- Height: About 225 m / 738 ft
- Access method: High-speed elevator
- Time to reach: About 1 minute by lift once the elevator journey begins
- What to see: Enclosed panoramic views, floor-to-ceiling glazing and city landmarks across London.
- The view: A high-level indoor perspective across the Thames and central London.
- Access: Included with The View from The Shard tickets.
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See London from Levels 68, 69 and 72 at The View from The Shard, with standard entry, champagne upgrades, combos and guided experiences.
Quick overview
- Access included: Shard tickets cover Levels 68 and 69 plus the open-air Level 72 skydeck, with high-speed lifts and digital photos.
- Levels & views: Viewing platforms span Levels 68, 69 and 72, with 360° London views reaching up to 40 miles on clear days.
- Getting up: High-speed lifts take you from the booking hall to Level 68, with a lift change at Level 33 before continuing upwards.
- Special features: Level 69 houses the Champagne Bar, while Level 72 is an open-air skydeck exposed to the elements.
- Ways to visit: Choose standard entry, champagne packages, a small-group walking tour, or combos with the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London or Up at The O2.
- Queues & timing: Fast-track entry is available as an upgrade on standard tickets. Last entry is 1 hour before closing, and you can stay until closing once inside.
- Best upgrade: Choose champagne for a celebratory visit, or pair The Shard with the London Eye for two contrasting London viewpoints.
Floors at The View from The Shard
Quick facts
- Total building height: 310 m (1,016 ft)
- Public viewing levels: 68, 69 and 72
- Level 68: Indoor viewing gallery
- Level 69: Indoor viewing gallery and Champagne Bar
- Level 72: Open-air skydeck
- Views: Up to 40 miles across London in suitable conditions
- Elevator access: Yes
- Typical visit: Allow around 60–90 minutes
- Last entry: 1 hour before closing
Level 68
Level 69
- Height: About 244 m / 800 ft
- Access method: Elevator from Level 68
- Time to reach: About 1–2 minutes from the lower viewing level
- What to see: Triple-height viewing gallery, panoramic glazing, Champagne Bar and London Expert commentary.
- The view: Wide 360° vistas with landmarks spread across central and wider London.
- Access: Included with The View from The Shard tickets.
Level 72
- Height: About 244 m / 800 ft
- Access method: Elevator and internal access from the viewing galleries
- Time to reach: About 5 minutes from the initial entry sequence, excluding queues
- What to see: Open-air skydeck, exposed architectural shards and views directly into the upper structure.
- The view: Unobstructed outdoor perspectives with the sights and sounds of London below.
- Access: Included with The View from The Shard tickets.
Which Shard ticket is best for you?
| Ticket type | Access mode | Guide | Why pick this | Non-refundable | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The View from The Shard Tickets | High-speed lifts | Yes | Full viewing experience with 2 digital photos | Non-refundable | From £24 |
| All-Inclusive Shard with Champagne | High-speed lifts | No | Adds champagne or soft drink, 2 photos and £5 retail credit | Free cancel 24 h | From £36 |
| Shard + London Eye Combo | Lifts + London Eye capsule | Yes, at The Shard | Two contrasting skyline viewpoints with 30-min Eye ride | Non-refundable | From £53 |
| Tower Bridge + Shard Combo | Lifts + Tower Bridge route | Yes, at The Shard | Pairs Victorian engineering with modern skyline views | Non-refundable | From £39 |
| Tower of London + Shard Combo | Lifts + Tower of London | Yes, at The Shard | Combines London views with Crown Jewels and medieval history | Non-refundable | From £54 |
| Shard + Up at The O2 Combo | Lifts + guided rooftop climb | Yes (a live guide at The Shard + climb guide at the O2) | Combines skyline viewing with an active rooftop experience | Non-refundable | From £54 |
| Westminster & London Bridge Walking Tour + Shard | 5-hour walking tour + lifts | Small-group guide | Adds 30+ sights and guided London context before the Shard | Free cancel 24 h | From £85 |
| Headout Pass London: Save up to 40% at All Top Attractions | Attraction-specific | Varies | Flexible 2–7 attraction pass valid for 30 days | Free cancel before first reservation | From £63 |
Touring The View from The Shard: Highlights to look out for
Level 68 Viewing Gallery
Where: Level 68
The first viewing level gives you an enclosed, floor-to-ceiling perspective across London. Use the panoramic windows to identify landmarks spread along the Thames and central skyline.
Level 69 Viewing Gallery
Where: Level 69
The triple-height gallery brings together expansive views, contemporary seating and the Champagne Bar. Natural light fills the space by day before the city lights take over after dark.
Champagne Bar
Where: Level 69
Stop for drinks while looking across London from the enclosed gallery. Champagne or a soft drink can also be added through the relevant ticket upgrade.
Level 72 Skydeck
Where: Level 72
Walk into the open air at London's highest public skydeck. Look upward at The Shard's glass shards while hearing the city below.
Digital photo experience
Where: Entrance and viewing levels
Capture your visit through the attraction's photography service, with digital photos included with the ticket products sold here. Standard and combo products offer different photo allocations.
