Olympia London, on Hammersmith Road in Kensington (W14), is the capital's other big exhibition venue. Exhibitors and organisers who work both venues – or visitors doing two shows in one trip – regularly need to cross London between them, with cases and stand materials.
The route from ExCeL London to Olympia London
The direct line runs west from the Royal Docks along the A13 and the Limehouse Link (A1203), along the Embankment and out on the A4 (Cromwell Road) to Kensington. It crosses central London, so journey times swing widely with the time of day; at the busiest times the North Circular can be a steadier alternative.
Arriving at Olympia
Olympia's halls are the Grand Hall, the National Hall and the Conference Centre; tell us which one your show or meeting is in and the driver sets down as close as the road layout allows. Kensington (Olympia) station, on the London Overground and Southern, sits beside the venue. Olympia has been transformed in 2026 – the Hyatt Regency hotel opened in July and new restaurants and the BA ARC music venue opened in June – and on-site parking is Blue Badge only and must be pre-booked, so a drop-off is the practical way in by road.
Doing ExCeL in the morning and Olympia in the afternoon is realistic outside the rush hours, but leave at least an hour and a quarter between finishing on one stand and needing to be at the other.
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 public transport, the trip usually means the District or Overground to a central interchange and the Elizabeth line out to Custom House – well over an hour with changes. A pre-booked car is the better choice with luggage, stand kit, a group, or an early start or late finish; it takes 40–50 min off-peak and 60–80 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 Olympia 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.
West-bound by rail
Posters used routes such as the DLR to Canning Town and the Jubilee line west, then onward changes towards Kensington, which involve several interchanges.
How we handle it: A direct car avoids every change and drops you at the Olympia hall entrance.
Kensington Olympia station
The nearest station has limited Underground service, and regular rail is via the Overground and some mainline trains.
How we handle it: We drop you at the Olympia doors, so station service does not matter.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from ExCeL London to Olympia London?
Typically 40–50 min outside the rush hours and 60–80 min on a weekday peak, for a distance of about 11–12 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.
Can I visit ExCeL and Olympia on the same day?
Yes, if you allow for traffic: the drive is typically 40–50 minutes off-peak but can be 60–80 minutes at busy times, as the route crosses central London.
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 Canary Wharf Transfers · ExCeL London to Central 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.