How to Get from London City Airport to Greenwich

The DLR is an automated light metro system and is unequivocally the most efficient transport link between London City Airport and Greenwich. It’s a direct, frequent, and affordable service that is integrated into London's wider transport network.

Why It's the Top Choice:

• Direct Connection: No need to change trains. Board at LCY, alight at Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich.
• Speed & Frequency: Trains run every 8-10 minutes, with a journey time of 15-20 minutes.
• Cost-Effective: Uses standard TfL fare zones (LCY is in Zone 3, Greenwich is in Zone 2/3).
• Scenic Route: Enjoy views over the Docklands and across the Thames to Greenwich.
• Perfect Terminal Location: Drops you at the doorstep of Greenwich's main attractions.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Exit Arrivals: Follow signs for “Trains” or “DLR” inside the terminal.
2. Access Platforms: Take lifts or escalators down to the DLR platforms located directly beneath the airport.
3. Board the Train: Ensure you board a train bound for Lewisham or King George V (all stop at Greenwich). Check the front destination display.
4. The Journey: The train travels above ground through the Royal Docks, crossing the Thames via the Sir Steve Redgrave Bridge.
5. Alight: Get off at “Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich” (the 5th stop). This is the terminus for this branch.

Fares, Tickets & Practical Info:

Payment: Always use an Oyster card or contactless payment card (including Apple/Google Pay). This guarantees the cheapest single fare and daily caps.

Payment Method	Off-Peak Fare (Zones 3→2/3)	Peak Fare (Weekdays 6:30-9:30 AM)	Note
Oyster / Contactless	£2.80	£3.30	Cheapest option. Capped daily.
Paper Travelcard (Day)	~£14.40 (Zone 1-4)	~£14.40	Very poor value for this single journey.
Contactless Mobile Pay	£2.80	£3.30	Same as card. Ensure device is charged.

Luggage: DLR trains have wide aisles and ample standing room, suitable for suitcases. Avoid peak commuting hours (7:30-9:30 AM) for more space.

First/Last Trains: Service starts around 5:30 AM and runs until approximately 00:30 (12:30 AM) Monday-Saturday, and until 23:30 on Sundays. Check the TfL website for exact times on your travel date.

For door-to-door convenience, especially with heavy luggage, mobility issues, or group travel, a taxi or pre-booked private transfer is a viable—though expensive—option.

Black Cabs (Hackney Carriages):

• Availability: A dedicated black cab rank is located directly outside the terminal arrivals hall.
• Fare: The meter will run. Expect to pay £25 - £40 for the journey to central Greenwich. Traffic is the key variable.
• Journey Time: 15 minutes in light traffic, but can exceed 30-40 minutes during weekday rush hours (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM).
• Pros: Legally licensed, regulated fares (meter), knowledgeable drivers, wheelchair accessible.

Pre-Booked Minicabs / Private Hire:

Services like Addison Lee, or local Greenwich-based firms, can be booked in advance.

• Cost: Often offers a fixed price quoted in advance, typically similar to or slightly lower than a black cab.
• Booking: Use official apps or websites. Never accept offers from unlicensed touts inside the airport.
• Meet & Greet: Many services offer a meet-and-greet in arrivals for an additional fee.

Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber, Bolt, etc.):

Operates at LCY. Pricing is dynamic (surge pricing during high demand). Pick-up is at the designated car park area; follow signs in arrivals.

When to Choose a Taxi:

• Traveling in a group of 3-4 people where cost can be shared.
• Arriving very late at night after DLR/bus services have stopped.
• If you have significant mobility challenges or a large amount of bulky luggage.
• For business travel where expense is less of a concern.

Key Advice: For the average tourist or solo traveler, the DLR is overwhelmingly more cost-effective and reliable for this specific route.

Bus travel is the cheapest surface transport option but is significantly slower due to multiple stops and traffic. It is useful if you have a heavy Oyster daily cap, or if rail services are disrupted.

Primary Daytime Bus Route: 474

• Route: Runs from London City Airport (Silvertown City Airport) bus stop to Greenwich Park / Royal Observatory via North Greenwich (O2 Arena) and the Greenwich Peninsula.
• Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes.
• Journey Time: Approximately 35-50 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic around the Blackwall Tunnel approach.
• Fare: £1.75 with Oyster/contactless (capped at £5.25 daily). One single bus fare.
• Experience: A good option if you want to see more of the local area, but not recommended if you’re tired or in a hurry.

Night Bus: N551

This is your only public transport option in the early hours of the morning when the DLR has stopped.

• Operation: Runs nightly, typically between 00:30 AM and 5:00 AM.
• Route: From Canning Town station to North Greenwich. From North Greenwich, you can connect to other night buses or take a short taxi to central Greenwich.
• Access from LCY: You would need to take a taxi or a very infrequent local night bus from LCY to Canning Town first. This makes a taxi the more practical direct choice late at night.

