Docklands Light Railway trains, routes and tickets
The Docklands Light Railway, or DLR, serves east and south-east London, linking the City with Canary Wharf, the Royal Docks, Stratford, Greenwich, Lewisham and Woolwich. It is a useful local connection for National Rail passengers and for journeys to London City Airport or destinations around the former docks.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
About the operator
The DLR opened in 1987 as an automated railway and expanded with the development of Docklands. Its branches now connect several distinct areas, so checking the destination and interchange is more useful than treating every DLR train as interchangeable.
TfL specifies service requirements and fares, while KeolisAmey Docklands operates trains and stations on its behalf. DLR travel information, maps and planned changes are provided through TfL.
Routes and principal stations
City, Canary Wharf and Greenwich
Bank (DLR) and Tower Gateway (DLR) provide access from the City. Canary Wharf (DLR) serves the Docklands business area, with onward branches towards Greenwich and Lewisham. The National Rail interchange guides help plan an approach from south-east London or Kent.
Royal Docks and London City Airport
The eastern branches serve Beckton (DLR), London City Airport (DLR) and Woolwich Arsenal. Confirm the correct branch for an airport or Royal Docks visit and allow separate time for check-in or venue access.
Stratford connections
Stratford and Stratford International are different stations. Both provide DLR connections, but the right one depends on the mainline service and onward destination. West Ham provides another important rail and Underground interchange.
Planning your journey
Read the destination displays and check where a change is needed. A shared platform can serve trains for different branches, and planned engineering work may alter the usual pattern.
For London City Airport, include time between the station and the terminal in your plan. For Royal Docks destinations, check the nearest DLR stop rather than choosing solely from the destination’s general area.
Tickets and journey choices
DLR travel uses TfL fares. Oyster or contactless journeys require touching in and out, including at stations where there are no closed ticket gates. Use the same card or device at both ends.
Use RailSaver to search for connecting National Rail journeys. A train ticket only includes a DLR or cross-London transfer when its conditions and itinerary provide for it; check local fare coverage before travelling.
Accessibility and assistance
DLR stations provide step-free access, but lift outages or a connecting network can affect the complete journey. Check the current station information and the step-free guide.
Access DLR offers free pre-booked support for adults aged 18 or over who need extra help. It can assist with boarding, finding a seat and transfers. Book the return separately if needed, and call to check availability for requests within two hours of travel.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.
- TfL: What we do ↗
- TfL: DLR travel information ↗
- TfL: Standard Tube map, September 2026 ↗
- TfL: Pay as you go ↗
- TfL: Access DLR assistance ↗
- TfL: Accessible travel policy, including DLR station access ↗
- TfL: Step-free Tube guide ↗
- National Rail: Advance ticket terms, including cross-London transfers ↗
- TfL: DLR route map and interchange walking links ↗