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Best Ways to Get to the London Eye & Costs: 2026 Family Guide
The London Eye is one of London’s most popular family attractions, but getting there can either be smooth, stress-free or an expensive headache. Between Tube changes, busy trains, parking prices, congestion charges and surprise taxi fares, transport can easily become one of the most confusing parts of your day.
This guide breaks down the best ways to get to the London Eye depending on:
- Your budget
- Whether you are visiting with children
- If you are staying in London or visiting for the day
- Whether you want speed, convenience or cheapest cost
- How much walking your family can realistically handle
We’ll also cover:
- Train routes
- Tube stations
- Bus options
- Uber and taxi prices
- Driving and parking
- Car hire advice
- Family travel tips
- Best planners to help organise your London trip
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Way to Get to the London Eye?
For most families, the best option is usually:
| Travel Type | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Cheapest | Tube and short walk |
| Easiest with children | Train to Waterloo |
| Least stressful | Uber or Addison Lee |
| Best for tourists exploring London | Hop-on hop-off bus |
| Best for multiple London attractions | Public transport day pass |
| Best for visitors driving into London | Park outside central London then train in |
Where Is the London Eye Located?
The London Eye sits on the South Bank beside the River Thames, directly opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Nearest landmarks include:
- Big Ben
- Westminster Bridge
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium
The address is:
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
Best Way to Get to the London Eye by Train
For families travelling from outside London, train is usually the easiest overall option.
The closest major station is:
Waterloo Station
The London Underground
Walking time:
- Around 5 minutes
Best for families: This is by far the most convenient station for pushchairs, children and families carrying bags.
Other nearby stations:
- Westminster: 5 to 7 minute walk
- Charing Cross: around 12 minutes
- Embankment: around 10 minutes
Why Waterloo Station Is Best for Families
- Less walking with children
- Easier access for pushchairs
- Plenty of food nearby
- Toilets and baby changing facilities
- Easier route than navigating multiple Tube changes
Typical Train Costs
| Route | Approx Return Cost |
|---|---|
| Brighton to London | £25 to £60+ |
| Birmingham to London | £35 to £90+ |
| Manchester to London | £50 to £140+ |
| Kent to London | £15 to £45+ |
Booking early usually saves families the most money. Price is also dependant on season and time of hours of travel.
Already planning your visit?
See full London Eye ticket prices before booking transport so you can budget your full day properly.
Getting to the London Eye by Tube
The Tube is usually the cheapest and fastest option if you are already staying in London.
Best stations:
- Waterloo
- Westminster
- Embankment
- Charing Cross
Best Tube Lines
| Station | Tube Lines |
|---|---|
| Waterloo | Jubilee, Bakerloo, Northern, Waterloo & City |
| Westminster | Jubilee, Circle, District |
| Embankment | Circle, District, Bakerloo, Northern |
Family Reality Check
The Tube is quick, but during peak hours it can become difficult with:
- Pushchairs
- Tired children
- Multiple bags
- Summer heat
- Stair heavy stations
If travelling with toddlers or younger children, avoid:
- 7am to 9am
- 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Mid-morning is usually much calmer.
Tube Costs
Using contactless or Oyster:
- Adults: Around £2.80 to £3.50 each way
- Children under 11: Usually travel free with a paying adult
Do note: Oyster cards can be ordered on www.tfl.com and can also be purchased from a local newsagents which are local shops in the UK. They currently £7 to purchase.
Getting to the London Eye by Bus
London buses are underrated for sightseeing. For visitors, buses can actually be more enjoyable than the Tube because you see the city while travelling.
If you want transport and sightseeing combined, hop-on hop-off buses can actually save families time while letting you see major London landmarks between attractions.
Popular bus routes include:
- 211
- 77
- 381
- RV1
Why Families Like Buses
- No stairs compared to some Tube stations
- Pushchair friendly
- Great sightseeing experience
- Children enjoy sitting upstairs
- Cheaper than taxis
Bus Costs
Using contactless:
- Around £1.75 per journey
- Hopper fare allows another bus within one hour free
Best Tip: If your children get overwhelmed underground, buses are often the calmer option.
Uber, Addison Lee & Local Taxi Costs to the London Eye
Sometimes convenience wins.
If you are travelling:
- With toddlers
- During rain
- Late evening
- With tired children
- With grandparents
- Carrying shopping or luggage
then Uber or taxis can be worth the extra cost.
Typical Uber Prices to the London Eye
| Route | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| Paddington | £15 to £30+ |
| Kings Cross | £18 to £35+ |
| Greenwich | £20 to £40+ |
| Heathrow | £55 to £110+ |
Prices vary heavily depending on:
- Traffic
- Time of day
- Surge pricing
- Events in London
Addison Lee vs Uber
Addison Lee is often:
- More reliable for pre-booking
- Better for larger family vehicles
- Slightly more expensive
Uber is usually cheaper but less predictable during busy periods.
Local Black Cabs
London Black Cabs are:
- Spacious
- Pushchair friendly
- Easy for short journeys
But they are often the most expensive option.
Getting to the London Eye by River Boat
One of the most scenic ways to reach the London Eye is by travelling along the River Thames. For many families, this is far more enjoyable than crowded Tube journeys because the journey itself becomes part of the London experience.
