WTM London 2026 Travel Guide: Hotels, Flights & Excel Transport

World Travel Market London 2026 takes place from Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 November at Excel London. The exhibition brings a large international travel-industry audience into the Royal Docks, making hotel location and Elizabeth line access especially important. This guide focuses on the practical trip: flights, airports, where to stay, transport to Excel, transfers and a workable business itinerary.

Start with the core bookings: compare flights to London, then browse hotel options near Custom House, Canary Wharf or another Elizabeth line station. Check the total price, cancellation policy and actual station walking route before paying.

WTM London 2026: dates, venue and hours

• Tuesday 3 November: 09:30–18:00
• Wednesday 4 November: 09:30–18:00
• Thursday 5 November: 09:30–17:00
• Venue: Excel London, Royal Victoria Dock, London
• Main rail access: Custom House for the west entrance; Prince Regent for the east entrance and ICC areas

Confirm registration, final opening hours, the event app and floor plan on the official WTM visitor page. WTM describes the 2026 event as bringing together participants from more than 180 countries, so morning transport and registration areas can be busy.

Where to stay for WTM London

Royal Victoria and Custom House: closest to Excel

Staying around Royal Victoria, Custom House or the Royal Docks minimises the daily journey and can be valuable for exhibitors, buyers with early meetings and teams carrying material. The area is quieter than central London outside event hours, so compare convenience against your evening plans.

Canary Wharf: best balance for business travel

Canary Wharf offers a wide hotel selection, restaurants and direct Elizabeth line access towards Custom House. It is one of the strongest all-round choices for delegates who want a short event commute while retaining a substantial business district for meetings and client dining.

Stratford: broad accommodation and transport choice

Stratford provides Elizabeth line, Underground, DLR and National Rail connections plus a large range of hotels and shopping. It can work well when Royal Docks prices rise, but check the specific route and last-mile walk rather than choosing solely by postcode.

The City and Liverpool Street: useful for corporate meetings

Hotels around Liverpool Street can suit visitors combining WTM with appointments in the City. The Elizabeth line provides a direct rail corridor to Custom House, while central restaurants and meeting locations remain accessible.

Central and West London: better for leisure, longer event commute

West End areas may suit travellers extending the trip for theatre, shopping or sightseeing, but they create a longer morning journey. If the main purpose is three full exhibition days, staying closer to the Elizabeth line or east London usually reduces friction.

Which London airport is best for WTM?

London City Airport

London City is the closest major airport to Excel and can be convenient for selected European routes. Its schedule is smaller than Heathrow or Gatwick, so compare availability and total fare before choosing it solely for proximity.

Heathrow Airport

Heathrow offers the widest long-haul network and Elizabeth line access across London towards Custom House. It is a practical option for visitors arriving from North America, Asia, the Middle East and other intercontinental markets.

Gatwick Airport

Gatwick has strong international and European service. Reaching Excel normally involves rail travel and an interchange, so allow additional time and check engineering notices close to departure.

Stansted, Luton and Southend

These airports can offer useful low-cost or regional schedules, but the onward journey to the Royal Docks may involve multiple stages. Compare the whole door-to-door trip—not only the airfare—before booking.

Travellers continuing to Asia can use the London to Singapore travel guide for route planning, Changi transfers and Singapore hotel areas.

Airport transfer planning

London’s rail network is often the most predictable option for one or two travellers with manageable luggage. A taxi or pre-booked transfer may be more practical for teams, late arrivals, large cases or exhibition material.

• Solo traveller: compare rail cost and journey complexity with a transfer.
• Team arrival: check whether one appropriately sized vehicle costs less than several separate journeys.
• Exhibitors: confirm freight and venue delivery rules separately; a passenger transfer is not a substitute for exhibition logistics.
• Late arrival: verify hotel reception and transport operating times before departure.

Compare London airport taxi and transfer options, and include the flight number and correct terminal where the provider requests them.

Getting to Excel London

Excel’s official transport guidance says the venue is connected by the Elizabeth line and three DLR stations. Use Custom House for the west entrance and Prince Regent for the east entrance and ICC areas. The venue is approximately one kilometre from end to end, so entering at the wrong side can add a long indoor walk.

Before each day:

1. Check your first meeting, stage or stand location on the floor plan.
2. Choose Custom House or Prince Regent accordingly.
3. Allow time for station crowds, security and badge scanning.
4. Save the app and key appointments offline.
5. Check Transport for London updates before leaving the hotel.

Read Excel’s official public-transport guidance for current station and accessibility information.

A practical five-day WTM London itinerary

Monday 2 November: arrive and prepare

Check into the hotel, test the route to Excel if unfamiliar with London and organise meetings by hall or region. Keep the evening flexible so disruption does not affect the first morning.

Tuesday 3 November: priority meetings

Arrive before the 09:30 opening and use the first day for the most commercially important appointments. Avoid crossing the full venue repeatedly; cluster meetings geographically.

Wednesday 4 November: conference and networking

Use the full day for a mix of scheduled meetings, conference sessions and supplier discovery. Leave small gaps for follow-up notes instead of building an impossible back-to-back diary.

Thursday 5 November: final meetings and departure planning

The show closes at 17:00. Complete essential appointments early and avoid booking a flight that depends on a perfect journey from Excel to the airport. Collect contacts, back up notes and confirm any post-event meeting locations.

Friday 6 November: meetings or London extension

An additional day allows corporate follow-ups or leisure time without compromising the exhibition schedule. Browse London tours and activities for museums, landmarks and neighbourhood experiences. A rental car is generally unnecessary for central London, although car hire may suit onward travel outside the city.

Business-travel checklist

• WTM badge or registration confirmation and accepted identification
• Passport, visa or electronic travel authorisation where applicable
• Travel insurance and accessible booking copies
• Comfortable footwear for a large exhibition venue
• UK plug adaptor and charged power bank
• Roaming plan or eSIM for maps and meeting updates
• A weatherproof outer layer for November conditions
• Space in the diary for follow-up notes and unexpected meetings

The Travel Services & Essentials hub includes eSIM, insurance, luggage-storage and other planning options.

Frequently asked questions

When is WTM London 2026?

WTM London runs from Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 November 2026 at Excel London. Published hours are 09:30–18:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 09:30–17:00 on Thursday.

Which station is best for WTM London?

Use Custom House for the west entrance or Prince Regent for the east entrance and ICC areas. Check the WTM floor plan before choosing the station.

Where should an exhibitor stay?

Royal Victoria and Custom House provide the shortest commute. Canary Wharf offers a strong balance of venue access, hotel choice, restaurants and business-meeting facilities.

How many nights should an international visitor book?

A Monday arrival and Thursday-night or Friday departure usually provide a workable schedule. Add Friday night when planning post-event meetings or sightseeing.

Build the trip: compare Flights, Hotels, Transfers, Tours & Activities and additional Travel Services.

Information checked against official WTM London and Excel London guidance on 3 October 2026. Event schedules, transport and registration arrangements can change; confirm final details before purchasing non-refundable travel. FlightHotelGo may earn a commission from eligible bookings through selected partner links, at no extra cost to you.