How to Save Money in London: 25 Tips from an Ex-Londoner (2025)

London is notoriously expensive, and I’m sad to admit that since I moved away whenever I go back I’ve turned into one of those ‘How Much?!’ people. I know a few tips and tricks though. If you want in on how to save money in London on your next visit, read on!

So from 7 years of living in the Big Smoke, and a lifetime of popping in, here are my top tips on how to save money in London on your next visit.

Navigating the financial landscape of London doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a bit of savvy planning and a willingness to explore alternative options, it’s entirely possible to enjoy all that this cosmopolitan city has to offer without breaking the bank.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll delve into a treasure trove of money-saving tips tailored specifically for both seasoned locals, and newcomers to the city. Here it is: how to save money in London, for you.

How to Save Money in London

All the money saving tips for London you could ever need!

1. Contactless debit and credit cards are Oyster cards

How to save money in London? Don’t bother spending money on Oyster cards or tourist price tube journeys, you can simply swipe your debit or credit card at the gates to get in, and use the same one to get out.

Remember that if it’s a foreign card you might get charged more by your card issuer though, bringing up the price, but for anyone with a UK bank account, go ahead. It works on the buses too.

2. Walk overground, rather than tubing underground

If you’re travelling around the centre of London keep in mind that some of the stations are not actually that far apart. You could definitely save some money by exploring the city on foot, rather than underground.

For example, Covent Garden and Leicester Square are less than half a mile apart, and Charing Cross and Embankment are pretty much next to each other. Check out this map of ‘minutes walk’ between stations before you decide to spend money on expensive transport. Having a better understanding of how the city fits together will save you money and time in the future too.

If you arrive in London in rush hour, or just have loads of stuff, you can store your luggage with Stasher until a more convenient time.