Company Logo - Home Link

Which London City Pass Is Best?

Updated: July 10, 2023
 By Margaret

This post compares the London Pass, the Explorer Pass, and other tourist discount passes in London.

Learn how a tourist discount pass could save you money on attractions, tours, and more.

Disclosure: We think you should consider our free tours, but we have also provided other options. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.


BEFORE YOU BUY

There are several different passes to choose from, and we have broken them down by type.

The London Pass, the London City Pass from Turbopass, and the London Sightseeing Pass are all-inclusive passes that allow you to enjoy as many attractions, tours, and experiences as you can within a set number of days for one set price (think of an all-you-can-eat buffet).

The London Pass

All-inclusive passes are the most expensive type, but you could potentially save the most amount of money with the right planning ahead of time.

Explorer Pass and I Venture Card London

Alternatively, there are passes that allow you to choose a set # of attractions and tours.

These passes are usually offered in increments of 3, 4, 5, 7 or more attractions and you choose which attractions you want from a long list of top attractions.

These are a bit cheaper and more flexible than all-inclusive passes but your savings potential is lower.

Another option is prepackaged passes which are like a prix-fixe/set-menu.

If you like the attractions included on the 'menu', then these passes are a nice, uncomplicated way to save money. 

There are bus tour companies that offer their own combo deals.

Lastly, London has many discount cards and passes for one or two specific activities.

If at first glance the tourist passes seem too pricey, be sure to calculate the estimated cost of visiting all the attractions you hope to see.

When properly planned, these tourist passes can actually save you a lot of time and money.

It can be difficult to decide which, if any, is right for you.

Therefore, we recommend deciding on what you want and have time to do first before choosing which pass you would like.

In other words, don’t necessarily let the pass(es) decide for you where to go, but certainly, get ideas from what is offered.  


Remember Our Tours

Don’t forget about all of our “name your own price” walking tours of the city! You can save as much as you like on our tours and use the passes for more attractions.

For a full list of our tours offered, check out our calendar.


ALL-INCLUSIVE LONDON PASS AND TURBO PASS

There are three all-inclusive passes. Just a heads up - they each have very similar names!

There is the London Pass, the London City Pass by Turbopass, and the London Sightseeing Pass. 


LONDON PASS

The London Pass is a sightseeing pass available for all visitors to London to purchase.

It takes the form of a smart card that has a one-off fee loaded onto it in advance, allowing the holder to enter numerous attractions.

Additionally, the London Pass offers a queue jump for many attractions which can literally save hours of standing in line!

Passes can be bought to last for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days depending on the length of one’s visit to London.

Passes can be bought up to 12 months in advance and ‘activates’ on the first usage of the card to enter an attraction.

Once the card has been used for the predetermined length, it expires.

It is also worth noting that the pass only grants entry to each attraction once but is valid at over 80 tours and attractions in London!

Overall, that could potentially mean a saving of over £500.

However, it is unlikely that anybody would make it to all the attractions that accept the Pass.

So, it is best for individual visitors/groups to take a look at the list of accepted locations that they wish to visit whilst in London to decide whether or not the card could save them money. 


What is included in the Pass?

Attractions included in the London Pass are numerous. Here we will list a few of the ‘big’ locations, but do take a check the comprehensive list.

Use London Pass at: 

Also note, that it includes ‘Fast Track Entry’ at some of the busiest tourist locations in London - for some, this is an invaluable addition since this feature can save so much time. 


Which attractions are not included in the Pass?

As vast as the list of attractions that accept the Pass, there are some that do not.

Also, note that the majority of national Museums and Galleries in London are free regardless. 


Prices:  

Note: The prices listed below are full retail prices. Discounts are often available on their website.

  • 1-Day Pass:  Adult  £69 & Child £45
  • 2-Day Pass:  Adult  £95 & Child £59
    • Price per Day: Adult  £47.50 & Child £29.50
  • 3-Day Pass: Adult  £109 & Child £73
    • Price per Day: Adult  £36.33 & Child £24.33
  • 4-Day Pass: Adult £141 & Child £89
    • Price per Day: Adult  £35.25 & Child £22.25
  • 5-Day Pass: Adult  £146 & Child £92
    • Price per Day: Adult  £29.20 & Child £18.40
  • 7-Day Pass: Adult  £159 & Child £105
    • Price per Day: Adult  £22.71 & Child £15
  • 10-Day Pass: Adult £169 & Child £115
    • Price per Day: Adult  £16.90 & Child £11.50
  • More information or to book

Is the London Pass worth it?

