Taking a group trip to London is an exciting prospect, and few sights sum up visiting the capital like seeing iconic London landmarks from the London Eye. Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, the huge cantilevered London Eye has been offering incredible 360-degree views up to 40 kilometres away since 2000. Whether you’re arranging a school trip to London, taking a company away day, celebrating with your family or friends or visiting London with an overseas tour group, travelling around London with a big group can be stressful. Renting minibuses and coaches makes group travel in London easy.
If you’re hiring coaches for your group and want to know where to take them, the London Eye should be at the top of your list. On this blog, we provide everything you need to know about visiting the London Eye as a large group, including London Eye visitor information and transport tips to ensure you make the most of your visit to London.
Why Visit the London Eye with Your Group?
The London Eye is one of the UK’s most popular paid attractions, welcoming over 3 million visitors every year. Standing 135 metres (443 feet) high, the London Eye offers stunning views of London from 32 state-of-the-art air-conditioned capsules which hold up to 25 people each. The ride rotates once every 30 minutes giving you ample time to take in the views whilst moving at a slow enough speed that allows passengers to embark and disembark at ground level.
On a clear day you’ll see famous landmarks like Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge stretching out as far as the eye can see. During your ride, Windsor Castle can even be seen on the horizon 40km away! Interactive screens inside each capsule provide commentary in multiple languages which will be perfect for tourist groups and schools trips. Commentary is also a great way to break the ice for large groups, with the chances of spotting a landmark sparking conversations and photos you’ll remember for years to come.
Planning Your Visit: Essential London Eye Information
Address
The official address of the London Eye is Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB.
Getting to the London Eye: Coach versus Public Transport
The London Eye can be reached using London’s public transport network, but with the added difficulty of getting a large group and any luggage you may have to and from your selected mode of transport. Also, remember that when you arrive you may have to walk to your destination which could be difficult with a large group and lots of bags.
Tube/Underground
The closest station to London Eye is Waterloo, just a 5-minute walk away. Waterloo is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines. The main issue with visiting the London Eye using public transport is that popular tourist attractions in London are often very busy, meaning Waterloo Underground station can get extremely congested.
Train
The nearest train stations to London Eye are Waterloo and Charing Cross. As with the Tube these London train stations can get very busy, so keep your groups together if you choose this option. If your group is arriving from the other parts of the UK into Waterloo or Charing Cross train station, this may be a more convenient option.
Bus
There are lots of buses that stop close to London Eye. The bus routes that you can take are 1, 12, 59, 68, 76, 77, 139, 148, 159, 168, 176, 188, 211, 243, 381, 507 and 521. If your group is planning on travelling on public buses, you will struggle to get seats for the whole group.
Coach/Minibus
That’s where hiring a coach comes in. We can drop you off right beside the attraction in a coaches designated 15-minute loading area. Everyone stays together on the coach with all of your luggage and your driver will navigate to your destination, meaning you don’t have to worry about timings or parking.
Ticket Types
- Standard Ticket – Adults and children must book timed entry tickets online (£29) or pay £39 on the day.
- Fast Track Ticket – If you’re short on time, London Eye offer tickets that allow you to skip the main queue and board with priority access (£44 online, £54 on the day).
- Flexi Fast Track Ticket – For maximum flexibility London Eye offer priority tickets that allow you to visit any time on the date you’ve chosen (£49 online, £59 on the day).
London Eye Tips: Best Time to Visit
Although you can visit London Eye any time of the year, we recommend visiting between 10-11am or after 4pm to avoid the crowds. If you time your visit with sunset, you’ll be treated to a London Eye at sunset which is ideal for photographs. Sunset times do tend to book up quickly during spring and autumn, however.
Weekday mornings are often the best times to visit for school groups and company groups. Summer is the busiest time to visit London but do note that it is also London’s nicest weather. Winter is not only less busy, but London will be decorated for Christmas.
Guidelines for Hiring Minibus & Coach Service Groups for London Eye
Need somewhere for your large party to sit together while travelling to/from the London Eye? Want a driver to take the stress out of navigating to/from London Eye? Read this:
Keep your party together
When you hire a professional coach or minibus hire service your group travels together. Everyone gets picked up together, you won’t lose anyone at Waterloo Station or on a busy London pavement. No-one gets lost so no time wasted and your driver will know where to go so group leaders can concentrate on their group.
Comfort and Accessibility
All the seats face forwards with air-con and comfy seats. Doesn’t matter if your group includes older members of the family, small children or less able travellers. If you have anyone in your group who finds London public transport challenging then hire a coach or minibus – you’ll have complete control of the transport and your group.
Economical
If you look at individual tube tickets, missing group members booking taxis to catch up and the value of time not waiting around then professional coaches and minibuses can work out cheaper than public transport, particularly for groups of 10+. Transparent pricing too – no amendment fees or hidden extras.
Drivers who know London
Professional coach services employ experienced, professional drivers who are knowledgeable about the Capital and can recommend ideal London Eye drop off points. Time their arrival to avoid traffic and find them telling you about interesting London attractions. Many have a number of packages that include London Eye and other popular London attractions such as Sea Life London Aquarium, London Dungeon or South Bank attractions, they’ll be able to advise.
Less Worry
If your group leader has done all the organising then they probably don’t want to think about where to drop everyone off near the London Eye, road closures or parking (remember London is in a Congestion Charge Zone), they want to sit back and enjoy their party. Professional transport services take the stress out of group travel.
The Professional Advantage: What to Look for in Group Transport
Flexible Vehicle Hire
Can cater for groups of 8+ with minibuses to large groups of 70+ with coach hires. Keep everyone together in one vehicle with comfortable seats and all vehicles are regularly serviced.
