Ferris wheels have been popular since George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., a 33-year-old engineer, designed one for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. More than a century later, we still love them for the same reasons they blew minds back then: Ferris wheels are feats of engineering that offer stunning views and manageable thrills. Modern engineers have expanded on Ferris’s idea by creating larger, yet more intimate, family-friendly vessels for experiencing the world from above. If you love heights, it’s worth a visit to one of the biggest Ferris wheels in the world. We’ve ranked them below, from huge to absolutely massive, so all you need to focus on is buying a ticket.
The 15 Biggest Ferris Wheels in the World, Ranked from Huge to Absolutely Massive
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Published Feb 1, 2023
How Big Are the Biggest Ferris Wheels un The World?
For reference, Ferris’s 1893 original was 250 feet in diameter. It had 36 cars that each held 60 people. That’s a lot of people! It took 20 minutes to make a full rotation and cost just 50 cents to ride. The largest Ferris wheel today is The Dubai Eye and clocks in at 850 feet in diameter—more than three times the size of 1893’s version. Though The Dubai Eye has more cabins, each only holds 40 people. Some on our list only hold six in each car.
You’ll note that the larger the wheel, the longer the ride. Ferris wheels (or observation wheels, as they are sometimes called) don’t whip around. They move slowly so you can take it all in. Kids with fears of heights may not enjoy these experiences, even though every wheel on our list has cabins or enclosed gondolas (these aren’t chair lifts at a local ski resort!).
When Is the Best Time to Go on a Ferris Wheel?
The most enticing aspect of a trip around a Ferris wheel has to be the view. If you can’t see anything, what’s the point (in our opinion)? This is why we advise checking the weather before heading out to your wheel of choice.
Most of the wheels on our list will close if the wind is too intense to allow for safe riding conditions. So, take a look at the forecast in the area to anticipate windy or blustery days. You’ll also want to look out for foggy or rainy conditions. The London Eye might still be a rewarding experience if it’s drizzling, but if thick fog diminishes visibility to a few feet, you’ll be slowly moving through a cloud for 30 minutes. Not a good photo-op, but relaxing if you’re into it!
Finally, some wheels are better experienced during the day, while others are better at night. Daytime (on clear, still days) is ideal for Ferris wheels in large cities or with mountain ranges in the distance. Point out landmarks or see what an intricate city (like London) looks like from above. Snap a shot of Mount Fuji from the Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel in Tokyo.
On the other hand, wheels like the High Roller Observation Wheel in Las Vegas may be a good idea after dusk. You can see wild, neon city lights for miles! Many ferris wheels are also equipped with thousands of LED lights, so even walking by at night can provide some entertainment.
15. Sun Wheel (Da Nang, Vietnam)
- Size: 377 ft. (115 m)
- Admission: $13/person over 4 ft. tall, $9/person under 4 ft. tall, Free for kids under 3 ft. tall
- Reservations: No
- ADA Accessible: N/A
As part of Sun World Asia Park in Da Nang, Vietnam, the Sun Wheel offers spectacular views of the Han River and the open sea. Each of the 64 cabins fits six people. Like many of the Ferris wheels on our list, the Sun Wheel is covered in thousands of LED lights that offer up a terrific show at night. (Plus, a nighttime ride boasts spectacular views of the city all lit up.) Though the ride is only 15 minutes, you can check riding the largest Ferris wheel in Vietnam off your bucket list.
14. Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel (Tokyo, Japan)
- Size: 384 ft. (117 m)
- Admission: $7/person, $3/seniors over 70, Free for kids under 3
- Reservations: No
- ADA Accessible: Yes, reduced price of $3/person but must be purchased in person
On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji from the Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel, an attraction that lights up at night to create diamond and flower shapes in neon colors. Other views include the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo Tower and the Boso Peninsula. After the Sky Dream Fukuoka closed in 2009, the Diamond and Flower became Japan’s second largest Ferris wheel (first is the Redhorse Osaka). Located in a park with various activities for young kids, this is a great excursion for a small group (and you get discounted tickets if you visit the aquarium!). The 68 cars each hold up to six people.
13. Tianjin Eye (Tianjin, Hebei District, China)
- Size: 394 ft. (120 m)
- Admission: $10/adults, $5/kids, $60 for private car
- Reservations: No
- ADA Accessible: N/A
Formally known as Yongle Bridge Tianjin Eye because it sits on the Yongle Bridge over the Hai River, the Tianjin Eye is recognizable by the tri-pod-like structure holding it up. Watch cars speed along the bridge below you as you travel around the wheel (each trip takes about 20 minutes). There are 48 cars that each hold up to eight people.
