)
Planning a trip to London requires balancing the desire to discover the city with its high costs: admission to individual attractions (tickets) now frequently exceeds £30.
Tourist passes were created precisely to optimize this expense, allowing you to visit more at an affordable and controlled cost.
However, choosing the best pass for you is not straightforward: in this guide updated in January 2026, we compare the best options to help you choose the perfect one for your itinerary.
INDEX
- What to see in London. The attractions that warrant a pass
- Why is it worth buying a London pass?
- What are the passes to London?
- Review of London Passes: Which one to choose?
- London Pass
- London Explorer Pass
- London City Card
- Is it worth buying a pass for young children?
- London Pass Comparison: Summary Table
- Which attractions are included in the passes?
- Which pass to choose to visit London?
- Passes and Public Transportation: How to Get Around and How Much It Costs
- Frequently asked questions about London Passes (FAQ)
- Complete your visit to London: other attractions and tours
Are you already familiar with London and its attractions? Skip right to the review of the passes
What to see in London. The attractions that warrant a pass
London offers an impressive array of attractions, museums, and experiences. To get the most out of it, it's not enough to just visit: you have to experience it through its tourist attractions.
However, this abundance has a downside: ticket prices can be quite high.
To understand why a tourist pass is an indispensable ally, let's look at the average costs of unmissable tourist experiences:
To get to know the city thoroughly, it is essential to experience it through its tourist symbols.
- 👑 History and Royalty (average cost £30-£40): It is impossible not to start with the Tower of London (Crown Jewels) and the majestic Westminster Abbey. These are "must-see" stops for any first-time visitor.
- 🏙️ Iconic Views (average cost £35-£40): To admire the London skyline, the options are expensive: from the famous London Eye to the breathtaking view from the top of The Shard.
- 🚌 Tours and Experiences (average cost £25-£40): The Thames River Cruise and Hop-on Hop-off Bus are essential for getting your bearings, but purchased individually they can have a significant impact on your budget.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family and Fun (average cost $50+): Madame Tussauds and London Zoo are beloved by children, but they are among the most expensive attractions.
- ⚽ Sports and Culture: Passes also unlock gems such as tours of the Globe Theatre or the Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham stadiums.
As you can see, costs add up quickly. Adding up just three of the most famous attractions (e.g., Tower, London Eye, and Abbey) already exceeds £100 per person.
It is clear, then, that a London pass is not only a way to save money, but the key to a richer, more carefree experience.
💡 Extra tip (Weather): London is rainy. A tourist pass is a great ally: if the weather turns bad, you can take refuge 'for free' in one of the many paid museums or indoor attractions without breaking the bank.
Why is it worth buying a London pass?
In addition to the purely economic aspect (which, as we have seen, is significant), there is a factor that is often underestimated: time management.
Buying each ticket individually means managing reservations on different websites, downloading multiple apps, and risking queues at the ticket offices.
Relying on a tourist pass is the smart solution to simplify your trip. Here are the 3 real advantages:
- 📉 Cost reduction: Single tickets for the "top players" (such as Eye or Tussauds) now cost £35-£40 each. With a pass, the average cost per visit is significantly lower, guaranteeing you definite savings on your total vacation cost.
- 📱 All in one smartphone: Forget about managing dozens of different reservations and receipts. You have a single digital pass (QR Code) that opens the doors to all the attractions included.
- 💎 Opportunity for discovery: If you choose an all-inclusive pass (London Pass), you will have the unique advantage of having no limits. This will encourage you to visit smaller museums or "hidden gems" just out of curiosity, without the burden of having to pay an extra ticket.
To help you find the perfect solution, in this comprehensive and up-to-date guide we will analyze the best options available. Together we will discover:
- The types of passes and the real differences between them.
- How they work and the list of attractions included.
- The best choice for your budget and travel style.
- Discount codes to purchase them at the lowest possible price.
What are the passes to London?
The main tourist passes for London are essentially divided into two types, plus a "package" option. Here are them at a glance to clear your mind right away:
- London Pass: the "all you can eat" pass. You choose the duration (1 to 10 days) and visit as many attractions as you want during that period. Ideal for those who want a complete experience.
- London Explorer Pass: the "a la carte" pass. You choose how many attractions to visit (2 to 7) and have 30 days to see them, with no time constraints. Perfect for those with clear ideas, and a moderate itinerary (max 7 attractions).
- London City Card: the "package" pass. Includes a fixed, pre-defined number of iconic attractions, such as the Tower of London and the London Eye. Designed for short, targeted trips.
* clicking on the name of the pass can take you directly to its detailed analysis, or continue reading.
As you can see, although the ultimate goal is always to save you money, the operation changes quite a bit.
The right choice depends only on your travel style.
Our goal-through this guide-is to help you identify the pass with the best terms for you, for the trip you have in mind, both in terms of savings and convenience.
In the next sections we will look at them one by one in detail.
Do London Passes include public transportation?
No, none of the tourist passes analyzed in this guide include transportation.
Getting around by subway (The Tube), buses and trains always requires a separate travel pass.
The most convenient solutions used by tourists are the Oyster Card or, even simpler, paying directly at the turnstiles with your own contactless credit/debit card (pay-as-you-go system).
We will elaborate on this topic with full details on cost and convenience in the section on London transportation at the end of this guide.
Review of London Passes: Which one to choose?
Now that we understand why a pass is critical, let's get to the heart of the analysis.
