Hotels near the O2 Arena

Coming for a show at the O2 Arena? Lucky you. From music concerts to grand-slam tennis tournaments, huge comedy gigs to exhibitions, this is one of the world’s busiest arenas – and one of London’s most iconic buildings. Whatever amazing event brings you here, booking one of our hotels near the O2 is easy and means you’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying yourself. With ten clean, comfortable hotels under five miles from the huge entertainment complex, the whole area is yours to explore once the show’s over, from Greenwich to the South Bank. 

What is the O2?
The O2 is a multi-purpose indoor arena hosting some of the biggest names in comedy, music, entertainment and sport. Surrounding the arena itself is an entertainment complex with a plethora of restaurants, bars and pubs as well as a cinema, bowling alley and a roof walk experience.

When did the O2 open?
The O2 opened in its current form in 2007; the arena was built under the former Millennium Dome. Construction started in 2003 and was completed in 2007. The original dome structure still stands over the arena and ‘the dome’ remains a common name for the venue despite its ongoing sponsorship by the telecommunications company O2. 

How big is the O2 and how many people does it hold?
Although overall capacity changes from event to event, the maximum number of people the arena can hold is 20,000. This makes the O2 one of the largest indoor seated entertainment venues in the UK. It is consistently one of the busiest music venues in the world.

Is the O2 Arena open air?
No, the arena itself is an indoor only venue with all events taking place under a roof.

Is the O2 Arena air conditioned and heated?
Yes, the O2 Arena is both air conditioned and heated.

What is the O2 priority lounge?
The O2 priority lounge is a private lounge giving you access to a priority area of the arena not open to the wider public. It contains bars and restaurants where you can purchase food and drink.

How do I get priority tickets for the O2?
Priority tickets for the O2 are exclusive and only available to O2 customers. The easiest way of obtaining priority tickets is to download the free app or text PRIORITY to 2020. From there, you can get priority tickets up to 48 hours before they go on general sale.
 

How do I get to the O2 Arena and what’s the closest tube station?
The O2 Arena is easy to get to on the tube. North Greenwich tube station on the Jubilee Line is the closest, just 20 minutes from Central London and is right on the doorstep of the O2. You can also access the arena by bus; the 108, 129, 132, 161, 188, 422, 472 or 486 all stop at North Greenwich station. The 108, 188 and 472 run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As it’s right on the River Thames and only 350m away from North Greenwich Pier, you can arrive by boat. Central London piers such as Embankment, London Eye and London Bridge all have departures to North Greenwich Pier every 20 minutes or so via the Thames Clippers RB1 service. Perfect if you’re planning to spend the day sightseeing and want to arrive in comfort and style!

There are 500 cycle racks in car parks 2, 3 and 4 by North Greenwich station so it’s easy to hop on a bike and use one of the clearly marked cycle routes that take you to the venue.

You can even arrive by cable car; reaching heights of 90 metres, London’s Emirates Air Line cable car offers some truly fantastic views across London and a journey takes just 10 minutes. It runs between the Royal Docks and the Greenwich Peninsula which is just by the O2 itself.   

Is the O2 Arena in the low emission zone? 
Yes, the O2 Arena is in the low emission (LEZ) charge zone. If you’re planning to drive to the O2 and would like to know if you’re going to be affected by LEZ charges then please read the latest information provided by Transport for London.
 

How early should I arrive at the O2?
Start times for events at the O2 vary and can change. Your event ticket should show you what time the doors open for the event you have booked so aim to arrive close to that time to give yourself plenty of time to access the venue, make your way through security checks and find your seat.

How long are concerts at the O2 and what time do they finish?
Duration of events at the O2 varies and exact timings are not usually available until close to the event itself. Events in the arena will always finish no later than 11pm Monday to Saturday and no later than 10.30pm on Sunday.

What are the best seats at the O2?
The seating layout can change depending on the event so this will vary. As it’s a large venue, the upper tier is higher up and further away from the action. If you want to be as close as possible to the action then try and book a ticket in one of the blocks closest to the stage.

What should I wear to a concert at the O2?
There is no formal dress code for concerts at the O2 although you are not permitted to wear motorcycle helmets, hoods, baseball caps or sunglasses (at night).

What should you bring to a concert at the O2?
The most important thing to bring to a concert at the O2 is your concert ticket! You’ll also want to bring money for food and drink. It’s best not to bring too much with you as only small bags (no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm) are permitted and food, drink and liquids are not allowed to be brought in with you.

Do they ask for ID at the O2?
Most events at the O2 will require you to present some form of ID. For some events you will need to present your ID and the payment card you booked your tickets with to guarantee entry. This is designed to prevent re-selling and touting of tickets. You may also need ID to prove your age. Your passport, driving license, citizens card or PASS card are acceptable forms of ID. They must be original rather than copies of your ID. 
 

Can you vape or drink in the O2 Arena?
E-cigarettes can be used anywhere in the O2 except the performance spaces, look out for the signs or ask a member of staff to check. You can drink in the O2 Arena but it has to be purchased inside the O2. Cans and glass bottles aren’t allowed into the arena seating area for safety reasons.

What are you allowed to take into the O2 Arena?
Only small bags (no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm) are allowed into the arena. If you have been shopping and have more or larger bags with you then there is a bag storage facility just outside the main entrance. 
 

How much does it cost to walk up the O2?
There are various days and times you can enjoy ‘Up at The O2 Climb’ and prices vary dependent on the day and time of day. Prices start at £30 per person.

Is climbing the O2 worth it?
Reviews are very positive! When you reach the summit, there is an observation platform offering unique and spectacular views of London. Well worth it even if you don’t particularly like climbing.

What should I wear to walk over the O2?
Climbing equipment is provided but the O2 recommends wearing comfortable clothes underneath your climb gear. You must wear socks and hats and gloves are strongly recommended for colder days.
 

Why is the O2 now the O3?
The O2 temporarily changed its name to the O3 to celebrate popular rapper Drake’s residency in 2019. The O3 is a very literal reference to the line in the Drake song ‘God’s Plan’, “turn the O2 into the O3”.

Who has sold out the O2 Arena?
The O2 has hosted some incredible names from the worlds of music, comedy and sport and plenty of them have sold out the arena entirely. Some notable show sell-outs include: 

• The Rolling Stones
• The Spice Girls
• Beyonce
• Gary Barlow
• Lewis Capaldi 
• Rihanna