ExCeL London
Travel Guide
Custom House or Prince Regent? Royal Docks is an easy destination once you know the drill. Quickest DLR and Elizabeth line routes to ExCeL, plus what to do when your event overruns and the trains start thinning out.
100,000 sqm
London's largest events and conference venue
3 min
walk from Prince Regent DLR to the main entrance
22 min
from Paddington to Custom House via Elizabeth line
5
DLR stops from Bank to Custom House
Getting there
Four ways to ExCeL London
Elizabeth line to Custom House
The premium option — wide, comfortable trains with frequent service. From Paddington it's just 22 minutes direct with no changes. Also stops at Canary Wharf (8 min) and Liverpool Street (15 min). Handles large event crowds better than the DLR.
Every 5–10 min from PaddingtonDLR from Bank or Tower Gateway
The classic route to ExCeL. Hop on the DLR from Bank (Central or Northern line interchange) or Tower Gateway and ride direct to Prince Regent — right outside the main ExCeL entrance. About 25 minutes, no changes needed.
Prince Regent is literally at the doorEmirates Air Line cable car
Take the DLR to North Greenwich and ride the cable car across the Thames to Royal Docks. Slower than the DLR, but spectacular views and a genuinely fun experience. Worth it for leisure events and Comic Con. Not ideal when crowds are huge.
Scenic option — great for leisure eventsThames Clipper river bus
A relaxed alternative from central London. Board at Embankment, Waterloo, Blackfriars or Canary Wharf and alight at ExCeL Pier — right next to the venue. Runs roughly hourly and is an excellent post-event option when the DLR is gridlocked.
ExCeL Pier — check Uber Boat timetableTiming & tactics
Beat the event day crowds
Before the event
- Early morning arrival: DLR quiet — grab breakfast at ExCeL Boulevard before the crowds arrive
- 1 hr before opening: Elizabeth line is comfortable — easy boarding at Custom House
- 30 min before opening: DLR getting busy at Prince Regent — short queues forming outside
- Opening time (Comic Con): Prince Regent DLR overwhelmed — use Custom House or walk from Royal Victoria
After the event
- Option 1: Walk to Royal Victoria DLR (8 min) — less crowded than Prince Regent at close
- Option 2: Elizabeth line westbound from Custom House — clears crowds quickly to Paddington
- Option 3: Thames Clipper from ExCeL Pier — hidden gem post-event, roughly hourly
- ⚠ Avoid: Prince Regent DLR at Comic Con close (6pm) — 30+ min platform waits
Local tip: split the crowd
For large shows, half the crowd uses Prince Regent DLR. Walk the extra 3 min to Custom House — Elizabeth line trains are bigger and leave more often.
Station by station
Which station to use and when
Custom House
ElizabethDLRPrince Regent
DLRRoyal Victoria
DLRGallions Reach
DLRAsk Roamer
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Popular questions
Before & after
Food & drink nearby
ExCeL Boulevard
- 25+ restaurants & cafés — Inside the venue — open during all events
- YO! Sushi, Nando's, Wagamama — Chain favourites with venue-length queues at lunchtime
- Costa & Pret — Pre-event coffee sorted before you enter the halls
Local pubs
- The Fox, Custom House — Local boozer right by the station — cheap and cheerful
- Sunborn hotel bar — Stylish superyacht hotel moored next to ExCeL, waterfront views
- The Crystal bar — 5 min walk — good for a post-event drink
Pre-event supplies
- Tesco, Gallions Reach — Large Tesco close to ExCeL — stock up before big day-out events
- Sainsbury's, Canning Town — 10 min by DLR if you need supplies from central
- ExCeL venue kiosks — Snacks and drinks inside halls — pricey but convenient
Waterside dining
- Sunborn Hotel Restaurant — Elegant waterside dining — worth it for post-event dinner
- ExCeL Pier area — Several café terraces with views across the Royal Docks
- Canary Wharf (10 min DLR) — Huge variety of restaurants — perfect for a post-show dinner
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest station to ExCeL London?
Prince Regent DLR station is the closest — just a 3-minute walk and it sits right at the main entrance. However, for large events like London Comic Con, Custom House (Elizabeth line + DLR, 5 min walk) is the better option as it handles capacity much better.
How do I get to ExCeL London from Central London?
Two main options: take the Elizabeth line to Custom House from Paddington (22 min direct), or the DLR from Bank or Tower Gateway to Prince Regent or Custom House (around 25 min). Both are excellent choices — Elizabeth line trains are bigger and more comfortable for large events.
Is ExCeL London easy to get to by public transport?
Very. ExCeL is one of London's best-connected venues for public transport. The DLR runs directly to Prince Regent (right outside the main entrance) and Custom House. The Elizabeth line also serves Custom House with fast, frequent trains from Paddington, Canary Wharf, Stratford and Liverpool Street. No need to drive.
Is ExCeL London accessible for wheelchair users?
Fully accessible. All four nearby DLR and Elizabeth line stations are step-free. ExCeL London itself has excellent accessibility facilities throughout the venue — wide concourses, lifts, accessible toilets, and disabled parking bays if you do drive.
Can I get a river bus to ExCeL London?
Yes — ExCeL has its own pier (ExCeL Pier) served by Thames Clipper on some routes. It's a brilliant post-event option, especially for Comic Con or other big consumer shows when the DLR is rammed. Check the Thames Clippers timetable for services to/from central London.
How far is ExCeL London from Canary Wharf?
About 10 minutes by DLR (direct from Canary Wharf station), or a pleasant 25-minute walk along the Royal Docks waterfront if the weather is good. The walk is flat, scenic and clearly signposted.
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Quick journeys
Plan your route to ExCeL
Bank → ExCeL
DLR direct to Prince Regent
Paddington → ExCeL
Elizabeth line direct to Custom House
Canary Wharf → ExCeL
DLR direct to Custom House
Liverpool Street → ExCeL
Elizabeth line direct to Custom House
Stratford → ExCeL
DLR direct
London Bridge → ExCeL
Elizabeth line via Whitechapel