Overview
West Silvertown is a station on the Docklands Light Railway that opened in December 2005 as part of an eastern extension serving the Royal Docks. It lies on the branch that continues to Woolwich Arsenal and provides a public-transport link between the City of London and the redeveloped docklands and airport areas.
Location and layout
The station sits within the Silvertown area in east London and is administratively in the London Borough of Newham. It is located in Travelcard Zone 3. Like most newer DLR stops, West Silvertown is designed for easy access to trains and the local streets, with platforms serving trains in both directions and provisions for step-free access.
Services and connections
Trains from West Silvertown run westbound towards the City (including Bank) and eastbound to Woolwich Arsenal. The eastbound services pass through London City Airport station, improving links for air travellers and airport staff. Westbound journeys provide connections to interchange points where passengers can transfer to other DLR routes and the London Underground, for example at nearby interchanges such as Canning Town. The station therefore plays a role in local and commuter journeys rather than long-distance travel.
History and role in regeneration
West Silvertown was opened as part of the DLR's early 21st-century extensions aimed at supporting regeneration across the Royal Docks. The extension was intended to improve public transport access to industrial and underused dockland sites, encourage new housing and business development, and link emerging commercial hubs with central London. Its opening in December 2005 completed the new cross-river connection that brought DLR services to Woolwich.
Nearby area and uses
The station serves a mix of industrial sites, recent residential schemes and riverside developments in Silvertown and the Royal Docks. It is used by local residents, workers, airport passengers and visitors to riverside amenities. While not a major interchange, West Silvertown contributes to the local public-transport network by providing a frequent, reliable link across east London.
Quick facts
- Opening: December 2005 (Woolwich Arsenal branch extension)
- Operator: Docklands Light Railway
- Typical destinations: westbound to Bank; eastbound to London City Airport and Woolwich Arsenal
- Location: London Borough of Newham; Travelcard Zone 3
The station remains a local transport node supporting ongoing regeneration of the Royal Docks and its connections to central London and the airport.