London Eye at Night: Reasons to Visit. What to Do, & More

Why visit the London Eye at night

1/5

Memorable night out

Whether you're a local or a visitor, a visit to the London Eye at night promises a magical night out. It's an opportunity to see London in a different light against the backdrop of the city after sunset.

Directions to the London Eye

Peaceful & romantic atmosphere

The London Eye at night offers a serene and romantic ambiance. With fewer crowds and the city's twinkling lights as a backdrop, you can enjoy a more intimate experience, perfect for a special evening or a quiet moment with a loved one.

Plan your visit

Special events and light shows

The London Eye often hosts special events and light shows at night during festive celebrations like Christmas and New Year's, adding an extra layer of entertainment. Check for any scheduled events or themed illuminations on your visit.

Facts about the London Eye

Panoramic night views

Enjoy panoramic views of London at night from the London Eye's elevated point. The city's skyline, dotted with landmarks and city lights, unfolds in a 360-degree panorama.

Photography opportunities

Capture postcard-perfect shots of the city's landmarks illuminated against the night sky. The London Eye's slow rotation allows ample time to snap photographs.

After-dark applause: Hear from our guests

Loved by 35 million+

Sarat

India

Aug 2025

5/5

+1 more

Loved the fast and easy way to book tickets. It was a superb experience in London Eye watching the entire London from the eye.

David

United States

Aug 2025

5/5

My husband and I came to London from the states for our one year anniversary! Our highlight of the trip has been the London eye. We went on the most beautiful day of the week and were able to see and enjoy all of London most famous sites! My favorite photo is the one I Took of Big Ben. We booked through Headout and the process was so simple! It was a great price and we were able to scan our tickets in the app, hop online, and after a very short wait, we boarded the London eye. I hope we can come back soon and do it again!

Olha

United Kingdom

Aug 2025

5/5

Hi. My son and I decided to go to London eye this August. It was really unbelievable feelings. Recommend to try it at least once once a life. Totally recommend

Miriam

Germany

Jul 2025

5/5

The weather was hazy and windy, we were a bit scared, but the gondolas didn't shake at all! On one side the sky opened up a bit for the sunset and on the other side the fog rolled in. It was fantastic!

Brigitte

Aug 2025

5/5

Everything went very well, we were able to board the London Eye 1 hour early and the tours were very informative

Rajashekar

Aug 2025

5/5

What an awesome Friendship Day celebration! My bestie and I just got back from an epic trip to London's iconic spots, and we scored an amazing deal from Headout! We hit up three must-see places in no time, even with the Sunday crowds. I love the energy of busy places, and this trip was totally worth it - great value for money and an unforgettable experience!

Chimenem

United Kingdom

Jul 2025

5/5

The London eye, it was a sight to remember an amazing view of the city called London, would love to do it again with loved ones.

Jana

Czech Republic

Jul 2025

5/5

It was a great experience,both London eye and Sea life,everything was top notch.I like that they really care about safety,cleanliness and the cabin on London eye is air conditioned.My 7 years old son was really excited and so was I.

What to do at the London Eye at night

Take a night flight

The London Eye's flights at night offer a unique perspective of the city. The 30-min flight in the glass capsules offers stunning views of the city, including the Tower Bridge & Big Ben.

Enjoy a river cruise

Combine the experience of the London Eye with a river cruise along the Thames. Enjoy a three-course meal, a live band, and stunning night views of the city from the water.

London Eye river cruise

Group enjoying champagne inside London Eye capsule at sunset.

Indulge in a glass of champagne

The Champagne Experience offers a shared capsule with a chilled glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut (or non-alcoholic alternative) to enjoy as you take in the sights.

Inside the London Eye

Best times to enjoy night views at the London Eye

The opportunity to enjoy a night view from the London Eye depends on a combination of sunset times and the attraction's seasonal operating hours.

London Eye illuminated at night with city skyline in the background.

Autumn & winter (September to March)

This is the best time of year for a night view. The London Eye's hours are typically shorter during this period, often closing around 6pm. However, sunset occurs much earlier, from as early as 4pm in December.

Best time to visit: Book a ride for the late afternoon, between 4pm and 5pm, to ensure you are in the capsule after sunset. You can enjoy the city lights at their fullest without staying out late.

London Eye illuminated at night with vibrant pink lights, view from the riverside walkway.

Spring & summer (April to August)

During the summer months, the London Eye extends its operating hours, often staying open until 8:30pm. However, with sunset occurring as late as 9pm in June and July, true night views are only possible in the final moments of operation.

Best time to visit: To get a full night view, you will need to book one of the last few tickets of the day. A great compromise is to book a ride just before sunset, allowing you to witness the magical transition from golden hour to a fully lit cityscape.

What to know before you visit the London Eye at night

London Eye illuminated at night, viewed through a path of lit trees.

The London Eye is a popular attraction open to visitors throughout the year, although the opening hours may vary depending on the season.

Winter (September - March): 11am to 6pm (Last entry: 5:30pm)

Summer (April - August): 10am to 8:30pm (Last entry: 8pm)

London Eye opening hours

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

The London Eye is located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, United Kingdom. It stands adjacent to the County Hall building and can be accessed from Westminster Bridge Road.

Getting to the London Eye

London Eye illuminated at night with a cruise boat on the Thames River.

Wi-Fi: The London Eye provides Wi-Fi to all guests in the Ticket Office and works inside all 32 pods on the London Eye.
Toilets and baby-changing facilities: There are male, female, and accessible toilet facilities available in the Ticket Office. Baby-change facilities are also available. There are no toilet facilities on board the London Eye itself.
Refreshments: Food and drink options are available from the London Eye gift shop at the exit.
Binoculars: You can pre-order your mini-binoculars when booking online or buy them on-site at one of the Gift shops. Remember to collect them from the gift shop next to the ticket office before you enter the queue line.
Online store: The London Eye has an online shop for souvenirs.
First-aid: If you require first-aid assistance during your visit, please approach a member of the team. There is always a first-aid trained team member on-site at all times.

