Custom House Station, London
Custom House Station (Elizabeth Line and Docklands Light Railway)
Custom House Station is a key transport hub located in the London Borough of Newham, in East London. Serving both the Elizabeth Line and the Docklands Light Railway, the station offers excellent links between residential areas, business districts, and Central London. It is located adjacent to the ExCeL London exhibition centre and is a vital stop for tourists, commuters, and event-goers alike.
History and Naming
Custom House Station was originally opened in 1855 by the Eastern Counties Railway to serve the nearby Royal Docks. It was named after the nearby Custom House, a government building used for controlling the import and export of goods in the area. The station retained its original name throughout its history, reinforcing its strong connection to the area’s maritime and trading past.
Although the original station was closed in 2006 to allow for redevelopment, a new, modern station was constructed and opened in 2022 as part of the Elizabeth Line project. The new build replaced earlier structures and introduced step-free access and improved passenger facilities.
Architecture and Station Design
The current station is a modern facility designed with accessibility and capacity in mind. The Elizabeth Line platforms are built beneath a spacious concourse featuring clean lines, large glass panels, and a minimalist aesthetic. The DLR platforms are elevated and connected to the main structure by lifts, stairs, and escalators. The station is fully accessible, with step-free access from street to platform across all services.
Location and Distance from Charing Cross
By road, Custom House Station is approximately 8.5 miles (13.7 km) east of Charing Cross. Travel times by public transport vary depending on the route taken but generally average around 30 to 35 minutes, requiring at least one interchange.
Rail Services
Elizabeth Line
Custom House is served by the Elizabeth Line, providing fast and direct connections across Greater London and beyond. Westbound, the preceding station is Canary Wharf and the subsequent station is Woolwich. Eastbound, trains continue to Abbey Wood, a key terminus for the southeastern section of the Elizabeth Line.
Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
The station is also served by the Docklands Light Railway, linking it with areas such as Canning Town, Bank, and Stratford. The DLR platforms are integrated within the same station complex, making interchange between services straightforward and convenient.
Travelcard Zone and Fares
Custom House Station is located in Travelcard Zone 3.
To Reading Station
- Oyster/contactless: £14.40 (off-peak), £25.70 (peak)
- Single ticket: Approximately £26.00
- Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes
To Shenfield Station
- Oyster/contactless: £9.90 (off-peak), £14.30 (peak)
- Single ticket: Approximately £15.00
- Estimated travel time: About 50 minutes
To Charing Cross Station
- Oyster/contactless: £3.70 (off-peak), £4.40 (peak)
- Single ticket: Approximately £5.50
- Route: Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court Road → Northern Line southbound to Charing Cross
- Estimated travel time: 30–35 minutes
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks
Custom House Station is best known for its direct access to the ExCeL London exhibition centre, a major venue for trade shows, conventions, and international events. The Royal Victoria Dock, Emirates Air Line cable car, and Thames Barrier Park are also within walking distance, making the area a point of interest for both business and leisure travellers.
Fun Fact
During major events at ExCeL London, Custom House Station becomes one of the busiest transport hubs in east London, with thousands of passengers using the station in a single day. The station played a crucial role during the 2012 London Olympics when ExCeL was used for several sporting events, and the station infrastructure has since been further improved to handle surges in footfall during international exhibitions.
Quick Facts
- Location: London Borough of Newham
- Lines Served: Elizabeth Line, Docklands Light Railway
- Opened: Originally 1855; rebuilt and reopened in 2022
- Station Type: Modern, fully accessible interchange
- Travelcard Zone: Zone 3
- Distance from Charing Cross: Approx. 8.5 miles (13.7 km) by road
- Elizabeth Line (Adjacent Stations): Canary Wharf (westbound), Woolwich (eastbound)
- To Reading (Oyster): £14.40 off-peak; approx. 75 minutes
- To Shenfield (Oyster): £9.90 off-peak; approx. 50 minutes
- To Charing Cross (Oyster): £3.70 off-peak; approx. 30–35 minutes with one interchange
- Main Nearby Attraction: ExCeL London
- Fun Fact: Crucial hub during London 2012 Olympics and major events at ExCeL
Custom House Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Custom House Station, London (View image in full size)
