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Quick overview: How to skip the lines at the London Eye

The London Eye is one of the UK’s busiest paid attractions, drawing ~3–4 million visitors a year. On typical days, standard ticket holders wait around 20–30 mins to board, but in peak summer, weekends, and school holidays this can stretch to ~45 mins or more. Fast track queues are much shorter, usually around 5–10 mins, but are capacity-limited and often sell out first.

You don’t have to gamble on the queue. With the right ticket, you can cut your wait to about 5–10 mins and still time your ride for sunset views or a clear-sky window.

  • Fast track ticket (From ~£44): Priority boarding via Entrance F at your chosen time. You typically wait about 5–10 mins before boarding, even on busy days, and avoid the longer standard line. Ideal if you have a tight schedule or kids in tow.  
  • Flexi fast track ticket (From ~£50–£55): Same fast-track lane but with anytime entry on your selected day. Perfect if you want to chase the best weather or sunset without committing to a fixed time slot. 
  • Champagne Experience (From ~£59): VIP check-in at County Hall plus fast-track boarding at Entrance F and a glass of Moët or a soft alternative. Best for celebrations or when you want a quieter, more premium feel.  
  • Combo tickets and city passes (From ~£60+): Some London combo tickets include a standard London Eye ride alongside attractions like SEA LIFE or the Dungeon, and may let you upgrade to fast-track at checkout. Treat these as a value play for multi-attraction days rather than your primary fast-track route.

See all your options to skip the queues at the London Eye ↓

What are customers saying?

Loved by 45 million+
Tiffani Koschitzki

Tiffani

Dec 2025
5/5
An unforgettable London experience! The London Eye is an absolute must-do, whether it’s your first visit or a return trip to the city. The views from the top are breathtaking, offering a perfect panoramic look at London’s most iconic landmarks — Big Ben, the Thames, St. Paul’s, and beyond. The ride itself is smooth, spacious, and surprisingly relaxing, giving you plenty of time to take photos and really soak it all in. Everything was well organized from start to finish, and the experience felt seamless despite how popular it is. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the scale and beauty of London and well worth it for the memories and photos. Highly recommended!
Christian Dupont

Christian

Dec 2025
5/5
OK, so the tickets are a bit more expensive ... but what speed of access with Fast Track tickets! arrived, checked in and passed the controls to get to our priority bubble in less than 2 minutes and the view of London from up there is sublime (provided there's no fog, of course)! The London Eye is well worth the detour, and the silence up there... magical!
Osbaldo Rodriguez III

Osbaldo

Dec 2025
5/5
I had the most magical time on the London Eye Champagne Experience with my boyfriend. The views were stunning, the atmosphere felt special, and the glass of bubbly made it even more romantic. It was the perfect mix of excitement and calm, and such a memorable way to see the city together. Truly an unforgettable experience! 🥂✨
Mark Robinson

Mark

Dec 2025
5/5
We travelled over from Melbourne and the London Eye was a wonderful experience. Buying the flexi fast track tickets were perfect as it allowed us to maximise our sight seeing with not having to get to the London Eye at a particular time and no wait time at all once we got there. Highly recommend!
Sonia Alvarado

Sonia

Dec 2025
5/5
I met up with my niece at the London Eye while traveling in London, and it was a wonderful way to view the city. I made sure to get tickets around sunset, and we timed it just right. We were lucky that it was a clear evening and the city looked spectacular. Highly recommend!
Michael S Patterson

Michael

Dec 2025
4/5
We had the best time on the London Eye Champagne experience. No lines, VIP treatment - the guide was Jem and he made it special. The smooth ride and amazing views of London are not to be missed.
VERONICA MARTINEZ BARCENA

Veronica

Dec 2025
5/5
With VIP tickets you save the queue and everything goes smoothly. It is a moment you will remember forever, very exciting and worth doing ! Looking forward to repeat ... as soon as I come back !
Georgia Stracey

Georgia

Dec 2025
5/5
Awesome experience. Super easy and the fast tickets made it much better as we had limited time available! Staff were friendly and purchasing the pictures was super simple.

What does fast-track access mean for the London Eye?

Fast-track access at the London Eye means you skip the main standard queue and use a shorter, dedicated line at Entrance F, while still going through the same security checks as everyone else. On quieter days, standard ticket holders usually wait around ~20–30 mins; in peak periods this can rise to ~30–60+ mins, while fast-track queues are typically ~5–10 mins (approx.).

How it works:

  1. Book online: Choose a dated Fast Track or Flexi Fast Track ticket. The time on your ticket is when you join the fast-track queue, not the exact boarding time.
  2. Arrive and scan at Entrance F: Head to the dedicated Fast Track entrance on the South Bank and show your mobile voucher; staff will direct you to the priority lane.
  3. Fast-track lane: Join the shorter fast-track queue (also used by Champagne and VIP experiences). Most guests clear this line in ~5–10 mins on typical days (approx.).
  4. Security check: All visitors pass through the same bag and security screening, which usually adds another ~5–15 mins, depending on crowds (approx.).
  5. Board your capsule: After security, you step onto the moving platform and into a pod for a ~30-min rotation over the Thames (approx.).