In the following sections, you will find reviews of each of the best passes available, to help you understand how they work: we will look at prices, included attractions, and how each one works, with the relative pros and cons. The aim is to give you all the tools you need to choose the one that suits you best.
And if you still have doubts, at the end of the article you will find our summary comparison table.
London Pass

Offered by Go City, it works with a logical "all you can eat": choose the duration (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 days - depending on the length of your trip) and you have access to more than 100 attractions, with no daily limit, for the duration of the pass.
He really does include a lot of London's attractions in his list, from the most famous and relevant ones to more niche museums and tours that go into the lesser-known details of the city.
It is the ideal tool for those who want to have an intense and in-depth travel experience, maximizing the number of visits in the time available, and consequently achieve the maximum possible savings.
The ideal tool for visiting London in a comprehensive and satisfying way.
The two versions compared: "standard" vs "Plus"
To better suit each type of traveler, Go City offers two variations of this pass: London Pass (standard) and London Pass Plus.
The difference is very simple:
The London Pass (standard) already includes a very rich catalog of about 100 attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and the Hop-on Hop-off tourist bus for 2 days.
The London Pass Plus adds to this 3 more "premium" attractions much in demand:
- The Shard, with its breathtaking panoramic views.
- London Eye, the iconic Ferris wheel.
- Madame Tussauds, the famous wax museum.
>> See the difference in the attractions included in the official website
Everything else (operation, durability, condition) is identical.
Learn about and purchase the London PassLet us first find out how the two versions differ, before analyzing their general operation.
Comparison and verdict: which version is worth choosing?
As we have seen, the difference between London Pass and Plus version orbits around the 3 top attractions mentioned above, which are present only in the Plus.
The choice therefore depends solely on what you want to visit.
The price difference between the Standard and Plus versions is largely justified by the cost of the 3 additional attractions.
- Choose the London Pass Plus if: it's your first time in London and you want to visit at least two of The Shard, London Eye and Madame Tussauds. Savings are guaranteed compared to buying the standard pass plus individual tickets. It is the perfect choice for a complete trip with no sacrifices.
- Choose the London Pass (standard) if: you have already visited London and are not interested in the 3 premium attractions (or only want to see one of the three), or if your itinerary by your travel choice focuses on the other museums, tours and historical attractions, with no particular interest in the 3 "plus" attractions.
In general, for a comprehensive trip to London, perhaps made for the first time, in my opinion it is better to invest in the London Pass Plus.
>> Visit the official website for more info
Having clarified the difference of the two versions, let us now go on to analyze features and benefits of the London Pass, which are common to both versions.
Of course, I will highlight any differences between the two when necessary.
Who is this pass suitable for? Unique benefits
The London Pass is London's richest tourist card, with more than 100 attractions and total flexibility that allows you to decide on the spot what to visit, embracing every tourist aspect of the city.
But beyond that, its all-inclusive formula offers unique benefits related to the way you experience your trip.
Let's look at the scenarios in which the London Pass really makes a difference:
In addition to the general savings benefits, the London Pass, with its "all-inclusive" formula, offers unique advantages related to how you will experience your trip to London.
Let's look at each scenario where the London Pass makes a positive difference:
- For those who don't want to set limits on themselves (and love spontaneity)
This is the real big advantage of the London Pass. Once you pay back the initial cost (often 4-5 top attractions are enough), each subsequent visit is psychologically "free." This prompts you to enter that minor museum you just passed by, hop on a boat for a change of perspective, or join a walking tour you hadn't planned. It unlocks a freedom of exploration that other passes, based on the number of attractions, cannot give you. - For those visiting London for the first time (and wanting "everything right away")
If this is your first trip and your bucket list is long, this pass is your best ally. It greatly simplifies planning: you don't have to choose in advance a limited number of things to see. You know that with the London Pass you have access to almost everything that matters, especially in the Plus version. It is ideal for a total immersion of 3, 4 or 5 days. - Effective management of mishaps and schedule changes
No matter how well you plan, there can be unforeseeable mishaps during your trip (e.g., unfavorable weather) that force you to change your plans.
With an all-inclusive pass like the London Pass, you can shuffle the cards on the fly in your schedule, fitting new attractions in with others, without thwarting opportunities and savings. - For those who want a fixed attraction budget and controlledConthe London Pass, the attraction spending is one, clear and defined at the outset. You buy the pass and know you will never have to reach into your wallet for tickets again. This allows for much easier and surprise-free travel budget control, freeing up mental (and monetary) resources to enjoy the rest of the city.
The whole, while maximizing savings. Purchase the London Pass / Plus
How does the London Pass work?
It's very simple: you choose the duration in days of the pass, activate it on your first visit to one of the attractions you will visit, and for the days it is valid you can access as many attractions as you want from those included in the catalog.
You just need to focus on planning your itinerary as best you can to fit as many things as possible into the vacation time you have, optimizing your time.
It will benefit your experience (you see more things) and the savings (the more things you visit, the greater the final savings).
What does it include? List of included attractions
The London Pass catalog is vast.
It includes over 100 tourist attractions in London, capable of covering every tourist aspect of the city: historical monuments, modern attractions, tours of various kinds, experiences, and virtually all major city museums.
Here is a selection of the main attractions included in both versions of the pass.
