ExCel London
Location:
London, United Kingdom, UK
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at ExCel London
|
London ePrix
Formula E
14 - 16 Aug
|
Track Info
ExCeL London Circuit - Royal Docks, Newham, London, UK
Formula E’s unique indoor-outdoor track through and around ExCeL - anti-clockwise - 2.086 km with 20 turns, indoor polished surface to outdoor abrasive tarmac via ramps
When was the track built?
This is a temporary course mapped through ExCeL’s exhibition halls and the Royal Victoria Dock perimeter roads. The indoor-outdoor concept was unveiled for 2020 but debuted in 2021 after the pandemic reshuffle. Subsequent tweaks shortened and simplified the outside loop for 2022–2024 while preserving the signature ramps in and out of the halls.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race at ExCeL ran on 24 July 2021 and was won by Jake Dennis. Alex Lynn won the second leg on 25 July 2021. London’s earlier Formula E rounds were in Battersea Park in 2015–2016.
What's the circuit like?
- Indoor-outdoor split: Cars launch on a high-grip polished floor inside the halls, transition down a ramp to low-grip, abrasive outdoor tarmac, then climb back indoors late in the lap. Managing surface change and tyre temps is everything.
- Technical 90s and hairpins: Short blasts between right-angle linkers create classic Formula E pack racing. The late-lap hairpin sets up photo finishes.
- Attack Mode risk vs reward: Activation at Turn 16 is off-line, so timing it around traffic can win or lose multiple places.
- Benchmark pace: Season 10 produced a 1:11.701 race-lap by Mitch Evans and a 1:11.331 fastest lap by Jake Hughes one day later.
Lap records and benchmarks (Formula E - Gen3)
- 2024 R15 - race lap: 1:11.701 - Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing. Winner: Pascal Wehrlein.
- 2024 R16 - fastest lap: 1:11.331 - Jake Hughes, NEOM McLaren. Winner: Oliver Rowland.
- 2021 debut weekend - winners: Jake Dennis (R1) and Alex Lynn (R2).
Why go?
Nowhere else lets you watch world championship single-seaters race indoors and outdoors on the same lap. You get regeneration strategy, tight-pack duels through the 90s, and the unique spectacle of cars diving down ramps to the Docklands tarmac. As the season finale venue, London often decides titles.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Indoor start-finish zone: Prime view of launches, pit action and the high-grip sequence that rewards precision.
- Turn 16 Attack Mode: See the strategy calls live as leaders gamble the off-line activation before the run to the line.
- Outdoor perimeter straights: Great for slipstream moves and hearing energy management in action as drivers lift-and-coast.
Not just one series - headline moments in London
Battersea Park era: Hosted the inaugural season finale in 2015 when Nelson Piquet Jr. clinched the first Formula E title.
Season 10 finale: Oliver Rowland won the final race and Pascal Wehrlein sealed the 2024 drivers’ title at ExCeL.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to ExCeL London - London E-Prix Circuit
Best options are Elizabeth line - DLR to Custom House or Prince Regent, walking a few minutes from those stations to the venue entrances, and paid on site parking with height limits. The Formula E circuit is built in and around the ExCeL London exhibition halls at Royal Victoria Dock.
Public transport - Elizabeth line - DLR put you at the gates
- Elizabeth line: Alight at Custom House for the West Entrance. Direct trains from central London reduce changes and walking.
- DLR: Use Custom House for West or Prince Regent for the East Entrance and ICC. From Jubilee line, change at Canning Town to a Beckton bound DLR.
- Step free access: Both stations have lifts and level routes into ExCeL. Allow a few minutes for security screening at the doors.
Formula E’s travel page also lists the closest stations and walking routes for the London E-Prix weekend.
Driving - follow signs to ExCeL West - East car parks
- Approach roads: ExCeL sits off Royal Victoria Dock near Lower Lea Crossing - A1020 with signed routes to the West and East entrances. Use your ticketed entrance to pick the nearest car park.
- Event traffic: Expect temporary marshal control around Western Gateway and Seagull Lane on race days. Follow wayfinding to your nearest entrance.
