The O2 Arena in London is a large, modern entertainment venue beneath the famous white dome on the Greenwich Peninsula. The structure was originally built as the Millennium Dome for the Millennium Experience, and The O2 opened as an entertainment destination in 2007. The main arena can hold up to 20,000 people, depending on the event configuration. It hosts major concerts, comedy, sporting events, awards shows, and corporate events, and has previously hosted events including ATP tennis and NBA games. If this is your first visit, knowing the size of the venue and its rules will help you have a smooth time. Before you leave home, check what you can and cannot bring. Planning for an O2 Arena storage point for any items that do not meet the rules can make your visit easier.
The O2 is not just an arena. It is an entertainment destination where you can spend a whole day. Its Entertainment District has more than 30 bars and restaurants, covering everything from quick snacks to sit-down meals. Outlet Shopping at The O2 has more than 60 fashion and lifestyle brands offering discounts throughout the year. There is also Cineworld, which The O2 describes as London’s largest cinema, as well as attractions such as Mamma Mia! The Party, Oxygen Activeplay, Activate, Hollywood Bowl, BOOM BATTLE BAR, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, and Clip 'n Climb. For thrill-seekers, you can try Up at The O2, a guided climb across the dome roof that reaches a viewing platform 52 metres above ground and offers panoramic views of London. With this mix of activities, a visit to The O2 can be more than just a show; it can be a full day out.
O2 Arena Bag Policy
Getting into The O2 is easier if you understand the arena’s bag rules. The O2 Arena bag policy is designed to improve safety and security at events. Searching is a condition of entry, and guests entering the arena pass through the venue’s security screening system. Bringing a compliant bag can therefore help avoid problems at the entrance.
Types of Bags Allowed
You are allowed to bring one bag per person, and it must be A4 size or smaller. The O2 also classes standard handbags as small bags. The official policy uses A4 size as its standard and does not publish a separate 20 cm depth allowance.
Small handbags and other bags that meet the venue’s rules can be admitted. However, backpacks are specifically listed as prohibited, so a small backpack should not automatically be assumed to be acceptable simply because it is smaller than A4.
There is no requirement to use a clear bag, and The O2 does not currently state that transparent bags receive faster screening. All permitted bags remain subject to the venue’s security procedures.
Tote bags purchased from The O2 arena’s official merchandise outlets are permitted and are subject to search.
Types of Bags Not Allowed
The O2 specifically prohibits backpacks, travel cases, laptop bags, camera bags, and large tote bags from the arena. Suitcases and other large travel luggage should therefore not be taken to the arena entrance with the expectation that they will be admitted.
The rule is based not only on size but also on bag type. This means that describing every bag below a particular set of dimensions as acceptable would be inaccurate.
If your bag does not comply with the policy, The O2 has an official storage option outside the arena, so you do not necessarily need to find an off-site service before arriving.
O2 Arena Lockers
The O2 does not operate ordinary self-service lockers for arena visitors, but it does provide an official large-bag storage facility just outside the main entrance.
The current price is £10 per bag. Bags are searched and screened before they are accepted. American Express Cardmembers can currently use a dedicated Amex lane for a complimentary bag drop for one eligible bag per card per event, subject to the applicable terms.
There is also a cloakroom at Entrance E for general-admission standing ticket holders only. This cloakroom is intended for coats and small bags that already comply with the arena’s bag policy. Current charges are £3 per coat and £5 per bag, payment is by card, and capacity is limited.
If you have been shopping at Outlet Shopping at The O2, there is also a separate Outlet Shopping Bag Drop at Guest Services on event nights. It is free but can only be used for items purchased from the outlet shops.
Because storage opening and closing arrangements can vary around events, check the current venue information before relying on a particular collection time.
O2 Arena Transportation
Getting to The O2 is easy thanks to its strong public transport links. The most direct option is the London Underground. North Greenwich station is next to The O2 and is served by the Jubilee Line. The O2 states that visitors can reach the venue from Central London in around 20 minutes. North Greenwich also has step-free access to all Underground platforms.
Buses are another useful option. The O2 currently lists routes 108, 129, 132, 161, 188, 422, and 486 as serving North Greenwich station. The 188 operates 24 hours and provides a connection with Central London via Waterloo. TfL may change routes and stopping arrangements, so checking the current journey planner before your visit is sensible.
For a scenic trip, consider Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. River Bus services stop at North Greenwich Pier, close to The O2. Current services connect North Greenwich with numerous London piers, including London Bridge, Tower, Embankment, Westminster, and London Eye, with boats operating throughout the day and into the evening.
Another option is the London Cable Car, which crosses the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks. A normal crossing takes around ten minutes and provides panoramic views over the Thames and surrounding parts of London.
O2 Arena Camera Policy
Photography rules at The O2 depend partly on the event. The venue’s terms allow camera, video, and sound recording equipment for personal use unless additional restrictions apply, while commercial recording requires express permission.
However, professional camera equipment with a detachable lens is prohibited under the general security rules. Recording equipment may also be prohibited, and current arena guidance specifically lists GoPros or similar devices, iPads, and selfie sticks among items that should not be brought into the arena.
There is no current general rule stating that every SLR or DSLR is prohibited regardless of its lens configuration, nor does the standard policy publish a universal maximum lens length. The important general restriction is on professional equipment with detachable lenses.
