Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is a metro system in London, perhaps it doesn't get the same publicity as the London buses as well as Underground and Overground, but it still is an important service, serving multiple locations including Canary Wharf. It is owned 70% by Keolis. Trains run between 7.5 and 15 miles per hour, so it perhaps isn't the speed you'd be used to on the tube, but it does vary with some stations Underground, and the rest (majority) overground including the likes of Tower Gateway. A large amount of the stations on the DLR are in the East London area including Tower Gateway, Stratford (and International) etc, but it does expand further to the likes of Bank and Lewisham. The trains themselves don't tend to be too comfortable, I personally found them far too bumpy to the point I was literally shaking and highly uncomfortable. The prices tend to be the same as any transport in London, and as the tube and buses, you can use them for the Daily cap with Oyster, as you can on the buses, trams and tube etc. All stations are step-free which is handy if you're planning a route and you need extra assistance. The one staff member I saw on a DLR service seemed really rude and unhelpful, he seemed disinterested in my feedback or even questions regarding the service. Trains were frequent but really uncomfortable, of course, it isn't as fast or broad (the network) as the tube, but sometimes certain routes can be better, quicker or easier so it isn't terrible, but it needs to do a lot to make the journeys on the network pleasurable. 2* read more

The DLR is efficient, clean and smooth. So many things that the regular Underground can't be thanks to it's 150 year old tunnels and rather ancient trains. The only bummer is that it doesn't go nearly far enough to the West side of London. You East-enders don't know how good you have it! Parts of it are almost like riding the monorail at Disney World. Clear views of the city when you're above ground through big glass windows. The trains don't have onboard drivers, which can be a little weird and takes getting used to. read more

Docklands Light Rail - Inside the train. - Public Transportation Near Me

I'm going to make this review as concise & brilliant as the DLR. So, straight to the bullet points... -Trains every 2-3 mins. -Much wider cars so no need for people to get so intimate -Trains run throughout the night during alleged snowfalls to ensure next day service -Cleaner than the underground -Signs posted where you can see to alert of platform or station issues -Visible Passenger Service Agents on & off the trains -Access to areas outside of Zone 1 (halleluah!) -Huge windows allow you to see the city & less of a confined feeling -Windows that open for ventilation -Working heating system in the winter -Wheelchair sections -Notices of works in progress or in the future and performance statistics posted on trains and platforms The DLR is excellent! read more

The DLR is everything the SLUT wanted to be... speedy, cost effective, punctual, exceptionally helpful in getting from point A to B to C... (Those of you from Seattle who have taken the painfully pointless 1.3 mile ride on the SLUT, or the South Lake Union Trolley, will understand when I say that the acronym is the only thing worth talking about.) Anyway, this is certainly not the case with the DLR, and riding from Bank to the Docklands in a train that Willy Wonka may have designed is not only quick and convenient, but fun! Large windows provide fantastic views throughout the ride, and for front-sitting freaks like myself, you'll be amply rewarded with a captain's view as these trains are all operated automatically without a driver. Seriously, they went and got all George Jetson on us, and I must say -- I'm a huge fan. Sure the ride could be smoother, and sure the DLR could be less crowded, but that's what Seattle said, and they got a SLUT. read more

Before the extension of the Jubilee line to Stratford, the Docklands Light Railway was constructed to provide public transport to the south east London area and to City Airport. The sleek driver-less trains are all automatic, which can seem a little eerie or futuristic, depending on your love or suspicion of technology! The large windows and above-ground tracks give some great views of the Docklands area The Tube is great considering its Victorian engineering but the DLR and tram systems in London are much prettier read more

Docklands Light Railway is the perfect way to get from our friend's East End flat into what I can only think of as "London Proper" .....or maybe "more traversed London" would be a better description Coming every few minutes, we found DLR always conveneint & accessible to take us to either Bank or Tower Gateway Tube Stations to get into the heart of London Too bad we only got to ride them for such a short distance since these trains were less crowded, smoother ride & easier access read more