Bottom line: With fast-track, you trade an unpredictable ~20–60 min standard queue for a more controlled ~10–25 min entry (fast-track lane plus security), which is especially helpful on weekends, school holidays, and busy midday slots (approx.).

How long are the queues at the London Eye entrance?

The London Eye is one of the most popular paid attractions in the UK, drawing around 3–4 million riders a year, so queues are normal. On quieter days, standard ticket holders usually wait about 20–30 mins to board; during peak periods, such as midsummer weekends and school holidays, this can rise to ~45 mins or more.

​Fast-track guests use a separate priority lane at Entrance F, and queues are typically around 5–10 mins.

All queues form on the South Bank of the Thames beside County Hall, between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge. Whatever ticket you hold, you’ll also pass through a quick security check before boarding your capsule.

Note: These times describe the boarding queues. Security is included in these estimates and cannot be skipped.

​Best time to visit the London Eye

Want to skip the ~20–45 min queues at the London Eye?

Fast-track and flexi fast-track tickets let you bypass the regular boarding line at Entrance A and use the priority lane at Entrance F instead. Most guests board in about ~5–10 mins instead of a long, unpredictable wait.

Book the fastest entry

Types of queues at the London Eye

Entry to the London Eye is from the South Bank riverside outside County Hall. These are the main queues you’ll encounter and how fast-track affects them. Pre-booked tickets are highly recommended to guarantee entry and potentially reduce wait times.

Standard entry queue (Entrance A)

  • Location: Riverside entrance signed “Entrance A”.
  • Who it’s for: Guests with standard timed tickets and some on-the-day upgrades.
  • Average wait times: About 20–30 mins on quieter days; up to ~45 mins or more in peak periods such as weekends, school holidays, and summer afternoons.
  • Skip-the-line? Not skipped by fast-track; this is the regular queue fast-track tickets are designed to avoid.

Fast-track entry queue (Entrance F)

  • Location: Dedicated entrance marked “Entrance F” beside the main boarding area.
  • Who it’s for: Fast-track and flexi fast-track ticket holders, plus experiences such as Champagne flights.
  • Average wait times: Typically around 5–10 mins; may reach ~15–20 mins during the busiest times of day.
  • Skip-the-line? Yes, this lane bypasses the standard queue but still feeds into the same boarding and security process.

VIP Experiences Desk

  • Location: Inside County Hall, at the London Eye VIP check-in area.
  • Who it’s for: Guests booked on premium experiences like Champagne flights or private capsules.
  • Average wait times: Check-in is just a few minutes; you’re asked to arrive around 15 mins before your slot, then board via fast-track.
  • Skip-the-line? Yes, for ticketing and the main queue; you still pass through standard security.

​Directions to the London Eye

Your London Eye fast-track ticket options explained

London Eye capsules against a blue sky, part of the river cruise experience.

Fast-track ticket

This ticket is designed for those who have a planned itinerary and want to guarantee a specific time to ride the London Eye while minimizing their wait.

  • Primary benefit: Priority boarding through a dedicated Fast-track entrance, which significantly reduces your queuing time. While standard queues can be 45 mins or more, fast-track holders typically wait around 10 mins or less.
  • Best for: Visitors with a tight schedule who know exactly when they want to ride. This is a great way to ensure you can fit the London Eye into a busy day of sightseeing.
  • How it works: You must select a specific time slot when you purchase the ticket. The time on your ticket is when you are allowed to join the fast-track queue, not the exact time you will board the pod.
London Eye capsule with passengers against a clear blue sky.

Flexi-fast-track ticket

This is the premium option for travelers who value flexibility and want to avoid the hassle of a rigid schedule.

  • Primary benefit: Enjoy ultimate flexibility: get all the benefits of fast-track priority boarding, without being tied to a specific time slot. You can arrive and enter the fast-track queue at any time on your chosen date.
  • Best for: Visitors with an unpredictable schedule or those who prefer to be spontaneous. If you are unsure what time you will arrive or if you want to wait for a specific weather window, this ticket is the perfect choice.
  • How it works: You select a date, but not a time. Upon arrival on that date, you simply go to the dedicated fast-track entrance and join the queue.

Compare your ticket options

Ticket typeWait timeQueues skippedIncludesFrom

London Eye On-Site Ticket

Highly variable; often ~30–45+ mins, and longer at peak times

None

Same-day ticket bought on site; 30-min London Eye rotation; no guaranteed time slot; standard queue at Entrance A

On-the-day price

London Eye Standard Ticket

~20–30 mins on quieter days; up to ~45+ mins at busy periods

None

30-min rotation at a reserved time; join the regular boarding queue at Entrance A

£29

London Eye Fast Track Ticket

Typically ~5–10 mins; up to ~15–20 mins at the very busiest times (approx.)

