Trains to Olympic Park: A Comprehensive Guide

The Olympic Park, also known as Queen Elizabeth Park, is a multi-use public park and sports complex. It was, of course, initially built for the 2012 London Summer Olympics and Paralympics, but since then has expanded into a variety of uses to capitalise on the legacy of the Olympic Games. 

The best way to reach it is by using the train. The park itself comprises 560 acres, so there are many train stations nearby. Taking the train gives you the added convenience of not having to worry about parking or rush hour on the tube, meaning you can enjoy the park at a more leisurely pace. 

This blog will provide more information about Olympic Park, as many people mistakenly believe it is synonymous with the Olympic Stadium (now known as the London Stadium). It will also provide the best way to get there by train and offer some handy travel tips. 

Olympic Park is a vast public park and multi-use sports complex that features green spaces, a stadium, various sports facilities, and public art. It is located in Stratford, Bow, Leyton, and Hackney Wick in East London. The fact that it covers so many areas demonstrates how large the park actually is. 

It’s no surprise, then, that it took 80,000 construction workers to build it, with construction beginning in 2007. Major venues, including the Olympic Stadium, the Athletes’ Village, and the Aquatics Centre, were all constructed in just four years. 

After the games concluded in 2012, it took eighteen months to redevelop the park, transforming it into what is officially called Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This process involved repurposing venues, creating new areas within the park, and redeveloping residential areas for public use. 

The easiest way to get to Olympic Park is the same as if you were going to the London Stadium, as this is the route it was designed for during the 2012 Olympic Games. The closest stations are Stratford and Stratford International. It’s only a fifteen-minute walk from either station to get to the park.  

Stratford Station is an interchange station that serves a variety of destinations. It also features a London Underground station on the Central and Jubilee lines, as well as a stop on the London Overground from Richmond and Clapham Junction. Additionally, Stratford International runs services to St Pancras International, Dover Priory, and Ashford International. 

The main rail operators from Stratford Station are c2c and Greater Anglia. Whereas Southeastern is the sole operator from Stratford International. Here are some popular routes to these stations:

1: London St Pancras International to Stratford International

Southeastern trains can take you from London St Pancras International to Stratford International in just seven minutes. 

2: London Liverpool Street to Stratford 

The train from London Liverpool Street to Stratford, operated by Greater Anglia, takes just seven minutes. 

3: Bishops Stortford to Stratford

Getting from Bishops Stortford to Stratford takes on average fifty-five minutes with Greater Anglia. 

4: Dover Priory to Stratford International 

Southeastern trains usually take around one hour to get from Dover Priory to Stratford International. 

If you love the Olympic Games or are super into sports, the Olympic Park has it all. Since it was repurposed from the Olympic Games, there are so many sports activities to choose from. There’s the London Stadium that hosts football, baseball, rugby, and massive musical concerts. There’s the London Aquatics Centre, Copper Box Arena, which encompasses everything from netball to esports, and Lee Valley VeloPark, where you can participate in four different types of cycling, suitable for absolute beginners to professionals. 

Naturally, there are heaps of gardens and green space, too. Escape the business of London and relax into nature, take a stroll or enjoy a peaceful picnic near the London Blossom Garden or Mandeville Place. You could even top it all off with a selfie near the iconic Olympic Games symbols, the Olympic rings. 

If you’ve forgotten your picnic or left it on the train, don’t fret. Enjoy a slice of Mexico at Mex Club, or a squidge of Italy at Made in Puglia. If you’re in the mood for a wedge of Asian cuisine, head to Rainbo for katsu curries and gyozas. 

With Olympic Park being outdoors, it’s ideal for people who use wheelchairs or have additional mobility needs. Yet, if you or someone you’re travelling with needs extra support, then Olympic Park has you covered, as it was designed to be fully accessible. Featuring wide, paved pathways, ramps, and lifts, it ensures easy access across various sections of the park. As well, you can rent a mobility scooter or wheelchair. 

Planning ahead can also be helpful. Not only can it save you money, but it can also make your journey simple and frictionless. For example, booking your tickets early can help you save money, as ticket prices naturally increase closer to the day of travel. Yet, booking ahead can also mean you get the right seats you want and gives you the luxury of the time you travel before they’re all sold out. 

Secure the most affordable train tickets to Olympic Park today with TrainPal. As your go-to platform for finding and booking budget-friendly train travel across the UK, TrainPal offers a seamless experience with user-friendly features and exclusive deals. Whether you're visiting for a sporting event, a concert, or simply exploring the area, TrainPal ensures you get the best value for your journey.

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