All you need to know to plan your visit to the London Eye

The London Eye is one of London’s most famous attractions. More than three million visitors explore the London Eye yearly, enjoying unbelievable city views and facilities.

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London Eye | Visitor information at a glance

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  • What are the London Eye opening hours?
    The London Eye is open daily from 10am to 8:30pm in the summer and 11am to 6pm in the winter. However, timings may vary.
  • Where is the London Eye located?
    The London Eye is located at Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom | Get directions
  • How many entrances does the London Eye have?
    The London Eye has two boarding queues.
  • How many visitors does the London Eye see per year?
    The London Eye sees more than three million visitors yearly.
About the London Eye

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London Eye Admission Tickets

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30 min.

London Eye Fast-Track Tickets

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30 min.

Combo (Save 15%): London Eye Tickets + Thames River Cruise

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Headout London Pass: Save up to 40% at All Top Attractions

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What are the London Eye opening hours?

The London Eye is open from 10am to 8:30pm in the summer and from 11am to 6pm in the winter. However, it may vary, especially around festive occasions. Check the updated schedule before visiting.

Last entry: 30 mins before closing time.

Closure: Christmas Day and in January for maintenance work.

Detailed London Eye timings

Best time to visit the London Eye

Generally, for fewer crowds, aim for weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday) during school term time, either early in the morning (right after opening) or later in the evening (after 5pm). These times offer a more relaxed experience, with shorter queues and more space in the capsules.

The London Eye experiences its high tourist season during the summer months (June-August) and around major school holidays (e.g., Easter, half-terms, Christmas). During these periods, expect longer wait times and higher prices. Conversely, the low tourist season typically falls between January and March (excluding New Year's week) and parts of November, offering the calmest visits but with colder, potentially wetter weather. Sunset views are gorgeous year-round, but summer offers very late sunsets, while winter provides early night views with the city lights sparkling.

Visit the London Eye for Christmas

Where is the London Eye located?

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, UK

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The London Eye is in the Lambeth borough, opposite the Houses of Parliament on the South Bank of the River Thames.

Directions to the London Eye

Getting to the London Eye

Closest station: Waterloo

The Waterloo Tube Station, in Zone 1, is five minutes from the London Eye. It is connected to the Bakerloo Line (brown), Jubilee Line (grey), Northern Line (black), and Waterloo and City Line (turquoise). The Embankment, Charing Cross, and Westminster Tube Stations are also close to the London Eye.

Closest station: Waterloo

The Waterloo train station is five minutes from the London Eye. You can take exit 6 for the South Bank and follow the signs leading to the London Eye. The Charing Cross train station is also close. You can reach it after walking for 15 minutes.

Closest station: London Eye

1, 12, 59, 68, 76, 77, 139, 148, 159, 168, 176, 188, 211, 243, 77, 381, 507, and 521 are the buses stopping at the London Eye. The attraction is also connected to the RV1 route, which connects to the Tate Modern, Covent Garden, and other attractions in London.

Closest stop: London Eye Pier

Boats and cruises from the O2, Bankside, Embankment, Blackfriars, London Bridge, Tower of London, Canary Wharf, Hilton Docklands, Masthouse Terrace, Greenwich, Royal Arsenal Woolwich, St. Katherine's, and Westminster Piers stop at the London Eye Pier. The ferry terminal is next to the London Eye.

The London Eye is part of the Congestion Charge Zone. You can drive to the attraction and park at the Q-Park Westminster car park for a small fee. The car park is a short walk from the London Eye.

Itineraries at the London Eye

For families

Start mid-morning and ascend the London Eye for panoramic views, allowing ample time for photos and identifying landmarks. After your descent, stroll along the South Bank. Consider lunch at one of the family-friendly eateries overlooking the Thames, followed by a visit to SEA LIFE London Aquarium, conveniently located next door, for an aquatic adventure.

For couples

For an unforgettable evening, book your London Eye tickets approximately 30-60 mins before sunset. This allows you to witness the city's transformation from golden hour to twinkling night lights. Combine your ride with a Champagne Experience for a special touch. Afterwards, enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many restaurants on the South Bank, soaking in the illuminated skyline.

For budget travellers

Maximize your London experience with a combo ticket! Begin your day at the London Eye. Post-ride, hop over to Shrek's Adventure! London for an interactive walk-through experience. Or delve into London's darker history at the London Dungeon. Finish your day with a stroll across Westminster Bridge, admiring Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament illuminated against the evening sky.

For solo travellers

Book your London Eye tickets for mid-afternoon, allowing for a relaxed morning. After your rotation, enjoy a relaxed treat at one of the South Bank's many cafes or ice cream parlours. Then, embark on a Thames River Cruise from a nearby pier. Seeing the city's landmarks from the water provides a unique perspective, complementing your aerial views, and offers a comfortable way to relax while still sightseeing.