Dweena: "What is it you like so much about this Docklands Light Rail? Me: "it's, just feels right to me. Dweena: Come on baby. As wordy as you are at times, you gotta give me more then... it feels right. Me: This train is like you and... Dweena: "I know! It's because the Docklands Light Rail reminds you of our Light Rail back home, right? Me: "Not totally. Well-Maybe, yeah that kinda has a little sumthin-sumthin to do with it. Dweena: "Like you always say when I come with it like that. That sounds like a weak-ass answer to me! Me: (laughing). Dweena: "Come on now, tell me. Me: "It was three...almost four years ago we were strolling around London, chillin, having fun and then stumbled into the DLR. It kinda reminded me of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail back home, but that's not the reason. I said, come on lets see where it goes. You, being always up for adventure, replied why not. The train was smooth and cool, clean and automated which was nice, but that's not the reason either. We sat there riding and talking, and looking and laughing like how we do whenever we are together. Trying to deciding where we wanted to get off and explore, all while people watching at the same time. More then anything else, we were enjoying being with each other. So we took it to the end then on the return got off at a few stops, explored, got back on and rode some more, then got off again, whenever the mood hit us... But that's also not the reason. And yes, on one of those, come on let's get off here times, we found Merchants Restaurant and Gallery our favourite spot. And MRG is bagin...but it's not the reason either. I think most people who ride DLR probably think, there's nothing special about this train. And for them that might be right. but for me, the reason I like it so much is because of YOU. See we rode it on our third date. While on that ride is when I realised that being with you, sitting next to you, across from you, regardless of where we go, somewhere, anywhere...no mater what we do really, as long as I'm with you is where I always want to be. So It's not the train ma, it's us. And being with you that day felt more right to me then I have ever felt in my life. Fast forward three years to now...And I'm still feelin that very same way. Just as I did, back then. Nah-Mean! Dweena: (with tears welling up in her eyes), grabbed me and kissed me. Done read more

I like the DLR - but have a few comments (as always) to add about it... Before I do the negatives, the positives (of which there are way more of) - its pretty clean, effiecent, punctual, not over crowded and overall a nice way to travel around south east London. The things that annoy me are actually quite entertaining - for instance - 1) When boarding, just take a step back and watch people press the button to open the door. One gentle press is normally enough - but no, not Londoners - they don't have many buttons to press - so when it comes to the DLR button pushing event - it turns into something out of a arcade game (like track and field) - hammering the button as quickly as possible (does'nt make it open any faster sir). Stand back - watch the button pushing and listen out for the clicking - it will have you in stiches! 2) People who decide that even though there is 1000 more people that it should have on it, they will still board the DLR and read their financial times (yes the biggest paper in the world!) why? well because they work in Canary Wharf and are better than the rest of us. (Controversial perhaps?) 3) The lifts. Some of the DLR stations have lifts - i'm sure not all of them do - and not all of them are bad - but why do they all (or, let me re-phrase that, all the ones i've dared to go in) smell of pee? There are a lot of DLR workers - all it takes is a twice daily clean, throw some bleach down or something - I hope by 2012 and the 10,000's of people that will be riding on the DLR and need lift access don't take the lift to be welcomed by a on the spot sports persons drug test deposited in the lift - urghh apart from that its sweet! :-) read more

I love the DLR - it just works. You can get around anywhere in the docklands quickly, cheaply and efficiently. The trains are safe, patrolled and comfortable. And unlike the Tube, you always get a view. The connection to London City Airport can't be beat. Get off the flight, get on the DLR and within minutes - literally - you're at your destination. And the connection to the city is also convenient. The DLR is expanding with new stations and it's one of the bright spots on the TFL map. I also like that they're aggressive in checking for tickets. Almost every train I've been on recently there's been someone scanning Oyster cards and asking for tickets and almost universally they've been hauling someone off for not having the right ticket. Ticket cheats should be punished - and DLR staff is making sure that's happening. If I pay to use the service; everyone should pay. No free rides in life or on the DLR. read more

