The Shard: Tickets and Tours

Elevate your London experience with The Shard tickets, unlocking breathtaking panoramic views from the city's tallest skyscraper. The View from The Shard offers a unique perspective from floors 68 through 72, where the capital stretches out beneath you. Secure your spot to witness the skyline transform at sunset, making for an unforgettable moment high above London.

Here's all you need to know about The Shard, one of the most famous attractions in London.

Prices for The Shard tickets

There are three ticket types available for the Shard:

• General entry: From £28.50 (US$36)
• All-inclusive entry: From £45 (US$57)
• Proposal package: From £799 (US$1,020)

General entry tickets allow access to both indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, as well as a digital photo package. The all-inclusive entry also includes a glass of Champagne and £10 credit for the Shard's retail store.

The proposal package provides a 30-minute exclusive hire of The View, which can be extended to an hour, set in a decorated private area with rose petals, candles, and a personalized soundtrack. The package includes a bouquet of flowers, two glasses of champagne, a luxury tote bag with additional champagne and chocolates, and the service of a dedicated proposal concierge.

Discounts

If you are looking to purchase tickets for the Shard, there are several city attraction passes (iVenture Card, the London City Pass) which offer discounts on admission to View from the Shard.

Advance online bookings often include additional discounts compared to purchasing tickets on the door.

Groups of 10 travelers or more are entitled to discounted prices.

Combined tickets and tours

The Shard plus London Walking Tours

Combine your visit to the Shard with a walking tour of Central London. These tours come with convenient entrance tickets and a fun, local guide who will show you the highlights of London.

Our pick: The Shard & Westminster Walking Tour

• Includes: Shard tickets, local guide, walking tour
• Price: £115 for adults, £70 for children (3-13)
• Duration: 4 hours

The Shard plus London Boat Cruise and Walking Tour

Enjoy three of London's top attractions seamlessly with a single combo package that covers a walking tour of Westminster, an admission ticket to The Shard, and a sightseeing river cruise along the Thames.

Our pick: Westminster Walking Tour, Thames Cruise & The Shard

• Includes: Westminster to London Bridge river cruise, Shard tickets, local guide, walking tour
• Price: £87 for adults, £39 for children (3-13)
• Duration: 6 hours

Booking in advance

Booking tickets for the Shard in advance is advisable because it guarantees entry on your preferred date and time, helping you avoid the disappointment of sold-out slots. Furthermore, pre-booking allows you to better plan your itinerary around the visit, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Highlights at the Shard

Designed by Renzo Piano, The Shard boasts the highest observation deck in London. The view from the Shard is simply mesmerizing.

You will enjoy unparalleled 360-degree views across London stretching for up to 40 miles around. Admire many historic landmarks from a bird’s-eye view, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London to name a few.

Don't forget your camera as you have the best backdrop to take the ultimate selfie. Whether you are a local or just visiting the capital, the stunning view from the Shard is one attraction not to be missed.

The Shard opening hours

The Shard is open all year round, excluding Dec. 24 to Dec. 26. Last entries are 1 hour before closing. The opening hours may vary depending on scheduled events, so consult the official website before visiting.

Summer opening hours:

• Daily from 10 AM – 10 PM

Winter opening hours:

• Friday and Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM
• Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM – 7 PM

Accessibility

The View from The Shard is fully accessible to wheelchair users from the first floor to the open-air Skydeck on Level 72, featuring accessible toilet facilities on Level 1 and Level 68. While the viewing platforms lack permanent seating, chairs are available upon request.

Directions to the Shard

The Shard is situated in Southwark, on the southern bank of the Thames, with the entrance located on Joiner Street.

• By underground: The closest tube station is London Bridge, accessible via the Northern and Jubilee lines.
• By bus: Multiple routes stop near London Bridge station, just a short walk from The Shard.
• By car: Parking is available on Kipling Street and Southwark Bridge Road nearby.

If the weather is sunny, consider strolling along the Thames' Southbank from Waterloo.

Best time to visit the Shard

The best time to visit the Shard is in the late afternoon or early evening. This allows you to experience both the daytime views and the stunning sunset over the city. However, to avoid larger crowds and for a more peaceful experience, consider visiting on a weekday.

Other attractions in London

• Harry Potter Studio
• London Eye
• Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace
• Hampton Court Palace
• Kew Gardens
• Kensington Palace
• O2 Climb
• London Dungeon

Travel tips

• If you wish to enjoy a drink while admiring the view, head to the Oblix bar on level 32. Ask for a table near the window and enjoy the views from above while sipping on a nice cocktail.
• Check out the Skypool. This is the highest hotel swimming pool in Europe. It is more a place to relax by day and party by night. Unfortunately, it is only open to hotel guests before 8 PM.
• Visiting the Shard during sunset is also a great option. You can get a great view of London as the lights begin to turn on. However, a trip at night isn’t always the best option because it will be more difficult to see the landmarks after dark.
• If you plan to visit one of the Shard's restaurants and bars, avoid wearing sportswear, shorts, or flip-flops. There is a smart-casual dress code.