Why won’t anyone give me a Ferris wheel price online?

Because the price depends on your date, location, site and hours. Most operators quote after hearing those details, so have them ready and you will get quotes faster.

Does the size of the wheel change the price?

It can, because a larger wheel takes more to transport, set up and staff. Ask each operator to quote the wheel that suits your space and your guests, and compare like with like.

Does Carnival Ride Rental set the price?

No. Operators set their own prices and quote you directly. We charge a one-time Event Access fee for their contact details and take no commission or markup on the rental.

How far ahead should I ask for quotes?

As early as you can, especially for weekends in spring, summer and fall. Only the operator knows whether a wheel is free on your date, which is a good reason to contact several.

Buyer guide

How much does it cost to rent a Ferris wheel?

There is no standard price list for renting a Ferris wheel. Each operator quotes per event, after hearing your date, location, hours and site, and two quotes for the same day can differ a lot because they include different things. This guide explains what changes a Ferris wheel quote, what to ask about what's included, and how to compare quotes like for like. Carnival Ride Rental doesn't set or collect rental prices: you get quotes directly from the operators.

What changes the price

These are the parts of a Ferris wheel quote that change the most from one event to the next.

The wheel itself: a mini wheel for young children, a standard fair wheel and a giant wheel are very different pieces of equipment to move, set up and run
Distance: the wheel travels on trucks and trailers from the operator's base, so travel time and fuel are often part of the quote
Days and hours: how many days the wheel stays on site, and how many hours a day it runs
Setup and teardown: a larger wheel takes longer to build and take down, which can add crew time
Crew: the attendants who load riders and run the wheel throughout your event
Power: whether the operator brings a generator and fuel, or needs power on site
Your date: weekends, holidays and the spring-to-fall fair season are when operators are busiest

Questions to ask about what's included

Ask every operator the same questions, so a short quote and a complete one don't look alike.

Are delivery, setup and teardown included, or quoted separately?
Are ride attendants included for the whole event, and what does it cost if the event runs long?
Is a generator and its fuel included, or do you need power on site?
Is there a charge for a second day, or for running into the evening?
Who arranges any permit or inspection the venue or city requires, and is that included?
Can you provide a certificate of insurance, and is there a charge to name my venue on it?
How much is the deposit, and when does it become non-refundable?

How to compare Ferris wheel quotes

A low headline price can leave out what another quote includes. Compare the whole event, not the rate.

Write the answers from each operator side by side, using the same questions
Compare the total for your event, not an hourly or daily rate on its own
Check which wheel each quote is for, and ask for photos of the actual unit
Confirm the space, ground and access the wheel needs before you compare prices

Getting quotes through Carnival Ride Rental

We list Ferris wheels from independent ride operators and show you, free, how many match your event.

Event Access gives you the contact details of matching operators, so you can ask each one for a quote
We charge a one-time access fee and take no commission or markup on the rental price
Prices, dates and terms are agreed directly between you and each operator

Ferris wheel quote checklist

Send every operator the same details and ask the same questions, then compare the answers side by side.

The wheel

1.Which wheel is quoted, and can I see photos of it?
2.How much space and overhead clearance does it need?

Price

1.What does the total include?
2.Any travel, setup, extra-day or overtime charges?
3.Deposit amount and refund terms?

On the day

1.How many attendants, and for how long?
2.Generator and fuel, or site power?
3.Who handles permits and inspections?

Paperwork

1.Certificate of insurance before the event?
2.Venue named on the certificate?

Frequently asked questions

Why won’t anyone give me a Ferris wheel price online?: Because the price depends on your date, location, site and hours. Most operators quote after hearing those details, so have them ready and you will get quotes faster.
Does the size of the wheel change the price?: It can, because a larger wheel takes more to transport, set up and staff. Ask each operator to quote the wheel that suits your space and your guests, and compare like with like.
Does Carnival Ride Rental set the price?: No. Operators set their own prices and quote you directly. We charge a one-time Event Access fee for their contact details and take no commission or markup on the rental.
How far ahead should I ask for quotes?: As early as you can, especially for weekends in spring, summer and fall. Only the operator knows whether a wheel is free on your date, which is a good reason to contact several.

Planning a wheel for a wedding? Renting a Ferris wheel for a wedding covers the venue, space, timing and questions to ask. Renting a Ferris wheel for a wedding →

Renting other rides too? How to rent carnival rides covers what to ask about transport, power, staffing, permits and weather. How to rent carnival rides for an event →