This depends entirely on the user! It is worth tallying up the entry costs of the attractions you wish to visit, and comparing it against the pass.

Here is a good example:

Sample one day itinerary:

  • Tower of London  £28.90
  • Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour £34.00
  • Westminster Abbey £23.00
  • The View From The Shard £34.00
  • Total: £119.90

This means with a One-Day pass you would save around £50 per pass.

It’s estimated that visitors need to go to three attractions a day to make a 1 to 2-day pass worth the money.

You will need to go to at least 2 attractions per day with the 3 or 6-day pass.  

Their website offers up their own itinerary suggestions.

You might also browse the reviews of the pass on Get Your Guide. 


Who is the Pass good for?

  • Those traveling with children. Skipping the long queues can prove invaluable for those who are visiting with little ones.
  • Those who want to see a lot in a short period of time. If you are traveling on a tight schedule and can make it to three attractions a day, then the pass should work out to save you money.
  • Those who are not interested in too many museums. For people who are not interested in visiting free museums, but would rather see big attractions, the Pass will be suitable.
  • Those who are visiting London for the first time. If you are in London and looking to hit all the MAJOR traditional sites (Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, etc.) the pass can provide good value. 

Who should skip the London Pass?

  • Those who are interested in museums and galleries. As most museums and galleries in London are free of charge, those who want to focus their tour around these attractions should not purchase the Pass.
  • Those staying in London for longer than a week. If visitors are in London for longer than a week, there is more time to see big attractions AND free museums and also tour at a more leisurely pace which means the Pass would not save too much money.
  • Those who only want to see a couple of the sites that the Pass takes in. For those who only have one or two ‘big’ spots on their must-see itinerary, the London Pass will not provide much of a discount. 

Tips for tourists considering London Pass

  • Consider the time of year.  In the summer, London can be extremely busy. And, surprising to some, extremely hot! Many visitors to London between July and September may find that the price of the London Pass alone is worth it to enter the fast track queues which will save users time spent on their feet out in the sun.
  • Think about the shorter tickets.
  • If you are prepared to stick to a strict itinerary for one, two or three days and then want to relax for the rest of your visit and keep your days less regimented, look seriously at the shorter Pass options.

Plan, plan…and plan some more!

Check the opening hours and days of the attractions you want to see so that you know you will have enough time to visit them.

Consult your map and Underground map to select attractions that are close to one another to save time in traveling.

Bottom Line: Look at the London Pass website and do some maths in advance so you know whether the Pass will be worth it based on your individual itinerary.


LONDON CITY PASS -  (by TURBOPASS)

NOTE: This pass is currently unavailable as of January 2022 due to the pandemic.

At its heart, this service is much like other all-inclusive passes in that they offer dozens of popular attractions for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days in a row.

That said, there are some important differences to note between the Turbo Pass and their competitors.

One big distinction to make is that they offer the opportunity to include a public transport pass with your attraction pass.

In addition to that, the Turbo Pass includes a variety of discounts on activities and attractions that aren’t typically offered by other passes.

Here are just a few of the discounts you can enjoy with this service:

  • M&M’s World | 15% off
  • Red Bike Tours | 20% off
  • Golden Tours Hop-on-Hop-off Bus | 12.5% off
  • View From The Shard | Free glass of champagne

Pass holders will also enjoy free admission on more than 40 popular attractions and tours in London, including a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, a Thames Riverboat cruise and more.


Prices

Note: The prices listed below are full retail prices. Discounts are often available on their website.