Artist or promoter requirements can impose stricter camera or phone rules for individual events, including phone-free events. Always check the specific event page before attending if you plan to bring anything beyond a mobile phone or simple personal camera.
O2 Arena Food Policy
The O2 generally does not allow outside food or drink into the arena. Food, alcoholic beverages, cans, glass bottles, and hard drinks bottles are among the items that can be refused at security.
However, there is an important exception for water containers: visitors are currently allowed to bring an empty crushable bottle through security. It must be empty when you enter, and the lid may be removed by staff. The bottle can then be filled with free tap water at arena bars or at the water refill stations around the venue.
Food or drink required on medical grounds or for infant children may be exempt from the standard ban. Current venue guidance also provides a process for guests who need food or drink for religious reasons. If you require an exemption, contact The O2 in advance and follow its current procedure rather than relying on ordinary outside-food rules.
For everyone else, the arena has numerous food and drink outlets, while the wider O2 complex has more than 30 bars and restaurants.
Other O2 Arena Rules & Information
One important rule is no re-admission after leaving the venue, except in limited circumstances at The O2’s discretion. This does not mean that you cannot leave the arena bowl to use toilets or buy refreshments on the concourse; those areas remain inside the venue. However, once you leave the ticketed venue itself, you should not assume that your ticket will allow you back in.
Age rules are more specific than a general 16+ or 18+ policy. Under The O2’s standard terms, children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, and children under 16 may only attend with seated tickets and cannot enter standing areas. Individual events can impose stricter age limits, so always check your event page. All children and infants generally require a ticket unless the event information specifically states otherwise.
The O2 operates a Challenge 25 policy when selling age-restricted products such as alcohol. If you look under 25, you may be asked to show valid photographic identification.
The O2 arena is cashless, so arena purchases are made using cards or other accepted cashless payment methods. This should not be confused with the entire O2 complex: restaurants and bars elsewhere in The O2 may accept cash unless the individual venue states otherwise.
Smoking is not permitted inside The O2. A smoking area is located outside the main entrance, but because there is no general re-admission after your arena ticket has been scanned, arena guests should not leave during the event expecting to return.
The rules for e-cigarettes are slightly different. Current venue terms state that electronic cigarettes may be used in communal areas but must not be used in the arena bowl or other prohibited areas. Some individual lounges and venues have stricter rules.
The venue also prohibits many potentially dangerous or disruptive items, including weapons, bladed or sharp articles, ammunition, explosives, horns, whistles, drums, fireworks, flagpoles, large inflatables, large umbrellas, laser pens, illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, confetti, glitter bombs, balloons, wheeled footwear, helmets, and full-face masks. Artist and promoter rules may add further restrictions.
Tips for Visitors
The most important tip is to check the official O2 website on the day of your event. General policies apply across many shows, but individual artists, promoters, and sporting events can introduce additional requirements. The event page provides current information such as door and show times and any event-specific restrictions. The O2 notes that exact timings may not be confirmed until the day of the event.
Travel light to make entry easier. Pack only the essentials and use one bag that complies with the A4-size policy. Remember that backpacks, travel cases, laptop bags, camera bags, and large tote bags are prohibited even if you think they are relatively compact. A clear bag is not required.
If you cannot travel light because you are coming from work, the airport, or a day of shopping, The O2 itself currently has a large-bag storage facility outside the main entrance for £10 per bag. If another storage location better suits your itinerary, you can also use Qeepl luggage storage services near The O2 Arena. Qeepl storage costs £3.69 per item per day, and luggage is protected by insurance coverage of £1,000. Book your storage before your event if you want to leave your luggage elsewhere in London.
A few more small tips: arrive early enough to complete security screening and avoid the busiest period at North Greenwich station. If you want a more relaxed departure, the wider O2 complex has restaurants and bars where you can spend time after many events. Keep suitable ID with you if you plan to buy alcohol. Charge your phone before arriving, particularly because event tickets are commonly accessed through The O2 venue app. Follow staff instructions during security checks and throughout the event.
FAQ
Are bags allowed in The O2?
Yes. One bag per person is allowed, provided it is A4 size or smaller, and standard handbags are also classed as small bags. However, backpacks, travel cases, laptop bags, camera bags, and large tote bags are specifically prohibited. The official policy does not give a general 21cm x 30cm x 20cm size limit.
Can you bring a water bottle into The O2?
You cannot normally bring a filled water bottle or other outside food and drink into The O2 Arena. However, you can bring an empty crushable bottle through security. It must be empty when you enter, and the lid may be removed. You can refill it for free inside at arena bars or water refill stations. Medical and infant-food exemptions may also apply.
What happens if my bag is too big for The O2?
If your bag does not comply with the arena’s policy, you can use The O2’s official large-bag storage facility just outside the main entrance, currently priced at £10 per bag. American Express Cardmembers may qualify for complimentary storage for one bag under the current Amex Bag Drop terms.
Do you have to bring clear bags to concerts?
No. Clear bags are not mandatory at The O2, and the venue does not currently state that using one speeds up security screening. Your bag must still comply with the A4-size and bag-type rules. A transparent backpack, for example, should not be assumed to be permitted because backpacks are specifically listed as prohibited.
What time do concerts finish at The O2?
Concert finishing times vary by event. The O2 currently says that most events usually finish between around 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM, but this is not guaranteed. Check the official event page and The O2 venue app on the day of your show for the latest timings.
