The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is a transport network built in 1987 to facilitate the revitalisation of London’s docklands. Linking Docklands and Stratford in the north, Lewisham in the south, Tower Gateway and London’s financial centre in the west, and extending east to Beckton, London Airport and Woolwich Arsenal, the DLR is an integral part of London’s transport infrastructure.
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is an elevated light rail system serving the redeveloped Docklands area of London. The DLR carries approximately 278,100 passengers per day. Fares for this metro are not specified.
Although the DLR doesn’t operate 24 hours a day, its specific operating hours are not listed here (referred to as “SCHEDULE”). However, the DLR has driverless trains, a feature it has maintained since its inception in 1987. Passengers can walk between platforms. There is no information on whether the trains or platforms have air conditioning or screen doors.
The average speed of DLR trains is 80 km/h, with a maximum speed of 100 km/h. The system is operated by KeolisAmey Docklands Ltd.
DLR Map
Map of Docklands Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Docklands Metro map in PDF format.
Overview: Docklands Light Railway in London
London Docklands, located to the east of London and within the boroughs of Greenwich, Tower Hamlets and Southwark, is a bustling commercial and residential area in the Port of London. Often regarded as a single line with multiple segments, the DLR has 45 stations over 31km and carries over 110 million passengers a year.
History of Docklands Light Railway
In 1981, the London government set up the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) to regenerate the London docks (Docklands). The London Docklands Project was set up to transform the area into a denser area with an increased number of buildings and corporate offices.
A cost-effective transport solution was needed during this period. As a result, London Transport began exploring light rail options, culminating in the creation of the Docklands Light Railway.
The establishment of the DLR attracted interest from private companies due to its ability to transport passengers to key areas of Greater London within minutes. Serco Docklands operated the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) for 17 years following its opening in August 1987 before handing over to KeolisAmey Docklands, appointed by Transport for London.
Travelling via the Docklands Light Railway
Sections and Stations
Tower Gateway – Beckton: Stations are Tower Gateway, Shadwell, Limehouse, Westferry, Poplar, Blackwall, Canning Town, Royal Victoria, Custom House for ExCel, Prince Regent, Royal Albert, Beckton Park, Cyprus, Gallions Reach, Beckton.
Bank – Woolwich Arsenal: Stations are Bank, Shadwell, Limehouse, Westferry, Poplar, Blackwall, Canning Town, West Silvertown, Pontoon Dock, London City Airport, King George V, Woolwich Arsenal.
Bank – Lewisham: Stations are Bank, Shadwell, Limehouse, Westferry, Poplar, West Indian Quay, Canary Wharf, Heron Quays, South Quay, Crossharbour, Mudchute, Island Gardens, Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich, Greenwich, Deptford Bridge, Elverson Road, Lewisham.
Stratford – Canary Wharf: Stations are Stratford, Pudding Mill Lane, Bow Church, Devons Road, Langdon Park, All Saints, Poplar, West Indian Quay, Canary Wharf. During peak weekdays the route extends to Lewisham with additional stops at Heron Quays, South Quay, Crossharbour, Mudchute, Island Gardens, Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich, Greenwich, Deptford Bridge, Elverson Road, Lewisham.
Stratford International – Beckton: Stations are Stratford International, Stratford, Stratford High Street, Abbey Road, West Ham, Star Lane, Canning Town, Royal Victoria, Custom House for ExCel, Prince Regent, Royal Albert, Beckton Park, Cyprus, Gallions Reach, Beckton.
Stratford International – Woolwich Arsenal: Stations are Stratford International, Stratford, Pudding Mill Lane, Bow Church, Devons Road, Langdon Park, All Saints, Poplar, Blackwall, East India, Canning Town, West Silvertown, Pontoon Dock, London City Airport, King George V, Woolwich Arsenal.
Interchanges
Some journeys may require you to change platforms. You should consult the map to identify stations where you can change platforms and transfer to different sections.
DLR connects with London Underground at the following stations: Bank, Tower Hill – Tower Gateway (yellow and green lines) and Bow (green and pink lines).
Connection with the Airport
There is a Docklands Light Railway station at London Airport. To get there, take the DLR from any station to Woolwich Arsenal.
Language Use on the Docklands Light Railway
All announcements are made in English.
Operating Hours and Frequency
The Docklands Light Railway runs from 5:30 to 00:30 from Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays and holidays from 7:00 until 23:30.
Trains operate with a frequency of 5-10 minutes throughout the day and 3.5 minutes during peak times.
Fares for the Docklands Light Railway
DLR shares the same fare structure as the London Underground, primarily serving zones 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Free Travel:
- Children up to 10 years old
- Adults over 60 years old
- People with disabilities
- War veterans
Travel Cards and Tickets
Oyster Card
The Oyster card, the top recommended card for travelling on the London Underground system and DLR, can also be used on buses and trains.
For short stays in London, you can purchase an unregistered prepaid Oyster Card (pay as you go) for 5 pounds from any Underground or DLR station in London. The Oyster card allows access to all means of transport in London at discounted rates, providing substantial savings!
TravelCard
A TravelCard is a ticket valid for 1, 3, 7, or 30 days, offering unlimited travel on London’s public transport system for the duration and areas selected. To purchase a TravelCard for 7 days or more, a photocard featuring your photograph and username is required.
Below are the fares for the Oyster Card and TravelCard for zones covered by the Docklands Light Railway:
Oyster Card TravelCard
1 day 1 day 1 week
Zone 1 £6.50 £12.10 £32.40
Zone 1-2 £6.50 £12.10 £32.40
Zone 1-3 £7.60 £12.10 £38.00
Zone 1-4 £9.30 £12.10 £46.50
TIP: You can recharge an Oyster Card with a TravelCard, blending the two systems. This allows you to add more credit to your Oyster Card and pay the difference to visit other areas of London without purchasing a new TravelCard.
For more information on cards and fares of the Public Transportation System in London, click here.
Payment Methods
Oyster and TravelCards can be purchased from vending machines and shops at all stations using credit or debit cards or cash. Oyster cards can also be purchased from newsagents and supermarkets. The £5.00 charge for the card is refundable on return of the card.
Special Information
- All Docklands Light Railway stations have lifts or ramps to access the platforms.
- Parking is available at some stations.
- Bicycles are allowed on the DLR at off-peak times and at weekends.
- Folding bicycles can be brought onto the DLR during peak periods.
- Smoking and drinking are prohibited on DLR stations. Violators may be fined £80.
- Remember to validate your Oyster Card or TravelCard when leaving the station.
Interesting Points to Visit via the Docklands Light Railway
- The Royal Observatory of Greenwich: The Royal Observatory of Greenwich is within easy reach of Greenwich Station. This historic site is home to attractions such as the Prime Meridian Line, which divides the globe into East and West, and Flamsteed House, the original site of the observatory where astronomers once lived and worked.
- Westfield Shopping Centre: The largest shopping centre in Europe, Westfield is home to 250 shops, over 70 restaurants, 17 cinemas and 3 hotels. It is also home to the UK’s largest casino. Stratford Station on the DLR is the nearest station to Westfield Shopping Centre.
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Close to Stratford station you’ll find the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the site of the London Olympic Games. Today it offers a range of family-friendly activities and attractions such as boat rides through the park’s canals.
- Emirates Air Line Cable Car: This cable car crosses the River Thames, linking London’s Royal Docks with Greenwich. It is a beautiful ride! To get to the start of the cable car at the Royal Docks, take the DLR to Royal Victoria Station.