The passes to choose from are:   

  • 1-Day Pass: £76.90/Adults | £52.90/Teen | £48.90/Children
  • 2-Day Pass: £99.90/Adults | £69.90/Teen | £68.90/Children
    • Price per day: £49.95/Adults | £34.95/Teen | £34.45/Children
  • 3-Day Pass: £119.90/Adults | £86.90/Teen | £83.90/Children
    • Price per day: £39.97/Adults | £28.97/Teen | £27.97/Children
  • 4-Day Pass: £134.90/Adults | £89.90/Teen | £89.90/Children
    • Price per day: £33.73/Adults | £22.48/Teen | £22.48/Children
  • 5-Day Pass: £144.90/Adults | £99.90/Teen | £99.90/Children
    • Price per day: £28.98/Adults | £19.98/Teen | £19.98/Children
  • 6-Day Pass: £149.90/Adults | £104.90/Teen | £104.90/Children
    • Price per day: £24.98/Adults | £17.48/Teen | £17.48/Children
  • 7-Day Pass: £159.90/Adults | £109.90/Teen | £109.90/Children
    • Price per day: £22.84/Adults | £15.70/Teen | £15.70/Children

Purchase the London City Pass from Turbo Pass or learn more.


How to Save Money With the Turbo Pass

As you can probably see, the longer the pass is, the more money you’ll save per day.

While the 1-day pass is £76.90 for adults, the price per day drops to just £22.84 per day with the 7-day pass.

The best way to save money with this pass is to use it as frequently as possible for the most expensive activities included.

If you get the 7-day pass, you can save at least 50% off general admission prices as long as you enjoy around £45 worth of activities each day. 

To put this into context, this would mean going on at least one tour and visiting one or two popular landmarks/museums on a daily basis.


How Long is the Pass Valid?

Each pass is valid for the number of days you select, from 1-7 days total. You must use this service on consecutive days. 

No matter when you buy the pass, you can activate it at any time within 12 months of the date of purchase.

Once activated, the pass must be used for each consecutive day that it is valid.

If your plans change, you may cancel your order, send back the unvalidated pass and receive a full refund (less a €20 cancellation fee per Pass).


How Do I Use the Pass?

While you can have a physical pass sent to you via mail or pick it up at a designated location in London, it’s worth noting that the London City Pass from Turbo Pass is also available through their mobile app.

If you’re looking for an easier method to activate and use a tourist pass, this is an excellent option.

All you have to do is take out your phone and present the pass at each location you want to visit!

Some tours may require you to make reservations ahead of time, but most activities and attractions will accept the pass on your phone (or your physical pass) upon arrival.


LONDON SIGHTSEEING PASS

This was originally a prepackaged pass, but they have since changed how it works and turned it into an all-inclusive pass.

The new London Sightseeing Pass is valid for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days at a time, and it includes admission to over 35 attractions.

Depending on how you use the pass, you should be able to save at least 40% off general admission prices.

Aside from the attractions you can visit, this pass also includes discounts of up to 20% off at Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe, and KidZania.

Here are some of the best attractions included with this tourist pass:

  • River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
  • Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
  • Changing of the Guards Tour
  • Rock n' Roll Walking Tour
  • Encore Theatre Passport
  • BODY WORLDS Museum
  • Wizards of London Bus Tour
  • James Bond Bus Tour
  • Ghost Bus Tour

Prices

Note: The prices listed below are full retail prices. Discounts are often available on their website.

  • 1-Day Pass:  Adult  £55 & Child £49
  • 2-Day Pass:  Adult  £93 & Child £86
  • 3-Day Pass: Adult  £124 &  Child  £111
  • 4-Day Pass: Adult  £136 & Child £124
  • 5-Day Pass: Adult £149 & Child £136

Purchase the London Sightseeing Pass or learn more.


Things to Consider

While this pass is a great way to save money on popular activities and attractions, it may include some services of no interest to you.

That said, it does include access to some of the most popular themed bus tours in the city, and a lot of interesting themed walking tours as well.

If you're more interested in tours than in visiting attractions, this is an excellent all-inclusive pass.

However, if you do want to see sites such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Kensington Palace, you may want to consider another service.

This isn't going to be the best pass for everyone, but if you're looking for something open-ended that doesn't have to be used in just a few days, it's an excellent alternative to all-inclusive passes.


Advantages of this Pass

If you're only going to be in London for a couple days, this is arguably the most affordable all-inclusive pass of them all.

