Canary Wharf is London's second financial district and a big base for ExCeL visitors: its hotels and offices are only a couple of miles west of the venue. Corporate guests often split their week between client meetings at Canary Wharf and the show floor.
The route from Canary Wharf to ExCeL London
From Canary Wharf the driver takes the A1261 and A13 east, then the A1020 into the Royal Docks and Western Gateway.
From Canary Wharf to the show
For a morning start, book a pick-up at your office or hotel entrance about 30 minutes before you need to be at the stand in the rush hour, or 15 minutes off-peak. Teams split between Canary Wharf hotels can be collected in one loop by an MPV or minibus.
Arriving at ExCeL
Tell us the hall or event when you book and we drop you at the nearest entrance.
| Entrance | Nearest halls and stations | How we drop you |
|---|---|---|
| West entrance – Western Gateway, E16 1XL | Low-numbered halls (S1/N1 upwards), Custom House station (Elizabeth line and DLR) about 200 m away, the Western Gateway hotels | At the West drop-off and pick-up zone beside the taxi rank – the point ExCeL itself recommends for groups and anyone with reduced mobility |
| East entrance & ICC London – E16 1FR | High-numbered halls (up to S11/N11), ICC London, Prince Regent DLR about 200 m away, Aloft and Premier Inn | At the East drop-off and pick-up point; tell us the hall or ICC suite when you book |
The two entrances are about 600 m apart along the boulevard inside the venue, so the right one saves a long walk with cases. Free cloakrooms run during event hours on Level 0 (between N4 and S4, and at the east end); there is no overnight storage.
Good to know
By public transport instead?
By train, the Elizabeth line links Canary Wharf and Custom House in about three minutes – fine for one person, less so for a team with kit or after dark in heavy rain. A pre-booked car is the better choice with luggage, stand kit, a group, or an early start or late finish; it takes 8–12 min off-peak and 15–25 min at peak.
Price
Enter the two addresses in the quote form above for an instant fixed price for every vehicle size, from a saloon to a 9-seater. See what every ExCeL fare includes.
Related transfers
- Return journey
- ExCeL exhibition & conference transfers
- Hotels near ExCeL
- Heathrow to ExCeL
- London City Airport to ExCeL
- ExCeL London visitor guide
What travellers ask: Canary Wharf to ExCeL London Transfers
We read the busiest recent threads on TripAdvisor, Mumsnet and the Rick Steves travel forum about this journey. Below is what comes up most, in our own words, with how we handle it. Prices and timetables quoted in forum posts go out of date, so we have left them out.
One stop by rail, but hotels vary
Canary Wharf to Custom House is a single Elizabeth line stop, but posters stress that walking times from Canary Wharf hotels to the station vary a lot.
How we handle it: A car collects you at your hotel door, which matters with display kit.
Source: TripAdvisor London forum – Staying in Canary Wharf for ExCeL London?
Riverside hotels are slower
Some Docklands riverside hotels rely on ferries or buses, which posters found slow for daily ExCeL commuting.
How we handle it: A short car transfer can run morning and evening during your show.
Source: TripAdvisor London forum – ExCeL London hotel compare
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Canary Wharf to ExCeL London?
Typically 8–12 min outside the rush hours and 15–25 min on a weekday peak, for a distance of about 2.5–3 miles.
Is the price fixed if the traffic is bad?
Yes. The fare is agreed when you book; there is no meter and no surge pricing.
Can you take a group with stand materials?
Yes – choose an MPV, V Class or 9-seater, or several vehicles for larger teams.
Can I book by the hour instead?
Yes. For a day of meetings or several venues, an hourly booking keeps the same driver and car with you.
Is it worth a car for such a short trip?
For one person travelling light the Elizabeth line is quick; a car is better for teams, kit, VIP guests or late finishes.
More ExCeL London transfer guides
Airports to ExCeL: Gatwick Airport to ExCeL London Transfers · Heathrow Airport to ExCeL London Transfers · London City Airport to ExCeL London Transfers · Luton Airport to ExCeL London Transfers · Southend Airport to ExCeL London Transfers · Stansted Airport to ExCeL London Transfers
ExCeL to airports: ExCeL London to Gatwick Airport Transfers · ExCeL London to Heathrow Airport Transfers · ExCeL London to London City Airport Transfers · ExCeL London to Luton Airport Transfers · ExCeL London to Southend Airport Transfers · ExCeL London to Stansted Airport Transfers
Venues and stations: Central London to ExCeL London Transfers · ExCeL London to Canary Wharf Transfers · ExCeL London to Central London Transfers · ExCeL London to Olympia London Transfers · ExCeL London to St Pancras International Transfers · Olympia London to ExCeL London Transfers · St Pancras International to ExCeL London Transfers
Hotels near ExCeL: Hotels Near ExCeL London: Transfer Guide · ibis London ExCeL Docklands Transfers · Moxy London ExCeL Transfers · Novotel London ExCeL Transfers · Premier Inn London Docklands (ExCeL) Transfers
Guides: ExCeL London Exhibition & Conference Transfers · How a Pre-Booked London Airport Transfer Works · TfL-Licensed Private Hire Explained
Updated 2 October 2026. Journey times are typical door-to-door ranges; your driver checks live traffic before setting off.