Parking - paid, height restricted, card only
- Tariff: £25 per day per vehicle per entry, pay at machines before exit. Card only.
- Height limits: Standard car parks up to 1.9 m. A limited number of over height bays up to 2.8 m are bookable.
- Blue Badge: Signed bays available within the car parks. Check ExCeL guidance for current pricing and locations.
Taxis - rideshare - set downs
- Taxi rank: Use the Western Gateway taxi rank near the West Entrance for drop off - pick up.
- Set destination: ExCeL London, E16 1XL and follow marshal directions to your signed entrance.
Walking from stations - entrances
- Custom House → West Entrance: about 2 - 3 minutes along the venue boulevard after ticket checks.
- Prince Regent → East Entrance: roughly 1 - 2 minutes via the signed pedestrian route.
Airports - easy hop via LCY
- London City LCY → ExCeL: Around 5 - 10 minutes by DLR or road depending on traffic. Trains run every few minutes.
- Heathrow - Gatwick - Stansted: Use rail to central London then Elizabeth line to Custom House.
About the venue - quick context
- Indoor - outdoor Formula E circuit: The London E-Prix uses a unique layout entering and exiting the ExCeL halls, with spectator access via the West and East entrances and transport focused on Elizabeth line - DLR.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Rail users: Elizabeth line - DLR to Custom House for West, DLR to Prince Regent for East.
- Drivers: paid parking on site, £25 per day, card only, 1.9 m height limit. Limited over height bays to 2.8 m.
- Taxis: use the Western Gateway taxi rank.
- Exact address: ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around ExCeL London - Royal Docks - London (UK)
Whether you are here for the London E-Prix, e-sports and car culture festivals, indoor karting pop ups, or one of ExCeL's year round shows, this indoor - outdoor street circuit wraps around the exhibition centre beside docks, cable car views, parks and world class museums that fill non race time easily.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- IFS Cloud Cable Car: Glide over the Thames between Royal Docks and Greenwich Peninsula for skyline views. Easy 20 minute round trip.
- Thames Barrier Park: Sunken gardens, fountains and broad lawns with views toward the engineering landmark.
- Museum of London Docklands - Canary Wharf: Hands on galleries about river - port life. Great rainy day option.
- Greenwich trio: Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory in a compact, stroller friendly park setting.
- Up at The O2: Guided roof walk for teens and adults with big estuary views. Weather dependent.
- Dockside play: Royal Victoria Dock has summer splash points and wide quays for scooters between sessions.
Popular attractions use timed tickets on weekends and school holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: ArcelorMittal Orbit slides, playgrounds and indoor aquatic centre sessions.
- Canary Wharf arts - shopping arcades: Galleries, public art trails and covered malls that work in any weather.
- Royal Observatory Greenwich: Stand on the Prime Meridian and explore space science exhibits.
- Tate Modern and Southbank loop: If you add a central day, pair the gallery with riverfront walks and book markets.
- Design District - Greenwich Peninsula: Creative studios, cafés and occasional family workshops a short hop from the cable car.
Eat and drink like a local
- Dockside brunch - pizza - gelato: Royal Victoria Dock and nearby Silvertown have easy terraces for families.
- Canary Wharf markets: Weekday - weekend food halls and pop ups with plenty of quick options.
- Greenwich staples: Pie and mash, fish and chips and market snacks around the covered market and King William Walk.
- Indian - Middle Eastern corridors: East and South East London are rich with curries, grills and mezze. Great for groups after qualifying.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday dinner near the O2, Canary Wharf and Royal Docks books fast. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Royal Docks paddle: Kayak - SUP sessions run seasonally on Royal Victoria Dock on calm mornings.
- Greenwich Park climbs: Short uphill to General Wolfe statue for classic city views then roll back through shaded avenues.
- Lea River - Limehouse Cut paths: Flat canalside walking - running routes linking parks and cafés.
- Emirates Aviation Experience - Peninsula stroll: Aviation interactives then a riverside promenade to The O2.
