The WanderWise Guide to London on Points
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London is the most popular international destination for American travelers, and for good reason. It's familiar enough to feel comfortable — they speak English, mostly — and foreign enough to feel like an adventure. The theater scene rivals Broadway. The museums are world-class and largely free. And the food? Forget the old jokes. London's restaurant scene has quietly become one of the best in Europe.
It's also one of the most expensive cities on the planet. A decent hotel in Zone 1 runs $300–$500 per night. A transatlantic flight in peak summer can top $1,500 round trip in economy. Toss in West End theater tickets, day trips, and the occasional splurge at a proper afternoon tea, and a week in London for two can easily cost $8,000–$12,000.
Unless, of course, you use points.
London is one of the best cities in the world for a points-funded trip. The transatlantic route is the most competitive award flight market in existence — which means more availability and more options for you. Hotel programs have deep London inventory across every price point. And once you're there, London itself offers an extraordinary amount for free.
Let's plan your trip.
Getting There: Transatlantic Flights on Points
The New York–London route is the busiest international air corridor in the world. That competition is your friend — it means more flights, more award seats, and more creative routing options than almost any other destination.
Economy Class Options
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYC → London (LHR or LGW) | British Airways Avios (via Chase/Amex) | 52,000 | $700–$1,200 | Off-peak pricing; 65,000 in peak |
| NYC → London | United MileagePlus | 60,000 | $800–$1,200 | United or partner airline (Star Alliance) |
| NYC → London | Virgin Atlantic (via Chase) | 40,000–60,000 | $700–$1,200 | Excellent value on Virgin's own metal |
| Boston → London | American AAdvantage | 60,000 | $800–$1,300 | Nonstop on BA or American |
| Any US City → London | Capital One Miles (portal) | 70,000–120,000 | $700–$1,200 | Simple portal booking at 1¢/mile |
| Multiple US cities → London | Delta SkyMiles | 70,000–100,000 | $800–$1,400 | Variable pricing; best rates are off-peak |
The WanderWise move: Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to British Airways Executive Club and book an off-peak round trip for just 52,000 Avios (26,000 each way). That's well under one sign-up bonus from the Chase Sapphire Preferred. BA's off-peak calendar runs from mid-January through May and again in November — overlap that with London's theater season or Christmas markets for incredible value.
Alternatively: Transfer Chase points to Virgin Atlantic and fly Virgin's own aircraft. Virgin Atlantic's economy product is a cut above most carriers — larger screens, mood lighting, and better meal service. Round trips run 40,000–60,000 Virgin points, and availability is generally excellent from JFK, Boston, and other East Coast cities.
Taxes and fees warning: British Airways charges significant fuel surcharges on award tickets — expect $200–$400 round trip in taxes and fees on BA-operated flights, even when paying with Avios. Virgin Atlantic's surcharges are lower (typically $100–$200). United charges the least ($5.60–$30). Factor this into your decision: sometimes 60,000 United miles with $5.60 in taxes beats 52,000 Avios with $350 in taxes.
Business Class Options
London is the premier destination for business class award travel from the US. The competition is fierce, the products are excellent, and the availability (by business class standards) is relatively generous.
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Value | Best Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYC → London | Virgin Atlantic (via Chase) | 90,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | Virgin Atlantic Upper Class |
| NYC → London | Aeroplan (via Chase/Amex) | 115,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | Air Canada or partner (Lufthansa/Swiss) |
| NYC → London | British Airways Avios | 120,000 | $5,000–$9,000 | BA Club World (direct, convenient) |
| East Coast → London | American AAdvantage | 115,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | BA Club World or Finnair business |
| Any hub → London | United MileagePlus | 120,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | United Polaris or Lufthansa business |
The WanderWise move: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is a standout experience. The redesigned A330neo cabin features a 1-2-1 layout, lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, a social space with a bar, and the kind of attentive service that makes the transatlantic crossing feel like part of the vacation rather than a means to an end. At 90,000 Virgin points round trip (transferred 1:1 from Chase), it's one of the best business class values across the Atlantic.