Professional Drivers
Drivers are DBS checked, qualified, knowledgeable about the routes they are driving and trained to deliver excellent customer service. Drivers understand the importance of safety, timekeeping and treating passengers with respect.
Fair Pricing
Good companies will quote you a price that won’t change. No nasty surprises with hidden amendment fees. Ask for a quote that breaks down the cost of your journey by route, passenger numbers and how long you require the vehicle for.
Nationwide Service
Look for companies based in London that cover the whole of the UK. That way whether you are visiting the London Eye from Heathrow Airport, staying at a hotel in London or travelling around the UK for business or leisure you can use their services.
Easy to Book
Ensure your booked online in minutes. Look for services that allow you to check availability, tailor your minibus or coach hire to your needs and book hassle-free. Also look for services that have no amendment fee’s should your travel plans change.
Tips to Enhance Your Party’s Experience at London Eye
Match travel time to your ticket time: When you book your tickets for the London Eye, pick a time that matches your pickup time. It sounds obvious but allow extra time just in case of delays – you don’t want your group waiting at London Eye for your coach!
Book Transport and Tickets in Tandem
You’ll need a ticket for each person in your party. Don’t queue at the ticket office – buy your tickets online in advance and print them out or show them on your phone.
Designate a Group Leader
Too much choice is confusing. If your group have lots of parents, supervisors and leaders have one main point of contact for the coach driver and ticket collection.
Prepare for Security
Make sure everyone in your group knows they’ll be searched on entry to the attraction. Empty pockets and no liquids will ensure you get through security and on board the London Eye fast.
Leverage Capsule Space
London Eye’s capsules will comfortably seat 25 people. If you have a bigger group you can hire more than one capsule, simply ask an attendant on arrival.
Take pictures!
Fun fact, you’ll stay in the same capsule for approximately 30 minutes and it rotates very slowly. Perfect for group pictures against the London skyline.
Plan Post-Visit Activities
There’s loads to see and do on London’s South Bank. Grab something to eat (there’s loads of restaurants on the South Bank too), watch the street artists and explore Southbank centre. Arranges for your driver to meet you at a set time or use the car parks nearby and they can drop you back at London Eye.
Consider Weather Contingencies
Capsules have glass roofs and are air-conditioned so your party will stay dry on the London Eye. However the queues are outdoors. Check the weather forecast before you leave and bring umbrellas if needed.
Accessibility Support
The London Eye is fully wheelchair accessible with staff on hand to help you board the pod. Make sure to let your coach or minibus service know as well as London Eye.
Conclusion: Group Travel to the London Eye with Minibus & Coach Hire
Heading to the London Eye? If your group trip is about enjoying incredible views, memorable photo ops and having fun with friends and family, then a professionally managed transport service can keep things running smoothly from start to finish.
Whether your group is boarding at your accommodation hotel or meeting outside of the tube station, quality transport partners prioritise comfort, expertise and convenience when serving schools, businesses, families and tour operators across London. Need help planning your group travel to the London Eye? Get started by browsing fleet options and requesting your quote today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far in advance do I need to book minibus hire for my London Eye group trip?
Book your transport 2–4 weeks in advance if possible. During peak season (summer months, school holidays, Christmas), we recommend booking drivers and vehicles 6–8 weeks ahead. While we always do our best to accommodate those last-minute travel plans, we can’t promise availability on particularly busy travel dates.
2. Will coach hire companies help me book London Eye tickets as well?
Transport specialists typically operate exclusively within their sector. However, many have partnerships with trusted ticket sellers and will happily refer you or liaise on your behalf. To guarantee London Eye ticket affordability, we always advise visiting the official website or an authorised ticket reseller.
3. Where will my coach drop/pick up my group near the London Eye?
Our drivers have specific loading points on Westminster Bridge Road. These are roughly a 2–3 minute walk from the London Eye. Drivers will confirm your group’s meeting point when booking and send directions to your group, so they know where to go.
4. What if we’re late coming back from the London Eye and my tour takes longer than expected?
All quotes include a set travel duration agreed upon when booking. Although your driver will be more than happy to wait for you, any additional time spent at your destination will be charged at the vehicles’ hourly rate.
5. Will the coach driver wait for us at the London Eye?
Of course! While some groups choose to meet at a set point near the attraction, many enjoy not having to worry about transportation while they’re visiting popular destinations. Just make sure to include “waiting time” on your quote request so drivers know to add on waiting charges when sending your group an accurate price.
6. What if someone in our group uses a wheelchair?
Companies that offer wheelchair-accessible coaches will always do their utmost to support your group’s needs. Make your accessibility requirements known at the time of booking and drivers will arrive with the appropriate vehicle and equipment.
7. Do coaches travel in London’s Congestion Charge Zone and ULEZ zone?
All of our trusted coach operators maintain vehicles that exceed the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards. Most companies factor the congestion charge fee into your quote if you’re travelling within the zone.
8. Will the coach driver take us to other attractions in London before/after the London Eye?
Yes! All routes are customizable when you work with professional transport providers. Additions to your itinerary can be reviewed and confirmed by your transport operator when booking so your group can transition between activities without the stress of mapping out travel logistics.
9. My flight or train may be delayed. What happens if we miss our pickup time?
Operators who offer transport to and from airports and train stations monitor these locations for delays when possible. If your group is delayed, contact your transport operator as soon as you know you’ll be late and they’ll try their best to accommodate your group. For international arrivals, we utilise flight-tracking software to drastically reduce your waiting time.
