London Eye Opening Times and Best Time to Visit

The London Eye opening times vary throughout the year, but here are the general opening and closing times based on the schedule for 2025:

Monday – 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday – 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday – 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thursday – 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Friday – 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday – 10:00 a.m. – 8:30  p.m.

Sunday – 10:00 a.m. – 8:30  p.m.

London Eye hours may change for special events or maintenance, so it is recommended to check timings before your visit.

Choosing the best time to visit London Eye can significantly enhance your experience and help you avoid the longest queues. Whether you're planning a romantic evening or a family day out, timing your visit strategically will ensure you get the most from this iconic London attraction.

Optimal Times Throughout the Day

The best time to visit London Eye is typically during weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, when crowds are at their thinnest. Early morning visits offer several advantages: shorter wait times, clearer photography opportunities, and a more relaxed atmosphere as the city awakens below.

For those seeking spectacular views, late afternoon visits between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM provide excellent lighting conditions. However, if you're looking for the absolute best time to go on the London Eye for breathtaking scenery, plan your ride during the golden hour just before sunset, when London's skyline is bathed in warm, magical light.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring and early autumn represent the best time to visit the London Eye from a seasonal perspective. During March through May and September through November, you'll enjoy mild weather, good visibility, and moderate crowd levels.

Summer months see peak tourist numbers, while winter offers unique charm with shorter queues but potentially limited visibility due to weather conditions.

Weekly Patterns

Tuesday through Thursday consistently rank as the best time to go to London Eye for avoiding crowds. Weekends attract the highest visitor numbers, particularly Saturday afternoons. If you must visit during weekends, early morning slots on Sunday tend to be quieter than Saturday visits.

Weather and Visibility

The best time to visit London Eye weather-wise is during clear, sunny days with minimal wind. Check weather forecasts before booking, as fog or heavy rain can significantly impact visibility from the observation pods. Light cloud cover can actually enhance photography by providing dramatic backdrops.

Special Events and Peak Periods

Avoid visiting during major London events, school holidays, or public celebrations when determining to visit the London Eye. New Year's Eve, summer bank holidays, and the weeks surrounding Christmas see exceptionally high visitor numbers. Plan alternative dates if flexibility allows.

Planning ahead and selecting the best time to visit London Eye based on these factors will ensure an unforgettable experience with optimal views of London's magnificent cityscape.

The London Eye duration of ride is approximately 30 minutes, offering a slow and scenic rotation that lets you take in breathtaking views of London’s skyline. Many visitors ask, “How long does the London Eye ride take?” The answer is that the ride itself takes half an hour, but you should allow extra time for ticketing and boarding. In total, the average London Eye time needed for the full experience is around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the time of day and crowd levels. Fast-track tickets can significantly reduce the time needed for the London Eye experience by allowing priority boarding, making them ideal for visitors with limited time.