How Much Should I Budget for Travel in London?

By Michael Ferguson

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and a trip here can be quite costly. Depending on your budget and what kind of experience you’re looking for, it’s important to create a realistic budget for your visit. Here are some tips for planning your budget for travel in London.

Accommodation

Accommodation will likely be one of the biggest expenses of your trip, and there are a wide range of options available. If you’re looking to save money, hostels and Airbnb apartments are usually the least expensive options, with hotels being much pricier. If you’re travelling with friends or family, renting an apartment can help keep costs down.

Transportation

Public transportation in London is very convenient, but also expensive. A single journey on the Tube or bus can cost around £2-3 (or more depending on distance).

An Oyster card is a great way to save money – it allows you to pay for multiple journeys at once and gives discounts for frequent travellers. Taxis can also be an option but they tend to be more expensive than public transportation.

Food & Drink

Food and drink prices in London vary widely depending on where you’re eating. For cheap eats, street food vendors offer great value meals from around £5-10 per person.

For sit-down restaurants, expect to pay around £15-20 per person for a main course. Alcoholic drinks tend to be quite expensive – expect to pay around £5-7 per drink at bars.

Activities & Attractions

London has plenty of attractions that range from free (like parks and museums) to quite expensive (like tours and theatre shows). To get the most out of your trip without breaking the bank, look out for discounts or special offers from museums or attractions that might be available.

Conclusion: How Much Should I Budget for Travel in London?

Overall, how much you should budget for travel in London depends on what kind of experience you want and what type of accommodation you choose. Generally speaking, expect to pay around £50-100 per day on accommodation, transportation, food/drink and activities/attractions combined – this will vary depending on how many people are travelling with you and how much luxury you desire while visiting London.