Each capsule (pod) on the London Eye can accommodate up to 25 passengers. While there are 32 capsules in total on the wheel, they are generally filled based on passenger flow, meaning you will likely share the pod with others unless you have booked a private experience.
It's the ultimate way to experience 360-degree stunning views of London! Soar 135m above London's skyline with up to 25 people – it's one incredible get-together.
How many people can ride in a capsule on the London Eye?
There are 32 capsules on the London Eye to represent the 32 Boroughs of London with each of them holding up to 25 people, are air-conditioned and each weigh 10-tonnes. Each of the capsules has a number from 1-12 and 14-32, with the number 13 not used as it's seen as unlucky.
There are 32 capsules in total; one for each of the London boroughs. For superstitious reasons they are numbered up to 33, with capsule 13 left out for good luck.
Our pods provide comfortable seating, and toilet facilities are conveniently located near the ticket office. The rotation lasts 30 minutes. For your convenience, we highly recommend pre-booking to avoid any disappointments.
Enjoy exclusive hire of one of our pods for your own private use - it's the ultimate way to experience the 360° views of London with colleagues, friends or family.
However, the majority of the space is open, encouraging guests to move around and enjoy the 360-degree views. The capsules are fully climate-controlled, ensuring a comfortable temperature inside regardless of the weather outside. You'll be warm in winter and cool in summer.
At the London Eye, you'll find restrooms located in the ticket office near the VIP desk. Male and female toilets are available downstairs, along with an accessible toilet on the ground level. Unfortunately, we do not provide storage for school groups, and there is no designated lunch area within the attraction.
Despite there only being 32 capsules, there is no capsule numbered 13 for superstitious reasons, so they're numbered 1 to 33. It took seven years and £75 million to build the London Eye.
The rotating capsules designed by architect David Marks turn on themselves through an ad-hoc POMA system, in order to maintain horizontal stability regardless of the wheel movement.
Bottled water is allowed, but hot food and outside drinks are strictly prohibited on the London Eye pods. Alcoholic beverages are only permitted as part of specific VIP experiences.
For a quieter experience, we recommend visiting early in the morning or later towards closing time. During busy peak periods like weekends and school holidays, expect longer wait times for London Eye boarding. The time stated on your ticket is when you enter the queue line.
The London Eye has 32 pods to symbolize the 32 boroughs of Greater London, representing unity and the city's diverse communities, with each pod carrying up to 25 people for a 30-minute ride, offering panoramic views, and numbering from 1 to 33, omitting the unlucky number 13.
There's no number 13 on the London Eye because of Western superstition, as the number is considered unlucky; so, instead of a 13th capsule, the numbering skips from 12 directly to 14, keeping the 32 capsules (representing London's boroughs) numbered 1-12 and 14-33 for good fortune, a common practice in Britain.
We're over the moon that once again, some of London's most iconic buildings and landmarks will be glowing bright pink in support of our incredible MoonWalkers and Volunteers as they take on the challenge of The MoonWalk London 2025!
Health and Safety. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, hot food and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the London Eye. All guests, including children, must be fully clothed and wear shoes. Shirtless guests are not allowed.
Is it illegal to refuse access to a toilet in the UK?
In the UK, refusing toilet access can be illegal, especially for employees (under health & safety law) or if it's disability discrimination (under the Equality Act 2010), requiring reasonable adjustments; however, for the general public in private businesses, rules vary, with staff toilets often not for public use unless specific conditions (like a license or seating) apply, though refusal can be challenged if it amounts to discrimination.
Many Brits view air conditioning as a luxury or environmentally harmful. Fans and passive cooling methods like shading are often considered sufficient, though this mindset shifts as temperatures climb. Electricity in the UK is pricier than in many countries, and retrofitting older homes for AC can be costly.
London Eye provides Wi-Fi to our guests via our partner o2. The Wi-Fi is accessible from our Ticket Office and works inside all 32 pods on the London Eye.
The balcony section houses the seats furthest from the theater's stage. These seats are among the most affordable in the house, and offer a panoramic view of the stage and the theater. This can be a highlight for shows with large casts and grand sets, especially!
Is it better to sit in the stalls or dress circle?
Neither Dress Circle nor Stalls are universally "better"; they offer different experiences, with the Dress Circle usually providing a superior panoramic view for large-scale shows with big sets (like musicals), while the Stalls offer an immersive, up-close feel for plays, though they can have neck-craning issues or obstructed views. The best choice depends on the show (musicals/dance vs. drama), your budget, and personal preference for immersion versus overview, with front Dress Circle seats often giving the best balance of both.