12. Changsha Ferris Wheel (Changsha, Hunan, China)
- Size: 394 ft. (120 m)
- Admission: $8/person
- Reservations: No
- ADA Accessible: N/A
The Changsha Ferris Wheel is a 394-foot Ferris wheel located in Changsha, a nature-rich area also known for its Hunan Forest Botanical Garden and scenic Mt. Yuelu. Choose from 48 cabins to take in the sights of the surrounding city. Trip Advisor visitors note how cool it is that this giant attraction is nestled right into the city, almost as part of the surrounding cityscape. Lights at night make it a fun spot in the evening.
11. The Wheel at ICON Park (Orlando, Florida)
- Size: 400 ft. (122 m)
- Admission: $28/person (or $65/person for access to The Wheel and six other attractions)
- Reservations: Available
- ADA Accessible: Yes, for wheelchairs less than 30 inches wide
As if Orlando didn’t already offer some of the most exciting attractions, they decided to toss a 400-foot ferris wheel into the mix. The Wheel at ICON Park has 30 cars, each with a 15-person capacity. The ride lasts 18 minutes and displays light shows at night. When you’re done taking in the views, you can visit other spaces at ICON like the Sealife Orlando Aquarium, the Museum of Illusions, a gaming center and Madame Tussauds.
10. Redhorse Osaka Wheel (Suita, Japan)
- Size: 404 ft. (123 m)
- Admission: $8/person, Free for kids under 3
- Reservations: Available
- ADA Accessible: Yes, reduced price of $4/person but must be purchased in person
The Redhorse Osaka Wheel is not for the faint of heart. Every single one of its 72 cars has a glass bottom, transparent floor. You’re gonna feel like you’re floating. As the tallest Ferris wheel in Japan, the Redhorse Osaka is a huge hit with all ages, especially when it lights up at night. The views are panoramic with mountains in the distance. If you’re a fan of mysteries or escape rooms, we recommend participating in Experience 2.0, during which you need to solve a mystery through codes provided to you during the 18-minute round-trip.
9. Lihpao Sky Dream (Taiwan)
- Size: 413 ft. (126 m)
- Admission: $10/adults 12+, $7/kids under 12, Free for kids under 3
- Reservations: Available
- ADA Accessible: N/A
This may be the only Ferris wheel on our list that has lived in two different places! The Sky Dream initially opened in Japan back in 2001. After ten years, it was moved to Taiwan where it reopened in 2017. Hop aboard one of the 60 cars (each holds eight people) and take in the views of the entire Lihpao Resort Park and distant mountains. A nearby amusement park, racing track, outlet mall and escape room experience provide plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
8. Bay Glory (Shenzhen, China)
- Size: 420 ft. (128 m)
- Admission: $22/person on weekdays, $27/person on weekends, Free for kids under 3 ft. (1 m)
- Reservations: Available
- ADA Accessible: Yes
Since opening in 2021, the Bay Glory in Shenzhen has not disappointed. Folks come to Bao’an Binhai Cultural Park for the green space and walkways amidst bustling Shenzhen. Hopping on the Bay Glory means stunning views of Qianhai Bay and the skyline. All of the 28 cars on the ferris wheel hold up to 25 passengers. It’s possible visitors must buy tickets in advance using WeChat, so double check offerings before heading to the park.
7. The London Eye (London, England)
- Size: 443 ft. (135 m)
- Admission: $40/adult, $37/kids, Free for kids under 3
- Reservations: Recommended
- ADA Accessible: Yes
Situated on the Thames River with 360-degree views of London is The London Eye. Since opening in 2000, it’s become a staple and must-visit attraction in the UK (aka get tickets beforehand because there will be a line—plus you get 10 percent off when booking in advance). Each of the 32 cabins holds up to 25 people. The full trip ‘round The Eye is 30 minutes and private bookings are available. Get ready to take in the view of Parliament, Whitehall Court, Embankment Station and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
6. Moscow Sun Ferris Wheel (Moscow, Russia)
- Size: 459 ft. (140 m)
- Admission: $17/person on weekdays, $20/person on weekends, Free for kids under 3
- Reservations: Available
- ADA Accessible: N/A
Say hello to Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, the Moscow Sun! If you’re feeling bold, hop into one of their glass-floored cabins (there are five among the 30). Rent out a cabin for up to 15 people for a party if you want to blow your guests away. The trip time is about 20 minutes and views include the Moscow City District and the Kremlin Spasskaya Tower. The Moscow Sun opened in September 2022 and is located near the VDNK, or the Exhibition of the Achievements of the National Economy, a park full of historical Russian architecture, landmarks and restaurants.
