Silvertown in East London blends old industrial sites with new homes and developments. If you’re thinking about buying a home here, you’ll want to know how to get around.
This guide shows you all the transport options in and around Silvertown. We’ll look at how you can travel to work and explore the area on your days off.
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Train & Underground
Elizabeth Line
Custom House station, a short walk from most parts of Silvertown, provides access to the Elizabeth Line – London’s newest railway that has transformed East London connectivity. This modern, air-conditioned service has dramatically cut journey times across the capital.
The Elizabeth Line features:
- Wide, spacious carriages with Wi-Fi and real-time information displays
- Excellent accessibility with step-free access and frequent services (every 5 minutes during peak hours)
Travel Times:
- Canary Wharf: 5 minutes (perfect for finance sector workers)
- Liverpool Street: 11 minutes (connecting to National Rail services)
- Tottenham Court Road: 15 minutes (Oxford Street shopping)
- Paddington: 22 minutes (connections to West England)
- Bond Street: 17 minutes (luxury shopping district)
- Heathrow Airport Terminals: 45-55 minutes depending on terminal
Oyster/Contactless Fares (as of early 2025 – check TfL for latest):
- Peak travel (Zone 3 to Zone 1): £5.60
- Off-peak travel (Zone 3 to Zone 1): £3.60
- Daily cap (Zones 1-3): £10.00
The Elizabeth Line runs from approximately 5:30 am until midnight, with slightly reduced hours on Sundays. During rush hour, trains arrive every 3-5 minutes, making this a reliable option for daily commuters.
DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
The DLR is truly the backbone of local transport in Silvertown, with two stations serving the area directly: West Silvertown and Pontoon Dock. These modern, elevated stations offer excellent views of the surrounding docklands as you wait for your train.
DLR Connections:
- Bank (for Central, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines): 20 minutes
- Canary Wharf (for Jubilee Line): 12 minutes
- Stratford (for Central Line, Overground, National Rail): 18 minutes
- Lewisham (for Southeastern services): 25 minutes
- Tower Gateway (for Tower of London): 15 minutes
- Woolwich Arsenal (for Southeastern services): 7 minutes
DLR trains run approximately every 4-8 minutes depending on the time of day. The earliest services begin around 5:30 am, with the last trains running until about 12:30 am. Weekend service is slightly reduced but still frequent.
The elevated nature of the DLR tracks means you get spectacular views across the Thames, the Royal Docks, and the City skyline – a small but appreciated bonus for regular commuters.
Underground Access
While Silvertown doesn’t have direct Underground stations, nearby connections make it easy to access the Tube network.
Nearest Underground Stations:
- Canning Town (Jubilee Line) – accessible via DLR or bus
From Canning Town, you can reach:
- Westminster: 20 minutes (Houses of Parliament)
- London Bridge: approx. 10 minutes (Borough Market, The Shard)
- Waterloo: approx. 13 minutes (South Bank, London Eye)
- Stratford: 5 minutes (Westfield Shopping Centre)
- Canary Wharf: 4 minutes (financial district)
The Night Tube runs on Friday and Saturday nights on the Jubilee Line, offering 24-hour service from Canning Town – perfect for those late nights out in Central London.
Bus Network
Silvertown’s bus network weaves through the local streets, connecting residential areas with shopping districts, transport hubs, and local amenities. This is often the most economical way to travel, with flat fares regardless of distance.
Main Bus Routes Serving Silvertown
The backbone of the local bus network includes several key routes:
- Route 474: A frequent service connecting Silvertown to Canning Town and Manor Park.
- Frequency: Every 8-12 minutes during peak hours
- First bus: Approximately 5:00 am
- Last bus: Around midnight
- Route 330: Links Silvertown to Canning Town, Stratford and Wanstead.
- Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during peak hours
- Key stops: Canning Town, Leyton, Stratford
- Route 241: Serves Silvertown and runs to Stratford City Bus Station.
- Frequency: Every 12 minutes
- Key stops: Custom House for ExCeL, Plaistow, Stratford
- Route 473: Connects Silvertown to London City Airport and North Woolwich.
- Frequency: Every 10 minutes
- Notable for: Airport access and connections to Woolwich Ferry
Night Buses
Silvertown is served by the N551 night bus, which replaces the 474 route during overnight hours. This service runs every 30 minutes between midnight and 5:30 am, connecting to Canning Town for Night Tube services.