The 1 and 2 day passes are cheaper than any other similar service, and they also offer frequent discounts of up to 40% off the normal pass prices.

The addition of an Encore Theatre Passport is also nice, as this ticket will grant you entrance into a West End theatrical performance.

If you're planning to see a musical on the West End, it's worth getting this pass just for that, as the Encore Theatre Passport is worth £55 -- the exact price of a 1-day pass.

What this means is that anything else you use it for on that one day will be entirely free! 


THE EXPLORER PASS (CHOOSE 3, 5, 7 or 10 ATTRACTIONS)

There are two passes available (Explorer Pass or the iVenture Card) where you buy a pass based on the number of attractions and activities, instead of the number of days.

These passes offer between 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 attractions.

You  ‘pick’ your attractions and activities from a large number of offerings, many of which are the most popular, and expensive.

You can save up to 50% of the total cost of your sightseeing. 

Explorer Pass and I Venture Card London

You don’t have to choose in advance which attractions you want to see or what days you’ll visit them.

Better still, these passes are valid for 30 days from the date you activate it.

Another perk is that at some attractions you will get fast-track entry and get to skip the admission lines!

One slight negative to these passes are that to get the most savings, you might want to do some research.

You may even want to use a calculator to maximize your savings.

For example, if you choose to see attractions that are the most expensive (over $20), your savings will be higher. But it is only worth it if you want to see these attractions.

Another way to save money and make this kind of pass worth its price, don’t pick attractions that can be visited for free on certain days or hours.

With some pre-planning, these kinds of passes are ideal for those who want to save money and enjoy flexibility and spontaneity. 


GO CITY LONDON EXPLORER PASS Explorer Pass Attraction Discounts

The same company behind the London Pass is now offering the Go City London Explorer Pass for London’s top 20 attractions! 

This coupon book is designed to save you money (up to 40%!) off of the admission price of popular tourist locations throughout the city, and can save you time by skipping the line at the entrance!  

One nice bonus is the 100% money-back guarantee for up to 1 year following your travel dates if you don't use the pass.

Attractions to choose from:

*top-rated exhibits


Prices

Note: The prices listed below are full retail prices. Discounts are often available on their website.

  • 2 Choices:  Adult £44 & Child (3-15)  £29
  • 3 Choices:  Adult £61 & Child (3-15)  £43
  • 5 Choices:  Adult £94 & Child (3-15)  £63
  • 6 Choices:  Adult £107 & Child (3-15)  £72
  • 7 Choices:  Adult £118 & Child (3-15) £79

Click here to purchase. One nice bonus is the 100% money-back guarantee for up to 1 year following your travel dates if you don't use the pass.


How It’s Done

Pick your package (3, 5, or 7) and then pick your places! You’ll have 60 days from your first visit to use the Go City London Explorer Pass, which means there is no rush to fit it all in one week.

You'll get your Go City London Explorer Pass instantly via email, as well as a map and tourist-friendly pamphlet for even more exploring!

Just show your Go City London Explorer Pass on your phone at the entrance and be granted instant admission!

Pro tip: Do your research on admission costs for the places you are interested in attending, then use your Go City London Explorer Pass on the most expensive admissions to save up to 40%.

If you are worried about whether this is a good deal or not, it’s as easy as comparing admission costs.

In London for just a weekend? Then choose to bundle 3 attractions that you can take your time exploring.


PREPACKAGED PASSES

Prepackaged passes are great if you know what you want to do before you arrive.

This kind of pass gets you discounted access to several specific attractions for a set price.

If you are going to be in London for more than a few days and are interested in the limited choice of attractions offered, this type of pass may be good for you. 


LONDON CITY PASS 

The London City Pass is a bare-bones discount card that includes a few items, but ones that you are likely to visit.

By bundling these items into a pass, you will save some money and you also get a 10% discount on many other top attractions.

This pass is best for people who are planning to visit a few attractions and like the convenience of having your pass before you even arrive in London.

It's also good for people who want more time to see the sights since the pass does not have a time limit of 24 or 48 hours like other passes.

The London City pass includes:

Note: The London City Pass does not include public transport.