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is an automated light metro system opened in 1987 to serve the redeveloped Docklands area of London. It reaches north to Stratford, south to Lewisham, west to Tower Gateway and Bank in the City, and east to Beckton, London City Airport and Woolwich Arsenal. The system uses minimal staffing on trains and at major interchange stations; the four below-ground stations are staffed to comply with underground station fire and safety requirements. read more

I like the DLR. I don't like it when it's busy, and I don't like it when I'm in a rush because it can be pretty slow and frustrating.. but if I'm in a 'London is a great city' mood, it's a great line to stroll around on. You get some interesting views. It takes you right to the heart of Canary Wharf which is cool - but what I like more is how it takes you right through East London, it's an experience comparable to riding the Subway through Queens or Brooklyn when in New York. You get to really see society- really see parts of London. There's something really fascinating about seeing the disused and derelict parts of our city. There's no better introduction to that than riding around on the DLR. Certainly better than riding around in the dark on the Central Line. One thing that really frustrates me though is how you need to touch in and out with your oyster card every time you use the DLR. These machines are just put in random places by the stations and you don't really notice them; which is why I've often been hit with fines for forgetting. Not good. I think London Transport may be changing this rule soon so that people don't get hit with stupid fines, I certainly hope they do. read more

If London were the theme of a Disneyland ride, the DLR would be it. The windows are massive, the carriage moves slowly enough so the kiddies won't be too scared, and the conductor sits amongst the lowly passengers and personally scans their travelcards! So enjoy the modern feel of the carriage, the stations, not to mention step free access. Once the journey begins you travel in tunnels, out of tunnels, close enough to touch skyscrapers and smell the Thames! read more

Docklands Light Rail - The Canary Wharf station has these nifty glass doors, I'm guessing to prevent businesspeople's suicide attempts? - Public Transportation Near Me

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Because its so much cleaner than the usual underground, it gets me to work on time and it's like the frequency of an underground, with trains every 2 minutes. And it bypasses zone 1, so I pay less to Boris on my Oyster. Also I'm lucky enough to alight at the end station going into work, and it's not ridiculous crowded like the jubilee line where rush hour is MADNESS. DLR is its much more relaxed cousin, no pushing, queueing. Just gotta avoid the vom patches sometimes on the canary wharf platform, because some city boy has got too happy at happy hour. (What a champion.) My only problem, the zap in and zap out counters are not gated so, early mornings and tired evenings means REMEMBER to zap in and zap out, or you have to run back down the stairs and it's just a pain. read more

Fast, user friendly (no joke), you get to see great views of the docklands area and most of all = NO FUNNY BUSINESS Tres bien read more

DLR is a great way to get to the outskirts of London. I recently took a trip out to Greenwich. It says the ride takes 40 minutes, but it seemed like none at all. Unlike the Tube, most of the ride is out of the underground, so you get great views of the city. read more

Ah, my sweet, sweet, DLR. When I made the leap from West to East London, I was introduced to the magical flying carpet ride that is the DLR. The Docklands Light Railway runs from Bank and branches out to Stratford, Lewisham, Beckton, and Woolwich Arsenal. If you live along the main artery, trains comes every 2-3 minutes. The trains themselves are bright, clean, and much newer than most of the trains on the underground. Speaking of underground, the DLR just sails through the air, giving you great views of Canary Wharf along the way. With the exception of Stratford and a handful of other stops, DLR stations are open and breezy. There are no entry gates, which means you don't get those terrible queues during rush hour. Trains are rarely delayed -- I think something like 98% or 99% of them are on time, and the core of the line is rarely down for the dreaded 'planned engineering works'. read more

This is the no colour line. This is a quiet and efficient line that goes about its business without fuss. If you don't like trains without a driver then you probably don't want to take this one. When you leave Bank and first see light (sometimes sunny, sometimes not), you can look back and see the Gherkin. Ride a few more minutes and Canary Wharf comes into view. Very useful little line on the East side of London. read more