- The Shard, panoramic view (exclusive to London Pass Plus)
- London Eye (exclusive to the London Pass Plus)
- Madame Tussauds (exclusive to the London Pass Plus)
- Tower of London
- Westminster Abbey
- St Paul's Cathedral
- Windsor Castle
- Tower Bridge
- Kensington Palace
- Hop-on Hop-off bus, 2-day pass
- Thames River Cruise
- British Museum (priority entrance + audio guide)
- Tour of London (5 hours, over 30 attractions)
⚽ Sports and Stadiums
- Emirates Stadium tour (Arsenal)
- Chelsea FC Stadium tour
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tour
- Wembley Stadium tour
- Tour of London Stadium (West Ham)
- Twickenham Stadium tour and World Rugby Museum
- Kia Oval tour (Cricket)
- Dare Skywalk (Climb up Tottenham Stadium)
👑 Royal Palaces, Historic Residences, and Monuments
- Hampton Court Palace
- Kensington Palace (part of the Royal Palaces)
- King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace
- Royal Mews
- Eltham Palace
- Apsley House
- Chiswick House and Kitchen Garden
- Wernher Collection at Ranger's House
- Jewel Tower
- Wellington Arch
- Monument of the Great Fire of London
- Southwark Cathedral
- Old Royal Naval College
- Cutty Sark (tour of the historic ship)
- Golden Hinde (historic galleon)
- Keats House
- Charles Dickens Museum
- Benjamin Franklin House
- Freud Museum London
🎨 Thematic Museums, Art, and Culture
- Natural History Museum (Dedicated guide)
- London Transport Museum
- London Post Museum
- Museum of London Docklands
- London Water Museum
- London Canal Museum
- Royal Air Force Museum
- Household Cavalry Museum
- Guards Museum
- Bow Street Police Museum
- Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
- Cartoon Museum
- The Foundling Museum
- Fan Museum
- Florence Nightingale Museum
- Courtauld Gallery
- Design Museum
- Estorick Collection (Modern Italian Art)
- Guildhall Art Gallery
- Royal Greenwich Museums
🚶♂️ Guided Tours, Movies, and Fun Facts
- London bike tour
- Tour among London's most famous film sets (Harry Potter)
- Tour of the Parliament Buildings
- Royal Albert Hall tour
- Royal Albert Hall bike tour
- Tours of more than 30 London attractions with Top Sights Tours
- Walking tour of the Changing of the Guard
- Fuller's Brewery Tour
- Tour of London's historic pubs
- London Food Walking Tour
- Brit Music Tours - The Beatles London
- Brit Icon Tours
- Boat ride aboard Jason's Original Canal Boat
- Tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
🌿 Parks, Gardens, and Science
- London Zoo
- Kew Botanical Gardens
- RHS Botanical Garden Wisley
- Chelsea Physic Garden
- Garden Museum
- Royal Greenwich Observatory
- IMAX Science Museum
🎡 Entertainment, Movies, and Experiences
- Chessington World of Adventures (Amusement park)
- Frameless - Immersive art experience
- Sherlock: The Official Live Game
- Solve a Mystery: murder in Trafalgar Square / Buckingham Palace
- Curzon Cinema Soho
- Curzon Bloomsbury
- Queens Skate Dine Bowl (Skating and Bowling)
- Bowling All Star Lanes
- Swingers West End course (Miniature golf)
- Swingers West End Miniature Golf Bar
- Chocolate Cocktail Club
- Strand cocktails at The Top Hat
>> See the updated list of all attractions on the official website
As you have seen, the attractions that can be visited are so many, you will have the opportunity to arrange your own itinerary according to your tastes and desires.
The nice thing is that in addition to the main attractions (those in the first group), there is a rich list of "secondary" (pass the term) attractions, which, however, are often among the most curious, interesting and satisfying.
Not only attractions, but also services. For example, bike rental is an absolutely recommended experience, also accomplice to a bike-friendly city, especially in some areas where you can safely enjoy this beautiful and rewarding experience.
Guided tours are an added bonus. Sports fans can visit the stadiums of teams such as Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, touring locker rooms, stands and green turf.
For children, on the other hand, there are themed museums and exhibitions.
Does the London Pass include the London Eye?
Yes, but only in the "London Pass Plus" version.
A single ticket costs around £40: if you want to ride it, upgrading to the Plus version is definitely the right choice to save money.
Does the London Pass include Madame Tussauds?
Yes, it is only included in the "Plus" version.
It is a very popular attraction (fun for children and teenagers), but quite expensive (over £35): adding it to the pass is definitely better value than buying a single ticket at the ticket office.
How much does the London Pass cost? Standard vs Plus Price Comparison
Both versions of the pass are valid for one day and work in the same way.
The price difference between the two versions is justified by the inclusion of three "premium" attractions (London Eye, The Shard, Madame Tussauds) in the PLUS version.
Here is the official price list for comparison, to help you decide which option best suits your budget:
| Duration | London Pass (standard) | London Pass PLUS |
|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | £89 Adult £44 Child |
£124 Adult £89 Child |
| 2 DAYS | £124 Adult £59 Child |
£174 Adult £114 Child |
| 3 DAYS | £154 Adult £74 Child |
£214 Adult £139 Child |
| 4 DAYS | £169 Adult £84 Child |
£234 Adult £154 Child |
| 5 DAYS | £169 Adult £99 Child |
£269 Adult £164 Child |
| 6 DAYS | £194 Adult £109 Child |
£279 Adult £174 Child |
| 7 DAYS | £209 Adult £114 Child |
£294 Adult £189 Child |
| 10 DAYS | £239 Adult £129 Child |
£309 Adult £204 Child |
* Children's age range: 5 to 15 years old.