5. Bailang River Bridge Ferris Wheel (Weifang, Shandong, China)
- Size: 475 ft. (145 m)
- Admission: $10/adults, $7/students
- Reservations: No
- ADA Accessible: N/A
Unlike the other Ferris wheels on our list, the Bailang River Bridge Ferris Wheel doesn’t have any spokes! It’s basically a large circle with 36 cars around the perimeter (which is how it got its nickname, the Dragon’s Spine). It’s also known as the Eye of the Bohai Sea, as it overlooks a river leading into the Bohai Sea. Each gondola holds ten people. The gondolas rotate around the wheel, rather than the wheel moving on spokes. This is another one we recommend visiting at night, as the lights on the wheel itself are stunning (and the daytime views are picturesque but not mind-blowing). The trip lasts about 30 minutes.
Saganaga, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
4. The Star of Nanchang (Jiangxi, China)
- Size: 525 ft. (160 m)
- Admission: ~ $10/person
- Reservations: No
- ADA Accessible: N/A
Located in an amusement park in the capital city of the Jiangxi Province, the Star of Nanchang has 60 gondolas, each with a capacity of eight people. So, a much smaller cabin experience than the largest wheels on our list. It takes 30 minutes to complete a full rotation, during which passengers can expect wide views of the Nanchang skyline and the Gan Jiang River. Reviewers on Trip Advisor recommend heading there at night, when the entire wheel lights up in an LED show!
Note: As of publication, the Star of Nanchang may be closed.
3. The Singapore Flyer (Singapore)
- Size: 541 ft. (165 m)
- Admission: From $30/adult, $20/kids, Free for kids under 3
- Reservations: Available, not necessary
- ADA Accessible: Yes (call ahead with groups of up to 5 wheelchairs to ensure capsules are ready)
The Singapore Flyer looks out over the city’s east coast onto Marina Bay, several Malaysian and Indonesian islands, and west onto the city’s financial district and the National Stadium. Hop into a capsule that fits up to 28 people (or book a private cabin) and settle in for a half hour of air-conditioned sight-seeing. Fun fact: The Singapore Flyer rotates in towards the financial district because it is the more balanced, feng shui-friendly direction.
2. High Roller Observation Wheel (Las Vegas, NV)
- Size: 550 ft. (168 m)
- Admission: $24/adult, $9/kids (daytime); $35/adult, $18/kids (nighttime); Free for kids under 3
- Reservations: Available, not necessary
- ADA Accessible: Yes
Notice right away how much smaller the world’s second largest ferris wheel is compared to the largest (a full 270 feet shorter), which shows you how crazy tall that Dubai Eye is. Still, the High Roller at The Linq Hotel on the Las Vegas strip is 550 feet of adventure, offers 360-degree views of the city and is the largest ferris wheel in North America. Each of the 28 cabins fits up to 40 people. What we love most is their family-friendly S.T.E.M. Family Field Trip Guide! It’s a self-guided curriculum that can make the 30-minute rotation even more entertaining (as long as you and your kids find tech, geography and design entertaining, which we do).
1. The Dubai Eye (Dubai, UAE)
- Size: 820 ft. (250 m)
- Admission: $35/adult, $28/kids (daytime); $49/adult, $40/kids (nighttime)
- Reservations: Highly recommended
- ADA Accessible: Yes
The Dubai Eye is the world’s largest Ferris wheel. It opened in 2021 on tiny Bluewaters Island in the Arabian Gulf. If conditions are right, expect spectacular views of the Dubai Marina and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The Dubai Eye can hold up to 1,750 passengers total, and up to 40 in each cabin. You can choose from shared observation cabins, book a cabin for a group or even choose a cabin with a private bar. A single rotation lasts 38 minutes. Ticket prices go up when the sun goes down and private group reservations cost more (around $54/adult for drinks packages and from $422 for private events).
Note: The Dubai Eye is temporarily closed for improvements.