Bus Journey Times from Silvertown
- Canning Town: 12-15 minutes
- ExCeL Exhibition Centre: 5-7 minutes
- Stratford: 25-35 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Canary Wharf (via bus to Canning Town and DLR): 20-25 minutes
- London City Airport: 10 minutes
For those new to London buses, all vehicles are red double-deckers or single-deckers, equipped with contactless payment points, audio-visual announcements for next stops, and step-free access with ramps.
The flat fare of £1.75 per journey includes unlimited bus and tram travel within one hour (Hopper Fare), making it very economical for short multi-leg journeys. (Fare correct as of early 2025 – check TfL).
Cycling
Cycling in Silvertown has become increasingly popular as investment in cycle infrastructure has grown. The area’s relatively flat terrain makes it perfect for cyclists of all abilities.
Dedicated Cycle Routes
- CS3 Cycle Superhighway: This segregated cycle route passes near Silvertown, connecting Barking to Tower Gateway. It provides a safe, fast route for commuter cyclists heading into the City.
- Surface: Smooth, well-maintained tarmac with full lighting for night riding
- Width: Typically 2m, allowing for safe passing
- Royal Docks Circular Route: A scenic 5km traffic-free path circling the Royal Victoria and Royal Albert Docks.
- Perfect for leisure riders and families, with smooth shared-use paths
- Spectacular dock views with historic ships and waterfront architecture
- Thames Path Section: The riverside path offers traffic-free riding with stunning river views.
- Distance from Silvertown centre: Approximately 5-10 minutes
- Connection to: Greenwich and Woolwich in one direction, Canning Town in the other
Cycle Parking and Security
Secure cycle parking is available at:
- Both DLR stations (West Silvertown and Pontoon Dock) and key shopping areas
- Thames Barrier Park and Royal Victoria Dock waterfront
Many new residential developments in Silvertown include secure bike storage as standard – worth checking when house hunting.
Santander Cycles and Rental Options
While Santander Cycles (London’s public bike hire scheme) hasn’t yet expanded fully to Silvertown, docking stations can be found at Royal Victoria Dock, Custom House, and ExCeL London.
Rental costs (as of early 2025 – check TfL/Santander Cycles app):
- £1.65 for unlimited journeys up to 30 minutes each within a 24-hour access period.
- For journeys over 30 minutes, £1.65 for each additional 30 minutes.
Several private bike hire schemes also operate in the area, including Lime and HumanForest, offering electric bikes through smartphone apps.
Cycling Times from Silvertown
- Canary Wharf: 15-20 minutes via cycle paths
- ExCeL Exhibition Centre: 5 minutes
- Greenwich (via foot tunnel): 20-25 minutes
- Stratford: 25-30 minutes
- Tower Bridge: 35-40 minutes
- City of London: 30-35 minutes
Cycling during rush hour can often be faster than driving through congested areas. Many local cyclists report that their commute times are more reliable by bike than by car.
Walking
Walking in Silvertown offers a chance to appreciate the area’s unique blend of industrial heritage and modern development. The relatively compact nature of the neighbourhood makes walking practical for many local journeys.
Walking Routes
- Royal Victoria Dock Promenade
- A 1.5km waterside walkway perfect for evening strolls or morning exercise.
- Walking time: 15-20 minutes end-to-end
- Features: Floating hotels, waterside cafés, occasional events
- Thames Barrier Park to Pontoon Dock
- A pleasant green route connecting the park to the DLR.
- Walking time: 10 minutes
- Features: Landscaped gardens, recreational spaces
- Silvertown to ExCeL Exhibition Centre
- A practical route for events or exhibitions.
- Walking time: 15-20 minutes from central Silvertown
- Route: Mainly along North Woolwich Road and through the Royal Victoria Dock area
Walking Times to Key Locations
- West Silvertown DLR: 5-10 minutes from central Silvertown
- Pontoon Dock DLR: 5-10 minutes from southern Silvertown
- Thames Barrier Park: 5-10 minutes
- Royal Victoria Dock shops: 10-15 minutes
- London City Airport: 20-25 minutes
- Custom House for Elizabeth Line: 15-20 minutes
The area has seen significant investment in pedestrian infrastructure, with new developments typically including improved pavements and public realm spaces.
Taxi & Ride-Sharing Services
When public transport doesn’t suit your needs, or you’re carrying heavy shopping, taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient alternatives.
Black Cabs
London’s iconic black taxis operate throughout Silvertown, though they’re not as common as in Central London.