Way too clean to be a part of the TFL. Really. It almost feels like someone cleans them. It may also be because they are filled with light from large windows so that you can watch the scenery whizzing past rather than trying to avert your eyes from looking at the dodgy character who always seems to sit across from you on the Tube. The DLR was my way to get from, well, any place else in London to Greenwich. And it always made me wish that everyplace else had the DLR because it always ran smooth, I was never left crushed in the aisle whilst 1 more person tried to cram themselves through the door. And what is this thing with arriving when the board says it will arrive? Brilliant. read more

I haven't really made up my mind about the DLR, but generally I've been pleased, so I'll start at a 3 with some room to improve. I think my rating might increase simply based on the fact that although it's an outdoor transportation system, the trains are actually heated, which is nice. Definitely better than the cluster-f-tube. The good... -heated trains in the winter! -less crowds than the tube -less likely to die from being under a train than the tube -generally on time -super convenient if you live in the East End The eh and meh... -kind of pokey and slow -when the trains don't arrive on time, the conductors can't tell you what's going on, 'cause they are not actually operating the trains (a little odd) -that damn train that terminates at Crossharbour, every time I'm going to Lewisham -Canary Wharf (not really the DLR's fault, but a bit of a crazy crowded cluster hell during rush hour) -disruption of service schedule, as noted below Overall, I'd say yay to the DLR, but in light of the recent train breakdowns this week and disruption of service every other weekend and during the entire winter break, I'm reserving a high yelp praise for now. read more

I give Dock Land Rail Way a 5 star! It is always punctual, not to packed and has never let me down. Living in East or North London there is nothing as convenient then the City Airport, when you book well in advance you will get surprisingly good deals, especially in the competitive economic climate at the moment. City airport - as the name predicts is the most central airport in London (no 2hour trip to Luton nor Standsted). I take the Northern Line to Bank and from there I conveniently just make my way downstairs, and down stairs and downstairs.... At bank there is one thing you have to keep in mind, between the Central Line and DLR there is a long long walk, it seems never ending with two suitcases and other luggage's hanging from your shoulder. it is no secret that almost thouhgt to be there you have clime another 100 stairs. Therefore if possible avoid the Central Line and use the Northern Line to change to the DLR with lots of baggage. The train goes towards King George V, City Airport and has so far always been punctual. I never have seen a reason to take a taxi as this train departs frequently every 10min, has enough space to leave your luggage and takes from Bank to City airport 22min! Try to sit at the front of the train, then you have a fantastic view driving out of London! read more

I'm not sure what Londoners are getting at when they deride the DLR as toy trains. I suppose they are not as hulking and imposing as the inimitable Tube (sarcasm intended), but they are energy efficient, flexible, and they must be durable considering how much time they spend above ground. I love the DLR and, living just below a DLR station, I very much rely upon it. One of my favourite rides is from my stop through the cathedral-esque entrances of the Canary Wharf stations, a quite visceral thrill and shoulders above the experience of crawling underground throughout your trip to emerge, after endless escalators, in some unknown place. read more

A million times more pleasant than the tube, but prone to hiccups.

I had absolutely no problems taking DLR from London City AIrport to the Underground. It's integrated with the TFL system; I simply used my Oyster card as I would on the Underground. It's clean and there was plenty of space for my huge luggage onboard. read more

As good as the Underground... ...which is a compliment. I know a lot of people grumble about how bad the London Underground is. What they need to do is to visit a city with truly poor public transportation, or no public transportation at all. Good luck with that! Anyhoo, we have visited London twice, and both times the Tube has made it very easy to get everywhere we wanted to be. The same is true of the DLR. The entire system makes nearly every corner of London accessible in under an hour. Pretty amazing, if you ask me. read more

Would like to thank Dave on the Towergate to Beckton service on Friday 6th January. We were travelling with friends and managed to get a bit mixed up on the tube back to St Albans from the Boat Show and he helped us and cheered us up too with his cheerful attitude and helpful customer service. Thank you read more

the DLR is great and such a nice contrast to the tube. London would be a much nicer place to live if they replaced some of the tube lines with DLRs type services. Of course, it is great if you get to sit near the front, it also nice to sit anywhere and be able to look out of the large windows at the surroundings read more