Planning a trip to London from India? From the bustling streets of Westminster to the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, London offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern experiences. However, the travel cost to London from India might also be shaped by key factors like flights, accommodation, food, and transport, with costs varying depending on your travel preferences and the experiences you wish to explore.
London, being one of the most popular global destinations, requires thoughtful budgeting. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect in terms of expenses, along with budgeting tips and travel ideas to help you plan smartly.
Flights are the biggest part of your London travel cost from India. Return fares from cities like Delhi or Mumbai to London (Heathrow) generally range between ₹50,000 and ₹90,000 for economy class if booked a few months in advance.
Budget airlines might offer competitive rates.
Direct flights are quicker but could be slightly more expensive.
Booking 2-3 months early and flying midweek might help reduce fares.
During peak travel months (May to August, December), prices may rise by 20-30%.
Your London travel cost will vary significantly depending on your choice of stay.
Budget hostels or Homestays in outer zones start from ₹3,000 to ₹5,500 per night.
Mid-range hotels in Zone 2 or 3 cost ₹6,000–₹8,000 per night.
Central London hotels (Zone 1) range between ₹10,000–₹20,000 per night.
Booking well in advance, staying slightly outside the city centre, and choosing rooms with shared facilities might help in cutting costs.
London offers a mix of street food, cafes, and fine dining. Indian food is widely available too.
Supermarket meals or meal deals: ₹400–₹600 per meal
Fast food outlets: ₹200–₹1,000 per meal
Dining at Indian restaurants: ₹1,500–₹2,000 per meal
Fine dining: ₹3,500+ per meal
Cooking in a hostel/homestay can save money. Vegetarian Indian food options are easily available in areas like Southall and Wembley.
London’s public transport is well connected but can be expensive without planning.
Oyster Card or Contactless Payment: Typically ₹800 to ₹1,500 in Zones 1-2
Buses: Around ₹180
Travelcards for unlimited travel: Around ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per week
The prices might vary depending on the distance and zones you may want to explore. Avoiding taxis and instead walking short distances can help you save and stay on budget.
Many iconic sites in London have entry fees, while several museums are free.
Free:
British Museum
National Gallery
Hyde Park
Natural History Museum
Paid:
London Eye: Around ₹3,000
Tower of London: Around ₹3,500
Thames River Cruise: Around ₹1,500
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: ₹3,000 to ₹5,000
The London Pass offers entry to over 80 attractions and is priced around ₹8,500 for one day.
Indian passport holders need a UK Standard Visitor Visa.
Cost: Around ₹13,500
Processing time: About 3 weeks
You could apply via VFS Global with supporting documents like travel itinerary, income proof, and accommodation booking
Travel insurance is generally required for Indian travellers applying for a UK visa.
It could help cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and baggage loss.
Price may vary depending on the duration and coverage.
Additional expenses include shopping, SIM cards, tips, and entry to special events.
Local SIM (with data): ₹600 – ₹1,000
Souvenirs: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000
Tips at restaurants: Optional, usually 10–12.5%
Toiletries, emergency spends: ₹1,000+
Planning in advance might help manage costs, but you can also explore other financing options like:
Travel credit cards offer lounge access, cashback on flights, and EMI options.
Some cards offer forex markup waivers and insurance coverage.
A personal loan of up to ₹50 lakhs at interest rates starting from 9.99% p.a. could help cover expenses.
Flexible tenures of up to 96 months offer repayment convenience.
Using a mix of savings and a credit/loan facility could make your London trip easier to manage.
Here’s a sample planner for your London tour cost from India for one person:
Expense |
7-Day Cost (₹) |
Flights |
₹65,000 |
Visa |
₹11,000 |
Accommodation |
₹21,000 |
Food |
₹10,000 |
Transport |
₹5,000 |
Sightseeing |
₹8,000 |
Insurance & Misc. |
₹5,000 |
Total Estimated |
₹1,25,000 |
You could reduce expenses by cutting down on accommodation and food costs.
Buckingham Palace – Witness the changing of the guard ceremony
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament – Iconic photo spots
Tower Bridge – A London classic
The London Eye – Offers panoramic views of the city
Westminster Abbey – Rich in royal history
British Museum – Free and world-renowned
St Paul’s Cathedral – Beautiful dome and architecture
Hyde Park – Perfect for a picnic
Camden Market – Great for food and street shopping
Cruise the River Thames
Take a trip to famous studios
Watch a musical at West End
Try traditional afternoon tea
Explore Notting Hill
Shop at Borough Market
Walk across Millennium Bridge
Attend a Football match (if in season)
London can be visited year-round, but the best months are:
Spring (April–June): Mild weather, blooming gardens
Summer (July–August): Peak tourist season, long days
Autumn (September–October): Crisp air, fewer crowds
Winter (November–December): Festive vibes, Christmas markets
You could avoid school holidays and book flights early to save more.
Travel off-season (Feb–April or Sept–Nov)
Use an Oyster Card for public transport
Choose budget hotels or hostels outside the city centre
Visit free attractions and museums
Pack snacks and meals from supermarkets
Use cashback and deals on travel apps
Take walking tours (many are free)
Book sightseeing passes like The London Pass
Choose budget airlines with good reviews
Fake Taxi Drivers: Always use black cabs or trusted ride apps.
Overpriced Souvenirs: Avoid tourist traps near major attractions.
Street Performers & Petition Scams: Be cautious if asked to sign forms or donate.
Pickpocketing: Especially around crowded places like Oxford Street or the London Tube.
Accommodation Frauds: Book only through verified platforms.
Stay alert and avoid sharing sensitive information with strangers.
Expense Type |
Budget-friendly |
Mid-range |
Luxury |
Flights |
₹55,000 |
₹70,000 |
₹1,00,000+ |
Accommodation |
₹3,000/night |
₹6,000/night |
₹15,000+/night |
Food |
₹1,000/day |
₹2,000/day |
₹4,000+/day |
Transport |
₹800/day |
₹1,000/day |
₹2,500/day |
Daily Budget |
₹5,500/day |
₹9,000/day |
₹22,000+/day |
Total for 7 Days |
₹1,00,000 – ₹1.2Lakhs |
₹1.4L – ₹1.6Lakhs |
₹2.5L – ₹4Lakhs+ |
A one-week London trip package price might cost around ₹1.2–₹1.5 lakhs per person, depending on your travel style.
A Standard Visa might cost around ₹13,500.
You can travel on a budget by choosing affordable accommodation like budget hotels or hostels, using London's efficient public transport system, and enjoying meals at local cafes or street food outlets.
London offers a range of options, and with careful planning, it could be a manageable destination for Indian tourists, especially when considering accommodation, food, and transport choices.
Booking 2–3 months in advance typically offers the best airfare options from India.