Prices: £82.00 per person

How to Purchase:

Once you have booked your airplane tickets, go to their website. You will be asked to enter your arrival/departure dates and which airport you are flying in and out of.

After you complete your purchase, you will receive your email which serves as your pass. You can also use your smartphone as your pass!

You will also get the code to receive a 10% discount on skip the line tickets you purchase online. 


BUS COMBO PASSES

A few different tour companies offer combo passes, which guarantee guests discounts on certain attractions.  

If you are already planning on purchasing a tour bus ticket, these may be good options.

  • The TOOT Bus

Originally known as the Original London Sightseeing Tour, this is one of the most popular and longest-running bus tour companies in London. The TOOT Bus Tour operates as a hop-on-hop-off tour bus with over 80 different stops around the city.

Tickets are valid for a 24 hour period, so guests are encouraged to see as much as possible within that span. Also offered within those 24 hours, guests can take a free ride on the Thames River Cruise.

Price

  • 24 Hour Tickets: £34.20/Adults | £19.80/Children
  • 48 Hour Tickets: £41.00/Adults | £25.00/Children
  • 72 Hour Tickets: £44.00/Adults | £28.00/Children

  • Golden ToursGolden Tours

Very similar to the Original London Sightseeing Tour company, Golden Tours also offers combo packages with their bus tours that give guests entrance to major attractions at a discounted rate.

The biggest difference between the two companies is that Golden Tours primarily offers 48-hour tickets, so guests have more time to explore. Also, with just over 60 stops, the hop-on, hop-off bus tour is slightly less extensive than the Original London Sightseeing Tour company.

  • Hop on Hop off Bus Tour - 24 Hour Ticket + Tower of London: £52.00 for adults | £26.00 for children
  • Hop on Hop off Bus Tour - 24 Hour Ticket + View from the Shard: £56.00 for adults | £36.00 for children
  • Hop on Hop off Bus Tour - 24 Hour Ticket + Westminster Abbey: £49.00 for adults | £23.00 for children
  • Hop on Hop off Bus Tour - 24 Hour Ticket + Tower Bridge + St Paul's Cathedral: £49.00 for adults | £20.00 for children

There are also special deals for families or groups.

Golden Tours are really a great way to go. If the description of the hop-on, hop-off bus tour meets your standards, then this is a great combo deal to take advantage of as it is the most budget-friendly and allows for the most amount of time to explore.

Golden Tours don't necessarily have the reputation of Original Sightseeing London, nor are the tours quite as extensive, but they are still very good.


  • Big Bus Attraction Packages

This is a well-reviewed hop-on-hop-off bus service whose multiple-day bus tours include 3 free walking tours, a boat cruise and a slew of coupons and discounts in addition to the bus service.  

You also get Live guides, Pre-recorded commentary, and free onboard Wi-Fi  Click here for more details. 

Below are their combo Bus Tour + one attraction offerings.

Note: Prices listed are for online purchases. Purchasing your tour online from their website will save a few pounds, but not so much that you should feel bad purchasing them on the street if you decide at the last minute to buy tickets.

  • 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus tour + London Eye Fast-Track Entry (skip the queue)
    • Adult online price: £61.00
    • Child (5-15 years) online price: £51.00
    • Child 4 and under Free
  • 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus tour + London Eye Standard Entry
    • Adult online price: £56.00
    • Child (5-15 years) online price: £46.00
    • Child 4 and under Free
  • 72-hour hop-on, hop-off bus tour + River Thames Cruise + London Night Tour + London Eye Fast-Track Entry
    • Adult online price: £74.00
    • Child (5-15 years) online price: £64.00
    • Child 4 and under Free

TIP: If you are considering a London tourist attraction discount pass, keep in mind that Smart Destination’s Explorer Pass includes the Big Bus 1 Day Tour + Boat Cruise at no additional cost.


OTHER PASSES AND PACKAGES

This section will detail some of the other tourist passes and services you can use to save money on fun tours, activities, and attractions in London.


TIMEOUT CARD LONDON

The TimeOut Card London is an annual membership card that guarantees users significant discounts on a wide range of attractions, events, and restaurants.

Though many touristic favorites such as the Tate Modern, the Tower of London, and the Globe Theatre are included with the card, there are also many local gems that are discounted with the card as well.

