London Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Dec 2023

London is arguably the best first-destination for those who are new to European travel. It’s overwhelmingly large, but still quite well organized and if you can read this then the language won’t be an issue for you. Plan on spending at least 3 nights here at a minimum, and 4 nights would be better.

>>>London cheap travel tips

Is London Expensive or Cheap?

London is famously expensive for visitors and there isn’t much you can do about it except bring enough money. Hotel rooms and hostels are pricey and often quite small as well. Food and drinks are rarely cheap so it’s helpful to buy them at supermarkets and do a bit of self-catering to keep your budget intact.

Most famous attractions in London are extremely expensive, even compared to the rest of Europe, but the many state-run museums are all still free so at least you can get some culture without breaking the bank.

London City Featured Image

Travel Costs to London

Population 7,600,000
Area 13,900,000
Timezone UTC+0
Currency British pound
Airports London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London Stansted (STN)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$131.73
1 USD = 0.7900 GBP
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in London

London Hotel Seasons

London Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar37.97 - 69.62
starstarstarstarstar45.57 - 154.43
starstarstarstarstar56.96 - 208.86
starstarstarstarstar97.47 - 253.16
starstarstarstarstar201.27 - 394.94

London Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed18.99 - 50.63

London Attractions Prices

Best tours in London

Location Description Type Price(USD)
London EyeOne slow rotation on this huge Ferris wheel offers excellent views. Discounts for booking online.
adults
56.96
Tower of LondonThis historic attraction is popular and pricey. Discounts for booking online.
adults
5-15
41.77
20.25
Madame TussaudsThis chain of wax museums is impressive and expensive. Save 25% off these prices by buying online, and even cheaper after 5pm.
adults
59.49
St. Pauls CathedralOne of the most famous cathedral's on earth, it's closed for tourists on Sundays.
adults
seniors
6-17
29.11
25.32
12.66
Westminster AbbeyAnother historic favorite, partly for who's buried there.
adults
65+
6-17
24.05
24.05
10.13
Buckingham PalaceYou can visit the Queen's Gallery, among other separate collections here. Prices are lower until April.
adults
18-24
37.97
20.25
Tower BridgeMuch of this bridge is free to enter, but the elevator and the exhibition charge admission.
adults
children
15.19
7.59

London Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastBreakfast is included at many hotels, often the classic and filling "full English breakfast." If not, a basic breakfast is easy to find in most neighborhoods.6.33 - 10.13
Budget lunchFood in London can be shockingly expensive. Good budget lunch choices include sandwiches and kebabs. 10.13 - 16.46
Budget dinnerA filling meal at a pub is a good budget choice, as is a stop at one of the many Indian or Chinese restaurants all over. 13.92 - 22.78
Coffee (cup)Finding a cheap cup of coffee can be a challenge, and now Starbucks are popping up all over. 1.27 - 3.80
Pint of beerMost pubs have similar prices regardless of the decor. Some of the chain pubs run happy hour specials which can be good value. 6.33 - 8.86
Fish and chipsLondon's classic tourist meal isn't always easy to find and it's usually quite expensive. 15.19 - 21.52

London Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from Heathrow to city center73.42 - 84.81
Tube ride from Heathrow to city center6.33
All day unlimited tube & bus rides in city center11.39
3km taxi ride in London10.13 - 15.19
Tube ride in central London2.53 - 5.06

Getting to London

Getting around London

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When to visit London

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January45362.1
February46371.4
March51391.9
April55421.8
May63482.0
June69532.0
July72571.9
August71562.1
September66532.1
October59482.2
November51412.2
December47382.2

London Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar6:01am6:15pm
21 Jun4:43am9:21pm
21 Sep6:46am6:59pm
21 Dec8:04am3:53pm

Where to go before and after