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 now frequently exceeds £30.
Tourist passes were created precisely to optimize this expense, allowing you to visit more at a controlled cost.

However, the choice is not obvious: in this guide updated in January 2026, we compare the best options to help you choose the perfect one for your itinerary.

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:

• 👑 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.

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:

1. 📉 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.
2. 📱 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.
3. 💎 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.

London Pass

The London Pass is the tourist pass most comprehensive and popular To visit London.
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 Pass

Let 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

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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.

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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.

In summary, it is the pass for the traveler who wants the maximum freedom of exploration e organizational simplicity, without having to worry about the cost of each individual attraction he decides to visit.
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.

>> 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.

Purchase the London Pass / Plus

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.

Check today's discounted prices and buy

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.

Buy discounted London Pass

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

Total single ticket cost: about £218.
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.

Buy London Pass

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.

Buy London Pass

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.

Purchase the London Pass / Plus

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London Explorer Pass

The London Explorer Pass is the second viable option offered by GoCity.
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).

1. Choose which pass to purchase (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions)
2. You will receive the necessary supplies via email
3. Once you get the QR code, you can download it via the Go City app on your smartphone or print it on paper
4. 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 Pass

What 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.

Choose your version and purchase Explorer Pass

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.

Check discounted prices and purchase Explorer Pass

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).

Buy London Explorer Pass with discount code

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 Pass

Where 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.

Purchase the London Explorer Pass

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.

Purchase the London Explorer Pass

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London City Card

La London City Card (sold by Tiqets, sometimes under the name of London Digital Pass) is a different product from its predecessors: it is a Prepaid package with 4 major tourist experiences included.

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.

Buy London City Card

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.

Buy London City Card

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+) ➜ £118 (about €136)
• Senior (65+) ➜ £110 (about €121)
• Youth (4-15) ➜ £93 (about €107)

These are the list prices.
Often this card is offered on offer, in the official Tiqets website, with a saving of about 20€ compared to the list prices (if the discount is active, you will find it already applied automatically).

Check prices, discounts, and purchase the London City Card

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 single tickets cost: approximately £139.
London City Card cost (Adult): £118.

The net saving is approximately £21 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 Card

Where to buy it

The London City Card can be purchased exclusively online , at the following address.

Buy London City Card

London 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 Card

I 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

If you are traveling to London with children or teens, the London Family Pass might be an interesting option to consider.

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 Pass

Alternative 2: London Royal Pass

With the same principle as the previous one, there is also another similar thematic pass, the London Royal Pass (or even London Coronation 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

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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.

Pass comparison for LONDON

	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 Where you want to see lots of things/experiences	★★★★★	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 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.

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.

In summary, for 99% of tourists, their contactless card is all they need: it is the cheapest solution and requires no purchases or registration.

The Alternative: the Oyster Card

The Oyster Card is a reloadable transportation 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.

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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 .