The O2 Arena
Travel Guide
North Greenwich after a sold-out show is properly grim. There are three better ways out — including one almost nobody uses — and we've mapped them all. Live status, walking times and the Canning Town trick.
20,000
capacity — world's busiest entertainment venue
5 min
walk from North Greenwich station to The O2
30–60 min
typical wait at North Greenwich post-show
4
ways to get there: tube, DLR, cable car, boat
Getting there
Four ways to The O2 Arena
Jubilee Line (direct)
North Greenwich is directly served by the Jubilee line — no changes needed from Westminster, Waterloo, London Bridge or Canary Wharf. The station sits just 5 minutes from the venue entrance.
Trains every 2–4 minDLR from Bank/Tower Gateway
Travel to Canning Town and connect to the DLR one stop to North Greenwich, or ride via Pontoon Dock for a quieter walk. Great from the City and Docklands.
Change at Canning TownEmirates Air Line cable car
From Royal Docks on the north bank, the cable car glides over the Thames and lands a short walk from The O2 entrance. Costs £5 each way. Breathtaking views and runs late on event nights — completely bypasses tube queues.
£5 each way · runs on event nightsThames Clipper river bus
Uber Boat by Thames Clipper runs from Embankment, Waterloo, Bankside and Canary Wharf directly to The O2 pier. Scenic, relaxed, and post-show it's far less crowded than North Greenwich tube station.
Canary Wharf in ~10 minTiming & tactics
Beat the event night crowds
Before the show
- 90+ min before: Relaxed — North Greenwich quiet, explore the O2 food village
- 60 min before (concerts): Busy but fine — allow extra time, station can queue outside
- 45 min before (sports): Manageable — trains frequent but platform can be congested
- 20 min before: Heaving — risk of missing the start. Consider cable car or boat
After the show
- Option 1: Thames Clipper from O2 pier — rarely crowded, straight to Canary Wharf/Waterloo
- Option 2: DLR to Canning Town (1 stop) then Jubilee west — goes against the crowd
- Option 3: Cable car over the Thames — runs late on event nights, stunning and empty
- Option 4: Wait 30–45 min at a bar inside The O2 — queues clear fast
- ⚠ North Greenwich direct: Police-managed queue. Expect 30–60 min wait to board a train
Pro move: the Canning Town flip
Instead of joining the North Greenwich queue, walk back through the O2 footbridge, take DLR one stop to Canning Town, and catch a Jubilee eastbound. You'll be moving while everyone else waits.
Station by station
Which station to use and when
North Greenwich
JubileeCanning Town
JubileeDLRGreenwich (DLR + Elizabeth line)
ElizabethDLRPontoon Dock (DLR)
DLRAsk Roamer
AIGet a personalised travel plan, live line status, or ask anything about getting to and from The O2.
Popular questions
Before & after
Food & drink at The O2
Inside the dome
- Food Village — 25+ restaurants and bars inside the dome
- Outlets Bar & Grill — Riverside terrace, excellent views
- Puzzle Club bar — Craft beer inside the dome — a crowd favourite
Fast food chains
- Nandos — Inside the O2 complex — popular pre-show
- Wagamama — Inside the dome complex, great noodles
- Five Guys — Good post-show burgers before the tube queue clears
More inside options
- Zizzi — Italian inside the dome — good for families
- Fairgame — Bar with games arcade, great before a show
- Cineworld IMAX — Catch a film early, then head to the arena
Riverside & nearby
- Ravensbourne Arms (Greenwich) — 10 min by DLR, great riverside pub
- The Yacht (Greenwich) — Classic Thames-side pub, proper atmosphere
- Hawker House (Canary Wharf) — Vibrant street food — 5 min on Jubilee
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is North Greenwich the only station for The O2?
North Greenwich (Jubilee line) is the closest station at just a 5-minute walk, but it's not your only option. Post-show, Canning Town is often a smarter choice — take the DLR one stop east to Canning Town and catch a Jubilee train from there, going against the main crowd flow. It adds 8 minutes but saves 30.
Does the Emirates Air Line cable car go to The O2?
Yes — the Emirates Air Line lands at Royal Docks on the north side, which is a short walk from North Greenwich and The O2 itself. It's a genuinely useful transport option, not just a tourist attraction. Costs £5 each way and runs late on event nights. Stunning views over the Thames are a bonus.
How do I get home from The O2 late at night?
The Jubilee Night Tube runs on Friday and Saturday nights — trains every 10 minutes throughout the night. On weeknights, check the last train time at North Greenwich carefully as it can be surprisingly early. The Thames Clipper is an excellent post-show option running back to Canary Wharf, Bankside, Waterloo and Embankment. DLR also runs late but check TfL for exact last times.
Is The O2 accessible?
Yes, The O2 has excellent accessibility throughout. The venue is fully step-free with lifts to all levels. North Greenwich station is step-free from street to platform. Dedicated accessible seating is available in multiple areas. Hearing loops are fitted throughout. Contact The O2 box office in advance for any specific accessibility requirements.
Can I get a boat to The O2?
Absolutely — the Thames Clipper Uber Boat service runs to The O2 pier from Embankment, Waterloo Millennium Pier, Bankside, Canary Wharf and beyond. It's a genuinely pleasant way to arrive and a brilliant post-show option as most people queue at North Greenwich while the pier is relatively calm.
What time do the last tubes leave North Greenwich?
On Friday and Saturday nights the Jubilee Night Tube runs all night, so you won't miss the last train. On weeknights, last Jubilee trains from North Greenwich are typically around midnight — but check the TfL Journey Planner for the specific night of your event as times vary. Post-show crowds mean waits of 30–60 minutes even when trains are running, so factor that in.
Quick journeys
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