Joining the Wimbledon afternoon queue is the easiest way to get day-of Wimbledon tickets.
Even if you don’t like tennis ( I don’t — the numbers on the scoreboard kept changing and I had no idea what was happening) Wimbledon can still be really fun. Here’s everything a tennis newbie needs to know about making the most of it:
The Wimbledon Afternoon Queue: Your Best Bet for Wimbledon Tickets
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Bring Supplies for the Wimbledon Afternoon Queue
Before you know how to get into Wimbledon, you need to know what to do while waiting in the most organized queue in the world. I severely underestimated the Wimbledon Queue wait time (roughly 3 ½ hours on the day I went) and would’ve roasted if it wasn’t for the kind mother behind me. Seriously. Go moms.
To beat the Wimbledon Afternoon Queue, you’ll want to bring the following things:
- Sunscreen, so you don’t roast.
- Snacks and lots of water, so you don’t die of starvation or dehydration. You can bring outside food into Wimbledon Village, just not hard-sided containers, like picnic baskets, coolers, or flasks. Because of this, it’s a good idea to just bring plastic bags and throw them away as you consume their contents.

Some Pims and Wims.

Strawberries and Creme at Wimbledon (overpriced and just okay — but we couldn’t pass it up).
- A hat, so you look stylish AF and the top of your head doesn’t get sunburned. But a hat like this. Not like this.
- A sheet, if you don’t want to sit on the ground because chairs aren’t allowed inside Wimbledon Village, so there’s no use in bringing them.
To get Wimbledon Ground Passes, go to the tournament on a day with a “big match” in the morning.
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The hardcore tennis fans are going to be lined up well before opening (arriving prior to 6AM!) to get tickets for the big matches. Don’t stress; you’re not competing with them – you’re just at Wimbledon for the experience.
The best time to get to Wimbledon is mid-morning to early afternoon. This is because the Williams vs. Sharapova or Federer vs. Agassi matches will already be well underway. As soon as these high-profile matches are over, tennis super fans will leave Wimbledon Village in droves, selling back their tickets so they become available for you to purchase in the Wimbledon afternoon queue.
Take a Taxi from the Wimbledon Train Station to the Grounds
It doesn’t matter if you know how to get into Wimbledon if you aren’t there early enough.
The Wimbledon afternoon Queue fills up pretty quickly. The Wimbledon train station is within walking distance from the Wimbledon afternoon queue, but if you walk, you’ll lose 30 minutes and roughly 100-200 people could be in line ahead of you. Spring for the taxi. The 5 pounds is worth it.
Don’t get your hopes up. Wimbledon grounds tickets are not guaranteed.
There is a possibility that you will wait in the Wimbledon afternoon queue for hours on end and not get to see any tennis. Being prepared for this disappointment will help ease the pain if it’s truly the outcome. So make the most of your time in the queue. Take photos. Make friends. Your Wimbledon memories don’t actually need to contain small yellow balls.
As always, the Brits are hella organized. As such, you can view the Complete Guide to Queuing at Wimbledon here.
Some highlights of the complete guide to the Queue include the following things:
Wimbledon Queue Card Instructions
When you arrive at Wimbledon Tennis Village, proceed to entrance Gate 3 and look for the flag that marks the end of The Queue. You will then be given a Queue Card which is dated and numbered to avoid line jumping. Protect it with your life; if you lose it, you lose your place!
Left Luggage at Wimbledon Advice
The left luggage facilities at Wimbledon open at 5:30 AM and close one hour after the last match ends (usually right at dusk). Items cost £1 to deposit and the proceeds are donated towards improving Wimbledon Park. There is a bag size restriction of 60cm x 45cm x 25cm (aircraft cabin size), so don’t bring anything larger or you might have to part with it.
Wimbledon Order of Play
Who’s playing and when? The Complete Guide to Queuing at Wimbledon has most of what you need to know so you can decide which day you want to go.
So now you know how to conquer the Wimbledon afternoon queue, so go forth and get in! Also, if you see any celebrities, please take a selfie with them for my sake. Niall Horan has been seen at Wimbledon, as has Benedict Cumberbatch, and even Prince Harry and Megan. So go get ‘em!
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Emily’s all over the place. She’s an expert on working holidays, studying abroad, and turning your #GapYear into a #GapLife. Learn how here.