Most Elizabeth line trains from Heathrow Terminals 2, 3 and 4 run straight through to Custom House, the station for ExCeL London, with no need to change, in around 55 minutes to just over an hour. Elizabeth line fares to and from Heathrow start from £13.90 for any journey that starts, ends or passes through Zone 1, which this one does. Checked 2026.
Elizabeth line: the direct route
Custom House sits on the Abbey Wood branch of the Elizabeth line, and Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 run four trains an hour through to Abbey Wood via Canary Wharf, passing straight through Custom House with no change needed. Terminal 4 also has four direct trains an hour on the same Abbey Wood branch. This makes the Elizabeth line the simplest way to reach ExCeL for most Heathrow arrivals, since Custom House station sits right next to the venue.
Fares to and from Heathrow start from £13.90 according to Heathrow's own published Elizabeth line information, since any journey that starts, ends or passes through Zone 1 is charged at this rate rather than a standard suburban fare. You can pay with contactless, an Oyster card, or buy a single ticket or Travelcard from the station machines at any of Heathrow's three rail stations.
From Terminal 5
Terminal 5's direct Elizabeth line service runs to Shenfield via Stratford rather than to Abbey Wood, so some journeys from T5 to Custom House need a change, typically at Paddington or another central London stop, onto an Abbey Wood-bound train. Check the live departure boards at T5 or a journey planner before you travel, since Elizabeth line service patterns are adjusted periodically and a same-platform connection is sometimes available depending on the time of day.
Taxi and private hire
A taxi or pre-booked private hire car from Heathrow to ExCeL covers a longer cross-London route than the central-London-focused fares elsewhere on this site, so budget more than the roughly £75 to £130 typical of a central London black cab trip. At least one private transfer operator advertises a fixed price of around £65 for this specific route, which is a useful benchmark for what a pre-booked fixed-price transfer might cost, though you should get a current quote before booking rather than assuming that exact figure still applies. A metered black cab is likely to cost more than a pre-booked fixed-price transfer for a route this length, so comparing both before you travel is worth the few minutes it takes.
Why people search for this route
ExCeL London is one of the UK's largest exhibition and conference venues, hosting everything from major trade shows and comic conventions to boat shows and international conferences throughout the year. Because it sits in the Royal Docks area of East London, well away from the West End and the City, it's a genuinely different journey from the airport's usual central London routes, and business travellers flying into Heathrow specifically for an ExCeL event benefit from knowing the direct Elizabeth line option exists rather than defaulting to a taxi across the whole of London.
DLR and other nearby stations
ExCeL is a long venue, and the DLR also serves it at three separate stations along its length: Custom House, Prince Regent and Royal Victoria, so which one is closest depends on which hall or entrance you need. If you're travelling on from Heathrow via the Elizabeth line to Custom House, you can also switch to the DLR there if your meeting or stand is at the far end of the venue nearer Prince Regent or Royal Victoria. It's also worth knowing that London City Airport sits a few DLR stops further along the same line, so if your trip involves flying out of London City rather than back through Heathrow, the two airports are unusually well connected for a same-trip itinerary.
At a glance
| Option | Fare | Time from Heathrow | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth line (T2, T3, T4) | From £13.90 | 55 minutes to just over an hour, usually no change | Most travellers, business trips with luggage |
| Elizabeth line (T5) | From £13.90 | Similar, but may need a change | T5 arrivals; check live departures |
| Taxi or private hire | More than the ~£75-130 central London range; fixed transfers advertised from around £65 | Depends on traffic; longer than central London | Groups, tight timing, heavy exhibition materials |
For the wider rail picture from Heathrow, see Heathrow to central London: fastest and cheapest ways, and for taxi booking generally, see the taxis page.
FAQs
Is there a direct train from Heathrow to ExCeL London?
Yes, for most journeys. Elizabeth line trains from Terminals 2, 3 and 4 run through to Custom House, the station for ExCeL, on the Abbey Wood branch, with no change needed for most services.
How much does the Elizabeth line cost from Heathrow to ExCeL?
Fares start from £13.90, since any journey to or from Heathrow that starts, ends or passes through Zone 1 is charged at this rate, according to Heathrow's own published Elizabeth line fare information.
Do I need to change trains from Terminal 5 to reach ExCeL?
Sometimes. Terminal 5's direct Elizabeth line service runs to Shenfield via Stratford rather than Abbey Wood, so some journeys need a change onto an Abbey Wood-bound train, typically at a central London stop.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to ExCeL London?
More than the airport's central London benchmark of roughly £75 to £130 for a black cab, since ExCeL is further east than central London. At least one operator advertises a fixed transfer price of around £65, useful as a benchmark before you get a current quote.
Which station do I need for ExCeL London?
Custom House, which sits directly next to the venue and is served by the Elizabeth line as well as the DLR.