- Hailing: Street hailing works on main roads like North Woolwich Road
- Ranks: Available at London City Airport and ExCeL London
App-Based Services
Silvertown is well-served by ride-hailing apps, with typical wait times of 3-7 minutes depending on time of day.
- The most widely used service, with various vehicle options:
- UberX (standard service): approx. £10-15 to Canary Wharf
- Uber Comfort (more legroom): approx. £12-18 to Canary Wharf
Often slightly cheaper than Uber:
- Standard service: approx. £9-14 to Canary Wharf
Allows you to book both regular taxis and private hire vehicles.
Local Minicab Firms
Several local firms serve Silvertown, often with competitive pricing for airport runs:
- Excel Cars: Specialises in London City Airport and ExCeL transfers
- Docklands Cars: Local knowledge and fixed prices to common destinations
Common Taxi Journey Times and Approximate Costs (subject to traffic/demand)
- London City Airport: 5-10 minutes, approx. £8-12
- Canary Wharf: 12-15 minutes, approx. £10-15
- The O2/North Greenwich: 15-20 minutes, approx. £12-18
- Stratford Westfield: 15-20 minutes, approx. £12-18
- Central London (Westminster): 30-40 minutes, approx. £25-35
- Heathrow Airport: 60-90 minutes, approx. £65-90
During peak traffic times (8-9:30am and 5-7pm weekdays), journey times can increase by 25-50%, particularly on routes crossing the river.
IFS Cloud Cable Car
One of Silvertown’s most distinctive transport options is the IFS Cloud Cable Car (formerly Emirates Air Line), offering a unique way to cross the Thames while enjoying spectacular views.
The cable car connects North Greenwich (near The O2) with Royal Docks (Royal Victoria station), floating up to 90 metres above the Thames.
Journey Details:
- Crossing time: 10 minutes (standard crossing)
- Extended “night flight” experience: 12-13 minutes (after 7pm)
Views: From the cabin, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of:
- Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers, The O2 Arena, and Royal Docks
- The Thames, London City Airport, and distant views of the Olympic Park
Operating Hours (Check TfL/IFS Cloud website for current times):
- Weekdays: Typically 7:00am to 10:00pm (later on Fridays)
- Weekends: Typically 8:00am/9:00am start to 10:00pm/11:00pm, with extended hours for special events
Ticketing Options (Check TfL/IFS Cloud website for current prices):
- Single journey: approx. £6 adult / £3 child
- Oyster/Contactless payment offers the same standard fare.
- Multi-journey passes (“carnets”) offer discounts for frequent users.
Note: The specific Newham resident discount scheme mentioned previously may no longer be active; check TfL or Newham Council for current local offers.
For Silvertown residents, the cable car offers a practical connection to North Greenwich tube station (Jubilee Line), The O2’s shopping and entertainment, and is a novel way to impress visiting friends and family.
Driving and Car Ownership
Car ownership in Silvertown offers flexibility but comes with considerations about parking, congestion, and costs.
Road Connections
Silvertown benefits from good strategic road connections:
- A13 (East-West Connection):
- Direct route to Central London (westbound)
- Easy access to M25 motorway (eastbound)
- Lower Lea Crossing:
- Quick route to Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs
- Bypasses congested areas
- Blackwall Tunnel:
- Connection to South London
- Often congested during peak hours (30+ minute queues not uncommon)
- Silvertown Way:
- Main arterial route through the area
- Links to Canning Town and A13
Parking Considerations
Parking in Silvertown requires planning:
- Residential Parking:
- Most new developments have allocated spaces (often at additional cost), while older properties rely on street parking.
- Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) are in operation, typically Monday-Saturday during daytime hours (check local signs). Resident permits cost variable amounts based significantly on vehicle emissions – check the Newham Council website for current bands and prices.
- Visitor Parking:
- Pay-and-display options (approx. £2-3+ hourly) on many streets.
- Visitor permits may be available for residents’ guests via Newham Council.
- Off-Street Parking:
- ExCeL London car park: Convenient but can be expensive (£20+ for all-day parking).
- Retail areas typically offer limited free parking (e.g., 2-3 hours) for customers.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Silvertown’s EV charging network is developing rapidly with on-street charging points on major roads and rapid chargers potentially available at local service stations or hubs. New developments increasingly include EV charging points in their parking areas.
Car Clubs and Car Sharing
Alternatives to full car ownership include:
- Zipcar:
- Several dedicated parking bays may be available in/near Silvertown.
- Rates vary, check app (e.g., from £8+ per hour or £74+ per day).
- Enterprise Car Club:
- Vehicles may be available near ExCeL London or other local hubs.