- Roof gardens - Wharf pocket parks: Elevated gardens and lawn squares offer quiet picnic corners minutes from the docks.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Maritime Greenwich - 10 to 25 minutes. World Heritage ensemble of observatory, museum and classic streets plus riverside pubs.
- City of London sampler - 20 to 35 minutes. St Paul's exterior, Millennium Bridge and the Museum of London site updates around the Barbican.
- Tower of London - Tower Bridge - 20 to 35 minutes. Crown Jewels, Beefeater tours and glass floor walk on the bridge.
- Brick Lane - Spitalfields - 25 to 40 minutes. Markets, street art and curry houses make an easy afternoon loop.
- Greenwich to Westminster by river - 35 to 60 minutes. Scenic boat ride past the City, Southbank and Houses of Parliament.
- Hampstead Heath - 40 to 60 minutes. Hilltop views from Parliament Hill and woodland playgrounds if you want a greener day.
Times are door to door estimates and rise on headline weekends. Some observatory shows, roof walks and boat trips use dated tickets with last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Formula E typically runs in midsummer with concerts and e-mobility showcases. Hotels around Canary Wharf, Greenwich and the City fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Temperate maritime. Expect mild to warm days with quick showers possible even in July. Pack light layers, sunscreen and a compact rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - School holidays add demand to family attractions. Winter light trails and Christmas markets appear across the city if you visit off season for other ExCeL events.
Practical notes during race - show weeks
- Campus operations: ExCeL spans a long concourse with multiple halls. Race build can reroute normal entrances and dockside walkways.
- Noise windows: London City Airport sits nearby. Expect occasional aircraft during daytime hours on non curfew days.
- Heat - showers: The indoor - outdoor layout means quick transitions from sun to air conditioning. Carry a light layer and water bottle.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, compact umbrella, grippy shoes for metal bridges - bleachers and a small picnic mat for dock lawns.
- Scheduling: Museums and roof walks can sell out on weekends. Book timed entries around the on track timetable to avoid clashes.
Attraction hours, observatory - roof walk ticketing, river services and race week campus access can change - check official event and venue sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
London, United Kingdom, UK
Track Info
ExCeL London Circuit - Royal Docks, Newham, London, UK
Formula E’s unique indoor-outdoor track through and around ExCeL - anti-clockwise - 2.086 km with 20 turns, indoor polished surface to outdoor abrasive tarmac via ramps
When was the track built?
This is a temporary course mapped through ExCeL’s exhibition halls and the Royal Victoria Dock perimeter roads. The indoor-outdoor concept was unveiled for 2020 but debuted in 2021 after the pandemic reshuffle. Subsequent tweaks shortened and simplified the outside loop for 2022–2024 while preserving the signature ramps in and out of the halls.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race at ExCeL ran on 24 July 2021 and was won by Jake Dennis. Alex Lynn won the second leg on 25 July 2021. London’s earlier Formula E rounds were in Battersea Park in 2015–2016.
What's the circuit like?
- Indoor-outdoor split: Cars launch on a high-grip polished floor inside the halls, transition down a ramp to low-grip, abrasive outdoor tarmac, then climb back indoors late in the lap. Managing surface change and tyre temps is everything.
- Technical 90s and hairpins: Short blasts between right-angle linkers create classic Formula E pack racing. The late-lap hairpin sets up photo finishes.
- Attack Mode risk vs reward: Activation at Turn 16 is off-line, so timing it around traffic can win or lose multiple places.
- Benchmark pace: Season 10 produced a 1:11.701 race-lap by Mitch Evans and a 1:11.331 fastest lap by Jake Hughes one day later.
Lap records and benchmarks (Formula E - Gen3)
- 2024 R15 - race lap: 1:11.701 - Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing. Winner: Pascal Wehrlein.
- 2024 R16 - fastest lap: 1:11.331 - Jake Hughes, NEOM McLaren. Winner: Oliver Rowland.
- 2021 debut weekend - winners: Jake Dennis (R1) and Alex Lynn (R2).
Why go?
