Greenwich
Travel Guide
The London Marathon, RideLondon, outdoor events and one of the best hilltop views in the city. Greenwich Park sits on a hill above the village — here's how to get in, which gate works for your station and how to get home after.
25 min
on the DLR from Bank to Cutty Sark — no changes, direct
5 min
walk from Cutty Sark DLR to the village and market
15 min
walk uphill from the village to the Royal Observatory
Zone 2
covered by Travelcard and Oyster — no extra ticket needed
Getting there
Four ways to Greenwich
DLR to Cutty Sark (recommended)
Direct from Bank or Tower Gateway — no changes, 25 minutes. The DLR runs above ground past Canary Wharf and along the waterfront, which is a genuinely great view. Cutty Sark station puts you right in the heart of Greenwich village.
Best all-round optionThames Clipper river bus
Uber Boat from Embankment, Waterloo, Bankside or Canary Wharf piers. Takes 25–45 minutes depending on where you board, but it's a proper London experience — views of the City, Tower Bridge, and you arrive at Greenwich Pier right by the Cutty Sark ship. Discount with Oyster.
Best experience — worth the extra timeNational Rail / Elizabeth line via Greenwich
From London Bridge or Cannon Street — National Rail trains (Southeastern) run to Greenwich station in about 10 minutes from London Bridge. The Elizabeth line to Woolwich or Abbey Wood also gets you close. Good option if you're starting from south or east London.
Fast from London BridgeFoot Tunnel from Island Gardens
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel is a London curiosity — take the DLR to Island Gardens (Isle of Dogs side), walk down into the Victorian tunnel under the Thames, and emerge in Greenwich. It's pedestrian only, completely free, and genuinely atmospheric. The view of Greenwich from Island Gardens is one of the best in London.
The secret option — free under the ThamesWhat to see
Make a full day of it
Suggested order
- Arrive early (10am): Beat the Observatory queue — it gets long by noon
- Royal Observatory first: 15 min uphill walk from village — do it before legs get tired
- Greenwich Park views: Skyline panorama at the top is genuinely one of London's best
- Greenwich Market (Thu–Sun): Food stalls, crafts, antiques — great for lunch
- Cutty Sark ship: Worth 45 minutes if you haven't been before
- River Clipper home: Take the boat back — better view of the City at golden hour
Free things in Greenwich
- Greenwich Park: Free to enter — 180 acres, deer enclosure, stunning views
- National Maritime Museum: Free entry — world-class collection, good for all ages
- Queen's House: Free entry — stunning Inigo Jones architecture
- Greenwich Foot Tunnel: Free pedestrian tunnel under the Thames, open 24/7
- Greenwich riverside: Cutty Sark Gardens and the Thames path — free to walk
Take the boat home
The Thames Clipper back towards Waterloo and Embankment at sunset gives you Tower Bridge, the City and Canary Wharf from the water. It's about £8 but genuinely worth it as a way to end the day.
Station by station
Which station to use and when
Cutty Sark (DLR)
DLRGreenwich (DLR + National Rail)
DLRNational RailIsland Gardens (DLR)
DLREat & drink
Food & drink in Greenwich
Greenwich Market
- Greenwich Market — Thu–Sun — excellent street food, independent traders, great atmosphere
- Kerb Greenwich — Street food traders, regularly rotating — always something good
- Market stalls — Fresh crêpes, jerk chicken, loaded fries — wander and pick
Pubs & riverside bars
- The Trafalgar Tavern — Famous riverside pub, right on the Thames — classic Greenwich
- The Cutty Sark Tavern — Historic pub in a listed building, excellent Thames views
- Meantime Brewery Taproom — London's best-known craft brewery, based in Greenwich
Cafés & lunch
- The Cheese Board — Greenwich institution — incredible cheese shop and deli
- Café Rouge Greenwich — Reliable French bistro, good for a sit-down lunch
- Various village cafés — Greenwich village has excellent independent coffee spots
Views worth the walk
- Observatory hilltop — Best free view of London's skyline — Canary Wharf, City, the Shard
- Cutty Sark Gardens — Riverside promenade, great for an evening walk
- Island Gardens (DLR) — The classic framed view of Greenwich from across the Thames
Ask Roamer
AILive DLR status, personalised route to Greenwich, Thames Clipper times or ask anything about the day.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get to Greenwich?
The DLR to Cutty Sark is the classic option — no changes from Bank or Tower Gateway, scenic approach along the waterfront, and you arrive right in the village. The Thames Clipper river bus from Embankment, Waterloo or Canary Wharf is brilliant if you want to make the journey part of the day. Both take around 25–30 minutes from central London.
Is there a tube to Greenwich?
Not directly. The nearest tube stations are Canary Wharf or North Greenwich (Jubilee line), from which you'd take the DLR or walk. Most people use the DLR from Bank — it's direct, quick, and far more scenic than any tube journey.
How do I get to Greenwich Park and the Observatory?
Cutty Sark DLR is the best station — it puts you right in the village at the bottom of the hill to the Park. From there it's a 15-minute uphill walk to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian. Greenwich DLR is slightly closer to the main park gates if you're heading straight up the hill.
Can I get a boat to Greenwich?
Yes — and it's genuinely one of the best river journeys in London. Uber Boat by Thames Clipper runs from Embankment Pier, Waterloo Millennium Pier, Bankside Pier and Canary Wharf. Journey time around 20–50 minutes depending on where you board. Runs every 20–30 minutes. A Travelcard or Oyster card gives you a discount on the fare.
Is the DLR free with a Travelcard?
Yes — the DLR is part of the TfL network and covered by Travelcards, Oyster and contactless pay-as-you-go. Greenwich falls in Zone 2, so a Zone 1–2 fare applies if you're coming from central London. No separate ticket needed.
What else is there to do in Greenwich?
The Royal Observatory and Prime Meridian line, Cutty Sark (the tea clipper ship), the National Maritime Museum, the Queen's House, Greenwich Market (Thursdays–Sundays), and Greenwich Park itself with panoramic views of London's skyline. It's a genuinely great full-day destination — worth arriving early to beat the crowds at the Observatory.
Quick journeys
Plan your route to Greenwich
Bank → Greenwich
DLR direct to Cutty Sark
Waterloo → Greenwich
Thames Clipper or jubilee + DLR
London Bridge → Greenwich
National Rail direct
Canary Wharf → Greenwich
DLR direct to Cutty Sark
Victoria → Greenwich
Circle to Bank + DLR
King's Cross → Greenwich
Northern to Bank + DLR
Ready to travel smarter?
Enter your starting point and get live routes to Greenwich in seconds.