Best River Services
The main option is: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
Nearby piers include:
- London Eye (Waterloo) Pier
- Westminster Pier
- Embankment Pier
These are all within a short walking distance of the attraction.
Why Families Love River Transport in London
River boats are popular with families because they:
- Avoid crowded Tube stations
- Offer seating and more space
- Give amazing London skyline views
- Feel calmer with children and pushchairs
- Turn transport into part of the sightseeing experience
Children often enjoy the boats far more than underground travel.
River Boat Ticket Costs
| Journey Type | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult single | £8 to £12 |
| Child ticket | £4 to £7 |
| Family journeys | Varies by route |
Using contactless or Oyster cards can reduce costs on some routes.
Best Tip for Tourists; River transport works especially well if you are already visiting:
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- Greenwich
- Westminster
- South Bank attractions
It allows families to combine sightseeing and transport in one journey.
Not sure where to eat near the London Eye?
Our food guide covers the best family restaurants, quick bites and budget friendly places nearby.
Driving to the London Eye: What Families Need to Know
Driving sounds convenient until central London traffic hits.
For many families, driving directly to the London Eye is only worth it if:
- You have very young children
- You are carrying lots of luggage
- You are visiting multiple places outside central London
- Mobility is a concern
Otherwise, trains are usually easier.
Important London Driving Costs
You may need to pay:
- Congestion Charge
- ULEZ charge
- Parking fees
- Fuel
- Heavy traffic delays
These costs add up quickly.
Best Parking Near the London Eye
Nearby parking options include:
- Q-Park Westminster
- National Theatre Car Park
- Waterloo Car Parks
Typical Parking Costs
| Parking Length | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | £12 to £20 |
| 4 hours | £20 to £35 |
| Full day | £35 to £60+ |
Central London parking is expensive.
Best Family Tip is; many visitors save money by:
- Parking outside central London
- Taking the train or Tube in
This often reduces stress massively.
Should Tourists Rent a Car in London?
Usually, no.
If you are mainly staying in central London:
- Public transport is easier
- Parking is expensive
- Traffic is slow
- Many attractions are walkable
When Renting a Car DOES Make Sense
A rental car can help if:
- You are visiting multiple UK cities
- Doing countryside trips
- Visiting attractions outside London
- Travelling with lots of luggage
- Staying outside central London
Family Reality
Most tourists underestimate:
- London traffic stress
- Parking costs
- Congestion zones
- Navigation difficulties
For short London trips, trains and Tube are normally the smarter choice.
Best Transport Option Depending on Your Family Situation
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Visiting London for 1 day | Train and Tube |
| Staying centrally | Tube or bus |
| Travelling with toddlers | Waterloo and short walk |
| Travelling with grandparents | Uber/Addison Lee |
| Large family with luggage | Pre-booked taxi |
| Driving from outside London | Park outside city and train |
| Multiple London attractions | Public transport pass |
Want the easiest hotels for visiting the London Eye with children?
Our family hotel guide compares the best nearby stays, walking distances and budget friendly options.
Family Tips for Visiting the London Eye
- Book morning slots for quieter queues
- Avoid rush hour transport
- Bring snacks for younger children
- Keep Oyster/contactless cards ready
- Allow extra walking time with pushchairs
- Combine nearby attractions on the same day
- Budget for transport before booking tickets
Unsure if London Eye tickets can be refunded or changed?
Our guide explains what happens if your plans, weather or travel arrangements change.
FAQ's
- What is the best public transport option to reach the London Eye?
For most families, the best public transport option for reaching the London Eye is taking the train or Tube to Waterloo Station, as it is only a short walk away and avoids long journeys with children or pushchairs.
- What is the quickest route to the London Eye using public transport.
The quickest public transport route to the London Eye is usually taking the Tube to Waterloo or Westminster Station, both of which are only a few minutes’ walk from the attraction.
- What is the most affordable way to reach the London Eye?
For most visitors, the cheapest way to reach the London Eye is by using the Tube or London buses with contactless payment or an Oyster card, especially if you are already staying in central London.
- How can I get to the London Eye using a contactless payment card?
You can use a contactless bank card or phone payment on London buses and the London Underground by simply tapping in at the station gates or on the bus reader, making it one of the easiest ways to reach the London Eye.
- What are the public transport options for the London Eye?
Visitors can reach the London Eye by Tube, train, bus, Uber, black cab or river cruise, with Waterloo and Westminster being the closest and most convenient stations for most families.
- Are there any discounted travel cards valid for reaching the London Eye by public transport?
Yes, visitors can save money by using an London Underground Oyster card, contactless daily fare caps or Travelcards, which help reduce the overall cost of getting to the London Eye and other London attractions.
- How do I get to the London Eye from King’s Cross?
From King’s Cross, the easiest route to the London Eye is usually taking the Tube to Waterloo Station, followed by a short walk to the attraction along the South Bank.
- What is the easiest way to get to the London Eye from Heathrow Airport?
The easiest way to reach the London Eye from Heathrow Airport is usually taking the Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express into central London, then changing to the Tube for Waterloo Station.
- Is there a direct underground line to the London Eye area?
There is no direct Tube stop called the London Eye, but Waterloo and Westminster stations are both just a short walk away and provide the easiest underground access to the area.