** Note on prices: Prices are in British pounds (£). The exchange rate to euros may vary slightly.
⚠️ Important: These are the list prices. Discounts are often available on the official website, further reducing these figures.
When you visit the official website, you will find the PLUS version as the default option. If you prefer to purchase the Standard London Pass (which is cheaper), look for the appropriate selector ("switch") usually located at the bottom right or top of the prices page:

Discount code London Pass
There is currently an opportunity to save an additional 5% off the already discounted London Pass / London Pass Plus prices.
You can use the discount codePTCODE5 to be entered at the time of purchase, in the "Enter promo code" field provided.
However, consider that the London Pass is always discounted if you buy it online, on the official website.
At certain times of the year, even cheaper discount codes may be active.
Also on the official site look carefully at the top, usually when there are particular discount codes they are always highlighted already on the site itself.
⏰ LIMITED TIME OFFER ⏰ : discount code available TRAVEL10
Get a 10% discount on all London Pass & Plus tickets, for both adults and children.
Should the code TRAVEL10 no longer be active, the code remains valid PTCODE5 with a 5% discount.
The discount applies to already discounted prices on the official website. Enter the code in the shopping cart to get the best possible price. ✅
Is it really worth it? Practical example of an itinerary
From an economic point of view, yes, the pass is almost always worthwhile.
Both in the classic version and—perhaps even more so—in the Plus version.
But to understand how much you can save, nothing beats a concrete example.
Here is a possible 3-day itinerary with the London Pass Plus, designed for a brisk but realistic pace:
- Day 1: Historical and scenic attractions
- Morning (City Zone): Tower of London (single fare: ~£36)
- Afternoon (South Bank area): Tower Bridge (~$24) and Thames River Cruise (~$37)
- Day 2: Royal and scenic attractions, exploration
- Morning (Westminster area): Westminster Abbey (~£30)
- Afternoon (South Bank area): London Eye (~£39) – Included only in Plus
- Afternoon (Downtown Area): Hop-on Hop-off Bus (valid for 2 days) for a tour of the city (~£56)
- Day 3: Modern buildings, views from above, exploration
- Morning (Downtown Area): Hop-on Hop-off Bus for a tour of the city with a different perspective (free, already included, valid for two days)
- Afternoon (London Bridge area): The Shard (~£32) – Included only in Plus
Cost London Pass Plus 3 days (list): £214.
As you can see, the itinerary almost pays for itself with the list price alone.
But the real advantage is that, thanks to online discounts and promo codes (which you've seen in this guide), the actual price of the pass drops to around £170.
This means that your net, guaranteed savings are approximately £48 per person (about €55)! And that's not counting all the other attractions you can add to your itinerary for free.
As you can see, already with an itinerary that includes only 7 attractions you have paid off the pass and started saving significantly.
Anything you visit extra (a museum, a guided tour, another small attraction) will be a net gain, making your vacation not only cheaper, but much richer.
The golden rule: the more you see, the more you save
Savings are further maximized (and by a lot) in the following cases:
- see more than two things a day with good itinerary planning
- choose multi-day versions of London Pass, the savings increase proportionally.
The general rule is: the more you see, the more you save.
You can redo these calculations in your particular case, for both the London Pass Plus and the basic London Pass, based on what you want to see.
The convenience will always be there and the more pronounced the more things you have on your itinerary.
The math confirms how the London Pass is a good choice for saving money, right from the easiest, few-day cases.
Most importantly, it guarantees you a rich vacation that you would otherwise - without a pass - struggle to get.
Where to buy (and how to save money)
The London Pass, in both versions, can be purchased online at the official website, and with this mode of purchase you can normally get a small discount.
You can find it already applied in the prices you find on the site, as you will see.
When you get to the official website, you will see the two versions (standard and plus) side by side, and go to choose the one that best suits your trip.
Do you skip the lines at the ticket offices?
It depends. Some attractions have lanes at the checkouts reserved for pass holders, so in those cases it also saves time at the checkouts.
There is to consider that not all attractions have these "fast tracks," and-even if there were-where there are security checks, queues and waits are generated that we cannot avoid.
So yes, with the London Pass I save money and time, although the deciding factor is the financial savings.
To maximize your time, you need to arrange an itinerary that takes you to the busiest attractions at times and times of minimum attendance.
Do I need to book attractions?
For most attractions you do not need to reserve admission.
However, in some cases you need to reserve admission in advance, even if you have purchased the London Pass. These are the most popular tourist attractions, such as London Eye, Madame Tussauds, The View from The Strand, and generally all guided tours.
Go City has provided a dedicated page (very neat) to book your admission without too much effort.
>> Book admission to attractions with the London Pass
Validity, activation, and refunds
The London Pass, in both versions, you can use within 1 year from the time of purchase. It is officially activated from the moment you visit the first attraction.
The London Pass, once activated, is valid for one day, not 24h. I recommend that you activate it in the morning so that you can use the entire first day.
Any refund of the cost of the London Pass can be obtained up to 30 days after purchase.
London Pass vs. "All-Inclusive Pass"
Browsing the official Go City website when purchasing the Explorer Pass, you may notice that in addition to the Explorer Pass, there is a product called the "All-Inclusive Pass."
This may create confusion with the famous London Pass, and it is only fair to clarify.
The short answer is that these are two functionally identical products, offered by the same company (Go City) and designed for the same type of traveler.
Admittedly, on microscopic analysis, one may notice minor and marginal differences: sometimes a couple of "minor" attractions differ in the catalog, or there may be a very small price variation on some durations. However, these differences do not change the substance of the product, its value, or how it works for 99% of tourists.