Views from the top
Tower Bridge and the Thames
Best viewed from: Levels 68–72
Look east along the Thames towards Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. The elevated angle lets you follow the river through central London.
- Best time to view: Late afternoon or sunset.
- Photography tip: Use the river as a leading line towards Tower Bridge.
St Paul's Cathedral
Best viewed from: Levels 69–72
St Paul's rises among London's dense central skyline, with the surrounding City buildings providing scale from The Shard's elevated position.
- Best time to view: Clear mornings or late afternoon.
- Photography tip: Use a zoom lens to isolate the dome between nearby towers.
London Eye and Westminster
Best viewed from: Levels 68–72
Look west towards the London Eye and Westminster skyline. On clear days, the elevated viewpoint helps place several central London landmarks within one frame.
- Best time to view: Sunset and blue hour.
- Photography tip: Frame the London Eye with the Thames below it.
Canary Wharf
Best viewed from: Levels 69–72
The financial district's cluster of modern towers stands prominently east of The Shard. Clear conditions give the skyline greater depth and definition.
- Best time to view: Late afternoon.
- Photography tip: Shoot across the river for layered skyline composition.
Things to know before booking your The Shard tickets
Booking window
- Book your preferred time slot in advance, particularly for sunset and busy periods. Opening times can vary, and the venue advises checking current timings before visiting.
- Standard Shard tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled. The champagne ticket and walking tour offer 24-hour cancellation, while the combo products listed here cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.
Entry & routing
- Enter via Joiner Street, where online tickets are scanned before security screening. The entry sequence then continues through the booking hall and lift journey, with a change at Level 33 before reaching Level 68.
- Fast-track entry is available as a paid upgrade with the standard Shard ticket. It is designed to reduce entry queues, but security screening still applies.
Access levels
- The standard viewing experience covers Levels 68, 69 and 72. Level 68 and 69 are enclosed viewing galleries, while Level 72 is the open-air skydeck.
- There is no separate summit upgrade in the ticket assortment here. The products that include Shard access generally cover the same three public viewing levels, with differences coming from drinks, photos, guided touring or additional attractions.
Ways to explore
- Self-guided visits let you move through the viewing levels at your own pace, while the standard product also includes access to London Expert commentary.
- The Westminster & London Bridge small-group tour adds a five-hour guided walking route covering 30+ sights before continuing to The Shard, with groups of 10–15 guests.
Special access and upgrades
- Champagne upgrades add one glass of champagne or a non-alcoholic drink, two digital photos and £5 retail credit with the dedicated champagne product.
- Combo tickets add another London attraction rather than changing the Shard viewing experience. Choose the London Eye for a second aerial perspective, Tower Bridge or Tower of London for historic sights, or Up at The O2 for an active rooftop climb.
Constraints & practicalities
- The View is wheelchair accessible from ground level to Level 72, with accessible toilets on Levels 1 and 68. Foldable chairs are available on request, and guide and hearing dogs are permitted.
- Large bags over 55 × 38 × 20 cm are not permitted, and there is no cloakroom for bags. Security screening applies before the lift journey.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children aged three and under are free according to the venue's current terms.
Weather & visibility
- Poor visibility does not automatically end your visit. The venue's View Guarantee can provide a complimentary return standard ticket when specified landmark visibility conditions are not met. Claim eligibility must be checked with the Duty Manager before leaving.
Plan your visit to The Shard
- The View from The Shard generally opens from around 1pm to 9pm on Wednesday to Friday and Sunday, while Saturday hours can extend from 10am to 10pm.
- Monday and Tuesday may have limited or no public hours due to private events. T
- imings can change seasonally, so check the live schedule before booking.
- Last entry is one hour before closing, and visitors already inside can stay until closing.
- Bars on the viewing levels typically stop serving around 30 minutes before closing.
- For sunset: Book a slot around sunset to see London’s skyline change from daylight to evening.
- For quieter views: Choose an earlier or later slot, avoiding the busiest periods when possible.
- For daytime visibility: Visit earlier in the day when clear weather gives better long-distance views.
- For evening views: Visit after sunset for London’s illuminated landmarks and city lights.
The View from The Shard is located at Joiner Street, London, SE1 9QU, at the base of The Shard in London Bridge. The dedicated visitor entrance is a 2-minute walk from London Bridge station.
Address: Joiner Street, London, SE1 9QU [Find on maps →]
Getting there
- By Tube: Take the Jubilee line to London Bridge from Westminster or central London, then walk around 5 minutes to The Shard.
- By train: Take Southeastern services from Charing Cross to London Bridge, then walk approximately 6 minutes to The Shard entrance.
- By car: Drive via A3211, A201 and Southwark Street toward Bedale Street, then continue to The Shard on London Bridge Street.
- By foot: Walk from Millennium Bridge via Park Street, Middle Road and Borough High Street, reaching The Shard in approximately 17 minutes.
- Restrooms: Accessible toilets are available on Levels 1 and 68.
- Seating: Foldable chairs are available on request across the viewing areas.
