- Introduction
- About The O2: the essentials
- How to get to The O2 by train?
- What to do at The O2?
- Travel tips for visiting The O2
- Conclusion
- Explore more stadium guides
Introduction
The O2, also known as The O2 Arena, is an indoor stadium that has hosted numerous events since its conversion to an events venue in 2007, including sports events, musical concerts, comedy shows, business and corporate conferences, entire music festivals, and even the Olympic Games in 2012.
Big names from all over the world come to play, sing, dance, and entertain at The O2. Attracting throngs of fans from across the UK, Europe, and the world. The easiest way to get to The O2 is by train. It’s simple, convenient, and quick.
In this blog, we’ll provide some more information about The O2 and its significance as a major London entertainment venue, as well as detail the best way to reach it by train.
About The O2: the essentials
The O2 is located in Greenwich in South East London. It was initially named the Millennium Dome and was opened in 1999 to celebrate the millennium. When it first opened, it was actually the fifth-largest building in the world and quickly came to represent a new, modern, and confident London.
These days, the Millennium Dome is now The O2 and hosts a smorgasbord of events throughout the year. It’s probably best known for hosting huge musical concerts, with acts such as Olivia Rodrigo, Prince, The Killers, Blondie, and Ariana Grande all performing at The O2. Also, the stadium has hosted a country music festival, WWE Professional Wrestling, the ATP World Tour Finals from 2009 to 2020, esports tournaments, and so much more. The venue's versatility is what has really made it a smashing success.
In 2023, The O2 was the third busiest music arena in the world in terms of ticket sales, generating 1,264,882 tickets that year. It also has the third-highest seating capacity for a music venue in the UK, with a capacity of approximately 20,000.
How to get to The O2 by train?
The nearest station to The O2 is North Greenwich Station, which is served by the Jubilee Line on the London Underground. North Greenwich Station provides direct access to The O2, making it the most convenient option for visitors. Alternatively, you can travel to Charlton Station, which is served primarily by Thameslink and Southeastern. From Charlton, you can take a taxi or board the 161, 472, or 486 buses to reach North Greenwich underground station, which is just a ten-minute walk from The O2. Here are some popular routes to the station:
The journey from London Bridge to Charlton is only a measly twenty minutes with Southeastern or Thameslink.
It takes only twenty-five minutes to get from Dartford to Charlton with Southeastern.
Getting from Bexleyheath to Charlton takes just thirty minutes with Southeastern.
What to do at The O2?
The O2 is so much more than just a venue. It features a whole shopping mall, Outlet Shopping at The O2, with sixty designer brands. There are thirty bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as bowling, a cinema, indoor skydiving, rooftop parties, and the option to go on an outdoor climb over the world-renowned roof, offering 360-degree views of London. Daytime, sunset, and twilight climbs are all available.
There’s so much to do at The O2, you might even need to come back once your event is over!
Travel tips for visiting The O2
The O2 prioritises accessibility. If you or someone you’re with needs additional assistance, you can book an Access Card that informs staff of your specific requirements during your visit. If you need a little more assistance, you can book a Personal Assistant to give you some extra help. Simply select this option when booking your accessible ticket.
As one of the largest music venues in the UK and one of the busiest in the entire world, queues at The O2 can sometimes be quite large. It’s recommended that you get to the venue at least one to two hours before the scheduled start of the event, and it’s worth giving yourself some extra time to travel just in case there are any hiccups along the way.
A great way to save money is by booking your train tickets early. This way, you can save money before the price increases, as well as plan your route to the venue. If you’re looking to save a few pennies, adding a Railcard is a great way to make savings on your train tickets. Some Railcards can grant as much as 50% off your fare!
Conclusion
This guide has provided you with essential information to make your journey to The O2 as smooth and enjoyable as possible. By understanding the best train routes and transportation options, you can plan your trip efficiently and avoid unnecessary stress. We've also highlighted the diverse attractions and activities available at The O2, ensuring you make the most of your visit beyond just attending an event.
With practical travel tips and insights into the venue's accessibility features, you're well-equipped to have a memorable experience. Remember, with TrainPal, you can secure the most affordable train tickets, allowing you to focus on enjoying everything The O2 has to offer.
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