The lounge experience: Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse at JFK is legendary — full restaurant, cocktail bar, spa treatments, and a pool table. If you're flying Upper Class, arrive early. The lounge alone is worth two hours of your time.
Budget business class hack: If you have American AAdvantage miles (earnable via Citi cards or Bilt), search for Finnair business class through London with a Helsinki connection. Finnair's business class is underrated and award space is plentiful. The routing adds a couple of hours but the seats are excellent and the Finnish design aesthetic is gorgeous.
Where to Stay: London Hotels on Points
London's hotel scene on points is deep and varied. Every major loyalty program has strong representation, from budget-friendly options near transit to iconic properties in Mayfair.
Hyatt Properties (Best Value on Points)
| Hotel | Category | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill | 7 | 25,000–30,000 | $350–$600 | Marylebone — quiet, elegant, near Hyde Park |
| Great Scotland Yard Hotel (Unbound Collection) | 7 | 25,000–30,000 | $350–$550 | Whitehall — stunning historic building, steps from Trafalgar Square |
| Hyatt Place London City East | 4 | 12,000–15,000 | $180–$280 | East London — budget-friendly, near Tower of London |
The WanderWise move: The Great Scotland Yard Hotel is one of London's most atmospheric hotels — it's the former headquarters of London's Metropolitan Police, reimagined as a boutique luxury property. At 25,000–30,000 Hyatt points per night (transferred 1:1 from Chase), you're getting a $400+ hotel for the equivalent of about $150 in points value. That's the kind of math that makes this whole game worthwhile.
Marriott Bonvoy Properties
London has one of the largest concentrations of Marriott properties anywhere in the world:
| Hotel | Category | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Westbury, Mayfair (Luxury Collection) | 8 | 70,000–85,000 | $500–$900 | Mayfair — shopping, dining, pure elegance |
| London Marriott Hotel County Hall | 7 | 50,000–65,000 | $350–$550 | South Bank — direct Thames view, next to London Eye |
| St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel | 7 | 50,000–60,000 | $300–$500 | King's Cross — one of London's most beautiful buildings |
| Moxy London Excel | 4 | 20,000–25,000 | $130–$200 | Docklands — budget option, modern and fun |
| Courtyard London Gatwick Airport | 3 | 17,500–25,000 | $120–$180 | Gatwick — perfect for early departures |
The WanderWise move: The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is housed inside the Victorian Gothic masterpiece of St. Pancras station — the same station where the Eurostar departs for Paris. The grand staircase was the filming location for the Spice Girls' "Wannabe" video, and the rooms blend historic architecture with modern comfort. At 50,000–60,000 Marriott points per night, it's the most photogenic hotel you'll ever book on points. Use the 5th-night-free benefit for stays of five nights or more.
Hilton Properties
| Hotel | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Waldorf Hilton | 60,000–80,000 | $300–$500 | Covent Garden — theater district, couldn't be more central |
| Conrad London St. James | 70,000–95,000 | $400–$700 | Westminster — luxury, views of Parliament |
| Hilton London Bankside | 40,000–60,000 | $200–$350 | South Bank — near Tate Modern, Borough Market |
| DoubleTree by Hilton London – Tower of London | 40,000–60,000 | $180–$300 | Tower Hill — views of the Tower and Tower Bridge |
| Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo | 30,000–40,000 | $150–$220 | Waterloo — excellent transit links, reliable budget option |
IHG Properties
| Hotel | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| InterContinental London Park Lane | 60,000–80,000 | $400–$700 | Mayfair — overlooking Hyde Park, impeccable |
| Kimpton Fitzroy London | 45,000–60,000 | $300–$500 | Russell Square — beautiful art deco facade, central Bloomsbury |
| Holiday Inn Express various locations | 20,000–30,000 | $120–$180 | Multiple — solid budget plays near Tube stations |
Getting Around London
London's public transit system (the Tube, buses, and Overground) is one of the best in the world. You won't need a car — in fact, a car in London is a liability.
