Royal Observatory Greenwich: Tickets and Tours

Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets are your passport to another world, where comets and constellations illuminate the dark skies.

The London Planetarium brings the solar system to life, while in the observatory rooms, you can see where the great astronomers made their discoveries.

Stand on the famous Prime Meridian Line and admire the Harrison clocks that changed marine timekeeping forever. Famous telescopes and eye-catching architecture add a little extra polish to your Royal Observatory Greenwich visit.

Here's your guide to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, one of the most famous museums in London.

How much do Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets cost?

The Royal Observatory Greenwich entrance fee differs according to visitor age. It’s best to buy your tickets online because you’ll need to choose a time slot for the day of your visit. Prices are as follows:

Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

Tickets for the Royal Observatory in Greenwich give access to the Prime Meridian Line and the observatory rooms. Planetarium entry costs extra, as detailed below.

• Adult (25+ years): £18
• Student and visitors under 25 years: £12
• Child (4 – 15 years): £9
• Child (under 4 years): Free

An audio guide is also included in the Royal Observatory Greenwich rate.

London Planetarium show tickets

The Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets price does not include entry to the Planetarium. If you wish to see a show, you will need to purchase a separate Planetarium ticket. There are several different shows to choose from, and all are the same price.

• Adult (25+ years): £10
• Student and visitors under 25 years: £6.50
• Child (1 – 15 years): £5

Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass

If you want to visit multiple attractions in Greenwich, it’s worth buying the Day Pass. This gives you access to the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark plus the National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House.

• Adult (25+ years): £25
• Student and visitors under 25 years: £16
• Child (4 – 15 years): £12.50
• Child (under 4 years): Free

Who can receive discounted tickets?

Students are offered a discount of £6 on the adult Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets. Valid ID must be presented at the entry gate.

Persons with disabilities are charged at the full adult or child rate but may take a companion along for free. Key Workers holding a Blue Light card are also entitled to free entry.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including the Royal Observatory Greenwich and other London attractions?

Combination tickets are a great way to save time and money if you know you’ll want to visit multiple attractions during your stay.

Tickets for the Royal Observatory in Greenwich often come paired with entry into other local museums for the ultimate day out.

Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets plus the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum

This day pass is a cost-effective way to explore the best that Greenwich has to offer. You’ll begin with a visit to the Royal Observatory where you’ll see the Prime Meridian Line and the famous Octagon Room.

After exploring the highlights of the observatory it’s time to climb on board the Cutty Sark to check out London’s iconic tea clipper sailing ship. You can take the wheel and soak up the views of the Thames River while learning about life on the high seas.

These combination tickets for the Royal Observatory also include entry to the National Maritime Museum which entertains with stories of historic exploration and endeavor.

You can also pop into the 17th-century Queen’s House which was designed by the famous architect Inigo Jones. Today it’s home to a world-renowned art exhibition.

Should you book Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets in advance?

It’s always best to book Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets and Planetarium tickets well ahead of your visit, to ensure you secure your preferred date.

It’s one of London’s most popular tourist attractions, which means tickets could sell out during the peak summer season.

Booking online also means you’ll be able to select the time slot that best fits in with your other plans. By arranging tickets ahead, you can scout out the cheapest deals too.

What will you see inside the Royal Observatory Greenwich?

Greenwich Meridian Line

Your first point of call on your visit to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich should be the Prime Meridian Line. This is the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), where you can stand in both the east and the west at once. Just place your feet on either side of the line!

Octagon Room

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Octagon Room is an architectural marvel. Commissioned by King Charles II, it is the oldest part of the observatory. Entry is included in your Royal Observatory Greenwich ticket.

The eight-sided room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that were used by astronomers to view the night sky without interruptions. You’ll also see historical clocks and telescopes that played key roles in advancing our knowledge of the night sky.

London Planetarium

Journey into space with a Planetarium show and discover far-flung galaxies and distant planets. The experiences are led by a professional astronomer who will give an in-depth insight into the sky at night.

The shows are family friendly and are a great opportunity for children to learn about outer space. Visitors will discover the secrets of everything from constellations to meteor showers.

How to get to the Royal Observatory Greenwich?

The observatory is located in Greenwich Royal Park, just a short distance outside the center of London. It’s easy to reach on public transport.

You can jump on the London Underground at Bank, Tower Gateway or Stratford. From there you can use the Docklands Light Railway to take you to the Cutty Sark Station. It’s then a short walk to the museum.

Direct trains also run from Cannon Street and London Bridge to Greenwich and nearby Maze Hill. A more scenic route would be to use the iconic Thames Clippers and get off at Greenwich Pier.

When is the best time to visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich?

Royal Observatory Greenwich entry is daily between 10 AM and 5 PM. The last entry is at 4:15 PM. Allow a couple of hours for your visit, especially if you are taking in a show at the Planetarium.

To avoid the crowds, book a time slot just after the museum opens, or later in the afternoon when things have quietened down. Weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends too.

Which other museums can be visited in London?

• British Museum
• Madame Tussauds
• Queens Gallery
• London Transport Museum
• Natural History Museum
• Museum of Brands
• Tate Modern
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Maritime Museum
• National Maritime Museum

Know before you go

• If you have booked a Planetarium show you will need to arrive 15 minutes before the start time. Latecomers will not be admitted to the auditorium.
• Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets should be booked online to guarantee your preferred time slot and date.
• Don’t forget to take your ID if you are entitled to a discounted ticket.
• There are no cloakroom facilities at the Royal Observatory so leave large bags at your hotel.
• Make the most of your day out by purchasing a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass which gives access to multiple attractions.