Standard boarding queue at Entrance A

30-min rotation plus priority boarding via the fast-track lane at Entrance F

£44

London Eye Flexi Fast Track Ticket

Typically ~5–10 mins; up to ~15–20 mins at the very busiest times (approx.)

Standard boarding queue at Entrance A

30-min rotation, access to the fast-track lane at Entrance F, and anytime entry on your selected date

£51

London Eye Champagne Experience

Fast VIP check-in plus ~5–10 mins in the fast-track lane (approx.)

Standard boarding queue at Entrance A

30-min rotation, VIP check-in at County Hall, fast-track boarding via Entrance F, and a glass of Moët (or soft drink)

£59

All your options to skip the queues

Even with fast-track access, your experience depends on timing, crowds, and the ticket you book. Use these tactics to keep your wait as short and predictable as possible:

1. Book fast-track tickets in advance

​Pre-booked fast-track or flexi fast-track tickets let you use the dedicated priority lane at Entrance F instead of the regular queue at Entrance A. On most days, this cuts your wait to around 5–10 mins instead of ~20–30+ mins. These tickets are capacity-limited and often sell out first on busy dates.

2. Choose the flexi fast track if your plans may shift

If you’re not sure exactly when you’ll reach the South Bank, the flexi fast track gives you priority access at any time on your chosen day. That means you can wait for better weather or time your ride closer to sunset without giving up the shorter queue.

3. Use premium experiences for a smoother entry

Experiences like the Champagne Experience include VIP check-in and fast-track boarding, combining shorter queues with a more relaxed pre-boarding process. They cost more than standard fast-track tickets but can be worth it for celebrations or when time is tight.

4. Aim for off-peak time slots

The Eye is busiest from late morning into mid-afternoon, especially in summer and on weekends. Early morning and later evening flights tend to have shorter queues and softer light for photos. Flexi fast track works well if you want to decide on the day which window looks best.

5. Avoid peak dates when possible

UK school holidays, long weekends, and major events around the South Bank can push standard waits well beyond the usual 20–30 mins. If you must visit then, treat fast-track or flexi fast-track as essential rather than optional.

​Plan your visit

Frequently Asked Questions about London Eye fast track tickets

What does “fast track” mean at the London Eye?

Fast-track tickets let you join a dedicated priority queue at Entrance F instead of the regular boarding line. You still pass through the same security checks, but your overall wait to board is usually much shorter.

Do I still have to go through security?

Yes. All guests go through a short security check before boarding, regardless of ticket type. Fast-track tickets reduce your time in the boarding queue, not the security process itself.

How much time do I save with fast-track tickets?

On quieter days, standard queues are around 20–30 mins and fast-track about 5–10. In busy periods, standard waits can reach ~45 mins or more, while fast-track typically stays closer to 10–20 mins.

Can I buy fast-track tickets on the same day?

Sometimes, but not guaranteed. Fast-track and flexi fast-track tickets are limited and can sell out in advance on popular dates. If you’re visiting in peak season or on a weekend, it’s safer to book ahead.

What happens if I don’t book fast-track tickets?

With a standard ticket, you join the regular queue at Entrance A. On many days, this is manageable at ~20–30 mins, but at busy times, it can be much longer and may eat into the rest of your London plans.

Are London Eye fast-track tickets worth it?

If you’re visiting at popular times, have limited time in London, or are travelling with kids, the extra cost usually pays off in reduced waiting and a more predictable schedule. Off-peak mornings may not need it.

How do I purchase London Eye fast-track tickets?

You can book fast-track and flexi fast-track tickets online. Choose your date (and time, if not flexi), complete payment, and receive a mobile voucher to show at Entrance F on the day.

What is the difference between Fast Track and Flexi Fast Track?

Fast-track tickets lock in a specific time slot and priority lane access. Flexi fast-track tickets cost more but let you arrive at any time during operating hours on your chosen day while still using the priority queue.

Is the ride duration shorter for fast-track guests?

No. All riders, regardless of ticket type, get roughly a 30-min rotation. Fast-track affects how long you wait to board, not how long the wheel takes to complete a full turn.

How early should I arrive if I have fast-track tickets?

Arrive about 10–15 mins before your time slot so you can find Entrance F, join the priority queue on time, and pass security without rushing.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair through the fast-track line?

Yes. The London Eye is wheelchair-accessible, and staff can help with boarding via ramps and level access. Pre-booking a wheelchair space is recommended as numbers per capsule are limited.

Do children need their own fast-track tickets?

Generally, all paying guests require their own ticket. Children under a certain age may go free but still need a valid ticket or reservation to board; check the specific product details before booking.

Can I cancel my fast-track tickets?

Yes, you can cancel your London Eye fast-track tickets up to 24 hours before your scheduled experience and receive a full refund.

Do I need to print my fast-track ticket?

No. Just flash your mobile voucher at the fast-track entrance (Entrance F), and you’re good to go.

Is the Flexi Fast-Track ticket valid for night rides?

As long as you visit during operating hours, you can board whenever you like, including just before sunset or when the city starts to sparkle at night.