- Oyster Card or Contactless: Tap your credit card directly on Tube readers. Daily and weekly spending caps apply automatically — you'll never overpay. A single Zone 1–2 journey costs £2.80 ($3.50).
- Daily cap: £8.10 ($10.10) for unlimited Zone 1–2 travel. That's less than two Tube rides in New York.
- Heathrow to Central London: The Tube's Piccadilly Line runs directly from Heathrow to central London — about 50 minutes, £5.50 ($6.90). The Heathrow Express is faster (15 minutes to Paddington, £25/$31) but only worth it if time is critical.
Points play: Tap with your Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve to earn 3x points on transit (coded as travel). A week of London transit on your credit card earns you 500+ points — small, but it adds up.
What to Do: The Best of London (Mostly Free)
One of London's great gifts to travelers: most of the world-class museums are free.
- British Museum: Free. The Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Parthenon marbles — this alone justifies a trip to London. Allow half a day.
- National Gallery: Free. Van Gogh, Monet, da Vinci, Turner — all in a stunning building on Trafalgar Square.
- Tate Modern: Free. World-class contemporary art in a converted power station on the South Bank.
- Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A): Free. Design, fashion, and decorative arts. The Medieval and Renaissance galleries are extraordinary.
- Natural History Museum: Free. The building itself is a cathedral to science — and the blue whale skeleton in the main hall is breathtaking.
- Churchill War Rooms: £28/person ($35). The underground bunker where Churchill directed WWII. Intimate, powerful, and remarkably preserved.
- Tower of London: £33.60/person ($42). The Crown Jewels, 1,000 years of history, and the Yeoman Warder tours (included with admission) are some of the best guided experiences in the world.
- West End Theater: London's theater scene is spectacular and often more affordable than Broadway. Day-of tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square run £25–£60 ($31–$75) for excellent shows.
Day Trips from London (The Bonus Destinations)
London is a launchpad for some of England's finest destinations, all reachable in under two hours by train:
- Bath: 90 minutes from Paddington. Roman baths, Georgian architecture, the Royal Crescent. Utterly charming. Day return: ~£40–£60 ($50–$75).
- Oxford: 60 minutes from Paddington. Walking tours of the colleges, the Bodleian Library, afternoon tea at the Randolph Hotel. Day return: ~£30–£50 ($37–$62).
- Stonehenge & Salisbury: 90 minutes from Waterloo. Book a tour or take the train to Salisbury and catch the shuttle bus to Stonehenge. Entry: £22 ($27).
- Canterbury: 60 minutes from St. Pancras. The cathedral is magnificent. The medieval streets are a time machine.
- Windsor Castle: 50 minutes from Paddington. The oldest occupied castle in the world, and the Queen's weekend residence. Entry: £30 ($37).
Points play: Book train tickets with your travel credit card for bonus points. If you have the Capital One Venture X, use "Purchase Eraser" to offset the cost of train tickets at 1¢ per mile.
The Eurostar Connection: London + Paris in One Trip
Here's the real WanderWise power move: combine London and Paris in a single trip.
The Eurostar high-speed train runs from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in 2 hours and 15 minutes. It's a train ride, not a flight — no airport security theater, no arriving two hours early. You walk to the platform, board the train, and watch the English countryside give way to French farmland. Somewhere in the middle, you go through the Channel Tunnel, and when you emerge, you're in France.
- One-way tickets: £39–£200 ($49–$250) depending on class and how far ahead you book. Book early for the best prices.
- On points: Transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Eurostar's loyalty program, or book through the Chase or Amex travel portal and pay with points. A £78 ($97) Standard ticket through the Chase portal costs about 6,500 Chase points — trivial.
