As one of the UK’s most iconic tourist attractions, the London Eye is a worthy destination on your travel bucket list and makes for a great activity in London. This impressive landmark stands proudly on the bank of the River Thames, offering incredible views of London’s cityscape.
Standing at an impressive 443ft high, the London Eye currently holds the spot as the fourth largest Ferris wheel in the world. On a clear day, the views stretch all the way to Windsor Castle - so make sure you have a head for heights!
Since the London Eye is in central London, you’ll find excellent transport links making it easy to get there no matter where you’re travelling from. What’s more, if you travel by train you can enjoy 2FOR1 entry to this popular attraction, and if you buy train tickets direct from SWR you can get great savings on packages that include the London Eye. Read on to find out more about the London Eye, including how to buy tickets, what else there is to do in the area and how to get there by train.
The London Eye is a well-connected attraction with several train and tube stations nearby. The nearest train station to the London Eye is London Waterloo, just a five-minute walk away. Once you’ve arrived at the station, follow the signs for the South Bank to reach the attraction.
There are plenty of routes on our network that will take you directly to the London Eye. Popular routes include Woking, Basingstoke, Guildford, Winchester, and Southampton Central. When you get to London Waterloo, follow station exit signs for the London Eye or South Bank.
And remember, when you buy your tickets direct and travel by train with a National Rail train ticket, you can get access to SWR Rewards and 2FOR1 tickets to some of the South Bank’s most exciting attractions.
If you're travelling to the London Eye from elsewhere in London, avoid the hassle of traffic and congestion charges and instead enjoy a comfortable train ride. You can find regular services from Surbiton, Wimbledon, Staines, Earlsfield, Putney or Raynes Park, which will get you to the London Eye in no time at all. You can also get to South Bank easily from several London Underground stations, including Waterloo, which is served by the Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo & City lines, Embankment, which is served by the Northern, Bakerloo and Circle and District lines, and Blackfriars, which is served by the Circle and District lines.
Visiting the London Eye
The London Eye
Hop on the London Eye to take to the skies and bask in the unmissable panoramic views of the UK’s capital city. As one of the most popular tourist attractions in England, the London Eye attracts millions of visitors each year. Amazingly, the 32-capsule wheel was only planned to be temporary when it was built back in 1999—however thanks to its popularity among tourists and locals alike, it still stands proudly almost 22 years later.
It takes 30 minutes for the London Eye to make a full rotation and the capsules are pretty spacious, so you’ll have the chance to walk around and soak in the full 360° view of the big city. Keep your eyes peeled for more iconic tourist attractions, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's, The Tate Modern, Tower Bridge and The Shard to name just a few.
Opening hours are usually between 11:00 and 18:00, though these hours might differ during bank holidays and half terms.
London Eye tickets
Since it’s such a popular attraction, we recommend booking your standard or fast-track London Eye tickets in advance to secure your spot on the day you plan to visit. To claim your 2FOR1 offer, you must pre-book your tickets online with your voucher code - don't forget to bring the voucher with you!
From discounts on theatre performances and exhibitions to afternoon tea and dining experiences at a reduced price, there are many different discounted experiences on offer through SWR Rewards when you buy direct on our website and app. Take a look at our full list of rewards and benefits in London.
London Eye Experiences
To make your day out even more amazing, why not opt for a special London Eye Experience? Enjoy a glass of bubbly in the clouds with a Champagne Experience, complete with speedy fast-track entry, for a group of up to four. Alternatively, for a truly luxurious experience, hire a Private Pod for yourself and up to 15 other guests complete with fast-track boarding, and enjoy the 360° views from the heart of the city.
Tips for enjoying the London Eye
Our top tip for getting the most out of your trip to the London Eye is to arrive early. The London Eye’s standard opening time is 11:00, but avoid long queues by arriving well in advance, or consider purchasing a fast-track ticket to jump the line.
Things to do near the London Eye
Thanks to its central location, there’s so much to see and do around the London Eye. To give yourself plenty of time to soak up the sights, why not book a weekend break in London? Whether you’re a solo explorer or you’re visiting with your partner, your family or a group of friends, there’s something for every age and preference. South Bank’s many attractions include thrilling Thames speedboat rides and SEA LIFE London Aquarium, which is perfect for families.
Food and drink
All that excitement will soon work up an appetite, and the South Bank is the right place to be for when those hunger pangs hit you. For food on the go, check out The Southbank Centre Food Market, which offers a multitude of delicious street eats.
Restaurants and pubs near to the London Eye include Riverside Terrace Café at Southbank Centre, which serves a mouth-watering selection of light bites, seasonal sandwiches & soups, Crust Bros, where you can find delicious Neapolitan pizza, and a fabulous rooftop pub called Bar Elba.
If you’re looking for a café or tea room, visit Beany Green, Four Corners or Scootercaffe. Some of the best vegetarian and vegan options can be found at The Green Room, Locale and Pieminister.
The Cut – a street that stretches between Waterloo and Southwark – is home to a variety of cafés, pubs and restaurants. Underneath London Waterloo station in Leake Street Arches you’ll find Draughts, London’s first board game café, which boasts an impressive library of over 800 games. Or if you’re after a touch of luxury, book a table at the sublime Skylon Restaurant and Bar, The Refinery, Camino Bankside, the Sea Containers Restaurant or Seabird.
Places to stay near the London Eye
No matter your budget or group size, you’ll be sure to find a place to stay near the London Eye. Those on a budget should check out Premier Inn London County Hall Hotel or Travelodge London Central Waterloo, while family-friendly options include NOX Hotels Waterloo and Marlin Waterloo.
If you’re looking for luxury, choose from Corinthia London, The Savoy and London Marriott Hotel County Hall.
The London Eye accessibility
The London Eye is fully accessible and welcomes guests of all needs, and carers are able to visit for free. Wheelchair access starts at the beginning of the boarding ramps, and assisted boarding options are available for those who can’t queue.
Now that you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave. And don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards hub for exclusive discounts on dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays, days out and much more.