Nowhere else lets you watch world championship single-seaters race indoors and outdoors on the same lap. You get regeneration strategy, tight-pack duels through the 90s, and the unique spectacle of cars diving down ramps to the Docklands tarmac. As the season finale venue, London often decides titles.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Indoor start-finish zone: Prime view of launches, pit action and the high-grip sequence that rewards precision.
- Turn 16 Attack Mode: See the strategy calls live as leaders gamble the off-line activation before the run to the line.
- Outdoor perimeter straights: Great for slipstream moves and hearing energy management in action as drivers lift-and-coast.
Not just one series - headline moments in London
Battersea Park era: Hosted the inaugural season finale in 2015 when Nelson Piquet Jr. clinched the first Formula E title.
Season 10 finale: Oliver Rowland won the final race and Pascal Wehrlein sealed the 2024 drivers’ title at ExCeL.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to ExCeL London - London E-Prix Circuit
Best options are Elizabeth line - DLR to Custom House or Prince Regent, walking a few minutes from those stations to the venue entrances, and paid on site parking with height limits. The Formula E circuit is built in and around the ExCeL London exhibition halls at Royal Victoria Dock.
Public transport - Elizabeth line - DLR put you at the gates
- Elizabeth line: Alight at Custom House for the West Entrance. Direct trains from central London reduce changes and walking.
- DLR: Use Custom House for West or Prince Regent for the East Entrance and ICC. From Jubilee line, change at Canning Town to a Beckton bound DLR.
- Step free access: Both stations have lifts and level routes into ExCeL. Allow a few minutes for security screening at the doors.
Formula E’s travel page also lists the closest stations and walking routes for the London E-Prix weekend.
Driving - follow signs to ExCeL West - East car parks
- Approach roads: ExCeL sits off Royal Victoria Dock near Lower Lea Crossing - A1020 with signed routes to the West and East entrances. Use your ticketed entrance to pick the nearest car park.
- Event traffic: Expect temporary marshal control around Western Gateway and Seagull Lane on race days. Follow wayfinding to your nearest entrance.
Parking - paid, height restricted, card only
- Tariff: £25 per day per vehicle per entry, pay at machines before exit. Card only.
- Height limits: Standard car parks up to 1.9 m. A limited number of over height bays up to 2.8 m are bookable.
- Blue Badge: Signed bays available within the car parks. Check ExCeL guidance for current pricing and locations.
Taxis - rideshare - set downs
- Taxi rank: Use the Western Gateway taxi rank near the West Entrance for drop off - pick up.
- Set destination: ExCeL London, E16 1XL and follow marshal directions to your signed entrance.
Walking from stations - entrances
- Custom House → West Entrance: about 2 - 3 minutes along the venue boulevard after ticket checks.
- Prince Regent → East Entrance: roughly 1 - 2 minutes via the signed pedestrian route.
Airports - easy hop via LCY
- London City LCY → ExCeL: Around 5 - 10 minutes by DLR or road depending on traffic. Trains run every few minutes.
- Heathrow - Gatwick - Stansted: Use rail to central London then Elizabeth line to Custom House.
About the venue - quick context
- Indoor - outdoor Formula E circuit: The London E-Prix uses a unique layout entering and exiting the ExCeL halls, with spectator access via the West and East entrances and transport focused on Elizabeth line - DLR.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Rail users: Elizabeth line - DLR to Custom House for West, DLR to Prince Regent for East.
- Drivers: paid parking on site, £25 per day, card only, 1.9 m height limit. Limited over height bays to 2.8 m.
- Taxis: use the Western Gateway taxi rank.
- Exact address: ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around ExCeL London - Royal Docks - London (UK)
Whether you are here for the London E-Prix, e-sports and car culture festivals, indoor karting pop ups, or one of ExCeL's year round shows, this indoor - outdoor street circuit wraps around the exhibition centre beside docks, cable car views, parks and world class museums that fill non race time easily.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- IFS Cloud Cable Car: Glide over the Thames between Royal Docks and Greenwich Peninsula for skyline views. Easy 20 minute round trip.
