Many corporate visitors to ExCeL stay in the West End, Covent Garden, the City or around the Strand and commute east each morning. The trip is short on the map but crosses the busiest part of London.
The route from Central London to ExCeL London
From central London the usual line is the Embankment or Upper and Lower Thames Street, the Limehouse Link tunnel (A1203) and the A13 east to the Royal Docks.
Commuting to ExCeL from a central hotel
If you are staying in the West End or the City for a week-long show, book the morning pick-ups in one go. The driver follows the same route each day, and on the busiest mornings will leave a little earlier to keep you on time for the doors opening.
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 from Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Farringdon or Liverpool Street reaches Custom House in roughly 15–25 minutes; it is the quickest choice without luggage. A pre-booked car is the better choice with luggage, stand kit, a group, or an early start or late finish; it takes 25–35 min off-peak and 45–60 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: Central London 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.
Not every train stops at Custom House
Posters warn that the eastbound Elizabeth line splits into branches, and not every train calls at Custom House.
How we handle it: A car from your hotel avoids the branch question altogether.
Morning traffic
Locals advise against crossing central London by road around 8am because of rush hour, unless you have heavy luggage.
How we handle it: We tell you if rail would be faster at your time; for kit and groups the car wins.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Central London to ExCeL London?
Typically 25–35 min outside the rush hours and 45–60 min on a weekday peak, for a distance of about 7–8 miles (from the Strand / Trafalgar Square).
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.
How long from the West End to ExCeL in the morning?
Allow 45–60 minutes in the weekday morning peak; it can be under 35 minutes early in the morning.
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: Canary Wharf 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.