The TimeOut Card does NOT offer free access to any sites but does allow for major discounts, as well as access to special events.

What is included? 

A lot! The range of attractions, restaurants, and events are vast.

TimeOut differentiates the offers by categories: restaurants and cafes; bars and pubs; theatre and the arts; museums and attractions; music and nightlife; shopping and lifestyle; cinema; and experiences.

Some favorites include:

  • 25% off Tower of London visit with Thames Cruise
  • 20% of audio tours at the Houses of Parliament
  • 20% of most City Cruises
  • 10% off many musicals such as Matilda, The Lion King, and Billy Elliot
  • 10-50% off many restaurants and bars

For a full list of discounts offered with the TimeOut card, check out their website.

NOTE: This service may have been discontinued. In any case, it is not currently available as of 2021.

What is not included?

The important thing to remember with the TimeOut card is that it does NOT offer free access to any attractions or events.

Rather, it simply allows guests to purchase tickets at a discounted rate.

A TimeOut card is valid for a full 12 months, and so access to tickets is subject to availability at that particular time of year.

How much does it cost?

The TimeOut card is available for purchase for the flat rate of £29.99.

Where can I purchase the TimeOut card?

Also online! You will be sent a virtual card as well as a physical card. That way, if you ever forget to bring your card with you, you will have it stored in your email!

Is the TimeOut card worth it?

The TimeOut card functions best for locals or for visitors who are staying in the UK for a longer amount of time.

It does not offer as great of savings on touristic sites like the London Pass and is therefore not the best option for visitors hoping to see as much as possible in the least amount of time.

However, because it is valid for a full year, it is ideal for those who can visit attractions at a more leisurely rate.

The discounts available at restaurants and bars around the city allow for the greatest amount of savings.


2 FOR 1 DEALS  

2 for1_in_london-1

Many of London's most famous attractions have partnered with National Rail to offer visitors who purchased a rail ticket a 2 for 1 deal on attractions.  

Your travel card, bought from a rail station, will give you unlimited travel on all buses in London and all Underground stations within zones 1 and 2 – as well as qualify you for the 2 for 1 rail offer! 

To learn more about the 2 for 1 deal with National Rail, check out our post detailing how exactly to purchase your ticket! 


LONDON NIGHTLIFE TICKET

This ticket gives you free entry to 19 different bars and clubs around London.

Choose between either a 2 Day Ticket for £10 or a 7 Day Ticket for £20.  

Also included are drink discounts at certain venues. Some of the popular bars that are featured include Underworld and Gilgamesh.

Purchase your ticket here.


NATIONAL TRUST TOURING PASS

The National Trust Touring Pass is available only to overseas visitors to the UK.

The Pass gives you access to historic sites around the country for a one time fee.

There are over 300 sites available to visit, and guests can choose between either a 7 or 14-day all-access pass to each. Some of the highlights include:

  • The Fountains Abbey (where the Secret Garden was filmed)
  • Winston Churchill's home Chartwell
  • The childhood home of William Wordsworth
  • Hill Top home of Beatrix Potter

Price: 

7-day adult pass (admit 1) - £33.00
7-day adult pass (admit 2) - £58.00
7-day family pass - £64.00

14-day adult pass (admit 1) - £38.00
14-day adult pass (admit 2) - £69.00
14-day family pass - £81.00

Purchase your tickets from the National Trust website. When you purchase online the pass will be emailed to you immediately.

NOTE: This pass is not currently available as of July 2021 due to the pandemic. We do not know when the service will be offered again.

Is the National Trust Touring Pass worth it?

It depends. For those interested in touring many different historic sites and willing to explore the countryside, the National Trust Touring Pass is an excellent deal!

Considering the relatively low price, it's less intimidating than other more costly passes.

If you are in the UK for more than a week, consider purchasing the 14-day pass as it is only slightly more expensive than the 7-day option, and allows guests to explore at a much more leisurely pace.

These sites are scattered around the UK, so it's helpful to have extra days.

If you find a package that interests you, but still hoping to take a tour while in London, consider following one of our "name your own price" walking tours!

Back to Top
cross