Driving to your next exhibition at the ExCeL? Parking at London’s largest event venue can be as complicated as the city itself, especially if you’re new to exhibiting. From ULEZ taxes to the parking pre-booking system, there’s a lot to take in.
Fortunately, we’re here to simplify all this for you!
Since there’s nothing worse than parking stress on exhibition day, and since exhibiting in London can get expensive, let’s dive in and get your parking sorted. This no-nonsense guide cuts through the clutter for visitors and exhibitors alike, so you can arrive calm and confident at your next event.
On-site Parking – Fast Facts
- The main car park at the ExCeL is undercover and located below the venue itself.
- The entrance and exit to the main parking area are on the northern side of the building.
- The sat-nav code E16 1FR will take you straight to the entrance along the correct route.
- There is no access to the main venue car park from Western Gateway or Seagull Lane.
- The cost is £25 per day, per vehicle, per entry.
- You can only pay by card.
- There is a standard height restriction of 1.9 metres for all vehicles.
- A limited number of over-height bays are available for vehicles up to 2.8 metres tall.
- Blue Badge accessible parking bays are available for the same fee.
- Motorcycle parking is free and is located on the upper level.
- You can’t pre-book a motorcycle parking space.
- Coach and minibus parking is available only by booking in advance and at a fee of £50 per day.
- No EV charging bays are present, but these may be added in the future.
- ExCeL is situated within the London ULEZ charge zone but outside the congestion charge zone.
- There are 1,867 total parking bays in the main parking area.
Pre-booked ExCeL Parking
Pre-booking your parking bay online is a vital part of exhibiting at ExCeL London. When things get busy, pre-booked parking spaces ensure you’ll always have a spot in a specific place. No more driving around in circles looking for a free bay!
The car park uses registration plate recognition technology to restrict access. During booking, you’ll need to enter your vehicle registration details carefully to ensure a smooth experience on the day.
Please remember to book parking here via the venue website. If you have not paid for parking, the exit barrier won’t raise, and you won’t be leaving…
All About ULEZ
The London Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) has been on everyone’s lips recently.
It’s a near-permanent zone where high-emissions vehicles are taxed for non-compliance. Except for Christmas Day each year, you’ll have to pay to drive through any of London’s boroughs in a non-compliant vehicle. Lawmakers introduced this policy to combat air pollution in the city.
To make ULEZ compliance a less daunting prospect, London’s residents and visitors can check their vehicles’ compliance using the TfL Website. Don’t stress, most petrol cars registered after 2005 (and diesel cars after September 2015) are compliant.
If you do happen to drive a jalopy, you’ll probably pay a standard charge of £12.50 that covers most non-compliant vehicle classes. You can do this advance or before midnight on the third day following your drive.
ULEZ also contains a smaller Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) with an additional fee of £15 for all motorists driving through it during peak hours. Thankfully, ExCeL London falls outside of the CCZ limits, but you’ll still have to pay the charge if you traverse it on your way to the venue. You can avoid this extra charge by driving around the CCZ or traversing it outside of peak hours.
EV Charging Options
ExCeL does not currently offer on-site EV charging, but nearby off-site facilities provide options for electric vehicle drivers attending events.
We recommend the DT Hilton London ExCeL charging point just down the road, just before Connaught Bridge. It’s one of the closest charging spots to the venue with 8 connectors available.
You can find other electric vehicle charging spots nearby using Zapmap.
Alternative ExCeL Parking Spaces
ExCeL used to have two additional small parking areas next to the venue: the Royal Victoria car park and the open East car park. Both have been repurposed during expansion.
Whether the main parking area is too full or you just want to avoid busy crowds, there are alternative places nearby. We recommend:
JustPark Dockside Road Car Park (E16 2QT)
On the far side of Connaught Bridge, to the east of the venue, you’ll find the JustPark Dockside Road Car Park.
- Bays: 200 uncovered.
- Distance: 5-10 minute walk.
- Price: £3 for 2 hours up to £12 for 24 hours.
Festoon Way Premier Inn Car Park (E16 1SJ)
Festoon Way Premier Inn Car Park can be found opposite the DT London ExCeL Hotel, just east of the venue.
- Bays: 50 uncovered.
- Distance: 5 minute walk.
- Price: £5 for 2 hours up to £15 for 8 hours, between 09:30 and 17:30. Free outside these times.
Manor Road Wickes Car Park (E16 4PA)
Closer to ExCeL’s West Entrance is the Wickes Car Park in Manor Road, located just above the A13 interchange.