- Thames Barrier Park: Sunken gardens, fountains and broad lawns with views toward the engineering landmark.
- Museum of London Docklands - Canary Wharf: Hands on galleries about river - port life. Great rainy day option.
- Greenwich trio: Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory in a compact, stroller friendly park setting.
- Up at The O2: Guided roof walk for teens and adults with big estuary views. Weather dependent.
- Dockside play: Royal Victoria Dock has summer splash points and wide quays for scooters between sessions.
Popular attractions use timed tickets on weekends and school holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: ArcelorMittal Orbit slides, playgrounds and indoor aquatic centre sessions.
- Canary Wharf arts - shopping arcades: Galleries, public art trails and covered malls that work in any weather.
- Royal Observatory Greenwich: Stand on the Prime Meridian and explore space science exhibits.
- Tate Modern and Southbank loop: If you add a central day, pair the gallery with riverfront walks and book markets.
- Design District - Greenwich Peninsula: Creative studios, cafés and occasional family workshops a short hop from the cable car.
Eat and drink like a local
- Dockside brunch - pizza - gelato: Royal Victoria Dock and nearby Silvertown have easy terraces for families.
- Canary Wharf markets: Weekday - weekend food halls and pop ups with plenty of quick options.
- Greenwich staples: Pie and mash, fish and chips and market snacks around the covered market and King William Walk.
- Indian - Middle Eastern corridors: East and South East London are rich with curries, grills and mezze. Great for groups after qualifying.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday dinner near the O2, Canary Wharf and Royal Docks books fast. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Royal Docks paddle: Kayak - SUP sessions run seasonally on Royal Victoria Dock on calm mornings.
- Greenwich Park climbs: Short uphill to General Wolfe statue for classic city views then roll back through shaded avenues.
- Lea River - Limehouse Cut paths: Flat canalside walking - running routes linking parks and cafés.
- Emirates Aviation Experience - Peninsula stroll: Aviation interactives then a riverside promenade to The O2.
- Roof gardens - Wharf pocket parks: Elevated gardens and lawn squares offer quiet picnic corners minutes from the docks.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Maritime Greenwich - 10 to 25 minutes. World Heritage ensemble of observatory, museum and classic streets plus riverside pubs.
- City of London sampler - 20 to 35 minutes. St Paul's exterior, Millennium Bridge and the Museum of London site updates around the Barbican.
- Tower of London - Tower Bridge - 20 to 35 minutes. Crown Jewels, Beefeater tours and glass floor walk on the bridge.
- Brick Lane - Spitalfields - 25 to 40 minutes. Markets, street art and curry houses make an easy afternoon loop.
- Greenwich to Westminster by river - 35 to 60 minutes. Scenic boat ride past the City, Southbank and Houses of Parliament.
- Hampstead Heath - 40 to 60 minutes. Hilltop views from Parliament Hill and woodland playgrounds if you want a greener day.
Times are door to door estimates and rise on headline weekends. Some observatory shows, roof walks and boat trips use dated tickets with last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Formula E typically runs in midsummer with concerts and e-mobility showcases. Hotels around Canary Wharf, Greenwich and the City fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Temperate maritime. Expect mild to warm days with quick showers possible even in July. Pack light layers, sunscreen and a compact rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - School holidays add demand to family attractions. Winter light trails and Christmas markets appear across the city if you visit off season for other ExCeL events.
Practical notes during race - show weeks
- Campus operations: ExCeL spans a long concourse with multiple halls. Race build can reroute normal entrances and dockside walkways.
- Noise windows: London City Airport sits nearby. Expect occasional aircraft during daytime hours on non curfew days.
- Heat - showers: The indoor - outdoor layout means quick transitions from sun to air conditioning. Carry a light layer and water bottle.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, compact umbrella, grippy shoes for metal bridges - bleachers and a small picnic mat for dock lawns.
- Scheduling: Museums and roof walks can sell out on weekends. Book timed entries around the on track timetable to avoid clashes.
Attraction hours, observatory - roof walk ticketing, river services and race week campus access can change - check official event and venue sites for your exact dates.