All about the London Eye | London’s iconic Ferris wheel

A full rotation on the London Eye takes approximately 30 mins. The wheel moves slowly and continuously, allowing for gradual boarding and disembarking.

There are 32 capsules (numbered 1 to 33, famously skipping 13 for good luck), each representing one of London's boroughs. Each climate-controlled glass capsule can hold up to 25 passengers.

The London Eye stands at 135 meters (443 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest observation wheels in the world and offering unparalleled views.

Many people with a fear of heights report feeling comfortable on the London Eye. The capsules are fully enclosed, spacious, and move very slowly and smoothly, providing a sense of stability rather than a typical "fairground ride" sensation.

On a clear day, you can see up to 25 miles (40 km)! You'll get stunning 360-degree views of iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Shard, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, and the River Thames.

You can get to the London Eye by train, tube, bus, river cruise, car, or taxi.

While the ride is 30 mins, you should budget 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the full experience. This covers security checks, potential queue times, boarding, and any time spent in the gift shop.

Morning (11am–1pm) offers the clearest skies and good natural light, ideal for vibrant photos. Sunset (golden hour) provides a magical atmosphere as the city transforms, with stunning colours and the onset of city lights. Night offers a unique view of London's illuminated landmarks, perfect for a romantic or dramatic experience.

Spring (March–May) offers mild temperatures, generally clear skies, and fewer crowds than summer. Autumn (Mid-September–Early November) has pleasant weather, beautiful foliage colours, and crowds begin to thin after the summer peak. Summer (June–August), on the other hand, has the warmest weather with long daylight, but also the busiest period with the largest crowds and potential for haze. During winter (December–February), expect a colder, but clear, crisp winter day that can offer excellent visibility, especially with London's festive lights around Christmas.

The London Eye has two entrances. If you hold a standard ticket, please proceed to Entrance A. Those with fast-track tickets can enter through Entrance F. If you have secured a VIP experience or included an add-on drink, make your way to the VIP desk at the ticket office. If you've booked the river cruise, head to boarding point 2 at the London Eye pier.

Purchase fast-track tickets, as this significantly reduces your waiting time. Visit on weekdays as weekends and school holidays are considerably busier. The first hour after opening or the last hour before closing typically sees shorter queues. January–March (excluding maintenance) and October–November usually have fewer visitors.