London Motorhome, Caravan and Camping show organisers NCC Events say getting to ExCeL is easier than you might think.

 

Excel East Gate

 

Getting to ExCeL

The best way to get to ExCeL is using public transport. For working out the best bus, tram and train routes within the capital, you should visit the Transport for London website at www.tfl.gov.uk.

 

The site’s route planner is excellent and lets you start a journey from any London station, bus stop or postcode, and gives you precise directions from door to door. In terms of tickets, ExCeL is in Zone 3 and the nearest station is Custom House on the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) while most major mainline stations are in Zone 1. A Travelcard covering unlimited journeys in Zones 1-4 costs £10.60 per day and should be sufficient for day visitors. 

 

Driving considerations

If you are driving to ExCeL, allow time for traffic. Things quiet down on the road in the area by 9.30, so plan your timings accordingly.

 

In terms of route planning, look out for signs directing you towards Royal Docklands, City Airport or ExCeL London and if you are using sat-nav, punch postcode E16 1DR in to ensure you arrive in the right place. There is free parking for the first 4000 vehicles, after which it is pay and display. There is outdoor parking so headroom for coachbuilt vehicles is not a problem.

 

If you drive through central London en route to the show on weekdays, you will be liable for the £10 Congestion Charge, but there is no charge at weekends. If you are coming via the M25, you come off at junction 30 and avoid the Congestion Charge area.

 

LEZ Concerns

The latest iteration of the London LEZ (low emission zone) came into force last month and has made it uneconomical for owners of some motorhomes to drive all the way to ExCeL.

 

As a general rule, if you have a motorcaravan built before 2006 which runs on diesel, you could have a problem. The best solution is to stay at a nearby campsite, or park outside the LEZ zone and commute in using public transport.

 

If you have a motorcaravan which runs of petrol or conforms to the Euro3 emission standard, you will not have to pay the £100 per day fee for driving in the LEZ. To check that your motorhome conforms, visit TFL’s Compliance Checker website. Simply enter your registration number (twice, for some reason) and you will get an immediate indication of whether your van can travel in the zone.

 

To see what people are saying about the show on Forum, click here!