The London Pass

The London Pass is one of the city’s most popular tourist cards, but many visitors don’t realize there are actually two different versions available.

Both promise access to dozens of London’s top attractions with a single digital ticket. The catch? They include different features and transportation options, which can make choosing between them tricky.

Here’s what you need to know about the London Pass Standard and London Pass Plus to pick the right one for your trip.

What is the London Pass?

The London Pass is a time-based sightseeing pass that gives you access to London’s major attractions for a set number of consecutive days. You can visit as many included attractions as you want during your pass period.

There are two versions available:

• London Pass (Standard) – covers 95+ attractions
• London Pass Plus – covers 100+ attractions with transportation included

Both passes work the same way. You buy a digital pass, download it to your phone, and show the barcode at each attraction entrance. No need to stand in ticket lines or worry about individual admission costs.

Your pass activates the first time you use it and runs for consecutive calendar days, not 24-hour periods. Use it at 4 PM on day one, and it expires at closing time on your final day.

London Pass Standard vs Plus Comparison

Feature	London Pass Standard	London Pass Plus
Attractions	95+ attractions	100+ attractions
Transportation	Thames river cruise only	Thames cruise + 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus
Duration	1-10 consecutive days	1-10 consecutive days
Skip-the-line	Selected busy attractions	Selected busy attractions
Digital format	Mobile app	Mobile app
Activation period	12 months to activate	24 months to activate
Best for	Budget-conscious travelers using public transport	First-time visitors wanting all-inclusive experience

Top London Attractions Included in Both Passes

Both London Pass versions cover London’s major attractions, including:

Royal Attractions:

• Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• Kensington Palace
• Windsor Castle (afternoon entry only)

Iconic Sights:

• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower Bridge
• Thames river cruise
• The View from the Shard
• Madame Tussauds London

Museums & Cultural Sites:

• London Zoo
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
• Royal Observatory Greenwich
• Cutty Sark
• Hampton Court Palace

Sports & Entertainment:

• Wembley Stadium tour
• Chelsea FC Stadium tour
• Arsenal Emirates Stadium tour
• The London Bridge Experience

Both passes also include skip-the-line access at selected busy attractions and come with a digital guidebook accessed through your mobile app.

Key Differences: What You Get Extra with the Plus Version

The London Pass Plus includes everything from the standard version, plus:

Additional Transportation:

• 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Covers major tourist routes and landmarks
• Audio commentary included

More Attractions:

• Access to 5+ additional attractions
• Extended attraction list

Longer Activation Window:

• 24 months to activate (vs 12 months for standard)

The hop-on hop-off bus is the main differentiator. If you plan to use tourist buses anyway, the Plus version may offer better value since you’re getting transportation and attractions in one package.

Which London Pass Should You Choose?

Choose the Standard London Pass if:

• You’re comfortable using London’s public transport
• You want to save money on the pass itself
• You prefer walking between nearby attractions
• You’re visiting during off-peak season when buses aren’t essential

Choose the London Pass Plus if:

• It’s your first time in London
• You want the convenience of included transportation
• You’re traveling during busy periods when tube stations get crowded
• You like the idea of audio commentary while traveling between sights

Skip both passes if:

• You only want to visit 2-3 attractions
• You prefer a slow, relaxed pace
• You’re staying longer than 10 days
• You’re mainly interested in free attractions like the British Museum

Notable Exclusions

Neither London Pass includes some popular attractions:

• London Eye (though this is included in other city passes)
• London Dungeon
• London Aquarium
• Buckingham Palace tours
• Houses of Parliament tours

Many of London’s best museums are free anyway, including the British Museum, Tate Modern, and National Gallery.

Tips for Maximizing Your London Pass

• Start early each day: Most attractions open between 9-10 AM. Getting an early start lets you visit more places and justifies the pass cost.
• Plan geographically: Group nearby attractions together. The Tower of London and Tower Bridge are walking distance apart. St Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe are both near the Thames.
• Don’t activate on your arrival day: If you land in the afternoon or evening, wait until the next morning to use your pass. You’ll get a full day’s value.
• Have backup options: Popular attractions can reach capacity even for pass holders. Keep alternative venues in mind if your first choice is full.
• Use skip-the-line benefits: During peak season, this can save significant time at busy attractions like the Tower of London.

How to Buy Your London Pass

Both passes are digital-only and must be purchased online. After buying, you’ll receive an email with download instructions.

The pass works through a mobile app that includes:

• Digital barcode for attraction entry
• Opening hours and directions
• Attraction information and tips

You have 12 months (standard) or 24 months (Plus) to activate your pass after purchase.

Should You Buy the London Pass?

The London Pass works best for first-time visitors who want to see major attractions efficiently. If you plan to visit 4+ included attractions during your stay, you’ll likely save money.

However, it’s not automatically the best choice. Calculate the individual ticket costs for attractions you actually want to visit. If that total is less than the pass price, buy individual tickets instead.

The standard version suits budget-conscious travelers comfortable with public transport. The Plus version appeals to visitors who want an all-inclusive experience with transportation sorted.

Both passes require planning and a packed itinerary to offer good value. If you prefer spontaneous sightseeing or spending half a day in one museum, individual tickets might serve you better.

The London Pass is ultimately a tool for efficient sightseeing rather than leisurely exploration. Choose the version that matches your travel style and the amount of ground you realistically plan to cover.