London eSIM
A London eSIM covers all five airports and the city — and since Brexit, it matters for EU visitors too, because EU roaming allowances no longer reliably include the UK.
36 plans cover London, from €1.24 · 5G where available · keep your own number
Plans that cover London
London is covered by any United Kingdom plan — these are the cheapest few.
Arriving in London
Five airports answer to 'London': Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) for most long-haul, Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN) for low-cost, and City (LCY) for the shortest run into the centre. The rail transfers differ enormously in price, and working that out on arrival needs data.
Coverage around London
Above ground, London is comprehensively covered. The Underground is the exception worth planning around: coverage has been extended across parts of the network but it is not yet everywhere, so expect stretches between stations with nothing. The Elizabeth line and the Overground fare better, and most stations offer wi-fi.
Worth knowing
Since the UK left the EU, 'Roam Like At Home' no longer guarantees an EU contract free roaming in Britain, and several European carriers have reinstated UK charges. This catches EU travellers who assume the UK still works like a member state — it's worth checking your own tariff rather than discovering it on the bill. Visitors from outside Europe were always paying international rates here.
Before you go
- Check whether your EU tariff still includes the UK — many reinstated charges after Brexit.
- Underground coverage is partial; download your route before travelling between stations.
- Contactless payment is the norm for transport, and it doesn't need your data plan.
- A UK plan doesn't cover Ireland — that's a separate country, or a regional Europe plan.
London eSIM questions
Does EU roaming still work in London?
Not automatically. Since Brexit the EU's roaming rules no longer guarantee free use in the UK, and several European carriers have reintroduced charges. Check your own tariff before assuming your allowance covers Britain.
Is there mobile signal on the London Underground?
Partly. Coverage has been rolled out across sections of the network but isn't yet everywhere, so expect gaps between stations. Most stations offer wi-fi, and the Elizabeth line and Overground are better served.
Does a UK eSIM cover Scotland and Ireland?
A UK plan covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is a separate country — you'd need an Ireland plan or a regional Europe one.
New to eSIMs?
Start with what an eSIM is, check whether your phone supports one, work out how much data you need, then follow the install steps before you fly.