Accessible London Eye
Accessibility :
Step-Free Access,
Assisted Boarding Available,
Max. 2 Wheelchairs per pod,
Max. 8 Wheelchairs in total,
Wheelchair Accessible Toilet Available
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For details of other wheelchair accessible attractions, accessible events, and wheelchair-friendly eating and drinking options throughout the UK, see The Access Map 2024
Accessible London Eye
The London Eye is completely wheelchair accessible. However, due to health and safety regulations, only EIGHT wheelchairs are permitted on The London Eye at any one time.
The boarding platform is reached via a ramp.
The actual pods themselves are completely wheelchair accessible too. But, and for the same health and safety reasons as before, only TWO wheelchairs are permitted in each individual pod on the London Eye at any one time (and eight overall).
So, although it is possible just to turn up and wait, you could be waiting for a while if there are already pre-booked wheelchair users. This is why you should definitely definitely definitely pre-book your wheelchair time slot (via the official London Eye website – here). Please note that this is simply a free booking for your timed slot – you will still need to buy ONE normal-priced ticket too (your companion travels for free – but must book their free companion ticket >here< also on the official London Eye website).
A step-free route from Westminster Bridge to the London Eye is possible – but involves a bit of a detour. The direct route from Westminster Bridge onto the riverside walkway involves descending a flight of steps. However, wheelchair users should continue south along Westminster Bridge Road, and turn left into Belvedere Road, turning left again at the end of the County Hall building. The London Eye will then be directly in front of you (and the London Eye Ticket Office, where the accessible toilets are located, and where you also sign-in for your pre-booked “flight” on the London Eye, will be on your left).
Booking a Wheelchair Time Slot on the London Eye
There are two things to consider when booking a wheelchair time slot on the London Eye:
1. The London Eye is a seriously popular attraction (just about every London tourist wants to ride on the London Eye). Which means queues. And even longer queues for people who have not booked a time slot in advance; and
2. Due to Health & Safety regulations, only two wheelchairs are allowed in any one individual pod on the London Eye at the same time – with a maximum of eight wheelchairs being permitted on the entire London Eye at any one time.
As a result, “just turn up and go” wheelchair slots are SERIOUSLY hard to come by . So you really should just book online in advance (I really really really recommend doing this).
And there’s good news in doing so too:
Advance bookings attract a 10% discount. And when you consider that a ticket costs well over £30, that 10% discount is not insignificant.
And there’s more good news for wheelchair users visiting the London Eye:
Carers ride for free (but documentary proof of YOUR disability is required).
Booking your wheelchair time slot online, and obtaining that free carer’s ticket, is a 3-part operation though (don’t worry, it’s a lot easier to do than it sounds here – I just want to give you all the information, and the order in which to do it):
a. First, you have to book a specific timed slot. This bit doesn’t cost anything, but HAS to be done: HERE;
b. Then, buy ONE STANDARD ticket for the London Eye HERE [and DON’T opt for the more expensive “FastTrack Ticket” – you will already have a timed slot as a result of the previous step – but you will be directed to select this during the booking process, just ignore the option – and click the “Not Now, Thanks” button instead];
c. Then, obtain a FREE carer’s ticket HERE.
In theory, you could just turn up at the London Eye on the day, and hope that a wheelchair slot is available. You won’t receive the 10% discount though – and that’s if there is indeed a wheelchair time slot available. The very real risk is that you miss out on a ride on the wheelchair accessible London Eye completely.
So book your wheelchair time slot in advance, take all tickets and the time slot confirmation, take documentation of your disability – then just sit back and enjoy your trip as the London Eye soars above many of THE major sites in central London!
Accessible Parking near the London Eye
On-street Blue Badge parking is available on Chicheley Street (you still have to pay to park here).
Blue Badge parking spaces are also available nearby in the South Bank car parks (see this AccessAble guide for full details).
Getting to the London Eye using Public Transport
Train:
The nearest major train station is London Waterloo.
Tube (Underground):
The nearest London Underground station is also at Waterloo. However, step-free access is only available on the Jubilee Line here.
Step-free access is available on all lines arriving at Westminster Underground station though (from where you simply roll across Westminster Bridge – but you will also have to take the wheelchair accessible route around County Hall if arriving at Westminster – see above).
London Eye Ticket Office Accessibilty
The London Eye Ticket Office is located within the County Hall building, right beside the London Eye itself. The Ticket Office can be reached via a gently-sloping wheelchair ramp.
Accessible Toilets at the London Eye
The wheelchair accessible toilets at the London Eye are located in the Ticket Office within the County Hall building, in the corridor opposite the VIP Experiences counter.
There are two separate wheelchair accessible toilets here – one allowing a transfer from the left hand side, the other allowing a transfer from the right hand side.
These toilets are only available to London Eye users though (they are not public toilets).
Accessible Cafe/Restaurant at the London Eye
No food is available to buy on the London Eye, but drinks are available in the “Eye Lounge” on the first floor of County Hall (but can only be used by guests taking the “VIP Experience”). There is an alternative route to the Eye Lounge via lifts in County Hall.
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For details of other accessible visitor attractions, accessible events, and accessible eating and drinking options, see The Access Map 2024
If this information has assisted you in any way, please consider making a donation here –>>
Thank you – and happy travels!
London Eye News
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