The Shard Tickets

Figuring out the best time for a Shard trip depends on your preference.  If you prefer to climb The Shard during the best weather, then you should book your Shard tickets for the summer.  You are far more likely to enjoy a clear, sunny day from the top of The Shard.  Arriving during the winter pretty much guarantees that you’ll have to bundle up and brave the elements.  However, winter draws the least amount of tourism in London, so you just might have the whole place to yourself.  The shoulder seasons bring unpredictable weather and mild to moderate tourism.  Bring an umbrella in case of sudden showers.   Finally, regardless of the time of year, the hours just before sunset are always the busiest at The Shard.  If you don’t mind jockeying for position, then the view of the sun setting over west London is definitely worth it, provided that visibility is good on the day you visit.

Getting to The Shard is pretty simple.  If you plan on using the Tube, then you should take either the Northern Line or the Jubilee Line to London Bridge Underground Station.  Then, all you have to do is exit the Tube and follow the ubiquitous signs for The Shard and/or Joiner Street.  Those visitors using the train should take either the Southern or South Eastern train to London Bridge Station.  After you exit, simply take the escalator down to Joiner Street and the entrance for The View from the Shard is right there in front of you.  If you prefer to ride the bus, you will need to take Bus Nos. 43, 48, 141, 149, or 521 to London Bridge Station and then walk a short distance to The Shard.  Taxis are always an option; but, you should keep in mind that taxis represent the most expensive mode of transportation for visitors on a Shard trip.

On a tight budget?  That’s alright!  If you’re planning a comprehensive London vacation, consider picking up the London i-Venture Card, which provides free access to The Shard and many other London attractions.  Smart!

Quick Trivia – Amaze your friends with these The Shard fun facts!

• The Shard is a rather environmentally friendly structure.  Over 95% of the building materials used to construct The Shard were recycled for this monumental project.
• Surprisingly, The Shard stands as the tallest building in all of Europe, excluding Russia, at 1,016 feet!
• Each of the 11,000 panes of glass form individual shards that incline slightly inward.
• None of the 4 corners of The Shard actually meet.  This allows the building to breathe, as intended.