Quick Answer
The fastest, cheapest, and most convenient way to get from London City Airport (LCY) to ExCeL London is by taking the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). The direct journey to Custom House for ExCeL station takes only 10-12 minutes, costs approximately £2.80 - £3.40 with an Oyster/contactless card, and trains run every 8-10 minutes. From the station, it's a 2-3 minute covered walk directly into the convention centre.
DLR (Docklands Light Railway): The Unbeatable Choice
The DLR is a fully automated light metro system that provides a seamless, direct link between the airport and the ExCeL exhibition centre. It's the overwhelmingly recommended option for all travellers due to its speed, frequency, cost, and convenience.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Find the Station: Upon exiting arrivals at London City Airport, follow the clear signs for âTrainsâ or âDLRâ. The station is located within the terminal building, just a 1-2 minute walk.
- Tap In: Use your Oyster card, contactless payment card, or mobile device to tap the yellow card reader at the gates. Ensure you use the same card/device to tap out at your destination for the correct fare.
- Board the Correct Train: Take any eastbound DLR train on the Beckton branch (destination displayed as âBecktonâ). You do not need to change trains.
- Alight at Custom House: The journey is 5 stops. Disembark at âCustom House for ExCeLâ. Listen for announcements and check the on-board displays.
- Walk to ExCeL: Exit the station and follow the signs via the covered footbridge directly into the ExCeL London centre. The walk takes 2-3 minutes.
Key Details & Data
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Journey Time | 10-12 minutes (station to station) |
| Total Door-to-Door Time | ~20-25 minutes (from airport arrivals to ExCeL entrance) |
| Frequency | Every 8-10 minutes (approx.), from early morning until after midnight. |
| First/Last Train from LCY | First: ~05:30, Last: ~00:30 (Sunday ~23:30). Check TfL's website for exact times. |
| Fare (2024) | Peak (Weekdays 06:30-09:30): ~£3.40. Off-Peak: ~£2.80. Capped as part of daily/weekly TfL fare caps. |
| Payment | Oyster Card, Contactless Debit/Credit Card, Apple/Google Pay, or valid Travelcard. |
| Luggage Space | Ample space for suitcases and bags. Avoid peak commuting hours (07:30-09:00) for more room. |
Alternative DLR Station: Royal Albert
Some DLR services from the airport terminate at King George V. If you board one of these, alight and change one stop at King George V for a Beckton-bound train to Custom House. Alternatively, you can alight at Royal Victoria and take a pleasant 15-minute walk along the Royal Victoria Dock footbridge to ExCeLâideal on a nice day but not with heavy luggage.
Bus & Local Transport Options
While the DLR is superior, local buses can be useful for specific destinations near ExCeL or if you want to see the local area. There is no direct bus from LCY to the main ExCeL entrance.
Primary Bus Route: 473
The most useful bus is the 473 (to North Woolwich).
- Board: Stop âHâ on Hartmann Road, directly outside the airport terminal.
- Alight: At the âPrince Regent Laneâ stop (Stop: PL).
- Walk: From there, itâs an 8-10 minute walk to the eastern end of ExCeL.
- Journey Time: 15-20 minutes bus ride + 10-minute walk. Total: 25-35 mins.
- Cost: £1.75 with Oyster/Contactless (Hopper fare applies).
Analysis: This option is slower, involves a walk, and is subject to road traffic. It is only recommended if you need to go to a specific location along the 473 route, not for the main ExCeL entrance.
Emirates Air Line Cable Car (A Scenic Alternative)
For a unique experience, you can combine DLR with the cable car.
- Take the DLR from LCY to Royal Victoria (2 stops).
- Walk to the Emirates Air Line terminal.
- Take the cable car across the Thames to North Greenwich.
- From there, take a bus or another DLR service back towards Custom House.
Verdict: This is a tourist detour, not a practical transfer. It takes over an hour and costs significantly more. Only consider it for leisure.
Taxi, Uber, & Private Transfers
Road transport is generally not advisable for this journey due to cost, traffic unpredictability, and the excellence of the DLR alternative.
Black Cab / Licensed Taxi
- Journey Time: 15-40 minutes (highly variable based on traffic in the Royal Docks and Silvertown area).
- Cost: £25 - £35 on the meter. There may be additional charges for luggage and airport pick-up.
- Where to Find: The official taxi rank is directly outside the terminal.
Uber, Bolt, & Other Ride-Sharing Apps
- Cost: Typically £18 - £28, but subject to surge pricing during peak times, events at ExCeL, or bad weather.
- Pick-up Point: Follow signs to the designated âApp-based Pick-upâ area at the airport.
- Wait Time: Can be 5-15 minutes depending on driver availability.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
Services like Addison Lee or minicab firms offer fixed-price, pre-booked cars.
- Cost: £30 - £50 for a standard car.
- Advantage: A driver will meet you in arrivals with a name board. Price is fixed, eliminating meter anxiety.
When Should You Consider a Car?
