London City Pass Guide 2026 β€” Compare Every Sightseeing Pass
Tower Bridge and the River Thames at dusk, London
City Pass Guide Β· London

London City Passes β€” Compared

Every Go City London pass reviewed and compared in one place. Find the right pass for your trip length, budget, and what’s on your London must-do list.

2Passes reviewed
80+Attractions covered
~40%Average savings
Β£49Lowest starting price

London has two Go City pass formats β€” a flexible credits pass and a consecutive-day all-inclusive. Both cover a similar pool of 25–80+ attractions including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. The right choice depends on how long you’re staying and how many attractions you want to see each day. This guide covers both in full, with a side-by-side comparison to help you decide quickly.

London Β· All passes
Every London sightseeing pass, reviewed
Full reviews with inclusions, pricing, validity rules, and who each pass suits best.
Which London pass is right for you?
Intensive stays Β· 3–7 days
The London Pass
  • Staying 3–7 days and want to see as much as possible
  • First-time visitor wanting all the iconic landmarks
  • Prefer unlimited access without counting credits
  • Travelling with family who want flexibility day-to-day
  • Want to visit 4+ attractions per day
Book London Pass β€” from Β£59 β†’
Selective stays Β· 2–5 days
Go City London Explorer Pass
  • Have a clear shortlist of 3–5 specific attractions
  • Prefer a lower upfront cost with 30-day flexibility
  • Visiting London as part of a longer UK or European trip
  • Returning visitor focusing on specific new experiences
  • Want to mix paid attractions with free museums
Book Explorer Pass β€” from Β£49 β†’
Side-by-side
London Pass vs Explorer β€” at a glance
Key differences in one table. See the full comparison β†’
Explorer Pass London Pass
Format Choose 2–7 attractions Unlimited Β· 1–14 consecutive days
Starting price from Β£49 from Β£59
Validity 30 days β€” non-consecutive Consecutive calendar days
Attractions covered 25+ (your choice) 80+ unlimited
Best trip length 2–5 days, relaxed pace 3–7 days, packed
Includes Thames Clipper βœ“ Yes (as credit) βœ“ Yes (unlimited)
Includes Tube/Bus βœ— No βœ— No

Prices are indicative. Always verify the current rate at checkout. Both passes require advance reservations for popular attractions such as the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.

What’s included
Top London attractions covered by both passes
Both passes cover London’s most celebrated landmarks. Here are the headline inclusions.

🏰 Tower of London

Over 1,000 years of history in one fortress β€” the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and Yeoman Warders. The most visited paid attraction in the UK and the strongest value inclusion in both passes. Allow at least three hours and book your slot in advance.

β›ͺ Westminster Abbey

One of the great Gothic churches in the world and the site of every English coronation since 1066. Poets’ Corner, the Coronation Chair, and the Lady Chapel are genuinely moving. A must for any first-time London visitor β€” book your timed slot early.

🎑 The London Eye

The iconic 135-metre observation wheel on the South Bank offers spectacular 360-degree views over central London. Each rotation takes 30 minutes. Best visited at dusk for the most dramatic views over the illuminated skyline.

πŸŒ‰ Tower Bridge Experience

Walk across the glass-floored high-level walkways 42 metres above the Thames and explore the original Victorian engine rooms below. One of the most photogenic experiences in London β€” and a surprisingly fascinating look at Victorian engineering.

πŸ‘‘ Kensington Palace

The official residence of several members of the Royal Family, with beautifully restored State Rooms and a world-class collection of Royal ceremonial dress. Set in the western corner of Hyde Park β€” combine it with a walk through the park and the Albert Memorial.

🌿 Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens cover 300 acres and hold the world’s most diverse plant collection. The Victorian glasshouses and Treetop Walkway are extraordinary. A wonderful half-day or full-day escape from central London β€” especially beautiful in spring.

Book the Tower of London first

The Tower of London is the most visited paid attraction in the UK and gets very busy, particularly at weekends and in summer. Book your entry slot immediately after purchasing your pass β€” it’s the London equivalent of Paris’s Eiffel Tower booking priority.

Planning advice
Essential tips for London pass holders
  • Book the Tower of London immediately β€” the UK’s most visited paid attraction fills up fast, especially at weekends and in school holidays
  • Westminster Abbey has limited daily entry β€” book your slot as soon as you have your pass
  • The View from The Shard is best in clear weather β€” check the forecast and visit on a good visibility day for views up to 64km
  • London’s transport (Tube and bus) is not included in either pass β€” use an Oyster card or contactless bank card for getting around
  • Kew Gardens and Hampton Court are outside central London β€” plan travel time; both are on the District line or accessible by Thames Clipper
  • Use the Thames Clipper where included β€” it’s a scenic, practical way to move between South Bank, Greenwich, and Tower Bridge attractions
  • London has world-class free museums β€” the British Museum, National Gallery, V&A, and Natural History Museum are free, so use your pass credits on paid attractions only
Common questions about London passes
Are London tourist passes worth it? +
Yes β€” for most visitors who plan to see three or more paid attractions, a London city pass will save money. London has some of the highest attraction entry prices of any major European city. The Tower of London (Β£34.80), Westminster Abbey (Β£27), and the London Eye (Β£35) alone exceed Β£95 per adult bought separately β€” and both passes cover all three at a significant discount.
Do London tourist passes include the Underground (Tube)? +
No β€” neither the Explorer Pass nor the London Pass includes London Underground, bus, or Overground travel. You’ll need a separate Oyster card or use contactless bank card payment for public transport. A daily price cap applies to contactless travel, making it economical for busy sightseeing days.
Do I need to book timed-entry slots with a London city pass? +
For some attractions, yes. The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the Shard all benefit from advance time-slot booking. The Tower of London in particular gets very busy and booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially in summer and school holiday periods.
Which London pass is best for families? +
Families often find the London Pass most flexible β€” unlimited access means you can adapt each day to the children’s interests without worrying about credits. The Tower of London, Kew Gardens, the London Eye, and the Natural History Museum (free, not included in passes) are all excellent family choices.
How long are the London passes valid? +
The Explorer Pass gives you 60 days from purchase to activate, then 30 days from first use to redeem all your attraction credits. The London Pass runs for 1–14 consecutive calendar days from the date you first activate it β€” choose the duration that matches your full sightseeing schedule, not your total time in London.
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