You want to visit London. But your wallet? It's sweating just thinking about it. Everyone says London will drain your bank account, but are vacation prices in 2018 as scary as they sound? Let's break down the real costs for everythinghotels, airfare, food, and all the stuff you'll actually do. I've gathered tips and real numbers so you won't blow your entire trip budget before you see Big Ben.
How Much Does a Trip to London Cost in 2018?
Here's the honest answer: it depends on when you go, how fancy you get, and your style. But for most travelers, the average cost for a week in London in 2018 breaks down like this:
- Roundtrip airfare: $550-$950 (varies by US city and season)
- Hotel: $140-$300 per night for mid-range; $65+ for hostels; sky's the limit for luxury
- Food & drinks: About $50-$100 per day if you eat out every meal
- Public transport: Around $50 for a week (Oyster card or travelcard)
- Attractions: $100-$200 if you aim to see the big stuff
Put that together and you're looking at roughly $2,000-$2,700 for one, sharing a hotel room. Solo and love private rooms? It'll be a bit more. Group or hostel traveler? You can slash hundreds off.
What Impacts London Travel Costs in 2018 Most?
London can be pricey, but it doesn't have to be. Here are the top factors that mess with your trip budget:
- Travel season: Summer and Christmas spike prices. Shoulder seasons (spring/fall) mean friendlier costs.
- Where you stay: Central hotels ask for more. Stay further out or in hostels/Airbnbs to slash rates.
- How you eat: Pub lunches and street food are cheaper than sit-down dinners every night.
- Your sightseeing wish list: Tons of world-class museums are actually free. Big tourist attractions are not.
The first time I visited? I spent like crazy on taxis, thinking they'd save time. Big mistake. Public transport is cheap, fast, and way less stressful than fighting London traffic.
London Hotel Prices 2018: What Will You Really Pay?
Hotels in London sometimes feel like a test: How much are you willing to spend for a tiny room? In 2018, mid-range hotels in central London averaged $180-$250 per night. Budget hotels hovered around $90-$140. Hostels, if you're up for it, started as low as $30 for a dorm bed. If saving cash is the goal, book earlyespecially for summer and major events. Airbnb was hot in 2018, too, and often cheaper than hotels in the city center. Just read the reviews: not every place is as dreamy as it looks online.
Airfare to London in 2018: What Did Flights Cost?
Airfare can swing your whole London trip budget. In 2018, deals for roundtrip fares from the US ranged from $550 (off-peak East Coast) up to $1,100 (peak summer West Coast). Most people scored tickets in the $650-$900 range by booking three to five months ahead. Flexible on dates? Flying midweek or skipping holidays can save you a ton. Redeeming points or watching for flash deals is also worth it if you're patient.
What Kind of Daily Budget Do You Need in London?
So you've got flights and a hotel. How much does daily life in London set you back in 2018?
- Food: Breakfast from a bakery or supermarket: $5-$8. Lunch: $10-$20. Dinner: $20-$50. Street food and grab-and-go make a big difference.
- Transportation: Get an Oyster card. A week's unlimited rides in central London? About $50. Taxis are priceyonly use them when you really need to.
- Attractions: Big names like the Tower of London and London Eye charge $30-$35 each. But museums like the British Museum, Tate Modern, and Natural History Museum are free. Plan ahead and mix paid with free to keep costs down.
Set aside $75-$100 per day and you'll eat well, see a bunch, and never feel totally broke. Want to stretch things? Eat more grocery store meals, pick free sights, and walk when you can.
How to Save Big on Your London Trip in 2018
Don't want to come home broke? This is how you keep your London 2018 vacation prices under control:
- Book flights and hotels months in advance
- Travel in spring or fall, not summer
- Use an Oyster card for all public transport
- Eat breakfast from supermarkets or cafes, not sit-down restaurants
- Mix free museums and walks with a few paid attractions
- Skip taxis unless you're in a pinch
- Pick a hotel or Airbnb outside the tourist centertake the Tube in
One thing I wish I knew on my first trip? Weekend hotel rates in business neighborhoods can be cheaper than midweek. Opposite is true in tourist zones. Play around with dates and locations if you're flexible.
Common Mistakes That Push Up London Trip Budgets
- Forgetting to factor in exchange rates and bank fees
- Waiting till the last minute to book flights or hotels
- Eating every meal out (those little costs add up fast)
- Only picking attractions that charge high entry feesmix it up instead
- Skipping public transit in favor of cabs and rideshares
Your London adventure should be about the experience, not stressing over receipts. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and give yourself permission to splurge on one or two big wishesjust save on the rest.
FAQs About London 2018 Vacation Prices
- How much cash do I really need per day in London?
You'll need $75-$100 a day if you aren't splurging. This covers food, local transport, and some attractions. Skip big restaurant dinners and focus on free museums to spend less. - Is London more expensive than Paris or Rome in 2018?
Yes, London is generally a bit pricier, especially for hotels and some attractions. Save on food and transport in London to even things out. - Can I find cheap hotels in London in 2018?
You can, but book early. Hostels start at $30 for dorms, while budget hotels are $90-$140 per night. Locations outside tourist zones are cheaper and still close to the Tube. - How can I save money on London attractions?
Mix free sights (museums, parks, markets) with 1-2 paid attractions. If you want to see a bunch of pricey spots, look for a sightseeing pass, but only if you'll use it enough. - Were there cheap flights to London in 2018?
Definitely, if you booked early and traveled off-peak. Many found roundtrips from the US for $550-$800 by avoiding peak months and flying midweek. - What's the best way to budget for a trip to London?
Start with flights and hotel, then add $100 per day for spending. Track your main costs and leave room for at least one splurgeyou're on vacation after all.
London doesn't have to break the bank. With a bit of planning, you'll have an unforgettable trip without any nasty price surprises.