Only in these specific scenarios:
- Arriving very late at night (after the last DLR service).
- Traveling in a group of 4 or more where the cost can be split.
- Carrying extremely bulky, heavy, or specialized equipment for an exhibition.
- If you have significant mobility issues, though note that DLR stations and trains are step-free.
Walking & Cycling
For the able-bodied traveller with light luggage and favourable weather, the journey is surprisingly walkable.
- Walking Route & Time: It is a flat, well-signposted walk of approximately 2.5 miles (4 km), taking 50-60 minutes. The route goes south along Pontoon Dock and through the Royal Docks area, offering interesting views of docklands architecture and planes landing.
- Cycling: The area has good cycle paths. You can hire a Santander Cycle from a docking station near the airport (e.g., at Britannia Village) and ride to ExCeL in about 15-20 minutes.
- Verdict: A viable and free option for the adventurous, fitness-conscious, or environmentally-minded traveller without time pressure.
Cost & Time Comparison Table: Best Way from LCY to ExCeL
This table summarizes all options to help you make a data-driven decision.
| Transport Mode | Approx. Door-to-Door Time | Approx. Cost (2024) | Convenience / Key Notes | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DLR (to Custom House) | 20-25 mins | £2.80 - £3.40 | Direct, frequent, reliable, covered walk to entrance. TOP CHOICE. | Almost all travellers: business, leisure, families, solo. |
| Bus 473 + Walk | 30-40 mins | £1.75 | Subject to traffic, involves a walk. Cheapest public transport. | Budget travellers going to ExCeL's eastern end. |
| Uber / Ride-Share | 20-45 mins | £18 - £35+ | Highly variable time & cost (surge pricing). Door-to-door. | Groups of 3+, late-night arrivals, heavy luggage. |
| Black Taxi | 20-45 mins | £25 - £35+ | Most expensive, but professional and available on rank. | Corporate travel, maximum convenience regardless of cost. |
| Walking | 50-60 mins | Free | Weather and luggage dependent. Pleasant route. | Fitness enthusiasts, nice weather, no time constraints. |
Traveler Tips & Expert Advice
Pro Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Tap Correctly: Always use the same contactless card or device to tap in and out on the DLR. Mixing cards will result in being charged maximum fares.
- Beat the Rush: If your flight arrives during the morning peak (07:30-09:00), the DLR will be busy with commuters. Be prepared to stand with your luggage.
- Validate Your Route: Before major events, check TfL's status updates for any planned engineering works on the DLR that could affect service.
- ExCeL Entrance Strategy: Custom House station connects to the central and western entrances of ExCeL. If your event is at the far eastern end (near the ICC Capital Hall), the walk inside the centre can be 10-15 minutes. Factor this in.
- Luggage for Exhibitors: If you are an exhibitor with crates, you must use the official freight and delivery entrances at ExCeL. Coordinate with the organisers; a van/taxi will be necessary from the airport.
For Event-Goers
- Major events (e.g., MCM Comic Con, International Boat Show) cause a surge in demand for all transport, especially taxis. Stick to the DLR to avoid queues and high prices.
- Many large events have dedicated travel pages. Cross-reference the information here with the official event guidance.
FAQs: London City Airport to ExCeL Journey
What is the fastest way to get from London City Airport to ExCeL London?
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the fastest public transport option, with a travel time of just 10-12 minutes to Custom House for ExCeL station. Door-to-door from airport arrivals to the ExCeL entrance takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to travel from LCY to ExCeL?
The DLR is also the cheapest efficient option. Using a contactless or Oyster card, the off-peak fare is around £2.80. The absolute cheapest is local bus 473 (£1.75), but it involves a walk and is slower.
Is there a direct train from London City Airport to ExCeL?
Yes. The DLR provides a direct service from the airport's integrated station to Custom House for ExCeL station on the Beckton branch. No train changes are required.
How long is the walk from Custom House DLR station to the ExCeL centre entrance?
It's an exceptionally short and easy walk of about 2-3 minutes. The station exit leads directly onto a covered footbridge that takes you into the heart of the ExCeL exhibition centre.
Can I use my Oyster card or contactless payment from the airport?
Absolutely. London City Airport DLR station is fully equipped with Oyster and contactless readers. This is the recommended and most cost-effective way to pay.
Is a taxi or Uber a good option for this journey?
For the majority of travellers, no. The DLR is faster, more reliable (not affected by road traffic), and a fraction of the cost (£3 vs £25+). Taxis are only advisable for large groups, very late-night arrivals, or those with extraordinary luggage.
What should I do if I arrive late at night or have heavy luggage?
The DLR runs until about 00:30. For later flights, a pre-booked minicab or taxi is your only realistic option. For heavy luggage, the DLR still works well (wide doors, level access), but a taxi offers door-to-door convenience if your budget allows.
Are there any bus services that go directly to ExCeL from LCY?
No direct bus service exists. Bus 473 gets you close but requires a 10-minute walk. The DLR's direct connection is far more convenient and efficient for reaching the main entrances.