Know before you go to the London Eye

Guide assisting tourists with London Eye tickets at kiosk.
  • Book your tickets early: Booking your London Eye tickets online is the best option because it allows you to book your tickets several months in advance. Advance booking allows you to plan properly and select the time slot that suits your needs and gives you the best chance to avoid long queues.
  • Get fast-track tickets: Ensure you book fast-track tickets as they allow you to skip the lines at the attraction’s entrance. With flexi fast-track tickets, you can enter the London Eye at any time of the day with all the fast-track ticket’s benefits.
  • Visit early in the morning: The London Eye generally opens at 10am, depending on the season. Try visiting the London Eye as soon as it opens, as it is the best way to avoid long queues. Fewer visitors are around in the morning, allowing you to enjoy the attraction peacefully.
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The London Eye has two boarding queues.

  • Standard entry: The Entrance A queue provides regular entry to the London Eye for standard entry ticketholders.
  • Fast-track entry: The fast-track queue at Entrance F offers express entry to the attraction.
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  • Climate-controlled capsules: The London Eye pods are climate-controlled, making them extremely comfortable.
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi service is available in all 32 pods of the London Eye.
  • Toilets: The London Eye Ticket Office has male, female, and accessible toilet facilities for your comfort. No toilets are available inside the pods.
  • Baby-changing rooms: The London Eye Ticket Office also has baby-changing rooms.
  • First aid facilities: The London Eye staff have basic first aid assistance training.
  • Luggage: You can leave your luggage at the main ticket office in County Hall and peacefully visit the London Eye.
  • Food and drinks: You can purchase food and beverages at the London Eye gift shop at the exit of the attraction.
  • Gift shop: The London Eye gift shop sells souvenirs and products to remember your experience by.
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  • Physical disabilities: A faster boarding process is available for guests having issues with queues due to a physical disability or learning/emotional impairment. These guests can enter via the London Eye’s fast-track entrance by showing their access card or other approved documentation.
  • Wheelchair availability: Wheelchairs are also allowed inside the London Eye pods, while mobility scooters with having width less than the boarding gate are also permitted.
  • Visual impairment: The London Eye offers a braille guide, ensuring guests with visual issues can experience the attraction. Talk to a staff member at the entrance, and they will provide you or your guest with a braille guide.
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You can visit the London Eye with your family and enjoy an intimate time as you marvel at the London skyline. Here are a few family-friendly facilities at the London Eye:

  • Strollers: Strollers and baby carriers are allowed inside the pods.
  • Baby changing rooms: Baby changing rooms are available at the London Eye’s ticket office.
  • Foods and beverages: You’ll find food and beverage options at the London Eye exit.
London Eye capsules against a blue sky, part of the river cruise experience.
  • Timed entry: Your ticket will have a designated time slot, which marks your queue entry time. You generally cannot join the queue before this time.
  • Accompaniment of minors: Children aged 15 years and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 years or older. 
  • Prohibited items: For safety and security reasons, large bags and luggage, weapons and sharp objects, flammable or explosive items, alcohol or other substances, outside food and drink, skateboards, scooters, drones, and photography equipment are not allowed on the London Eye.
  • Pets: No pets are allowed, except for service animals.
  • Appropriate attire: All guests must be fully clothed, including wearing shirts and shoes.
  • No smoking/vaping: Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is strictly prohibited.
  • Buggy/pushchair policy: Buggies and pushchairs are allowed on the London Eye but must be fully folded inside the capsule.
London Eye capsule with passengers against a clear blue sky.
  • If you’re short on time, choose fast-track tickets. They provide express entry to the attraction and save 30-60 mins.
  • Tickets allow you to book your slot. Ensure you factor in the travel time before booking your slot. Visit the London Eye early in the morning to avoid queues. Also, ensure you arrive at least 15 mins before your slot.
  • The London Eye is close to many tube and train stations. You can board a tube or train affordably and quickly reach the attraction.
  • There’s no dress code for the London Eye. However, the weather in London is unpredictable. Check the forecast beforehand and dress accordingly.
  • The London Eye pods do not have a toilet. Hit the loo at the exit before jumping on the pod.
  • Ensure you grab your food and beverages at the ticket office before or after getting on the pod to avoid jitters.
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  • London Eye gift shop: Buy London Eye-related souvenirs, merchandise, etc. It has the same opening hours as the London Eye.
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop - Westminster Bridge: Toy apparel, accessories, stuffed animals, etc. Open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 7pm on weekends.
  • London Souvenir: A good place to buy gifts near the London Eye. Open 24 hours.
  • The Stock Shop: Women's clothing, homewares, etc. Open from 8am to 5:30pm on weekdays.

Nearby

Nearby

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  • Big Ben: Few tower clocks worldwide are as iconic as the Big Ben. It is famous for its architecture, accuracy, and massive bell. The tower was formerly called St. Stephen’s Tower but was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012.
  • Westminster Abbey: A World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey is where coronations and other ceremonies of national significance are held in London.
  • SEA Life London Aquarium: Home to 40 species of marine creatures, the SEA Life Centre London Aquarium is among the largest aquariums in Europe.
  • Palace of Westminster: The Palace of Westminster is where the two Houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (the House of Lords and the House of Commons) meet daily.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting the London Eye

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance. This guarantees your entry, allows you to choose your preferred time slot, and often secures a cheaper price than buying on the day. On-the-day tickets can sell out, especially during peak seasons.