Riding the SkyView Ferris Wheel in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you search for “Ferris wheel Atlanta,” you’re almost certainly looking for SkyView Atlanta — the giant observation wheel towering over Downtown and Centennial Olympic Park. It’s one of the city’s most visible attractions and a popular stop for both visitors and locals.

This guide walks you through where it is, how it works, what it costs, when to go, and how to fit it into your Atlanta plans.

Where Is the Ferris Wheel in Atlanta?

The main Ferris wheel in Atlanta is:

SkyView Atlanta
168 Luckie St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303

It sits directly across from Centennial Olympic Park, within easy walking distance of:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• CNN Center
• State Farm Arena
• College Football Hall of Fame

If you’re downtown for a game, a concert, or sightseeing, you’ll likely see the wheel lit up at night.

What Is SkyView Atlanta Like?

SkyView Atlanta is a giant observation wheel with enclosed, climate‑controlled gondolas. That’s important in Atlanta’s heat and humidity — you’re in a closed cabin with air-conditioning rather than an open fairground-style seat.

What you can expect

• Ride length: Typically about 4 full rotations, often around 10–15 minutes total.
• Cabins: Enclosed gondolas with bench seating and large windows.
• Height: Tall enough to get panoramic views of the Downtown skyline, Centennial Olympic Park, and, on clear days, out toward Midtown and beyond.
• Lighting: At night the wheel is illuminated with color-changing LED lights, which adds to the downtown skyline and makes it a good photo backdrop.

Tickets, Pricing, and Lines

Ticket details can change, but here’s how the experience usually works in Atlanta.

Types of tickets you’ll typically see

• Standard Ride Tickets

  • The most common option.
  • You share a gondola with other riders (unless it’s not busy).

• VIP / Private Gondola Options

  • Some packages offer a private cabin, often with special seating or glass features.
  • Usually costs more, but can be worth it for date nights, proposals, or small groups that want privacy.

• Children’s Pricing

  • Often available at a lower rate for younger riders.
  • Babies and toddlers may ride free or at reduced cost; it’s best to confirm current policies before you go.

• Group and Event Options

  • The wheel has been used for small events, photo shoots, and groups.
  • If you’re planning something special, call ahead to ask about reservations and group rates.

Since prices can change, it’s smart to check same-day prices at the ticket booth or by calling ahead before you head downtown, especially during major events.

Hours and Best Time to Ride

Hours can vary by season, holidays, and event schedules, but SkyView is generally open daily into the evening.

When locals and visitors like to go

• Daytime rides

  • Clearer views of downtown architecture and landmarks.
  • Often better for families with younger kids.
  • Midweek days tend to be less crowded.

• Sunset rides 🌇

  • Popular time, especially for photos.
  • Expect more of a line and consider arriving early.

• Nighttime rides 🌃

  • Downtown lights and the wheel’s own LED lighting make for dramatic views.
  • Good choice if you’re already downtown for dinner, a show, or a game.

If you’re visiting around major events (Hawks/Falcons games, big concerts, conventions, festivals in Centennial Olympic Park), be prepared for longer lines and heavier traffic.

Getting to the Atlanta Ferris Wheel

By MARTA (Public Transit)

SkyView Atlanta is very accessible by MARTA:

• Closest MARTA station:
  • GWCC/CNN Center (West), or
  • Peachtree Center (East) on the Red/Gold lines
• From either station, you’ll walk about 5–10 minutes.

This is usually the easiest way to visit if you’re staying near a MARTA line or want to avoid parking hassles downtown.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• Look for public parking garages and surface lots around:
  • Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
  • Marietta St NW
  • Baker St NW
• Prices will vary by time and event, and can spike during arena events or big festivals.

Parking is rarely free in this part of Atlanta, so plan for a paid lot or garage and give yourself extra time to park and walk.

What You’ll See From the Top

Views vary with the weather and time of day, but from the Ferris wheel you can typically spot:

• Centennial Olympic Park just across the street
• Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola to the north
• Downtown skyscrapers, including Peachtree Street high-rises
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena in the distance
• Midtown’s skyline on clear days

It’s a good “overview” of Atlanta if you’re new to the city and a fun way for locals to see familiar places from a new angle.

How Long to Plan for the Experience

The ride itself is usually around 10–15 minutes, but you’ll want to factor in:

• Ticket purchase time (if you don’t already have tickets)
• Waiting in line, which can range from a few minutes on slow days to 30 minutes or more at peak times
• Time to take photos before and after

Most people can comfortably fit the Ferris wheel into a 45–90 minute window, depending on how crowded it is.

Is the Ferris Wheel Kid-Friendly?

Yes, SkyView Atlanta is generally considered family-friendly:

• Enclosed gondolas feel more secure than open seats.
• AC/heat makes it more comfortable with kids in Georgia’s summer and winter weather.
• Short enough that younger children don’t usually get too restless, but still feels like an “event.”

If you’re visiting with a stroller, you may need to park it before boarding; staff on site can guide you on current policies.

What About Motion Sickness or Fear of Heights?

Everyone’s comfort level is different, but many Atlanta riders describe the wheel as:

• Smooth and slow-moving
• Not jerky like some fairground rides
• High enough to give a dramatic view, but not as intense as some extreme height attractions

If you or someone in your group is nervous about heights:

• Choose a daytime ride, which can feel less intimidating than nighttime.
• Sit on the side of the gondola facing inward initially.
• Let staff know if you’re anxious; they’re used to helping first-time or nervous riders.

Planning Your Visit Around Other Atlanta Attractions

Because of its central downtown location, the Ferris wheel is easy to combine with other stops.

Popular same‑day pairings

• Aquarium + Ferris wheel

  • Spend the morning at Georgia Aquarium, then walk over for an afternoon ride.

• World of Coca‑Cola + Centennial Olympic Park + SkyView

  • Do the museum, let kids play or relax in the park, then end with a ride.

• Game or concert + night ride

  • After a Hawks game, Falcons game, or concert at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, walk or rideshare to SkyView for nighttime city views.

If you’re local, it can also work as a short after-dinner activity downtown or a fun stop when hosting out-of-town guests.

Quick Reference: SkyView Atlanta at a Glance

Tips for a Smooth Ferris Wheel Experience in Atlanta

• Check same-day hours before you go, especially on holidays or bad-weather days.
• Avoid peak event times if you don’t like crowds (check sports and concert schedules).
• Bring a camera or fully charged phone — the skyline views are one of the main reasons people ride.
• Dress for walking — you’ll likely walk a few blocks from MARTA or parking.
• Plan for weather — the cabins are climate-controlled, but getting there might involve walking in Atlanta sun, rain, or humidity.

If “Ferris wheel Atlanta” is on your list, SkyView Atlanta is the attraction you’re looking for. With its central location, enclosed cabins, and skyline views, it fits easily into a downtown day trip or a quick outing for anyone living in or visiting Atlanta.