Luggage & Accessibility:

Buses have dedicated wheelchair/suitcase spaces, but space is limited. Avoid during peak commuting hours. All London buses are cashless—you must use Oyster, contactless, or a paper Travelcard.

While the DLR is direct, other combinations using the Tube and National Rail exist. These are generally less efficient for this journey but are useful to know for wider London travel planning.

Via the Jubilee Line (Tube):

A longer, change-involving route that may be useful if your final destination is near a Jubilee Line station.

1. Take the DLR from LCY one stop west to Canning Town (3 mins).
2. Change to the Jubilee Line (grey line on the map) heading towards Stratford.
3. Alight at North Greenwich station (3 stops).
4. From North Greenwich, take a local bus (e.g., 188, 422, 472) or a taxi to central Greenwich (5-15 mins).

Verdict: More complex and time-consuming (30-40 mins total) than the direct DLR. Only consider if going to the O2 Arena on the peninsula.

Walking & Thames Path (For the Adventurous):

Geographically close, but the Thames is a barrier. Walking involves using the Emirates Air Line cable car or the Foot Tunnel at North Greenwich, making it a niche, scenic but impractical choice with luggage.

• Example Route: DLR to Royal Victoria, Emirates Air Line to North Greenwich, then bus/walk. This is a sightseeing activity, not an efficient transfer.

This table summarizes all key options to help you decide at a glance.

Transport Mode	Approx. Journey Time	Approx. Cost (Single)	Best For	Key Considerations
DLR (Direct)	15-20 min	£2.80 - £3.30 (Oyster/Contactless)	Almost everyone: Tourists, solo, couples, business.	Fastest, cheapest, most convenient. No changes.
Black Cab	15-40 min	£25 - £40 (metered)	Groups (3-4), late night, heavy luggage, mobility needs.	Door-to-door. Costly. Traffic-dependent.
Pre-booked Minicab	15-40 min	£20 - £35 (fixed quote)	Similar to Black Cab. Those wanting a fixed price.	Book in advance. Avoid airport touts.
Bus 474	35-50 min	£1.75 (Oyster/Contactless)	Extreme budget travelers, sightseeing en route.	Cheapest surface option. Very slow. Traffic-prone.
Uber / Ride-App	15-40 min	£15 - £35 (dynamic)	Tech-savvy travelers, those comfortable with apps.	Price surges during high demand. Pick-up at car park.

Essential Ticket Advice:

• Oyster/Contactless is King: For any public transport (DLR, bus), this is non-negotiable for the best fares. Purchase an Oyster at the airport station if needed.
• Forget Paper Tickets: Single paper tickets are exorbitantly priced (e.g., £6.30 for this DLR trip). Never buy them for this journey.
• Daily Cap: If you make multiple journeys in a day on buses, DLR, and Tube, your Oyster/contactless spending is capped (e.g., £8.50 for Zones 1-3), making subsequent travel free.

Beyond the basic routes, these insights will make your transfer smoother and your Greenwich visit more enjoyable.

Navigation & Station Tips:

• Cutty Sark Station: When you exit, you'll emerge practically underneath the hull of the historic Cutty Sark clipper ship. The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Market, and the Thames path are all within a 2-minute walk.
• Airport to DLR: The signage is excellent. The station is integrated into the airport terminal building—just head downstairs.
• Mind the Gap: On some older DLR platforms, there can be a noticeable gap between the train and platform. Watch your step and suitcase wheels.

Timing & Crowds:

• Peak Hours: If you arrive on a weekday morning (7:30-9:30 AM), the DLR will be busy with commuters. Be prepared to stand with your luggage.
• Weekends: Greenwich is a major weekend destination. The DLR can be busy with tourists in the late morning and afternoon, but it's rarely uncomfortably crowded.
• Event Days: Check if there is a major event at the O2 Arena. This can increase crowds on the Jubilee Line and buses from North Greenwich.

Luggage Strategy:

• DLR Luggage Space: Stand in the multi-purpose areas near the doors, usually marked with a blue wheelchair symbol. These have fold-up seats to create space.
• Left Luggage at LCY: If you want to explore Greenwich baggage-free, London City Airport offers left luggage services (Excess Baggage Company).
• Direct to Hotel?: If your hotel is not in central Greenwich, check if it's closer to a different DLR stop (e.g., Greenwich, Deptford Bridge). The train announces all stops clearly.

Enhance Your Journey:

• Views from the DLR: Sit at the front (if possible) for a driver's-eye view, especially as you cross the Thames. The view of Canary Wharf and Greenwich from the bridge is impressive.
• Combine with Sightseeing: Consider getting off one stop early at Island Gardens. Walk through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel under the Thames to emerge right next to the Cutty Sark—a classic London experience.