Woolwich Arsenal

Woolwich Arsenal DLR station opened in 2009, serving the extensive Royal Arsenal regeneration project that transformed the former military ordnance site - the Royal Arsenal, which operated from the 17th century until the 1960s - into a mixed residential, retail and cultural development. The station is in Zone 4 on the south bank of the Thames in south-east London. The adjacent Elizabeth line station at Woolwich, which opened in 2022, significantly improved connections from here to central London, Heathrow and Canary Wharf. The Thames Barrier, one of the most impressive pieces of post-war engineering in Britain, is accessible by a pleasant riverside walk from the station.

Station Overview

Woolwich Arsenal DLR station opened in 2009. It sits in Zone 4 and is served by the DLR on the Woolwich Arsenal branch. The station has step-free access, toilets, ATMs and shops. The adjacent Woolwich Elizabeth line station is a short walk.

Lines and Connectivity

The DLR connects north through Pontoon Dock, London City Airport and Custom House (ExCeL) towards Canning Town (Jubilee line interchange) and on to Bank and Canary Wharf. The Elizabeth line from Woolwich (adjacent station, short walk) connects directly to central London in approximately fifteen minutes and to Heathrow Airport in approximately fifty minutes.

Facilities

Woolwich Arsenal DLR station has toilets, ATMs, shops and a travel information point. The Royal Arsenal Riverside development adjacent has cafes, restaurants and retail. The Woolwich town centre has more extensive shops and services a short walk away.

Accessibility

Woolwich Arsenal has full step-free access throughout the DLR station. The adjacent Elizabeth line Woolwich station is also fully accessible.

Travel Tips

• The Elizabeth line from Woolwich is significantly faster to central London than the DLR via Bank - use it for Canary Wharf (eight minutes) and Farringdon or Liverpool Street (about fifteen minutes).
• The Royal Arsenal Riverside development has a free museum (Firepower, the Royal Artillery Museum is currently closed but the heritage buildings are worth exploring) and a pleasant Thames riverside walk.
• The Thames Barrier is accessible by a three-kilometre riverside walk east from Woolwich Arsenal - one of the most impressive pieces of flood defence infrastructure in the world.
• Woolwich Ferry, a free Thames crossing, operates from a short walk from the station and provides a free way to cross the river.
• Step-free access is available throughout DLR and Elizabeth line stations here.

Nearby Attractions

Royal Arsenal Riverside - adjacent. The regenerated former military arsenal with heritage buildings, riverside walks, cafes and residential development.

Woolwich Ferry - five minutes walk. A free Thames river crossing between Woolwich and North Woolwich. Operates passenger vehicles and pedestrians.

Thames Barrier - three kilometres east via riverside walk. The moveable flood barrier completed in 1982. The Barrier can be viewed from the south bank viewing point.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

DLR services at Woolwich Arsenal run from approximately 05:30 to midnight Monday to Saturday and 07:00 to 23:30 on Sundays. Elizabeth line services run similar hours. The Woolwich Ferry operates during daytime hours - check TfL's website for current timetable.