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All about the London Eye's iconic glass capsules

The London Eye's iconic glass capsules are what make the experience truly unique. Suspended on the outside of the wheel, these spacious, climate-controlled pods offer uninterrupted 360° views of London's skyline during a 30-minute rotation. Designed to maximise visibility and comfort, each capsule combines innovative engineering with sleek, modern design, giving you the feeling of floating above the River Thames. Whether you're curious about their design, capacity, accessibility, or what it's like inside, here's everything you need to know about the London Eye's famous glass capsules.

Quick facts about the London Eye pod

London eye pod
  • Number of capsules: 32 glass capsules, each representing one of London's 32 boroughs.
  • Unique numbering: The capsules are numbered 1 to 33, with number 13 intentionally omitted due to superstition.
  • Passenger capacity: Each capsule can accommodate up to 25 passengers.
  • Position on the wheel: The capsules are mounted on the outside of the wheel, providing uninterrupted 360° views throughout the ride.
  • Ride duration: One complete rotation takes approximately 30 minutes.
  • Climate control: Every capsule is fully enclosed and climate-controlled, ensuring a comfortable experience in all seasons.
  • Design & manufacturing: The capsules were designed by Marks Barfield Architects and manufactured by Sigma, a subsidiary of French engineering company Poma, using curved glass and minimal framing to maximise panoramic views.
View from the London Eye

What makes the London Eye capsules unique?

The London Eye's iconic glass capsules are far more than passenger pods—they're an integral part of the attraction's innovative design. Manufactured by Sigma, a subsidiary of French engineering company Poma, each oval-shaped capsule is mounted on the outside of the wheel, providing uninterrupted 360° views throughout the 30-minute rotation.

There are 32 capsules, representing London's 32 boroughs. They're numbered 1 to 33, with number 13 intentionally omitted due to superstition. Each capsule accommodates up to 25 passengers and moves at a slow, steady pace, allowing passengers to board and disembark without the wheel usually stopping. It can, however, pause briefly to assist guests with accessibility needs.

Designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield, the capsules work in harmony with the London Eye's pioneering cantilevered structure. Supported by a network of spoke-like steel cables inspired by a giant bicycle wheel, they remain level throughout the rotation, ensuring a smooth ride and spectacular views across London's skyline.

Fun fact: In 2009, all 32 capsules were removed and transported along the River Thames to Essex for a major refurbishment before being reinstalled. In 2013, one capsule was renamed the Coronation Capsule to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.

​About the London Eye architecture

Inside the capsules

Beyond just a clear view, the London Eye's pods are marvels of engineering, meticulously designed to ensure your comfort and enhance every moment of your journey.

Crystal-clear perspectives

Each pod is crafted from double-curved, optical-quality laminated glass, ensuring a distortion-free, crystal-clear panorama of the city below. This unique design maximizes visibility, making you feel truly suspended above London.

Climate-controlled comfort

Regardless of the London weather, your pod offers a perfectly comfortable environment. Advanced climate control systems maintain a pleasant temperature inside, keeping you cool on summer days and warm during winter rotations, ensuring nothing detracts from your focus on the views.

Effortlessly smooth movement

The London Eye's rotation is incredibly gentle and precise. The pods are designed to always remain upright and perfectly level throughout the entire 30-min journey. This seamless, stable motion ensures a sensation of effortless gliding, making the experience accessible and enjoyable for everyone, even those sensitive to movement.

London Eye pod experiences

Standard capsule experience

Go on a classic 30-min rotation inside one of these high-tech glass capsules. From your vantage point 135 meters up, you'll be treated to a 360-degree panorama of London's most beloved landmarks, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the River Thames.

Private pods

Transform your celebration into an unforgettable event by booking an entire London Eye capsule, accommodating 2 to 25 guests. Soar 443 feet high in your private sanctuary, commemorating special occasions with intimacy. Enjoy the convenience of fast-track entry and relish the uninterrupted 360-degree views of London's cityscape, all to yourselves.

Eye Lounge experience

Step into luxury with the VIP Eye Lounge experience. Benefit from fast-track boarding and unwind in the exclusive Eye Lounge before or after your flight. The highlight? A refreshing glass of bubbly is served to you by a dedicated host right before your London Eye ride, perfectly complementing the views unfolding beneath you.

Champagne experience

Add sparkle to your journey with the Champagne Experience. Enjoy fast-track boarding to bypass the queues and step straight into a shared capsule. As you gently ascend above the city, a dedicated host will serve you a chilled glass of Moet (or a non-alcoholic alternative), making the 360-degree views even more memorable.

Cupid's pod

Take date night to new heights with a private London Eye capsule for two. As London's skyline unfolds beneath you, enjoy an intimate 30-minute rotation with a dedicated host, a chilled bottle of sparkling wine, and the convenience of Fast Track entry. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or simply looking for a memorable experience, Cupid's Pod offers one of the city's most romantic settings.

Proposal pod

Planning to pop the question? Few places are as romantic as 135 metres above London aboard the London Eye. The Proposal Pod includes a private 30-minute rotation, a dedicated host, VIP boarding, and a celebratory bottle of bubbly to toast the moment. You'll also receive a keepsake souvenir, making this once-in-a-lifetime proposal even more unforgettable.

Views from the London Eye pod

Exterior of the Westminster Abbey
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Westminster Abbey

Look down upon Westminster Abbey and its timeless architecture. This historic site, where kings and queens have been crowned for centuries, reveals its grandeur from a unique aerial perspective as you gently rotate above the city.

Westminster Abbey

Buckingham Palace

As you reach higher, witness the stately grandeur of Buckingham Palace below. The royal residence, surrounded by its expansive green parks, offers a regal spectacle against the vibrant London skyline, a view truly unique from this height.

Buckingham Palace

St Paul’s Cathedral

Behold the beauty of St Paul's Cathedral. Its magnificent dome is a historic symbol and, functioning as the mother church of the Diocese of London, St. Paul’s stands proudly in the city's heart, a prominent feature in the panoramic view.

St Paul’s Cathedral

Tower Bridge

Be captivated by the Tower Bridge. This engineering marvel, with its distinctive twin towers and intricate walkways, spans the River Thames, creating a dramatic sight against London's evolving urban landscape.

Tower Bridge

The Shard

Gaze upon the sleek, crystalline silhouette of The Shard piercing the horizon. This contemporary skyscraper dramatically dominates the cityscape, offering a striking modern contrast against London's historic backdrop from your unique viewpoint.

The Shard

Thames River

Savour the winding beauty of the River Thames below. Its curves weave directly through the city's heart, mirroring the lights and casting reflections of the famous landmarks that line its historic banks.

Thames River cruises

Navigating your pod journey: Essential tips

  • Move around for the best views: The capsules are spacious, so don't stay in one spot. Walk around during the 30-minute rotation to enjoy different perspectives of London's landmarks and skyline. Be mindful of other passengers and take turns at the windows.
  • Take better photos: To reduce reflections, hold your phone or camera as close to the glass as possible without touching it. Use your zoom to capture distant landmarks like Tower Bridge or St Paul's Cathedral, and don't miss the chance to take group photos with London's skyline as your backdrop.
  • Enjoy the journey: A full rotation lasts around 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak in the views. There's no need to rush—watch the city change as you rise above the Thames, spot famous landmarks, and simply enjoy the experience.

Frequently asked questions about the London Eye pod

Yes, certain experiences, such as the champagne experience and private pods, include fast-track entry to enhance the visitor experience. You can also upgrade your tickets to get fast-track ticket entry to the capsules.

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