Therefore, for the purpose of your choice, you can consider them perfectly interchangeable.
The day mechanism, the catalog of major attractions (Tower of London, Westminster, etc.), benefits and conditions are the same.
The reason for this duplication is a business strategy of Go City, which is gradually flanking the historic "London Pass" brand with its global "All-Inclusive Pass" brand.
For recognition, we refer primarily to the London Pass in this guide, but feel free to compare them and purchase the one that currently offers the slightly better condition for you.
Discover and purchase the All-Inclusive Pass to London↑ Back to the pass index —– Go to the pass comparison ↓
London Explorer Pass

If the London Pass is the "all you can eat" formula, Explorer Pass is the "a la carte" choice, designed for those who want a moderate itinerary with maximum flexibility.
Its goal is the same: to save you money in the cost of tickets to visit museums and attractions, and in some cases even the queue at the ticket counters.
Its operation is the opposite of the day model: here you choose HOW MANY attractions you want to visit (from 2 to 7) - from a very large catalog of options, and you pay a fixed price only for that package.
By its nature, this pass is ideal for those with a moderate itinerary in mind (2 to 7 attractions). It is a suitable choice in cases of shorter trips, for a second trip to London, or simply for those who prefer to spend more time exploring the city on foot, concentrating paid visits at a few selected stops.
How does the "choice" formula work?
The operation is very simple. You actually purchase a package that includes a specific number of attractions.
For example, if you purchase the 3-attraction pass, you can visit 3 attractions of your choice, choosing from the following list.
Once you purchase the London Explorer Pass, you have 30 days to take advantage of the scheduled visits. It activates as soon as you visit the first one - from then on, you have 30 days to visit the remaining ones (whenever you want).
- Choose which pass to purchase (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions)
- You will receive the necessary supplies via email
- Once you get the QR code, you can download it via the Go City app on your smartphone or print it on paper
- At the entrance of your chosen attractions, simply show the QR (from smartphone or printed)
NB. It is not necessary to choose in advance which attractions to see. When you purchase the pass you ONLY select the number of attractions.
Which attractions to visit you decide once in town, even a few minutes in advance based on tastes, needs, queues, weather conditions, etc.
However, it remains absolutely recommended to prepare a rough itinerary to optimize time, but with the freedom to vary it by changing the nature of the attractions you want to see, even at the last moment.
Purchase the London Explorer PassWhat does it include? Available attractions
It includes a list of around 100 experiences, practically (almost) the same extensive catalog as the London Pass.
Its attractions catalog lacks some "minor" experiences, which usually do not impact itineraries.
⚠️ Thetwo main attractions not included in the Explorer Pass catalog are the London Eye and Madame Tussauds.
If these are must-see stops on your trip, you will need to purchase separate tickets.
Apart from these omissions, you will find all the main attractions, museums, and guided tours to choose your favorites from.
You can consult the extensive list of museums and attractions included in the London Explorer Pass.
All you have to do is choose how many attractions you want to see, between 2 and 7, and plan your itinerary.
London Explorer Pass Prices
Prices currently in effect for the London Explorer Pass are as follows:
| Package | Adult Price | Cost per attraction |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Attractions | £59 | $34.50 each |
| 3 Attractions | £89 | $34.99 / each |
| 4 Attractions | £109 | £27.25 each |
| 5 Attractions | £124 | £24.80 / each 🔥 |
| 6 Attractions | £144 | £24.00 / each 🔥 |
| 7 Attractions | £154 | £22.00 / each 🏆 |
*Approximate prices for children (5-15): from £44 to £109 depending on the package.
Again these are list prices, practically always discounted on the official pass site, usually by 10%.
Check for yourself by clicking on the button below.
Discount codes for London Explorer Pass
You can also currently enjoy an additional 5% discount on your purchase.
You will just need to use the discount codePTCODE5 to apply during purchase in the "Enter promo code" field.
Or, in case the discount code no longer works, you can sign up for the newsletter before your purchase, you will receive a 5% discount code in return (once you have made your purchase you can unsubscribe if you find it troublesome).
⏰ LIMITED TIME OFFER⏰: discount code available TRAVEL10
Get a 10% discount on all London Explorer Passes, for both adults and children.
Should the code TRAVEL10 no longer be active, PTCODE5 code remains valid with a 5% discount.
The discount applies to already discounted prices on the official website. Enter the code in the shopping cart to get the best possible price. ✅
Is it really worth it? Example of savings
Economically it already pays off from the visit of the second attraction.
To better understand the achievable savings, let's do a quick simulation, considering the case of a 5-attraction Explorer Pass.
Given that the average price of an attraction in London is about £35 (£40 if we aim for the top attractions), with 5 attractions you come to pay an average of £175.
The 5-attraction Explorer, on the other hand, costs you about £105, calculated considering the discounts on the site + the application of the recommended discount code.
We thus achieve a significant saving of about £70 per person, which increases further in the 7-attraction version.
You save less in absolute value than the London Pass, but that is normal because we see fewer attractions. The golden rule in passes is: the more you visit, the more you save.
But saving £70 on 5 attractions basically means seeing 2 attractions for free.
Who is this solution recommended for?
