How to Get to the London Eye: Tube, Train, Bus & Parking

The London Underground is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the London Eye for most visitors. Three stations are within comfortable walking distance, each offering a different approach with its own advantages.

Waterloo is one of London's major National Rail termini, serving South West England including Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, and Berkshire. Trains from Southampton, Portsmouth, Exeter, Salisbury, Basingstoke, Guildford, and many other towns arrive directly at Waterloo. From the mainline platforms, the London Eye is just a 5-minute walk.

The major advantage of arriving by National Rail is qualifying for the National Rail 1/3 off discount, bringing adult tickets down to around £17.33 per person. Simply show your valid rail ticket when booking online to access this offer.

For visitors arriving at other London stations (King's Cross, Paddington, Liverpool Street, St Pancras, Victoria, Euston), transfer to the Tube. Waterloo is accessible from most lines within 10-15 minutes. The Jubilee line from major interchanges like King's Cross St Pancras, Baker Street, and Green Park takes you directly to Waterloo.

Several bus routes stop directly outside or within a short walk of the London Eye. Routes 211, 77, and 381 stop at County Hall, which is immediately adjacent to the London Eye entrance. The bus fare is £1.75 per journey using Oyster or contactless, and the Hopper fare means you can take a second bus within an hour for free.

Buses are particularly useful if you are coming from areas not well served by the Tube, or if you prefer to see London from street level as you travel. The number 77 route from Tooting and the 211 from Hammersmith both offer scenic approaches along the South Bank. Be aware that bus journey times are unpredictable in central London traffic, so allow extra time.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers operates a regular river bus service with a stop at London Eye Pier, located directly next to the London Eye. This is arguably the most scenic and exciting way to arrive, especially for first-time visitors and children. Seeing London from the river gives you a completely different perspective before seeing it from 135 metres above.

Services connect Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, Bankside (Tate Modern), and Embankment to London Eye Pier. One-way fares are £8-10 per adult, with discounts for Oyster and contactless users. Consider the London Eye + River Cruise combo ticket which packages both experiences at a saving.

We strongly advise against driving to the London Eye. There is no dedicated car park, and the costs add up quickly. The nearest public parking is NCP Waterloo (from £25 per day, 10-minute walk) and the South Bank car park (from £30 per day). On top of parking, you will need to pay the Congestion Charge of £15 (daily, Monday-Sunday 7am-6pm), and older vehicles may also incur ULEZ charges.

For a family of four, the total driving cost (parking + congestion charge) would be £40-45, compared to approximately £11 for four Tube journeys (children under 11 travel free with an adult using Oyster). Public transport is not only cheaper but also faster, as central London traffic is notoriously slow.

If you are driving to London from outside the M25, consider parking at a suburban station and taking the train in. Stations like Woking, Guildford, and Surbiton have cheaper parking and direct trains to Waterloo. You may also qualify for the National Rail ticket discount on your London Eye tickets. Driving from Kent or Essex? Check Dartford Crossing costs. From the Midlands? M6 Toll costs explained.

There is a Santander Cycles docking station on Belvedere Road, approximately 30 metres from the London Eye entrance. Santander Cycles (the red "Boris Bikes") can be hired from any docking station across London. The cost is £1.65 for each 30-minute period, plus a £2 unlocking fee. For short journeys around central London, this is one of the cheapest and most enjoyable ways to travel.

The South Bank has excellent cycle lanes and is one of the most pleasant cycling routes in London. If you are comfortable cycling in the city, riding along the Thames path to the London Eye is a wonderful way to start your visit. Lock your bike securely if you bring your own, or simply dock a Santander Cycle and collect another one afterwards.

Walking to the London Eye is one of the great pleasures of visiting London. The South Bank area is pedestrian-friendly, flat, and packed with things to see along the way. Here are the best walking approaches:

The London Eye is fully accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility impairments. The capsules are at ground level during boarding and are spacious enough to accommodate wheelchairs comfortably. The wheel moves at just 0.6 mph, slow enough for wheelchair users to board safely with staff assistance. The London Eye does not stop for boarding under normal circumstances, but staff will slow or pause the wheel if needed for accessibility reasons.

The step-free route from Waterloo station uses the Jubilee line entrance, which has lift access from platform to street level. From there, the route to the London Eye is flat and paved. Assistance dogs are welcome in the capsules at all times. Visitors with a valid disability card may be entitled to a free carer ticket. Contact the London Eye accessibility team at least 48 hours before your visit to arrange any specific requirements.