How to Get from London City Airport to O2 Arena

Q: What is the best way to get from London City Airport to the O2 Arena?

The best and most recommended way is to take the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from London City Airport to Canning Town station, then transfer to the Jubilee Line (London Underground) for one stop to North Greenwich station, which is directly beneath the O2 Arena. This is the fastest and most cost-effective public transport route.

Q: Is there a direct train from London City Airport to the O2 Arena?

No, there is no single direct train. However, the journey involves one simple, step-free transfer between the DLR and Jubilee Line at Canning Town station, making it a very straightforward and seamless connection.

Q: How much is a taxi from London City Airport to the O2 Arena?

A black cab or pre-booked minicab from LCY to the O2 Arena typically costs between £35 and £50, depending on traffic and time of day. The journey takes 15-30 minutes. It's the most expensive but most direct option.

Q: How long does it take from London City Airport to the O2 Arena?

Using public transport (DLR + Jubilee Line), the journey takes approximately 25-35 minutes, including transfer time. By taxi or private car, it takes 15-30 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic congestion in the Docklands and around the Blackwall Tunnel.

Q: Can I use an Oyster or Contactless card for the journey from LCY to the O2?

Yes, you can and should use an Oyster card, contactless debit/credit card, or mobile payment (Apple/Google Pay) for this journey. It's the cheapest way to pay for Tube and DLR fares. Simply tap in at LCY DLR station and tap out at North Greenwich.

Q: Is the route from London City Airport to the O2 Arena step-free?

Yes, the entire route via DLR and Jubilee Line is step-free. London City Airport DLR station, Canning Town (for transfer), and North Greenwich station all have lifts, making it accessible for travellers with heavy luggage, pushchairs, or mobility issues.

Q: Are there any buses that go directly from LCY to the O2 Arena?

There is no direct bus service. The most relevant bus is the 474, which runs from outside the airport but requires a change to get close to the O2. It's significantly slower (60+ minutes) and less convenient than the DLR/Tube option, and is not recommended for most visitors.

Q: What's the best option for a group or family travelling to the O2 from LCY?

For groups of 4 or more, a pre-booked minicab can be cost-competitive and far more convenient than public transport, especially with luggage. Split the fare, and you get a direct, door-to-door service. Otherwise, the step-free DLR and Tube route works perfectly well for families.

Quick Answer

The best way to get from London City Airport (LCY) to the O2 Arena is by using the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Canning Town, then transferring to the Jubilee Line (Tube) for one stop to North Greenwich. This public transport journey takes 25-35 minutes and costs £3.70 - £4.30 off-peak using an Oyster or Contactless card. It’s the optimal blend of speed, cost, and convenience.

By Docklands Light Railway (DLR) & London Underground (The Best Public Transport Route)

This is the most efficient and recommended route for nearly all travelers. The journey is fully step-free, frequent, and offers a seamless connection.

Step-by-Step Guide:

At London City Airport: Follow signs to the DLR station, located within the terminal. Tap in with your Oyster/Contactless card.
Board the DLR: Take any westbound DLR train (destination: Bank or Tower Gateway).
Alight at Canning Town (Journey: ~11 mins): This is your transfer station. Get off and follow signs for the Jubilee Line (Westbound towards Stratford). The transfer is within the same station complex.
Board the Jubilee Line: Take the Jubilee Line train for just one stop to North Greenwich.
Arrive at North Greenwich: Alight here – the O2 Arena is directly above the station. Tap out to complete your journey.

DLR & Jubilee Line Route Details
Aspect	Details
Total Journey Time	25 - 35 minutes (including transfer)
Operating Hours	DLR: ~05:30-00:30 (Mon-Sat), 07:00-23:30 (Sun). Jubilee Line: similar, check TfL.gov.uk for nightly closures.
Frequency	Trains every 5-10 minutes.
Key Advantage	Step-free access from airport to arena; fastest public transport.
Potential Drawback	Can be busy during peak commuter hours (07:30-09:30 & 17:00-19:00).

By Taxi or Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Convenience)

This is the most direct but also the most expensive option, suitable for specific circumstances.

Options & Cost Breakdown:

Black Cab: Available at the airport rank. Fares are metered. Estimated Cost: £35 - £50. Journey time: 15-30 mins (traffic dependent).
Pre-booked Minicab/Private Hire: Companies like Addison Lee or local firms. Often a fixed price. Estimated Cost: £30 - £45. You must pre-book; do not use unlicensed touts.
Ride-Hailing App (Uber/Bolt): Operates at LCY. Pick-up at the designated area. Price varies with demand (surge pricing). Estimated Cost: £25 - £50.

When is a Taxi the Right Choice?