Plan your visit

London Eye lit up at night during Christmas, viewed from the Thames, part of The Original Tour London 24Hr Pass.

Wheelchair access: The London Eye is fully equipped for wheelchair and mobility scooter access. Each pod can accommodate up to 2 wheelchair/mobility scooter users at a time.
Carers: If you have accessible needs, you can bring a carer with you with a free carer ticket.
Guide dogs: Your guide dogs are welcome as long as they are clearly identifiable as working dogs.
Braille: There is a Braille guide for those with vision impairments.
Medicines: Medicines, including hypodermic needles and epi-pens, are allowed onboard.
Toilets: There are two accessible toilets on-site.

Time your visit to coincide with sunset for a transition from daylight to the beautifully illuminated London skyline. The changing colors of the sky add to the magic of the experience.
For a different perspective of London's night lights, a short evening river cruise can be a wonderful complement to your London Eye experience.
The views from the top of the London Eye are truly spectacular, and you'll want to capture the moment, so don't forget your cameras. There are also plenty of opportunities for great photos on the ground, including the illuminated buildings and attractions around the wheel.
Night slots, while less crowded than day hours, can still fill up, especially on weekends or during summer. Booking online and in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred time.
If you want to minimize waiting time, especially during slightly busier evening periods, a London Eye fast track ticket is a worthwhile investment. It allows you to bypass the main queue.
After your ride, take a leisurely walk along the South Bank. The illuminated Thames is beautiful, and there are often street performers and food vendors.

Nearby

Several restaurants near the London Eye offer diverse dining experiences to complement your visit.

OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie:** Positioned within the OXO Tower, this iconic venue offers contemporary British cuisine. The restaurant, bar, and brasserie each provide stunning views of the cityscape.
Florentine Trattoria:** Located in the Park Plaza London Waterloo, Florentine offers an all-day dining experience with a modern, international menu featuring Italian and British influences.
Skylon:** Situated within the Royal Festival Hall, Skylon boasts panoramic views of the Thames and London's skyline. This modern British restaurant serves seasonal dishes with a touch of sophistication.
Ping Pong Southbank:** For a unique dining experience, Ping Pong Southbank serves delicious dim sum and cocktails in a stylish, modern setting. Enjoy a blend of traditional and contemporary flavors.

Nights, camera, action: Photography tips for the London Eye at night

Stabilize your shot: For sharper night photos, use a mini-tripod or gorillapod, or brace your camera/phone against the glass.
Use night mode/low light settings: Most smartphones have excellent 'Night Mode' features. If using a DSLR, increase your ISO, use a wide aperture (low f-number), and adjust shutter speed as needed.
Reduce reflections: Press your lens directly against the glass to minimize reflections from inside the capsule. Wear dark clothing to further reduce your own reflection in the glass.
Focus on the city, not just the capsule: While it's tempting to get the whole capsule in, focus on the city lights outside. Look for iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the Shard as they illuminate.
Experiment with exposure: Night photography can be tricky. Take multiple shots with slightly different exposure settings to capture the depth and brilliance of the city lights.

Views from the London Eye

Other London Eye nighttime spectacles

London Eye illuminated at night with nearby building and trees.

The London Eye's lights

The London Eye itself is often lit up in various colours for special events or causes like Pride month or the Olympics. Seeing it transform after dark can be an attraction in itself before you even board.

London Eye during Christmas

Fireworks over the London Eye during New Year’s Eve cruise.

New Year's Eve fireworks display

While you can't ride the Eye during the actual fireworks, it plays a central role in London's famous New Year's Eve celebrations, with fireworks launched directly from and around it.

London Eye during New Year’s Eve

For the night owl in you: More after-hours experiences in London

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Frequently Asked Questions about visiting the London Eye at night

Does it cost more to visit the London Eye at night?

London Eye tickets cost the same for daytime and nighttime slots. However, experiences like the Champagne Experiences are priced higher regardless of the time of day.

Are there any special events or activities at night?

The London Eye offers a variety of special events and experiences throughout the year, including champagne experiences, Valentine's Day packages, and New Year's Eve fireworks cruises.

Is it better to ride the London Eye at night or during the day?

Both daytime and nighttime rides offer different experiences. During the day, visitors can enjoy the views of the city in natural light, while at night, the city is lit up and offers a unique atmosphere.

Is it safe to ride at night?

Yes, it is safe to ride the London Eye at night. The capsules are equipped with air conditioning and heating and are regularly inspected for safety. The London Eye is also located in a well-lit and popular area of London, with security staff on-site.

How long does a rotation take at night?

The London Eye's rotation at night takes approximately 30 mins, providing ample time to enjoy the views of London.

Is it colder at night?

Yes, London nights can be cooler, especially in the evening. Dress warmly, particularly if you plan to be outside on any open-air decks.

Can I bring a camera or smartphone to capture the views at night?

Absolutely. Photography is encouraged, and the nighttime skyline provides a picturesque backdrop for capturing memorable moments.

Is the London Eye at night suitable for children?

Yes, a London Eye night ride is suitable for children. The enclosed capsules are safe, and the slow rotation minimizes any feeling of motion.

Is there surge pricing on London's public transport at night?

London's public transport (Tube, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth Line, National Rail within London) operates on a "peak" and "off-peak" fare system, not specifically "surge pricing" for night travel. Peak fares apply Monday to Friday between 6:30am and 9:30am, and between 4pm and 7pm (excluding public holidays). Travel outside these hours, including late evenings and nights, is typically charged at off-peak rates, which are lower.