- Bays: 125 uncovered.
- Distance: 30 minute walk; 15 minute DLR train and walk via Canning Town Station.
- Price: £4 for 4 hours up to £16 for 24 hours. Free 2-hour parking.
DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Horizon Parking (E16 1RH)
Besides EV charging facilities, the DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel also has public parking:
- Bays: 72 covered.
- Distance: 5 minute walk.
- Price: £6 for 1 hour up to £32 overnight for non-residents. Residents pay only £18 overnight.
Bigger Parking Areas
Larger parking spaces are available further from the venue:
- Westfield Stratford City: 4,500 spaces, travel to ExCeL via DLR train.
- Canary Wharf: 2,500 spaces, travel to ExCeL via Jubilee Line and DLR train.
On-street parking
You can find on-street parking near the ExCeL, but we wouldn’t recommend it. You’re better off using a nearby car park or the venue parking during the busy peak hours. Thank us later!
Accessibility
ExCeL London offers accessible parking for people with disabilities who have a “Blue Badge” disabled parking permit:
- Blue Badge holders have access to 134 restricted bays spread throughout the main underground parking area.
- The parking fee for Blue Badge holders is the same as for regular motorists: £25 per day, per vehicle, per entry.
- Each accessible parking space measures 5.90m x 3.60m.
- If all the disabled bays are occupied, ExCeL staff will convert additional bays on a case-by-case basis.
Parking And Delivery For Exhibitors’ Logistics Partners
All build and break vehicles visiting ExCeL are managed via the Voyage Control system. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it works.
- Finalise your booking and take note of your time slot.
- Arrive on time at the East side of ExCeL using postcode E16 1FR.
- Enter the traffic marshalling area with your booking QR code ready.
- The marshalls will then inspect your vehicle and validate your booking.
- You’ll be cleared to go to the North and South Lorry Ways at the north-western side of the ExCeL.
- Follow the signs to ensure you don’t get lost.
- A marshal will direct you to a parking bay.
- Switch off your engine when parked.
- Begin unloading.
- Take note of the time limits below.
| Vehicle Class | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Cars | 15 minutes |
| Box Trucks and Vans | 45 minutes |
| 7.5 Tonne Lorries | 60 minutes |
| Articulated Trucks | 90 minutes |
“The ExCeL is one of the biggest UK venues, so better loading facilities can be expected. At Booth Exhibits™, we’re happy to handle the booking of loading slots for your company using the Voyage Control system.”
Alternative Travel Options
Multiple alternative travel options to the ExCeL exist to help alleviate congestion and reduce pollution. As a motorist, you can park further away and use another form of transport to get to the venue itself.
Cycling
Free cycle racks can be found near the taxi drop-off zone at the West Entrance, just below the DLR railway.
Public Transport
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) serves the ExCeL through two stations: Custom House for the West Entrance and Prince Regent for the East Entrance. You can also take the Underground direct on the Elizabeth Line, stopping at Custom House. If you’re taking the Jubilee Line, get off at Canning Town and change onto the DLR that goes to Custom House.
TfL’s IFL Cloud Cable Car crosses the Thames and stops at the Royal Docks near the City Hall. From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the ExCeL. But here’s a little secret: ExCeL visitors and exhibitors get 50% off!
Making A Bigger Impression At ExCeL London
At Booth Exhibits™, we pride ourselves on reducing the complexity in exhibiting. Now that we’ve simplified the ExCeL London parking situation for you, why not let us do the same with your next exhibition at the ExCeL? As experienced exhibition stand builders in London, Booth Exhibits™ handles design, build,
storage, and all logistics.
Contact us to find out how we can take all your exhibition stress off your shoulders.
Is parking free at ExCeL London?
No, on-site parking at ExCeL London costs £25 per day, per vehicle, per entry.
Is there parking at the ExCeL for Formula E?
No, there is no on-site parking at ExCeL for Formula E.
Do I have to pay congestion charge for ExCeL London?
No, ExCeL London falls outside of the London Congestion Charge Zone and you’ll only have to pay if you drive through the zone on your way to ExCeL.
Is it cheaper to book parking in advance?
No, booking your parking spot in advance at ExCeL normally costs the same as on the day, but the added benefit of peace of mind.
Are blue badge spaces free at ExCeL?
No, Blue Badge spaces cost £25, the same as regular parking spaces at the ExCeL.