As a type of pass, Explorer has features that make it appealing in the following cases:
- you have visited London before, so you have fewer things you miss to see to focus on (unless you want to revisit everything)
- even long vacations, but with in fact less or little time to devote to tourist exploration
- stay a few hours or days in the city, and you would not physically have time to see more than 7 attractions
- you are clear in advance about which attractions to visit, and you know that you can save money by doing so
- You are not a museum lover, but still want to visit the main attractions
- In general, if you want to devote space in your itinerary to a maximum of 7 must-see attractions, in addition to sightseeing
However, if it is your first time in London and you plan to stay at least 3-4 days, the London Pass remains in our opinion the choice with the best savings/quality of experience ratio.
Purchase the London Explorer PassWhere to buy it
The London Explorer Pass is purchased online, from home.
Once purchased, everything you need to visit the attractions will come to youvia email and via the Go City app.
Expiration, validity, and refunds
The London Explorer Pass is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. So, once purchased, you can activate it within a year.
Once activated (by entering the first attraction you choose), you have 30 days to complete other visits, then it expires.
The London Explorer Pass is refundable only if not activated, and within 30 days of purchase.
Exceeding 30 days it is not refundable, but you always have the 12 months (11 remaining) to use / surrender it.
↑ Back to the pass index —– Go to the pass comparison ↓
London City Card

This is the ideal solution for those seeking maximum simplicity for a short trip (such as a weekend or long weekend), wanting to get a taste of London by visiting just a few of the most famous attractions without the stress of organizing everything.
Unlike other more extensive tourist passes analyzed above, this package includes only four experiences, chosen specifically for an overview of London.
It is therefore not the ideal pass for those who want to explore London far and wide, but it is an excellent solution for those who want to see the included attractions in a focused way.
It is suitable for both short stays , where time is limited and you prefer to focus on a few targeted activities, and longer holidays, when you don't want to base the entire trip on visiting the tourist attractions, but without giving up some of the must-sees of the British capital.
What does Tiqets' London City Card include?
London City Card is a multi-attraction pass that includes the following attractions:
- Entrance to the London Eye
- Hop-on / Hop-off bus tour (validity 24 hours)
- Tourist cruise on the River Thames
- Tower of London with access to the Crown Jewels exhibition
These are some of the city's top tourist experiences.
Plus, the London City Card offers:
- A 10% discount on any other attraction purchased through Tiqets
- Benefit of being able to book all included attractions, already at the time of purchase.
How does the London City Card work?
Buying and using the London City Card is very simple, everything happens online in just a few steps:
- Go to Tiqets official website and proceed with the reservation
- Select your dates and times NOW: at the time of purchase, you must select the day and time slot for each individual attraction.
- After making the payment, you will receive the pass in digital format via email, ready to show from your phone.
Once your purchase is complete, you will receive your London City Card via email in digital format.
You can simply show it from your smartphone at the entrance to the attractions on the days and times booked. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can print the pass and present it in paper version.
How much does the London City Card cost?
The London City Card is available in a single purchase option with the following prices:
- Adult (16+) ➜ £102 (approx. €117)
- Senior (65+) ➜ £94 (approx. €108)
- Young people (4-15) ➜ £77 (approx. €88)
These are the list prices.
This card is often offered at a discount on the official Tiqets website, with savings of around €10-15 compared to the list prices (when the discount is active, it is automatically applied).
Is London City Card worth it?
In this case, it is more straightforward to do a cost-effectiveness analysis of this card.
- Ticket to the Tower of London (~£36)
- Ticket for the London Eye (~£39)
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket (~£39)
- Thames River Cruise Ticket (~£25)
Total cost of individual tickets: approximately $199.
Cost of London City Card (Adult): $150.
The net saving is approximately £37 per person, plus the potential saving from the 10% discount on other tickets.
When is it indicated?
London City Card is indicated when you are interested in visiting only the proposed attractions, and perhaps add something else by taking advantage of the 10% discount.
Most importantly, when the reservation requirement concurrent with the purchase of the card is a benefit to you and not a limitation.
Also interesting when you recognize yourself in these profiles:
- For those who want zero organizational stress: this is its greatest advantage. With one purchase you book everything, you have your guaranteed time slots, and you don't have to think about anything.
- For those with the London Eye at the top of their list: it is one of the cheapest ways to combine the Ferris wheel with 3 other top attractions, beating out competition from the Explorer Pass on this point.
- For those on a "hit-and-run" trip: if you're only staying in London for 1 or 2 days, this package gives you an almost ready-made itinerary with must-see experiences, without having to make any arrangements.
It might seem comparable as a formula to that of the Explorer Pass in the 4-attraction version. However, the Explorer Pass does not include the London Eye, which is one of the top London attractions included in the City Card. Therefore, it is not a direct alternative.
Buy London City CardWhere to buy it
The London City Card can be purchased exclusively online , at the following address.
Buy London City CardLondon City Card Validity and Refunds
The London City Card, once purchased, is non-refundable.
Unlike other passes, at the time of purchase you must select the date and time slot for each of the included attractions. The dates you select cannot be changed later.
To avoid problems related to unforeseen travel contingencies (delays, cancellations, schedule changes), it is advisable to purchase the pass just before visiting the first attraction, when you are already in London or close to departure.
In this way, you will reduce the risk of losing the pass due to unforeseen events that could make it unusable.
Buy London City CardI will also show you a couple of alternatives to the London City Card , also offered by the Tiqets portal (they are their products): London Family Pass and London Royal Pass .
The operating logic is completely similar to that of the City Card: a few attractions, all bookable.
The focus of the attractions included and the prices change , while the convenience reasons remain similar.