- Rates vary, check app (e.g., from £6.50+ per hour).
For many Silvertown residents, car clubs offer the perfect balance – access to a car when needed without the full costs of ownership.
Typical Driving Times (highly dependent on traffic)
- Canary Wharf: 12-15 minutes (can double or more in peak times)
- Westfield Stratford: 15-20 minutes
- Central London (Westminster): 30-40 minutes (outside congestion charge hours)
- M25 Junction 30: 25-30 minutes
- Bluewater Shopping Centre: 35-40 minutes
- Southend-on-Sea: 1 hour (great for beach days)
London City Airport
Having London City Airport on your doorstep is one of Silvertown’s unique advantages. Located just minutes away, this compact airport offers convenient travel without the typical airport hassle.
Airports
- Location: 5-10 minutes from most parts of Silvertown
- Size: Small, manageable terminal with short walking distances
Destinations
London City Airport serves primarily business routes and European destinations (check LCY website for current routes):
- Domestic:
- Scotland: Edinburgh, Glasgow
- Other UK: Belfast City
- European Short-haul:
- Business hubs: Amsterdam, Zurich, Frankfurt, Milan, Luxembourg, Rotterdam
- Leisure destinations: Nice, Ibiza (seasonal), Florence, Mykonos (seasonal), Palma (seasonal)
Airlines operating include:
- Major carriers: British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, SWISS
- Other operators: Loganair, Luxair, ITA Airways
Getting to the Airport from Silvertown
- Public transport: One DLR stop from West Silvertown or Pontoon Dock, or Route 473 bus.
- Other options: 15-25 minutes walking, 5-10 minutes cycling, or 5-10 minute taxi (approx. £8-12).
For Silvertown residents who travel frequently for business or pleasure, this proximity is invaluable – no early morning taxi rides or long transfers to catch flights.
River Bus Services
While not directly from Silvertown’s core, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus services can be accessed from nearby piers, offering a scenic alternative way to travel.
Nearest Piers
- North Greenwich Pier: Accessible via IFS Cloud Cable Car or bus
- Royal Wharf Pier: About 15 minutes’ walk from southern Silvertown
Services and Routes
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers operate various routes (check their website/app for current timetables):
- RB1: Operates between Barking Riverside / Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) and Battersea Power Station, calling at Royal Wharf and North Greenwich.
- Calling at: Canary Wharf, Tower, London Bridge, Westminster, Embankment etc.
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes during peak times/daytime.
- Journey time Royal Wharf to Westminster: Approximately 40-45 minutes.
- RB1X: Express services may operate during peak times but typically do not serve Royal Wharf.
Fares and Ticketing (as of early 2025 – check Uber Boat website)
- Single journey (Central Zone): approx. £9.00 adult
- Oyster/contactless payment discount: approx. £7.80 adult single (Central Zone)
- River Roamer day ticket: approx. £22.10 (unlimited travel for one day)
River bus services offer:
- Amenities: On-board café/bar, toilets, and often free Wi-Fi
- Seating options include indoor and outdoor areas with limited space for bicycles
This mode of transport is particularly pleasant in summer, offering cooling breezes and unique views of London’s landmarks from the river.
Ferry and Tunnels
Woodlwich FerryLiving in Silvertown means the Thames is your southern boundary. Several options exist for crossing to south London:
Woolwich Ferry
A free vehicle and passenger ferry service operating between North Woolwich (near Silvertown) and Woolwich.
Service Details (Check TfL for current status/hours):
- Operating hours: Typically Mon-Sat 6:10am-10pm, Sun 11:30am-7:30pm.
- Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during peak times, less frequent off-peak/weekends.
Getting to the Ferry:
- From Silvertown: 10-15 minutes by bus (474)
- Walking: 25-30 minutes from eastern Silvertown
Foot Tunnels
Two historic tunnels provide 24/7 pedestrian and cyclist crossing options (check lift status before travelling if needed):
- Woolwich Foot Tunnel:
- Location: Adjacent to the Woolwich Ferry
- Features: Victorian tunnel with lifts and spiral staircases
- Greenwich Foot Tunnel:
- Further west but accessible via DLR to Island Gardens (then walk) or Cutty Sark (then walk)
- Opens up access to Greenwich Market, Cutty Sark and Greenwich Park
Blackwall, Silvertown and Rotherhithe Tunnels
For drivers, these provide crucial Thames crossings:
- Blackwall Tunnel:
- Location: Between East India (north) and North Greenwich (south)
- Access from Silvertown: Via A13 and Lower Lea Crossing
- Congestion: Often very busy during peak hours. Northbound tunnel has height restrictions.
