Are Public Toilets Free in London?

By Anna Duncan

London is a popular tourist destination, and visitors often wonder if public toilets are free to use. The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on the location of the toilet and who maintains it.

Public Toilets in London

Public toilets in London are maintained by different authorities, including local councils, transport operators, and private companies. As a result, some public toilets are free to use, while others charge a fee.

Free Public Toilets

The City of London provides free public toilets across the city. These include automatic public conveniences (APCs) that are open 24/7 and wheelchair-accessible. You can find these toilets using the City of London’s online map.

Transport for London (TfL) also provides free toilets at many of its stations. These include accessible facilities for disabled users and baby-changing facilities. You can find TfL’s toilet map on their website or by downloading their app.

Paid Public Toilets

Some public toilets in London charge a fee for use. This is usually between 20p to 50p per visit, and you will need exact change to use them.

The National Trust manages some public toilets in parks and gardens that charge a fee for use. You can find information about these facilities on the National Trust website.

Alternatives to Public Toilets

If you don’t want to pay or cannot find a free public toilet nearby, there are alternative options available:

  • Use the toilet in a cafe or restaurant (if you make a purchase)
  • Visit a shopping centre or department store
  • Use the toilet at a museum or gallery (if you pay admission)

It’s important to plan ahead and identify nearby facilities before you venture out in London. This will save you time and avoid any inconvenience.

Conclusion

Public toilets in London are a mix of free and paid facilities. The best way to find a free public toilet is to use the online maps provided by the City of London and TfL. If you don’t want to pay or cannot find a free facility, there are alternative options available that can be used.

Remember to plan ahead and always carry some change with you, just in case you need to use a paid public toilet.