You are in a group of 3-4 people (splitting the fare makes it reasonable).
You have a lot of luggage or mobility challenges.
You are arriving very late at night after public transport has stopped.
You are on a tight schedule for an event at the O2.

Expert Tip: For a return journey after a concert, pre-book a minicab as demand will be extremely high and surge prices can be astronomical.

By Bus (The Budget & Scenic Alternative)

While not the fastest, local buses offer the cheapest fare and a street-level view of East London.

Primary Route: 474 Bus

This is the most relevant service, but it does not go directly to the O2's doorstep.

Route: Bus 474 runs from Canning Town Station (a short DLR ride or walk from LCY) to North Greenwich Station (O2 Arena).
The Reality: To use this from LCY, you would first need to take the DLR one stop to Canning Town (or walk 20 mins), then catch the 474. This makes it slower and less convenient than just staying on the DLR/Jubilee Line.
Fare: £1.75 with Oyster/Contactless (Hopper Fare applies, so if you took the DLR within an hour, this bus is free).
Total Time (LCY to O2 via 474): 50 - 70 minutes.

Verdict: Only consider the bus if you have plenty of time, want to save every possible penny, and are comfortable with a multi-stage journey. For 99% of visitors, the DLR+Tube combo is superior.

Ticket Options & Cost Comparison Table

Use this table to quickly compare all your options from London City Airport to the O2 Arena.

Transport Method	Approx. Journey Time	Approx. Cost (One Way)	Key Features & Best For	Our Rating
DLR + Jubilee Line	25-35 mins	£3.70 (Off-Peak) £4.30 (Peak)*	Step-free, frequent, cheapest fast option. Best for most travelers.	★★★★★
Taxi / Private Hire	15-30 mins	£30 - £50	Door-to-door, no transfers. Best for groups, late night, or heavy luggage.	★★★☆☆ (Costly)
Bus 474 (via Canning Town)	50-70 mins	£1.75**	Cheapest fare, scenic. Only for ultra-budget travelers with time.	★★☆☆☆ (Slow)

*Peak fares apply on weekdays 06:30-09:30 & 16:00-19:00. **If combined with a previous bus/DLR journey within an hour (Hopper Fare), this leg may be free. Always use TfL's Single Fare Finder for exact costs.

How to Pay:

Oyster Card / Contactless Payment: The absolute best way. Simply tap the yellow card reader at the start and end of your journey. Caps daily and weekly spending automatically.
Avoid buying single paper tickets as they are significantly more expensive.

Traveler Experience & Essential Tips

Insights from frequent travelers to help you navigate like a local.

Before You Travel:

Download Citymapper or the TfL Go App: These are indispensable for real-time London transport planning, live departures, and disruption alerts.
Check for Engineering Works: The Jubilee Line sometimes closes for weekend maintenance. Always check the TfL Status page before you travel.

At the O2 Arena (North Greenwich Station):

Post-Event Crowds: After a concert, North Greenwich station gets extremely busy. Be prepared to queue to enter the station. Consider waiting 20-30 minutes in the O2 for the crowd to thin, or walk one stop back to Canning Town on the Jubilee Line to board a less crowded train.
Food & Drink: You cannot take opened bottles of liquid onto the Tube/DLR. Finish your drinks before entering the station.

General London Transport Tips:

Keep Right on Escalators: Stand on the right, walk on the left.
Mind the Gap: A classic warning for a reason. Be careful when boarding trains.
Have Your Payment Card Ready: Speed up your journey by having your Oyster/Contactless card in hand before you reach the gate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to get from London City Airport to the O2 Arena?

The best way is the DLR to Canning Town, then the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich. It's fast, affordable, and step-free.

Is there a direct train from London City Airport to the O2 Arena?

No, but the one-change route via Canning Town is very simple and is considered a direct-through service by many travelers.

How much is a taxi from London City Airport to the O2 Arena?

Expect to pay between £35 and £50 for a taxi or pre-booked car, depending on traffic and service.

How long does it take from London City Airport to the O2 Arena?

By public transport: 25-35 minutes. By road: 15-30 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic.

Can I use an Oyster or Contactless card for the journey from LCY to the O2?

Yes, this is the recommended payment method. It's cheaper than a paper ticket and caps your daily spend.

Is the route from London City Airport to the O2 Arena step-free?

Yes, the entire DLR and Jubilee Line route is step-free with lifts at all key stations, making it fully accessible.

Are there any buses that go directly from LCY to the O2 Arena?

No direct bus exists. The 474 bus requires a change and is much slower. It is not a practical direct option.

What's the best option for a group or family travelling to the O2 from LCY?

For groups of 4+, a pre-booked minicab is convenient and can be cost-effective. Otherwise, the step-free DLR/Tube route works excellently for families.

Explore Destinations