Canning Town

Canning Town is one of east London's most important transport hubs, and one that has changed dramatically over the past two decades. The station is a Jubilee line and DLR interchange, and the surrounding area - which was one of east London's most deprived and run-down districts through the late 20th century - has been substantially regenerated. The Canning Town Masterplan has delivered thousands of new homes, commercial development and improved public realm, with Rathbone Market at the centre providing a genuine local shopping and community focus.

The practical value of Canning Town for visitors is its DLR connection. ExCeL London - one of London's largest conference and exhibition centres, hosting events ranging from trade shows to the London Film and Comic Con - is just a few stops on the DLR. London City Airport, which handles primarily European and domestic routes and is one of the most convenient London airports for the City and Canary Wharf, is four DLR stops away. The DLR service is frequent, step-free and cheap compared to alternative airport connections.

The Jubilee line at Canning Town reaches Canary Wharf in four minutes - making it one of the closest Underground connections to the Canary Wharf financial district for those working or visiting there. The area's ongoing regeneration means the neighbourhood around the station continues to change.

Station Overview

Canning Town station opened in 1999 as part of the Jubilee Line Extension and is served by both the Jubilee line and the DLR. It sits in Zone 3 and is fully step-free throughout. The station is a major bus interchange for east London routes.

Lines and Connectivity

The Jubilee line (silver) connects west toward North Greenwich, London Bridge (8 minutes), Waterloo and Westminster. Eastbound trains run toward West Ham and Stratford.

The DLR connects north toward Stratford International and Stratford, south and east toward London City Airport (4 stops, approximately 8 minutes), Woolwich Arsenal, Custom House (ExCeL) and the eastern DLR branches.

Facilities

Canning Town has toilets, ATMs, shops and an information point. The regenerated town centre adjacent to the station provides additional food and retail options.

Accessibility

Canning Town is fully step-free on both the Jubilee line and DLR, making it an important accessible interchange in east London for those travelling to London City Airport or ExCeL.

Travel Tips

• For London City Airport, the DLR from Canning Town is the most direct route - approximately 8 minutes to the airport terminal (Customs House stop, then one more stop)
• ExCeL London exhibition centre is at Custom House station, 3 DLR stops from Canning Town
• Canary Wharf is 4 minutes on the Jubilee line - one of the closest Underground connections to the financial district
• Rathbone Market adjacent to the station is a good local market for fresh produce and everyday goods

Nearby Attractions

ExCeL London - 3 DLR stops (Custom House). Major exhibition and conference centre hosting events year-round - check listings before visiting.

London City Airport - 4 DLR stops (London City Airport). Compact airport serving European destinations, primarily used by business travellers.

Rathbone Market - Adjacent to the station. A local market at the heart of the Canning Town regeneration area.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

The Jubilee line and DLR both run throughout the day with high frequency. Canning Town is busy during weekday rush hours (08:00-09:30 and 17:30-19:30) and when ExCeL events are running. For London City Airport, early morning DLR services start well ahead of most flight departure times.