- Silvertown Tunnel (Opened 2025):
- Location: Connects Silvertown/Royal Docks (near the current roundabout) with the Greenwich Peninsula.
- Purpose: Built to alleviate congestion in the Blackwall Tunnel and improve cross-river transport reliability. Designed specifically for larger vehicles and buses.
- Access from Silvertown: Direct access via the local road network near Royal Victoria Dock.
- Tolling: User charges (tolls) apply. The charge covers both the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels – you pay once per crossing regardless of which tunnel you use. Check TfL for current charges.
- Rotherhithe Tunnel:
- Further west, connecting Limehouse to Rotherhithe
- Strict width and height limits – not suitable for larger vehicles. Often congested.
Transport Accessibility
Transport accessibility is vital for many residents. Silvertown’s network has various accessibility features:
Step-Free Access
- DLR stations: Both West Silvertown and Pontoon Dock have full step-free access from street to platform and train.
- Elizabeth Line: Custom House station has step-free access with lifts.
- Buses: All London buses are low-floor, wheelchair accessible with ramps and designated priority seating/space.
Assistance Services
- TfL Turn-up-and-go assistance available at Tube, Elizabeth Line, and DLR stations. National Rail Passenger Assist for mainline services.
- Taxi card scheme may offer subsidised journeys for Newham residents with mobility impairments (check Newham Council).
Blue Badge Parking
- Dedicated Blue Badge bays in shopping areas and near stations. Silvertown follows standard London Blue Badge rules allowing parking on single or double yellow lines (where safe and not causing obstruction) for up to 3 hours, subject to local restrictions (check signs).
Transport Apps and Digital Tools
Navigating London’s transport network is much easier with the right digital tools. These are particularly useful for newcomers to Silvertown:
Essential Apps
- Journey planning: Citymapper (integrates all modes), TfL Go (official TfL app), Google Maps, National Rail Enquiries (wider network).
- Service-specific apps: Uber/Bolt/FreeNow (taxis), Santander Cycles (bikes), Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, PayByPhone/RingGo (parking).
Oyster and Contactless Payment
Most Silvertown residents use contactless payment cards or Oyster cards for seamless travel. Daily and weekly capping ensures you never pay more than the predetermined limit for your journeys within specified zones
Transport Costs and Budgeting
Understanding transport costs helps with budgeting when moving to Silvertown (fares/caps based on early 2025 estimates – check TfL for current rates):
Commuter Costs Comparison
For a typical worker travelling from Silvertown (Zone 3) to Canary Wharf (Zone 2) five days a week:
- Daily DLR return (Peak): £3.10 x 2 = £6.20
- Daily DLR return (Off-Peak): £1.90 x 2 = £3.80
- Weekly cap (Contactless/Oyster, Zones 2-3): £32.10
- Monthly Travelcard (Zones 2-3): £123.30
- Annual Travelcard (Zones 2-3): £1,284 (effective monthly cost: £107)
Car Ownership Costs
Annual costs for keeping a car in Silvertown can include:
- Resident parking permit: Varies significantly based on vehicle emissions (check Newham Council – could range from low double digits to several hundred pounds).
- Insurance: Typically £700-£1,000+ (often higher than UK average due to London location).
- Congestion Charge: £15 per day (if driving into the Central London zone during charging hours – Silvertown is outside this zone).
- ULEZ Charge: £12.50 per day (if vehicle doesn’t meet emissions standards – Silvertown is within the ULEZ zone).
- Silvertown Tunnel / Blackwall Tunnel Tolls (from 2025): Charges TBC but expected.
Cost-Saving Strategies
- Reduce costs by combining cycling or walking for parts of your journey with public transport.
- Work from home when possible to save on daily commuting costs.
- Evaluate the necessity of car ownership versus using car clubs or occasional rentals.
- Utilize available railcard discounts for off-peak National Rail or Elizabeth Line journeys where applicable.
- Take advantage of the Hopper Fare on buses/trams.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Silvertown offers you exceptional transport connections with options to suit every lifestyle, budget, and need. The unique mix of modern rail, historic river crossings, the innovative IFS Cloud Cable Car, and proximity to London City Airport makes this area one of East London’s best-connected neighbourhoods. Whether you’re commuting to work, travelling for leisure, or exploring your new local area, Silvertown’s transport network provides the perfect foundation for convenient London living.