Aloft London ExCeL Transfer Guide 2026: Getting To & From the Hotel From Every Airport

Quick Facts

• Location: Royal Victoria Dock, East London (E16), directly beside ExCeL
• Closest airport: London City (LCY), just a few miles away
• Nearest transport: Custom House (Elizabeth line & DLR), Prince Regent (DLR)
• Near: ExCeL London, The O2 (via Emirates Air Line cable car), Royal Docks waterfront
• Style: Modern, tech-forward hotel aimed at business and event travellers

Why Stay at Aloft ExCeL?

Its single biggest draw is location. Attached to the ExCeL campus, it's the natural choice for exhibitors and conference-goers who want to step out of the lobby and into the halls in minutes — no commute, no morning rush across the city. The arrival of the Elizabeth line at nearby Custom House has also transformed connectivity, putting central London, the West End and Heathrow within a straightforward ride. The Royal Docks setting, with its waterfront and the cable car across to The O2, makes it more than just a functional business stay.

Getting To the Hotel

By Public Transport

• Elizabeth line: To Custom House station, then a short walk to the hotel
• DLR: Prince Regent or Custom House stations nearby
• From London City Airport: Just one DLR stop away — though with luggage or equipment, a transfer is far simpler
• Cost: £3–5 contactless from central London

By Taxi / Transfer

• Benefit: Door-to-door with exhibition luggage, samples or equipment, at a fixed price
• Best for: Exhibitors, groups, early arrivals and late finishes, international guests with heavy bags

Fixed Transfer Fares (One-Way)

Fares use our standard per-mile pricing with the London zone charge included.

Return Fares (save ~10% vs. two singles)

All fares include the London zone charge and free waiting. London City is the closest airport — ideal if you're flying in specifically for an ExCeL event. Saloon seats 4, MPV 6, 8-seaters for groups and kit.

What's Nearby

• ExCeL London — right next door; the reason most guests stay here
• The O2 — reachable via the Emirates Air Line cable car for concerts and events
• Royal Docks waterfront — bars, restaurants and open water views on the doorstep
• Canary Wharf — a short DLR or transfer ride for dining and business

Event & Business Travel Tips

• Match your airport to your flight: London City for European business routes, Heathrow for long-haul.
• Book transfers around show times: ExCeL events create local traffic peaks — a fixed pickup keeps you on schedule.
• Travelling as a team: An 8-seater keeps everyone and their materials together from airport to hotel.

FAQs

Q: How close is London City Airport?

A: Just a few miles — the closest airport, a short transfer or one DLR stop away.

Q: Is the hotel right at ExCeL?

A: Yes — it's part of the ExCeL campus, making it ideal for exhibitions and conferences.

Q: Best airport for international arrivals?

A: Heathrow for long-haul (via the Elizabeth line or a transfer); London City for European business routes.

Q: Can you carry exhibition equipment?

A: Yes — choose an MPV or 8-seater for stand kit and heavy cases, and mention oversized items when booking.

Q: How far ahead should I book?

A: At least 24 hours, and earlier during major ExCeL events when demand is high.

The Bottom Line

Aloft ExCeL is all about location. A fixed-price transfer — especially from nearby London City — gets you and your exhibition kit to the door without wrestling luggage through the DLR, and back to any London airport when the show wraps.