The London Eye opened in 2000 and has since become one of the most recognizable symbols of London. It is located at County Hall on the South Bank, right next to Westminster Bridge.
During the ride, the wheel moves slowly upwards, giving you increasingly impressive views over London. On a clear day, you can see landmarks including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and much of London’s skyline. On exceptionally clear days, views can even extend towards Windsor Castle.
📍Getting There?
The London Eye is very easy to reach by public transport.
– Underground: Waterloo is the nearest Underground station. From Waterloo, it is approximately a 5-minute walk. Follow the signs towards South Bank and then towards the London Eye.
Other convenient stations include:
- Westminster: approximately 10–15 minutes on foot; perfect if you want to combine your visit with Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
- Embankment: approximately 10–15 minutes on foot via Hungerford Bridge.
- Charing Cross: approximately 15 minutes on foot via Hungerford Bridge.
– Train: London Waterloo is also the most convenient railway station. From the station, the London Eye is only about a five-minute walk away.
– Bus: Several bus routes stop close to the London Eye, including 211, 77 and 381.
– River Boat: A fun alternative is to arrive by boat along the River Thames. River Boat services stop at the London Eye Pier, making it possible to combine your visit with a sightseeing cruise.
Tip: If you want to make the most of your day, combine the London Eye with a walk along the South Bank. This allows you to explore several attractions without needing additional transport.
💶 Price:
Prices are shown in British pounds (£) and vary depending on the date and availability.
Typical prices include:
Adult: Online £29 / At the attraction £39
Child 2–15: Online £26 / At the attraction £35
Child under 2: Online Free / At the attraction free
Booking online in advance is generally cheaper, and booking early can help you secure the best available price.
🕘 Opening Hours:
Opening hours vary throughout the year and can change depending on the date.
Current opening times may be around:
– London Eye: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
– London Eye River Cruise: 10:45 AM – 7:45 PM
Good to know: Always check the official calendar for your specific visit date before travelling. And your ticket is linked to a specific time slot, so allow enough time to arrive, find the entrance and go through any security procedures.
🧐 Tips & Tricks:
Choose a clear day: The view is the main attraction, so good weather can make a big difference. Fog, heavy cloud and rain can significantly reduce visibility.
Book in advance: Booking online can save you money and allows you to choose your preferred time slot. Popular times can sell out, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Consider sunset: A ride around sunset can be spectacular. You may see London in daylight before watching the city transform into a sea of lights.
Bring your camera: The glass capsules provide panoramic views in every direction. Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster are particularly photogenic from the London Eye.
Allow extra time: The actual rotation takes around 30 minutes, but your total visit will take longer because of boarding and possible queues.
Look at combination tickets: If you are planning to visit several attractions, a combination ticket can be better value than buying individual tickets.
Combine it with Westminster: A great walking route is: Westminster → Big Ben → Westminster Bridge → London Eye → South Bank
Accessibility: The London Eye is wheelchair accessible. If you require wheelchair access, booking in advance is recommended due to capacity restrictions within the capsules.
🎯 Don’t Miss Nearby:
– Big Ben & Palace of Westminster: Located directly across the River Thames from the London Eye, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster are among London’s most famous landmarks. They are an easy and highly recommended combination with the London Eye.
– South Bank: The South Bank is perfect for a relaxing walk along the Thames. You’ll find restaurants, cafés, street performers, cultural attractions and great views of the London skyline.
– SEA LIFE London Aquarium: Located right next to the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium is an especially convenient attraction for families. It can also be included in combination tickets with the London Eye.
– Westminster Abbey: Just a short walk from the London Eye, Westminster Abbey is another must-see. Combine it with Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster to explore the historic heart of London.
– Tate Modern: Continue walking along the South Bank towards Tate Modern, one of London’s most famous modern and contemporary art museums. The riverside walk itself is also a great part of the experience.
– London Eye River Cruise: The London Eye River Cruise departs from the pier next to the attraction and offers a different perspective of London from the River Thames. The cruise takes approximately 40 minutes.
Happy Roundtrip 