Royal Opera House Theatre London | Theatres in London

Venue Information

Royal Opera House
Address: Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD
Nearest Underground or Train Station: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line), Leicester Square (Piccadilly line, Northern line)
Nearest Buses: 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 68, 76, 77a, 91, 168, 171, 176, 188, 501(southbound only), 505, 521, X68 all go to the Aldwych.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Royal Opera House?

Public transport is recommended to travel to the Royal Opera House. The nearest underground or train stations are Covent Garden (Piccadilly line), Leicester Square (Piccadilly line, Northern line). If arriving by bus, then the nearest bus lines are 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 68, 76, 77a, 91, 168, 171, 176, 188, 501(southbound only), 505, 521, X68 all go to the Aldwych.. If driving to the theatre, the nearest car parks are Q-ParkChinatown (more parking information). For directions to the Royal Opera House see our Google Maps directions or Apple Maps directions.

Is there a dress code at the Royal Opera House?

There is no specific dress code at the Royal Opera House, with most people just wearing their everyday clothes.

Does the Royal Opera House have air conditioning or air cooling?

Yes, the Royal Opera House has an Air Conditioning system.

What is the Accessibility at the Royal Opera House?

Royal Opera House accessibility information
Access phone number: 020 7304 4000
Access email address: boxofficeaccess@roh.org.uk
Accessible toilets situated: All levels
Number of Wheelchair spaces: Stalls, Circle x6 Grand Tier x4 Balcony x6 Amphitheatre x3
Sound amplification: Audio Loop & Sennheiser Transmitter
Access from street to foyer: Level access
Access from theatre foyer to seats (number = stairs): 9 to Orchestra Stalls, Step free access to all other levels
Level access: Yes
Stair lift, lift or ramp available: Lifts to all areas except Orchestra Stalls which is accessible via 9 steps

How many seats are in the Royal Opera House?

The Royal Opera House has 2268 seats.

Royal Opera House Facts

What date did the Royal Opera House open?

7 December 1732

Who designed the Royal Opera House?

James Shepherd

What was the first production at the Royal Opera House?

The Way of the World by William Congeve

Other Royal Opera House facts

The first theatre on this site was called the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden (opened 7 December 1732). It burnt down on 20 September 1808. The second theatre opened on 18 September 1809 designed by Robert Smirke with a production of Shakespeare's Macbeth. It was reconstructed and reopened on 6 April 1847 as the Royal Italian Opera House, but burnt down on 5 March 1856. The third and current theatre was designed by Sir Edward M. Barry and opened as the Royal Italian Opera House on 15 May 1858 with a production of Les Huguenots by Meyerbeer.