Visiting Excel London by Train: Everything You Need to Know

Daniel Clark

Published: June 18, 2025

Updated: May 9, 2026

Visiting Excel London by Train: Everything You Need to Know

Taking the train to Exhibition Centre London (abbreviated as Excel London) is a simple and affordable way to get to this premier exhibition centre in East London. Whether you’re attending a sports event, conference, award ceremony, or hosting your own event, Excel London is conveniently located for access by public transport.

Located on a 100-acre site on the northern quay of the Royal Victoria Dock in London Docklands, the venue welcomes a wide array of prestigious international exhibitions and conventions. This guide includes advice on getting the train to Excel London, and offers tips and advice for getting the most out of your visit.

Getting to Excel London by train

In the heart of the London Docklands, near City Hall, ExceL London is easy to reach via the Elizabeth Line. Take the Elizabeth Line to Custom House station, which is only a 5-minute walk from the exhibition center.

Trains from London Euston to Excel London

If your train gets into London Euston, from places like Birmingham, Glasgow, or Liverpool, you’ll need to hop on the Northern Line to Tottenham Court Road, where you can switch to the Elizabeth Line to Custom House.

Trains from Stratford International to Excel London

Another simple route to Excel London by train is to travel to Stratford International, then take the DLR directly to Custom House. Stratford International connects London with towns and cities in Kent, including Ramsgate, Margate, Faversham, and Canterbury, on services operated by Southeastern.

Take the IFS Cloud Cable Car

For a unique experience, take the scenic route to Excel London by boarding the cable car to the IFS Cloud Royal Docks. From there, you’ll only need to walk 10 minutes to Excel London.

Excel London tickets and opening hours

Visiting Exhibition Centre London by train is a great way to enjoy a varied day out in one of the biggest and best venues in East London. Besides conferences and corporate events, Excel London hosts abundant activities for the public, from immersive exhibitions and experiences, to motor racing and music.

Whether you’re looking for street food expos, tattoo shows, climate technology, or something else, Excel London hosts a huge range of world-leading events throughout the year. Check the official website for details and how to book.

Opening hours vary based on the event you are attending. The dining area will also operate different opening hours, depending on what events are in the venue.

What to do at Excel London

While visiting this world-renowned venue in the London Docklands, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities and events Here are some of our top recommendations:

Book onto a one-off event

If you’re planning a trip to Excel London, it is likely that you are attending a conference, exhibition, expo or other type of trade show or gathering. From climate technology and eCommerce, to marketing and property investment, Excel London hosts a varied range of world-leading events throughout the year.

Attend an event at Excel London

As well as corporate and networking events, Excel London hosts fun experiences and events for the public, with ongoing exhibitions on topics like Egyptian history and TV shows. Immerse yourself in recreated sets from shows like FRIENDS™, or battle through five intense challenges on Squid Game: The Experience.

Grab some food at Excel London

As a venue that caters to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, Excel London has an excellent range of food and drink options. Whether you want a barista coffee, three-course meal, or a few early evening beers, you’ll be sure to find the perfect place to satisfy your cravings.

History and facts of Excel London

Exhibition Centre London, opened in November 2000, is a premier conference and exhibition venue in East London. Designed by Moxley Architects and built by Sir Robert McAlpine, the centre consists of two column-free, rectangular halls about 500,000 sq. ft., separated by a central boulevard.

In May 2008, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company acquired Excel London, with subsequent developments adding to the venue’s size and scale. During its quarter-century existence, Excel London has hosted a variety of international events, including consumer and trade exhibitions, religious events, and conferences.

Notable examples are the G20 London Summit (2009), WorldSkills London (2011), events at the London Olympics and Paralympics (2012), the London Boat Show, the London International Music Show, MCM London Comic Con, and The Clothes Show London.

Planning your trips to London by train

Liverpool to London

Take the train from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston on Avanti West Coast services that take just 2 hours 20 minutes. After your direct train to London, use the London Underground to get to Excel London: first the Northern Line to Tottenham Court Road, then the Elizabeth Line to Custom House.

Canterbury to London

Take the train from Canterbury West to Stratford International on Southeastern trains for the quickest route from Canterbury to Excel London. From Stratford International, hop on the DLR directly to Custom House. Alternatively, go from Canterbury West to London St Pancras in under an hour on regular Southeastern trains. From St Pancras, you can get to Excel London via various London Underground or bus routes; for example, take the Hammersmith & City Line to West Ham, then the DLR to Custom House

Portsmouth to London

From Portsmouth to London Waterloo, travel on a direct train in just over 2 hours with Southern. After arriving at London Waterloo, take the Northern Line to Tottenham Court Road, then the Elizabeth Line to Custom House. Remember: you can save money on your trip when you buy cheap train tickets in advance with TrainPal, and don’t forget to add a Railcard discount too, if eligible.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.