- Food and drink: Bars on Levels 69 and 72 serve drinks and a selection of snacks.
- Wi-Fi: Check current venue facilities before visiting, as availability may change.
- Gift shop: The View from The Shard retail shop sells Shard-themed souvenirs, clothing, bags, homeware and other keepsakes.
- Pushchairs: Folded pushchairs can be left in the designated booking-hall area, but bags and coats cannot be stored with them.
- Wheelchair access: Step-free access is available from the booking hall through to Level 72.
- Wheelchairs: Wheelchairs are available at the venue if required.
- Seating: Foldable chairs can be provided on request.
- Hearing support: Hearing loops are installed at the booking desks.
- Guide dogs: Guide and hearing dogs are permitted, while other animals are not.
- Carers: Eligible disabled guests requiring assistance can receive a free carer ticket on arrival with accepted documentation.
- Security: Expect electronic screening and bag checks before entering the viewing areas.
- Bags: Bags and backpacks larger than 55 × 38 × 20 cm are not permitted.
- Food and drink: Only food and drinks purchased inside The View from The Shard are permitted in the viewing galleries.
- Photography: Personal handheld photography and video are permitted. Tripods and monopods are not allowed.
- Children: Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Prohibited items: Weapons, dangerous articles, fireworks, smoke bombs, flammable liquids, selfie sticks and other restricted items are prohibited.
- Pushchairs: Pushchairs cannot be taken into The View and must be stored in the designated area.
You can choose from many dining options inside The Shard. Some popular eateries at the attraction are:
- Aqua Shard: Dining at Aqua Shard? Think British classics with a seasonal twist, stunning views from level 31, and an ambiance that screams chic—get ready to eat and wow at the same time!
- Oblix: Situated on the 32nd floor, Oblix is a New York-style grill and rotisserie offering a menu inspired by the best European and British dishes.
- Hutong: Get a taste of Northern China at Hutong, level 33! Flavors that pop, views that wow, and decor that takes you straight to China's heart—dining with a twist!
- TĪNG: TĪNG on the 35th floor is where British cuisine meets Asian fusion, served with a side of spectacular views. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this place has all the vibes!
- GŎNG: The 52nd floor has never been this cool! GŎNG's got everything—stunning views, inventive cocktails, a champagne bar, and an exclusive sky pool experience.
The View from The Shard shop: The on-site retail shop sells Shard-inspired souvenirs, clothing, bags, homeware, notebooks and keepsakes. The champagne ticket includes £5 retail credit, giving that product an additional shopping benefit.
Visitor tips
- Keep your phone camera ready on Level 69: The floor-to-ceiling windows give cleaner photos without the reflections and glare you can get outdoors.
- Save Level 72 for clear weather: The open-air deck is exposed to wind and rain, so it is less comfortable when conditions turn.
- Use the indoor levels for landmark spotting: Levels 68 and 69 offer sheltered views through glass, making them easier for prolonged sightseeing.
- Look for landmarks from the viewing guides: Use the venue’s skyline information to identify landmarks rather than relying on distant buildings alone.
- Factor security into your arrival time: Bags go through X-ray screening and visitors may need to remove jackets, belts and pocket items.
Frequently asked questions about The Shard tickets
Yes. Standard tickets include Levels 68, 69 and 72, high-speed lift access, a London Expert and two digital photos, subject to the ticket terms.
Yes. Fast-track entry is available as a paid upgrade to the standard Shard ticket. Security screening still applies, so fast-track does not remove every queue.
No, the standard Shard ticket cannot be cancelled or rescheduled. The champagne ticket and walking tour allow cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
It depends on the ticket. Standard Shard tickets and the listed combo products cannot be rescheduled, while the champagne and walking tour products offer 24-hour cancellation.
Yes. The Shard is one of the attractions available through Headout Pass London, subject to your selected pass option and attraction availability.
You can access Levels 68, 69 and 72 with the standard viewing experience. Levels 68 and 69 are enclosed, while Level 72 is the open-air skydeck.
The standard ticket covers the viewing experience. The champagne option adds a drink, photos and retail credit, while combos add another London attraction or a guided walking tour.
Yes. Level 72 is The View from The Shard's open-air skydeck, where you can look out over London while standing beneath the building's upper glass structure.
Yes. The champagne ticket includes one glass of champagne or a non-alcoholic drink. Champagne is also available at the Level 69 bar.
Yes. The assortment includes combinations with the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London and Up at The O2, plus a guided Westminster and London Bridge walking tour.
There is no fixed stay duration once inside. You can remain in the viewing galleries until closing, provided you enter before the last-entry cutoff.
The last entry is 1 hour before the closing time. Opening hours vary, so check the current schedule for your date before travelling.
Yes. The View from The Shard has step-free access from the booking hall through to Level 72, with accessible toilets and seating available.
No. Pushchairs cannot be taken into The View itself, but folded pushchairs can be left in the designated booking-hall area during your visit.
No. Bags or backpacks larger than 55 × 38 × 20 cm are not permitted, and The View does not provide a cloakroom for oversized bags.
