20 minutes ahead
Cineworld recommends arriving 20 minutes before the advertised start and being seated promptly at the listed time, because adverts can occasionally be shorter than normal.
Official Cineworld guidance →UK CINEMA GUIDE · UPDATED 31 AUGUST 2026
How early should you arrive at the cinema?
The safest rule is simple: be ready for the advertised start time. Pre-show lengths vary, and some special screenings have little or no advertising at all.
Be ready at the listed time
ODEON says its normal advert-and-trailer window varies and recommends arriving with enough time to enter the screen at the scheduled performance start.
Official ODEON guidance →Advertised time
Picturehouse says its usual pre-show is 15–20 minutes but recommends arriving for the advertised start so you do not miss the film.
Official Picturehouse guidance →Do not assume there are trailers
Cineworld says live Event Cinema can have no adverts or trailers. Accessible and sensory-friendly performances can also alter or remove the normal pre-show.
Accessibility screening guide →TIP
NEED A HEADSET OR ASSISTANCE?
Give yourself extra setup time.
Vue advises customers using hearing-assistance equipment to arrive a little earlier so staff can set up a headset or neckloop in time for the film.