London Pass

Opinions on the London Pass:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g186338-i17-k7690019-o10-The_London_Pass_Not_a_good_idea-London_England.html

Since most of the large museums in London are free, the number of fee-paying sites that top our sightseeing priorities is usually not enough to warrant a London Pass. Don't be seduced by features you don't have time to use.

I purchased them back in 2012 - they were only valid for 3 consecutive days - on one of our days, we could not get a train into town to use it. Believe it or not, there was absolutely no parking at the Epping train lot in or around town on that particular day. So, it did not pay me to purchase it. They need to make them for 3 days total, NOT consecutive days. So.... it depends on your luck. But, I Loved London Anyway!

There are frequently specials out there for these passes. If you want to buy them, look for a special. My husband and I used them during a week in London several years ago. They provided good value for us at that time, but we had carefully checked what sites we were interested in and priced it out in advance. We also took advantage of special pricing.

One plus to the London Pass is that people often find themselves trying something new or going to an additional place they hadn't thought of because it was "included." This was certainly true in our case.

This (like rail passes) really depends on how you plan to use it, where you plan to go, and what value you place on convenience. Think about your itinerary, your travel style, and decide what works for you.

I landed on this post because we are taking our three kids (15, 17, 19) to London. What about an Oyster/London Pass? Deal or no deal?

Same answer as always - do the arithmetic.

Add up all the admissions to all the free museums and attractions that you will go to, then add in the admissions to other places which do charge that you will for sure go to regardless, and see what that totals. If you have a group of adults which are an even number see if the national railways Days Out Promotion which gives 2 for 1 admissions on various sites will help.

Then compare that amount with the over priced London Pass and see which is cheaper and easier to use.

Only you can work that out.

Don't be tempted by the many many "extras" and "bonuses" which you will either never have time for, or will cost you more than you save, or are of no interest.

Only compare apples with apples - only what you will actually do.

Note that the transportation component of the London Pass includes loads of transportation you will never use. The pass includes all 6 major zones; your sightseeing will be exclusively or nearly exclusively in zone 1 and a little in zone 2. A zone 1-2 Travelcard or a PAYG (Pay as you Go) Oyster Card or your own contactless card (check before use for fees at your end and if the particular foreign contactless card is compatible) or Apple Pay or Apple Watch.

Nigel,

When you refer to the London Pass as "over priced," I guess I know which one you would choose!

We did the 2-1 in 2011 and I read on Tripadvisor it is no longer the deal it was...yes, I will do the math but the benefit of being on RS is the valuable insight from fellow travelers. Thank you for your post.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186338-i17-k8180008-Two_for_1_2For1_offer_from_National_Rail_for_a_family_of_4-London_England.html

Marie,

for most admissions your two eldest are adults, or if they are in full time education they may get a student rate. Your youngest will qualify as a child if they have proof of age - their passport - at many places which charge.

You don't say how many nights and full sightseeing days you have in London, nor where you will be staying. In the thread from that other place that you quoted they were with younger children and were staying in Zone 3.

We just came back from three weeks in Europe, including one week in London, where we bought a 3-day London Pass. We found it saved us quite a bit of money, since we wanted to see a lot of things that were included on the pass. It also got us into the Tower of London quickly by skipping the line (this feature is only available at some of the sights, so be sure to read the brochure carefully). We felt it was well worth the money and would use it again whenever we go back.