- Business Premier: £300+ ($375+) one way, but includes a three-course meal, champagne, a private lounge, and 10-minute check-in. If you have a large points balance, this is a memorable way to travel between two of the world's greatest cities.
The WanderWise play: Fly into London on points. Spend 3–4 days. Take the Eurostar to Paris. Spend 3–4 days. Fly home from Paris on points. Two world-class cities, one trip, and the Eurostar between them is one of the highlights. See our Paris on Points Guide for the full Paris breakdown.
Dining: Eating Well in London
London's food scene has been transformed over the past two decades. The stereotype of bad British food is dead — killed by Borough Market, immigrant cuisines, and a generation of brilliant chefs.
WanderWise Picks
- Borough Market (London Bridge): London's premier food market. Arrive hungry, eat everything. Outstanding cheeses, fresh oysters, pastries, and street food from around the world. Go on a weekday to avoid the weekend crush.
- Dishoom (multiple locations): Bombay-style café serving some of the best Indian food in London. The bacon naan roll at breakfast is legendary. Expect a queue — it's worth it.
- The Wolseley (Piccadilly): A grand European café-restaurant in the style of the great Viennese coffeehouses. Afternoon tea here is £38 ($47) per person and significantly less hectic than the Ritz or Fortnum & Mason.
- Rules (Covent Garden): London's oldest restaurant (est. 1798). Classic British food — game pies, roast grouse, sticky toffee pudding — in a gorgeous Edwardian dining room. A splurge, but a memorable one.
- Pub lunch: Don't overlook a proper pub Sunday roast. The Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden, The Churchill Arms in Kensington (covered in flowers, famous for Thai food), or The Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in Fleet Street (Samuel Johnson's local) all deliver atmosphere and comfort food for £15–£20 ($19–$25).
Points play: The Amex Gold card earns 4x points at restaurants worldwide — including London. Use it for every meal and your dining earns you points for the next trip. A week of London dining easily generates 6,000–10,000 bonus Amex points.
Sample 7-Day London Itinerary on Points
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Heathrow. Piccadilly Line to hotel. Walk the neighborhood, find a pub for an early dinner and a proper pint to fight the jet lag.
Day 2: Westminster walking day: Westminster Abbey (exterior), Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. James's Park, Buckingham Palace (check the guard change schedule). Afternoon: Churchill War Rooms. Evening: West End show (TKTS day-of tickets).
Day 3: British Museum (morning — arrive at opening, head straight to the Egyptian galleries). Afternoon: Covent Garden, Seven Dials shopping area. Tea at The Wolseley.
Day 4: Day trip to Bath or Oxford. Early train, full day exploring, return by evening. Pub dinner back in London.
Day 5: South Bank day: Tate Modern, walk along the Thames to Borough Market for lunch, cross Tower Bridge, Tower of London afternoon visit.
Day 6: Hyde Park morning walk. V&A Museum or Natural History Museum. Afternoon: Kensington and Notting Hill (Portobello Road Market on Fridays/Saturdays). Farewell dinner — splurge at Rules or Dishoom.
Day 7: Morning at leisure. National Gallery (it's free — even an hour is worth it). Pack and depart — or board the Eurostar to Paris for Part Two of your adventure.
