My next question...looking at the City Pass, and adding up the cost of that vs. what we'd pay out of pocket...I think it would be about 15 pounds cheaper NOT to get the pass...but is it worth it to do it and skip the lines? Or are the lines not that huge of a deal in London?
Eleanor, thank you for posting this question! As, I was just researching the London Pass and had the same question. Looking forward to seeing what guidance you receive! --Allyn
I don't think the lines are all that bad for the main attractions but I would definitely try to get to the more popular places when they first open or later in the day.
The London Pass is not a good deal, if you are not traveling alone the 2 for 1 offers are much better (you need to buy a ticket for transport anyway).
http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/
We looked at the 2 for 1 thing...but we're flying in to London, and staying there using the tube, so it doesn't look like it's valid for us...
If you check the website you will see that a paper Travelcard for the zones you are in will qualify - if it is issued by a National Rail station, not by Transport for London at Underground stations.
If you do get day Travelcards with the crows feet National Rail double arrow logo they will entitle you to that discount during the validity of the card.
We just got back from a 1 week trip to London. we looked at the Travel Pass as well, but decided against it. I'm glad, because we went to more places that were not included in the discounts with the Travel Pass. We bought the Oyster 7-day Travel Card for zones 1-3 (we were staying at an apartment in zone 3, if staying closer you can do zones 1-2 and get to all the sights in London, it's cheaper that way). This will give you unlimited travel via train/tube/bus, and it's much cheaper than buying a paper pass. You pay 5 pounds for the Oyster RFID card, but you can return the card at the end of your stay for a 5 pound refund. You just swipe the Oyster card at the train/tube station or as you board the buses, so easy and convenient.
Also...We were a party of 7 and found out that it was cheaper, faster, and much easier for us to take a car service from Heathrow to our apartment rather than taking the tube or train (Heathrow is in zone 6). We used Hummingbird Cars and had great service.
We didn't find the lines to be long at all, and it was Spring Break in London.