London City Passes & Discount Cards

London is expensive. Between the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye, admission costs can quickly drain your travel budget. That’s where city passes come in.

These bundled tickets promise to save you money while streamlining your sightseeing experience. But with so many options available, choosing the right pass can feel overwhelming.

I’ve analyzed the most popular London passes to help you decide which one makes sense for your trip. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

What Are London City Passes?

City passes are pre-paid tickets that bundle admission to multiple attractions at a discounted rate. Instead of buying individual tickets at each venue, you purchase one pass that covers everything on your itinerary.

Most passes work in one of two ways. Time-based passes give you unlimited access to included attractions for a set number of days.

Credit-based passes let you choose a specific number of attractions to visit within a longer timeframe.

The savings can be substantial if you visit enough attractions. Many passes also include perks like skip-the-line access, free public transport, or discounts at restaurants and shops.

But passes aren’t always the best deal. If you only plan to visit a few attractions or prefer a slower pace, buying individual tickets might be more cost-effective.

City Passes & Discount Cards Prices

Compare the key features of London’s most popular city passes below.

Compare London City Passes

Pass	Type	Duration	Key Attractions	Best For
London Pass Plus	Time-based	1-10 consecutive days	100+ attractions, hop-on hop-off bus, Thames cruise	First-time visitors, packed itineraries
London Pass (Standard) – Currently Unavailable	Time-based	1-10 consecutive days	95+ attractions, Thames cruise	Budget-conscious travelers using public transport
Explorer Pass	Credit-based	60 days to use 2-7 credits	100+ attractions to choose from	Flexible schedules, longer stays
Royal Pass	Fixed combo	Single use	Westminster Abbey, Royal Mews, Changing of Guard tour	Royal history enthusiasts
Family Pass	Fixed combo	Single use	London Zoo, Transport Museum, Thames cruise	Families with children
City Card	Fixed combo	Single use	London Eye, Tower of London, hop-on hop-off bus	First-time visitors wanting structured experience

The Main London City Tourist Passes

The London Pass Plus

The London Pass Plus is the most comprehensive option, covering over 100 attractions across the city. It operates on a time-based system, with passes available for 1 to 10 consecutive days.

What sets this pass apart is its breadth. Major attractions like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Windsor Castle are included, along with smaller museums and walking tours.

You also get a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour and Thames river cruise access.

The pass includes skip-the-line entry at busy attractions, which can save significant time during peak season. It’s delivered digitally through an app that helps you plan your itinerary and navigate between venues.

This pass works best for ambitious travelers who want to pack in as many sights as possible. If you’re visiting for just a few days and plan to hit the major landmarks, it offers solid value.

London Pass (Standard) – Currently Unavailable

The standard London Pass covers 95+ attractions without the transportation add-ons of the Plus version. It follows the same time-based format but at a lower cost.

Key inclusions are the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Thames river cruises. You’ll also find access to several royal palaces, including Kensington Palace and Windsor Castle (afternoon entry only).

Like the Plus version, this pass includes skip-the-line access and comes with a digital guidebook. The main difference is the lack of hop-on hop-off bus tours, which you’ll need to arrange separately.

This option suits travelers who prefer to use London’s public transport system or walk between attractions rather than relying on tour buses.

Go City London Explorer Pass

The Explorer Pass takes a different approach with a credit-based system. You choose 2 to 7 attractions from over 100 options and have 60 days to use your credits.

This flexibility is the pass’s biggest advantage. You’re not locked into consecutive days of sightseeing and can space out your visits.

It’s particularly useful for longer stays or return visits to London.

The attraction list mirrors other passes, including major sites like Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and various stadium tours. Food and gift shop discounts at participating venues are also included.

The 60-day validity period makes this pass ideal for business travelers, digital nomads, or anyone with a flexible schedule. It’s also good for visitors who prefer a more relaxed pace.

London Royal Pass

This specialized pass focuses entirely on royal history and attractions. It combines Westminster Abbey, the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, and a guided Changing of the Guard walking tour.

The pass is more limited in scope but offers deeper insight into Britain’s monarchy. The Changing of the Guard tour includes expert commentary and prime viewing positions for the ceremony.

It’s designed for visitors with a specific interest in royal history rather than general sightseeing. The experience feels more curated and educational compared to broader passes.

London Family Pass

Tailored specifically for families traveling with children, this pass includes three kid-friendly attractions: London Zoo, the London Transport Museum, and a Thames river cruise departing from the London Eye.

The Transport Museum appeals to children fascinated by buses, trains, and Underground history. London Zoo offers encounters with over 750 species, while the river cruise provides a different perspective on the city’s landmarks.

This pass saves money compared to buying individual family tickets and focuses on attractions that will keep children engaged throughout the day.

London City Card

The City Card combines major attractions with practical transportation. It includes the London Eye, Tower of London, a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and Thames river cruise, plus a 10% discount on future London bookings.

What makes this card interesting is its balance of sightseeing and transportation. The hop-on hop-off bus essentially serves as your transport between attractions while doubling as a sightseeing tour.

The included audio guide helps you navigate the city and learn about its history. It’s positioned as an all-in-one solution for first-time visitors who want a structured experience.

Choosing the Right Pass for You

For first-time visitors with 3-4 days: The London Pass Plus appears to offer the best value if you plan to visit major attractions daily. The included transportation and skip-the-line access may justify the higher cost.

For flexible schedules: The Explorer Pass gives you maximum freedom to visit attractions at your own pace. The 60-day validity period removes pressure to cram everything into consecutive days.

For royal history enthusiasts: The Royal Pass provides focused access to monarchy-related sites with expert guidance. It’s worth it if these attractions are your priority.

For families with young children: The Family Pass targets age-appropriate attractions that will keep kids engaged. The included zoo and transport museum are particularly appealing to younger visitors.

For budget-conscious travelers: The standard London Pass offers good coverage without transportation add-ons. Pair it with an Oyster Card for public transport to keep costs down.

For short visits (1-2 days): Consider buying individual tickets instead. Passes become cost-effective when you visit multiple attractions, which can be challenging to accomplish in a very short timeframe.

What to Consider Before Buying

Calculate your individual ticket costs first. Add up admission for the attractions you actually want to visit. If the total is less than the pass cost, skip the pass.

Factor in transportation. Some passes include hop-on hop-off buses, while others don’t. If you plan to use these services anyway, passes with transportation offer better value.

Consider your travel style. Passes work best for travelers who enjoy packed itineraries and don’t mind rushing between attractions.

If you prefer spending half a day at a single museum, individual tickets might be better.

Check attraction opening hours. Some venues have limited hours or close certain days of the week. Make sure your preferred attractions align with your travel dates.

Read the fine print. Some attractions require advance reservations even with a pass. Popular venues like the London Eye often have limited availability for pass holders.

Making the Most of Your Pass

• Start early. Most attractions open around 9-10 AM. Beginning your day early maximizes the number of venues you can visit.
• Plan your route geographically. Group nearby attractions together to minimize travel time. The Tower of London and Tower Bridge, for example, are within walking distance.
• Use skip-the-line benefits. During peak season, this can save 30-60 minutes at popular attractions like the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey.
• Download the pass app. Most passes come with smartphone apps that show real-time opening hours, directions, and attraction details.
• Keep backup options. Some attractions reach capacity even for pass holders. Have alternative venues in mind if your first choice is unavailable.