The Points Budget (for Two People)
Option A: Economy Flights + Mid-Range Hotel
| Expense | Points | Cash Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flights (economy, BA Avios off-peak) | 104,000 Avios (transferred from Chase) | $1,600 |
| 6 nights Great Scotland Yard Hotel (Hyatt) | 168,000 Hyatt (transferred from Chase) | $2,700 |
| Airport lounge (Priority Pass) | $0 (card perk) | $80 |
| Points Total | 104,000 Avios + 168,000 Hyatt | $4,380 saved |
| Cash Expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| Taxes & fees (BA Avios — higher surcharges) | $350 |
| Tube / transit (7 days) | $75 |
| Museums & attractions (most free; Tower, Churchill, theater) | $300 |
| Day trip train (Bath or Oxford) | $120 |
| Dining (7 days) | $750 |
| Miscellaneous | $150 |
| Cash Total | ~$1,745 |
Total trip cost: 104,000 Avios + 168,000 Hyatt + $1,745 cash
Same trip in all-cash: ~$6,125
Option B: Business Class + Iconic Hotels
| Expense | Points | Cash Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip business class (Virgin Atlantic Upper Class) | 180,000 Virgin points (transferred from Chase) | $10,000 |
| 3 nights St. Pancras Renaissance (Marriott) | 175,000 Marriott Bonvoy | $1,350 |
| 3 nights InterContinental Park Lane (IHG) | 210,000 IHG points | $1,650 |
| Clubhouse lounge at JFK + Priority Pass London | $0 (card perk) | $200 |
| Points Total | 180,000 Virgin + 175,000 Marriott + 210,000 IHG | $13,200 saved |
| Cash Expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| Taxes & fees (Virgin Atlantic, lower surcharges) | $200 |
| Tube / transit (7 days) | $75 |
| Museums & attractions | $300 |
| Day trip train | $120 |
| Eurostar to Paris (if continuing, one way Standard) | $100 |
| Dining (7 days, mix of upscale and casual) | $1,100 |
| Miscellaneous | $200 |
| Cash Total | ~$2,095 |
Total trip cost: 180,000 Virgin + 175,000 Marriott + 210,000 IHG + $2,095 cash
Same trip in all-cash: ~$15,295
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit London?
May through September offers the longest days and warmest weather (by British standards — pack layers). But London is magnificent year-round. December brings Christmas markets, pantomime theater, and twinkling lights. January–February is cold and rainy but delivers the best award availability and lowest hotel rates. Our sweet spot: late September or early October — warm enough for pleasant walking, post-summer-tourist-season, and award flights are plentiful.
How much should I budget for daily expenses in London?
For two people, budget $100–$150/day for a comfortable experience: transit ($15), one meal out ($50–$80), museums (mostly free), and miscellaneous ($30–$50). The biggest free museums and walking routes mean you can have extraordinary days for very little.
Is London accessible for travelers with mobility concerns?
The Tube has accessibility challenges — many stations have no lift or escalator access. Transport for London's step-free access map (available online) shows which stations are fully accessible. Buses are all wheelchair-accessible. The major museums and attractions have excellent accessibility. London's black cabs are also wheelchair-friendly by design.
Should I get a London Pass?
For most WanderWise travelers: no. The London Pass bundles paid attractions at a "discount," but it pressures you to cram in too many sights per day. Since the best museums are free, the London Pass mainly covers the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey interior, and a handful of others. At our pace — unhurried, with time for pubs and parks — it rarely pays off. Buy individual tickets for what interests you.
Can I use the Eurostar to make this a London + Paris trip?
Absolutely — and we strongly recommend it. Three to four days in London, Eurostar to Paris, three to four days in Paris, fly home from CDG. It's the ultimate points trip. See our Paris on Points Guide for the full Paris details.
Your Next Step
London on points is one of the most accessible international trips you can plan. The transatlantic flight market offers more award options than anywhere else, the hotel inventory across loyalty programs is enormous, and the city itself delivers exceptional value once you arrive.
Take our Travel Score Quiz to see where your points stand. You might be closer to a London trip than you think — possibly one sign-up bonus away.
Or, if you'd love to have everything handled — flights, hotels, day trips, theater tickets, and maybe that Eurostar to Paris — our WanderWise Concierge team will build the whole thing for you. Points-optimized, stress-free, and tailored to exactly how you want to travel.
Cheerio. 🇬🇧
Have London questions? Join the WanderWise Facebook Group — our members include seasoned London visitors, first-timers, and more than a few Anglophiles who'll happily debate the best pub in Covent Garden with you.
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