A slow half-hour over Westminster
The wheel never really stops. Capsules creep past the boarding platform slowly enough that you just step aboard, and the doors close behind you. Then you rise 135 metres over the Thames, with the Houses of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) close enough to pick out window tracery.
Each of the 32 glass capsules holds up to 25 people. There’s an oval bench in the middle, but most riders stand at the curved walls. The numbering skips 13, so the last capsule is 33.
The Eye opened for the millennium in 2000. The architects David Marks and Julia Barfield designed it, and it’s held from one side only, which is why the whole wheel seems to lean out over the river. A full turn takes about 30 minutes.
Reaching the South Bank
The address is County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB. You have three good Underground options:
- Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City lines): follow the signs for the South Bank. The walk is roughly 5 to 10 minutes.
- Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle lines): cross Westminster Bridge and you get the classic view of the wheel beside Parliament.
- Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District, Circle lines): walk over the Golden Jubilee Bridges footpath.
The Riverside Building and the SEA LIFE London Aquarium share County Hall. Jubilee Gardens is the lawn next to the wheel.
Timing the ride
It’s open every day from 11am to 6pm, so neither a morning ride nor a summer-evening ride is possible. In winter the sun sets well before 6pm, which means a late-afternoon slot can catch dusk turning into city lights. On a clear day you can see for miles: St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and the curve of the river heading east.
Low cloud and rain flatten the view much more than cold does. Check the forecast the morning you go, and book a slot later in the week if the sky looks grey.
Getting on without the long wait
This is one of London’s busiest attractions, and the queues show it. Some habits help:
- Book a timed slot online before you come. Walk-up buyers queue twice, once for a ticket and once for boarding.
- Fast-track tickets exist for a separate, shorter line. Current prices are on the official London Eye website.
- Arrive a little early for your slot. Everyone goes through a security bag check before joining the boarding queue.
- Pack light. Large luggage causes problems at security, and you’ll want your hands free for photos.
In a capsule, people politely take turns at the glass. Move around as the wheel turns, because the best view changes: Parliament on the way up, the City skyline at the top. Payment at the ticket desks is by card, like most London attractions.
Afterwards, walk east along the Queen’s Walk to the Southbank Centre, or cross the river to Westminster Abbey. Allow about an hour in total, including security and boarding.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest Tube station to the London Eye?
Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City lines) is about a 5 to 10 minute walk away. Westminster, across Westminster Bridge, and Embankment, across the Golden Jubilee Bridges, are also close.
What are the London Eye's opening hours?
It's open every day, 11am to 6pm. Check the official site before you go in case of maintenance closures or special events.
How long does the London Eye take?
One rotation takes about 30 minutes. Allow around an hour including the security check and boarding queue.
Do I need to book in advance?
It isn't required, but it's strongly recommended. A timed online ticket saves you the ticket-desk queue, and fast-track tickets shorten the boarding line too.
What else is nearby?
The SEA LIFE London Aquarium is in the same County Hall building, and Jubilee Gardens and the Southbank Centre are right next door. The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey are across Westminster Bridge.
Plan your trip to London
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