West India Quay

West India Quay is a DLR station perched above the historic West India Docks -the first enclosed wet docks in London, built between 1800 and 1806 to handle the booming Caribbean sugar and rum trade. The station name preserves this history, and the preserved dock warehouses immediately below the elevated DLR tracks now house the Museum of London Docklands, one of the capital's finest free museums.

Station Overview

West India Quay opened in 1987 as one of the original DLR stations, located in Zone 2 between Poplar and Canary Wharf. The elevated track runs directly above the historic dock basins, offering excellent views over the water and the gleaming Canary Wharf towers. It is one of the most visually dramatic stations on the entire DLR network.

Lines and Connectivity

West India Quay is served by the DLR on the Bank branch. Canary Wharf (Jubilee and Elizabeth lines) is one stop south -a 2-minute journey. Bank is around 8 minutes north. The station is also walking distance from Canary Wharf's main shopping and transport hub.

Museum of London Docklands

The Museum of London Docklands occupies a Georgian warehouse directly beneath the DLR tracks -No. 1 Warehouse, built in 1802. The museum tells the story of London's port from Roman times through the Victorian docking era, the Blitz and the eventual closure of the docks in the 1960s-80s. Entry is free, and the museum is excellent for all ages. Allow at least two hours.

Facilities and Accessibility

West India Quay has full step-free access. There are shops and a cafe within the Canary Wharf retail complex a short walk south, and Crossrail Place (above Canary Wharf Elizabeth line station) has a rooftop tropical garden that is free to visit.

Travel Tips

• Museum of London Docklands is free and directly beside the station -allow 2 hours
• Canary Wharf (one stop south) is better for shopping, restaurants and interchange
• Sit at the front of the DLR train for elevated views over the dock basins

Nearby Attractions

Museum of London Docklands -Free, in the Georgian warehouse below. One of London's best history museums.

West India Docks -The original dock basins are preserved and surrounded by restaurants and bars.