Alternative: London Family Pass

Unlike other more extensive tourist passes analyzed above, this package includes only three attractions, chosen specifically for families. It is therefore not the ideal pass for those who want to explore London far and wide, but it is an excellent option for those who want to save money on experiences designed for younger children.
It is suitable both for short stays, where time is limited and you prefer to focus on a few focused activities, and for longer vacations, when you do not want to set the entire trip on visiting classic tourist attractions, but want to include some child-friendly experiences.
This is a package that includes the following attractions:
- Thames River Cruise (40-minute cruise departing near the London Eye, and multilingual tourist commentary)
- London Transport Museum, an interactive experience that fascinates young and old alike
- London Zoo, a destination always appreciated by children
The attractions were chosen precisely because of their high popularity among younger people.
🚢 The Thames River Cruise offers a unique perspective on the city, perfect for a relaxing and fun time.
🚇 The Transport Museum is an immersive experience, with exhibits that intrigue and entertain kids.
🦁 The London Zoo is a timeless classic that captivates visitors of all ages, but has a particular appeal to children.
If your goal is to experience London with your children without having to purchase more expensive passes packed with attractions that may not appeal to younger children, the London Family Pass is an option to consider.
See prices and purchase the London Family PassAlternative 2: London Royal Pass

Its thematic address in this case is not the family, but rather London attractions relevant to the “Royal Family” theme.
This pass includes Westminster Abbey, the site of royal coronations; the Royal Mews, where the royal family's historic carriages are kept at Buckingham Palace, the symbol of the British monarchy.
It also offers a guided walking tour to witness the Changing of the Guard, a must-see experience for those visiting London.
Always cheap and convenient, the same arguments made for the Family Pass apply to this pass, only the nature of the attractions included changes.
Learn about and purchase the London Royal Pass↑ Back to the pass index —– Go to the pass comparison ↓
Is it worth buying a pass for young children?
Yes, in most cases it is worthwhile to purchase a pass for children as well, because many paid attractions in London have significant costs even for young children-though reduced from the adult price.
The important thing is to follow the age ranges offered by the individual pass providers.
- For Go City provider passes (London Pass, London Pass Plus, Explorer Pass), the child age always starts at 5 years old.
👉 If your child is under 5, you don't need to buy the pass: most attractions let them in for free or for a nominal fee, which is cheaper than the pass in any case. - For Tiqets' passes (London City Card, London Royal Pass and London Family Pass), there are different age ranges for children (with different prices), depending on the pass.
They are different because they follow the entry rules of the attractions included in them.
👉 If your child is younger than the lowest age range available, it means that the card is not needed for him/her; he/she will enter the attractions for free or at a price that is otherwise lower than the price required to purchase the pass in question.
In summary: If your child's age is below the minimum age indicated by the pass, you almost certainly don't want to buy it.
Free or reduced-rate admission on site will be more beneficial.
London Pass Comparison: Summary Table
Still undecided? Here is a comparison table showing the differences between the three main solutions at a glance.
| Operating logic | Number of attractions included | Does it pay off? | Preference for typical vacation | Direct link for purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LONDON PASS / PLUS
|
I choose the validity days, I see everything I want | More than 100, including museums, attractions, tours, services | Yes, pretty much all the time
Suitable for medium to long vacations |
★★★★★ | Buy the London Pass now |
LONDON EXPLORER PASS
|
I choose the number of attractions first (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7) During the vacation I choose which |
About 105 in catalog to choose from, mainly museums, attractions, tours (pretty much the same catalog as the London Pass) |
Yes, from the second attraction seen
Suitable for short/medium vacations, with moderate itineraries and clear ideas of what to see, or conversely leaving us freedom of choice on site |
★★★★☆ | Buy the London Explorer Pass now |
LONDON CITY CARD
|
Fixed package of defined attractions | Four, two attractions, a sightseeing cruise on the Thames, a 24-hour hop-on /hop-off bus. + 10% discount on additional attractions |
Yes, the cost of the pass is slightly less than that of individual attractions. One must book all included attractions at the same time.
Suitable for hit-and-run vacations, from 1 max 2 days.
|
★★★☆☆ | Buy London City Card now |
* The GoCity All-Inclusive Pass is not included in this table, as it is a replica of the more historic and popular London Pass / Plus, which I consider the priority choice.
** Tiqets' alternative cards, while not listed, follow the same principle as the London City Card, but cater to different interests based on the attractions offered.
Which attractions are included in the passes?
Choosing the right pass depends almost entirely on what you want to visit.
To help you decide at a glance, we've compared the main options by analyzing them based on London's "must-see" attractions.
The following table shows you what is included in the price of each pass, allowing you to quickly identify the one that best suits your itinerary.
| Attraction / Included in the price? | London City Card (Tiqets) | London Pass Plus | London Pass | Go City London Explorer Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Eye | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| The Shard – panoramic view | (10% discount) | YES | NO | YES |
| Tower of London | (10% discount) | YES | YES | YES |
| Windsor Castle | (10% discount) | YES | YES | YES |
| Madame Tussauds (Wax Museum) | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Westminster Abbey | (10% discount) | YES | YES | YES |
| Tower Bridge | (10% discount) | YES | YES | YES |
| Hop-on / Hop-off bus | YES (24 hours) | YES (48 hours) | YES (48 hours) | YES (48 hours) |
| Thames River Cruise | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| St Paul's Cathedral | (10% discount) | YES | YES | YES |
| Guided tour of London | (10% discount) | YES | YES | YES |
| OTHER ATTRACTIONS INCLUDED? | NO | YES (all included in the price) | YES (all included in the price) | YES (you can choose from around 100 attractions) |
| PRICE (adult) | £102 | £234 (4-day version) | £169 (4-day version) | £124 (5 attractions version) |
💡 Reading guide: the fundamental differences
To understand which pass to buy, it is important to note how they differ from one another:
- London City Card (Tiqets): The "Basic Package"
This is the simplest option. It includes 4 fixed attractions (those marked in green) that cannot be changed.
