If you’re planning a trip to London, the London Eye is definitely one of the must-visit attractions. It’s a giant Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the city from a height of 135 meters. However, before you plan your visit, you might be wondering – how long does the London Eye take?
Overview of the London Eye
The London Eye is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world and has become an iconic part of London’s skyline since it opened in 2000. It consists of 32 capsules that can hold up to 25 people each. A full rotation takes about 30 minutes and offers breathtaking views of some of London’s most famous landmarks, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the River Thames.
How long does it take to ride the London Eye?
As mentioned earlier, a full rotation on the London Eye takes approximately 30 minutes. However, this doesn’t mean that your entire experience will be limited to half an hour. There are other factors to consider that may affect your overall time spent at the attraction.
Firstly, there may be lines or queues to enter the attraction. During peak tourist season or holidays, wait times can be longer than usual. You can buy tickets online in advance to skip these lines and save time.
Once inside a capsule, you’ll spend about 30 minutes enjoying panoramic views from above. The capsules move slowly and continuously so there’s no rush to take photos or soak in the sights.
When you reach the top of your rotation (the highest point), there is usually a brief pause to allow everyone in your capsule to take pictures and enjoy uninterrupted views for a few moments before making their way back down.
Other things to consider
It’s important not only to consider how long will it take you on a ride but also other factors that could add time onto your trip. For example, if you’re planning on taking photos or buying souvenirs, this will add extra time to your visit.
If you want to learn more about the London Eye, there’s also a 4D cinema experience available that provides a unique insight into the history and engineering behind the attraction. This experience lasts about 15 minutes and is included in the price of your ticket.
Tips for making the most of your visit
- Buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
- Visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds.
- Bring a camera or smartphone for capturing stunning views.
- Consider visiting at sunset or during nighttime for a different perspective.
Conclusion
So, how long does it take to ride the London Eye? A full rotation takes approximately 30 minutes, but it’s important to factor in other things like line wait times and additional experiences like the 4D cinema. Regardless of how long you spend at the London Eye, it’s an unforgettable experience that offers unparalleled views of one of the world’s greatest cities.