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 ExCeL London to Canary Wharf
From ExCeL it is a short run west along the A1020 and the A13 to the Canary Wharf estate, dropping at your office building or hotel entrance.
Dropping off at Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf is a private estate owned by Canary Wharf Group, with its own roads and security; vehicles can be stopped for random searches at the estate entry points, so give us the building name (for example One Canada Square, or your hotel) and allow a couple of minutes. Most office buildings have a set-down point at the front.
Hotels around Canary Wharf are a popular base for ExCeL weeks: the short hop means a car can take you to the show in about ten minutes outside the rush.
Leaving ExCeL
Your driver waits at the Western Gateway pick-up point by the west entrance, or on the east side by arrangement, and messages you on arrival. After a big show closes the taxi rank and DLR queue for a long time; a pre-booked car means you walk straight out.
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: ExCeL London to Canary Wharf 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 Prices and timetables quoted in forum posts go out of date, so we have left them out.
Short hop, simple car
Posters list the Elizabeth line as the quick rail link and the DLR via Poplar as the backup.
How we handle it: A car is useful with kit or for groups returning after a show.
Source: TripAdvisor London forum – Staying in Canary Wharf for ExCeL London?
Post-show traffic
Visitors report busy roads leaving ExCeL on weekday evenings.
How we handle it: We time pick-ups to your stand breakdown and the evening traffic.
Source: Mumsnet – Anyone familiar with the area around London ExCeL?
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from ExCeL London to Canary Wharf?
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: Canary Wharf to ExCeL London Transfers · Central London to ExCeL London 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.