Seattle Great Wheel

The Basics

Located at 1301 Alaskan Way, at the end of Pier 57 on Seattle’s waterfront, the Seattle Great Wheel boasts 42 climate-controlled gondolas, each of which can carry up to eight passengers; a luxe VIP gondola with red leather seats and a glass floor seats four. During the summer, ride times are between 12 and 20 minutes due to the time needed to load and unload larger crowds; during winter, the ride usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

While the Ferris wheel offers wonderful views of Seattle, a Puget Sound sailing excursion provides unique views of the Great Wheel itself.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Children 2 years old and younger ride for free but still require a ticket.

• The ride is wheelchair-accessible; a lift and ramp allow wheelchairs to roll directly into the gondolas.

• The wheel will stop operating if winds reach sustained speeds of 55 mph (88.5 kph) or higher, or if there are lightning strikes within 1 mile (1.6 kilometers).

How to Get There

The Seattle Great Wheel is located at the end of Pier 57 on the waterfront, and within short walking distance from most of the city’s main attractions like Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Aquarium, and more. From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, it’s about 25 minutes’ drive. The nearest light-rail station, University Street Station-Bay A, is a few blocks away.

When to Get There

The Seattle Great Wheel operates year-round. Open hours are Monday through Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday 11am to 12am, Saturday 10am to 12am, and Sunday 10am to 10pm. In the fall, the wheel lights up on the evening of any University of Washington or Seattle Seahawks home football game; light shows also take place during other special occasions and holidays.

Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium, located on Pier 59 right next to the Seattle Great Wheel, features six major animal exhibits. Window on Washington Waters, for example, includes a 120,000-gallon tank that replicates the coastal waters of Washington state. The museum also has a gift shop and café.

How long is the ride around the Seattle Great Wheel?

Rides around the Seattle Great Wheel typically clock in at 10–20 minutes, but the timing depends on the crowds, the time of year, and the number of loaded gondolas. During summer, when there are larger crowds, rides last 12–20 minutes, while in winter, rides are slightly shorter, lasting 10–15 minutes.

How much does it cost to have dinner on the Great Wheel in Seattle?

The Seattle Great Wheel Private Dining experience costs US$152.50 without wine, which you can add. The 4-course dinner, courtesy of the Fisherman's Restaurant nearby, is designed for 2–4 people and features a set menu with prawn cocktails, a Caesar salad, grilled salmon, vegetables, and rice pilaf.

What time is the light show at the Seattle Great Wheel?

The light show at the Seattle Great Wheel typically starts at 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. During evenings in the middle of the week, the ring beam of the wheel becomes illuminated; on holidays, special occasions, and evenings when the University of Washington or Seattle Seahawks play, the light show plays.

Is the Seattle Great Wheel the tallest in the world?

No, the Seattle Great Wheel is not the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. Standing 175 feet (53 meters) over Elliott Bay, the wheel has been the tallest on the US West Coast since it opened in 2012. Yet it's shorter than the Myrtle Beach Skywheel in South Carolina and the London Eye.

How much does it cost to ride the Great Wheel in Seattle?

Tickets for the Seattle Great Wheel are US$18 for adults, US$16 for seniors, US$13 for youth 3–11 years old, and free for children two and under. Tickets for the private, glass-bottom VIP Gondola are US$50. All tickets are valid for one ride for one year from the date of purchase.

Is there free parking at the Seattle Great Wheel?

No, there isn't free parking at the Seattle Great Wheel. However, there is parking in the metered lots in front of the Ferris Wheel on Alaskan Way and the paid lots on Western Avenue—you can find additional parking in garages on Third Street, Stewart Street, and Seneca Street.

Ways to explore

The Seattle Great Wheel boasts 42 8-person gondolas, plus a 4-person VIP gondola. Rides last between 12 and 20 minutes, depending on the crowd size. If you want to ride the wheel, you can buy a general admission ticket online or at the ticket booth; tickets are good for one ride on any day or time for up to a year.

The landmark is also a stop on guided and self-guided Seattle walking tours. But to get the best view of the Great Wheel itself, book a Puget Sound cruise or sailing excursion to admire it from the water.

Accessibility

The Seattle Great Wheel is wheelchair accessible—there’s a lift and a ramp that allows wheelchairs to roll directly into the gondolas.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunglasses

What to wear

Dress for the weather, as you'll be waiting in line outdoors. Think sensible layers and comfortable walking shoes.

Not allowed

Food and drinks are not allowed.

Amenities

Air conditioning, photography for purchase, restrooms, light shows

Address 

The Seattle Great Wheel stands at the end of Pier 57 on Seattle's downtown waterfront along Elliott Bay. It’s easy to get there via car, bus, taxi, or on your own two feet.

Driving

Look for the metered lots directly across the street on Alaskan Way or paid lots along Western Avenue.

Public transportation

Several King County Metro bus routes stop within walking distance of Pier 57. The attraction is also easily accessible by walking from downtown Seattle—it's just a short stroll from Pike Place Market and other waterfront attractions.

Best times to visit

Come early to beat the crowds and enjoy beautiful morning light, but the city looks beautiful when the sun is setting, too, or at night when the wheel and the city are lit up.

Best days to visit

Weekdays typically see fewer visitors than weekends, meaning shorter queues and a more enjoyable experience with less crowded gondolas.

Best months to visit

Summer is the prime time to visit, offering pleasant weather and more sun, but fall and spring mean earlier nights for the wheel’s light shows.

Special events

The Great Wheel offers dining experiences in gondolas and glows with dedicated light shows on special occasions, like during Seattle Seahawks games and holidays.