The extra benefit: With your purchase, you will receive a 10% discount code that can be used on the Tiqets portal to book up to 5 additional experiences of your choice. - London Pass and London Pass Plus: The "All-Inclusive" formula
These passes are valid for a specific period of time (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 days) and allow you to visit as many of the approximately 100 attractions in the catalog as you wish. The more you see, the more you save.
The difference: The standard London Pass does not include the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and the Shard. If you want to visit these three giants as well, you should choose the Plus version. - Go City Explorer Pass: The "Choose Your Own" option
This pass offers maximum flexibility. There is no limit on the number of days, but you choose a number of attractions (e.g., a package of 3, 5, or 7 attractions).
What it includes: It draws from the same vast catalog as the London Pass (about 100 experiences, including the Shard and the Tower of London), but excludes the London Eye and Madame Tussauds. It is ideal if you want to see a few things at a leisurely pace, without the anxiety of having to race against time.
Which pass to choose to visit London?
All 3 passes are in their own way useful where they fit best.
The fairest way to choose a pass is to first figure out the type of vacation you have available (days, things you want to do and see), and to define an outline itinerary, not very precise but letting you know how many things fit in, and roughly which ones.
At that point, it will be very easy to figure out which pass best fits your trip to London, to ensure that you save as much money and travel comfort as possible.
We can also choose the best pass according to our "travel profile."
- Average vacation (5-10 days), maybe first vacation and want to see London fully and satisfactorily? -> London Pass / London Pass Plus
- Shorter vacation (2-6 days), with fewer things to want to see (max 7 attractions), or targeted attractions, or no ideas/ itinerary? -> London Explorer Pass
- "hit and run" vacation (1-3 days) and desire to have just a taste of London, through a proposal of 4 of London's most famous and popular attractions -> London City Card
This is a concise but factual read on choosing the best pass for London, according to your type of vacation.
To understand the details, just read this guide to London passes thoroughly, understanding the mechanics of each individual pass.
Passes and Public Transportation: How to Get Around and How Much It Costs
Let us reiterate a basic point: no tourist pass for London includes public transportation.
The pass to get around by subway (The Tube), bus, etc., should always be handled separately.
The good news is that today it is very simple and quite inexpensive.
👇 Here are the best options for a tourist in 2026.
Solution No. 1 (the simplest and most recommended): Contactless payment
The easiest way to get around London is to directly use your own contactless payment card (credit or debit) or a smartphone/smartwatch with Apple Pay or Google Pay.
How does it work?
Just "tap" the card on the yellow reader at the metro entrance and exit (only at the entrance for buses). The system automatically calculates the best fare.
How much does it cost? The advantage of capping
The contactless system is convenient because it applies a spending cap.
- A single bus ride costs £1.75 (with "Hopper Fare" you can take as many buses as you want in the next hour at no extra cost).
- A single subway ride downtown (Zone 1-2) costs about £3.40 (peak) / £2.80 (off-peak).
- The Real Advantage: for Zones 1-2, the daily cap is £8.90 (2026 fares). This means that even if you make 10 trips on the subway and bus, you will never pay more than £8.90 in a day. All subsequent trips are, in effect, free.
- There is also a weekly ceiling (calculated from Monday to Sunday) of £62.30 for Zones 1-2.
The Alternative: the Oyster Card

Once obtained, you can top up the amount you want to cover transportation costs.
The Oyster Card is a valid option if:
- Your card is not contactless or you fear fees for foreign use.
- Prefer to have a separate card with a pre-loaded budget.
How much does it cost.
The card itself has an activation fee of £5 (nonrefundable), to which you will need to add credit for your trips.
Individual ride rates and spending caps are the same as for the contactless system.
The Oyster Card is best purchased at the first tube station you visit once you arrive in London.
Alternatively, it can be purchased online and mailed to you, but in my opinion it is not worthwhile.
>>Purchase the Oyster Travel Card.
Final advice on transportation:
- Fare Zones:most attractions are in Zones 1-2. Heathrow Airport is in Zone 6. Check the location of your accommodation to see what coverage you need.
- Children: Children under 11 travel free when accompanied by an adult.
- Check fares: the fares mentioned are current as of 2026. For maximum accuracy, always check the official Transport for London (TfL) website before you travel.
To better orient you, I leave here a map of the Metro and London areas .
Frequently asked questions about London Passes (FAQ)
The two proposed alternatives to the London City Card are particular passes, which I would evaluate precisely as niche alternatives.
I always recommend activating a pass in the morning so that you use the entire first day of validity.
In the case of the London Explorer Pass this makes less sense, as you have 30 days to visit at most 7 attractions, activated when you need them.
Complete your visit to London: other attractions and tours
A good tourist pass is the foundation for an optimal trip, but for the finishing touches—like a museum not included or a special experience—a single purchase is perfect. Here is a selection of options in London to help you perfect your schedule.
See tickets for all major attractions in London


Lascia un commento