London Bridge Access: Free Public Crossing Since Medieval Times

Crossing London Bridge costs nothing. It is a free public highway (part of the A3 road) maintained by the City of London Corporation and Transport for London. No toll, congestion charge (unless entering the zone), or access fee applies to pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles using the bridge itself.

Historical Context

The original medieval London Bridge (1209-1831) did charge tolls—a major revenue source for bridge maintenance and the City. The "bridge toll" concept persists in cultural memory, but the current bridge (opened 1973, replacing 1831 Rennie bridge) has always been toll-free.

Related Costs to Consider

• Congestion Charge: £15/day if driving into the Central London zone (7 AM-6 PM, Mon-Fri; 12-6 PM weekends). The bridge is outside the zone—crossing it alone doesn't trigger the charge.
• Parking: Expensive and limited near both bridgeheads
• River Cruises: Tour boats passing under charge fares (not bridge access)

Bridge Facts

• Current bridge: Box girder concrete, opened 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II
• Previous (1831): Rennie's granite bridge, sold 1968, reconstructed in Lake Havasu City, Arizona
• Medieval (1209): 19 arches, buildings atop, famous tolls, "London Bridge is falling down"

Walk, cycle, drive, or bus across London Bridge freely—just don't confuse it with Tower Bridge (the photogenic bascule bridge downstream) or the London Bridge Experience (paid tourist attraction in the bridge's vaults).