Photo: S4chin Parmar / Google MapsHotels for DroneX 2027 at ExCeL London
DroneX 2027 runs 28 to 29 September at ExCeL London, London. 4,000+ professionals
- Free-cancellation rooms
- Lock today's hotel rate
- Company invoice
- Book rooms for your team
Where to stay for DroneX 2027: the closest hotels to ExCeL London are in Royal Docks and Canary Wharf, with Stratford a short ride away. Rooms near the venue sell out first, so book a free-cancellation rate early. Add your company name and tax number at checkout for an itemised company invoice.
DroneX, the drone and uncrewed systems trade show and conference that runs as part of the Uncrewed Tech Expo, returns to ExCeL London on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 September 2027. The organiser calls it Europe's leading event for the uncrewed tech sector and cites more than 4,000 professionals, around 300 exhibitors and 150 seminars, with stages covering commercial work, surveillance, the future of flight and keynotes. Visitors come from defence, emergency services, infrastructure, transport and regulation as well as from OEMs and software firms. Doors are open from 10:00 to 16:00 on both days, so a two day trip with one or two hotel nights suits most visitors, while exhibitors add build-up time. ExCeL sits on the Royal Docks in east London with its own Elizabeth line and DLR stations, so the Royal Docks, Canary Wharf, Stratford and central London near the Elizabeth line are the practical bases for DroneX hotels. This page shows live rates near ExCeL for your dates; your show ticket comes from the organiser and is separate from your hotel booking.
Popular areas for attendees: Royal Docks · Canary Wharf · Stratford · Central London (Elizabeth line).
- London hotels for DroneX sorted by distance to ExCeL London, from the Royal Docks to Canary Wharf, Stratford and central London
- Live rates for 28 to 29 September 2027, with check-in and check-out dates you can change for build-up days or the evening networking reception after day one
- Free cancellation rates shown where the hotel offers them, useful while your meeting plan and stand schedule firm up
- An itemised company invoice emailed at booking, plus a group quote within 24 hours via our enquiry form for exhibitor and delegation teams
Event at a glance
- Dates
- 28 Sept to 29 Sept 2027
- Venue
- ExCeL London
- City
- London, United Kingdom
- Airport
- LCY
- Attendance
- 4,000+ professionals
Live rates near the venue
Hotels near ExCeL London for DroneX 2027
Free cancellation first
Flexible rooms prioritised so plans can change without penalty.
Company invoice
Itemised invoice billed to your company, emailed the moment you book.
Stay close to the venue
Hotels ranked by walking distance to the halls.
Lock today's rate
Reserve at the current price and book several rooms for the team.
Plan your stay
Rates shown for a 3 night stay, Mon, Sep 27 → Thu, Sep 30, arriving the day before the fair opens, or choose your own dates above.
Hotel rates near major event venues rise as the dates approach and the closest hotels sell out first. Booking a free-cancellation rate early locks the price with no downside.
On the map
The venue, your hotel options and where to eat, all in one view. Tap the map to explore it full screen.
Booking hotels for a team or company?
Book several rooms near ExCeL London, keep every stay on a free-cancellation rate, and add your company name and tax number at checkout to receive an itemised invoice for your accounts, emailed the moment you book.
- Itemised company invoice, emailed instantly
- Bills to your company name and ABN / VAT / tax number
- Free-cancellation rates prioritised for changing plans
- Book multiple rooms for the team in one place
Send this page to colleagues so everyone books their own room near the venue, all at today's rate.
Exhibiting or sending a team? Tell us how many rooms you need and we will send a personalised quote within 24 hours, with the distance from every hotel to ExCeL London. If the closest hotels are nearly full, we split your team across neighbouring hotels a few minutes apart. Corporate accommodation for DroneX
Free DroneX Insider Guide
Do DroneX the easy way. Get our curated guide, plus first access to near-venue rooms before they sell out.
- The best hotels within walking distance of the venue
- Where to host clients for dinner near the halls
- How to beat the sold-out fair-week rooms
We'll email your guide and occasional DroneX hotel deals. Unsubscribe anytime.
Need to expense this trip? Business invoices available at checkout.
Where should you eat during DroneX?
ExCeL sits in the docks, but the Elizabeth line puts serious dining 15 minutes away. Book the client dinner in town and keep the dockside gastropub for post-show pints.
Photo: Da Terra / Google MapsDa Terra
Latin American-Italian tasting menus
Bethnal Green, ~25 min from ExCeL via Elizabeth line
Rafael Cagali's two-star room in the old Bethnal Green Town Hall: East London's most impressive client-dinner ticket and the closest two-star to the Royal Docks.
Tip: Last seatings ~8pm: leave the show floor by 7. Book before DSEI/WTM week.
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Photo: Galvin La Chapelle / Google MapsGalvin La Chapelle
French-Mediterranean
Spitalfields, Elizabeth line from Custom House (~15 min)
A soaring converted Victorian chapel holding its Michelin star since 2011: one of the easiest genuinely impressive rooms to reach from ExCeL.
Tip: The set lunch is strong value for a starred room between sessions.
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Photo: Max Gruber / Google MapsRules
Traditional British · since 1798
Covent Garden, ~30 min from ExCeL
London's oldest restaurant: game in season, steak and kidney pie year-round, beneath gilded art-crammed walls. The definitive old-London experience for international colleagues.
Tip: Upstairs cocktail bar for a pre-dinner martini; book evenings.
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Photo: The Hiwaymann / Google MapsSt. JOHN
British nose-to-tail
Smithfield, Elizabeth line to Farringdon (~15 min)
Fergus Henderson's whitewashed smokehouse has defined modern British cooking since 1994: Michelin-starred, unfussy, and beloved by every chef you'll meet.
Tip: Roast bone marrow and parsley salad; zero dress-code anxiety.
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Photo: The Fox, Excel / Google MapsThe Fox Excel
Gastropub
Royal Victoria Dock, 2 min walk from ExCeL's west entrance
A converted tobacco warehouse beside the ExCeL entrance: the default for post-show pints, casual client catch-ups and decent pub food without leaving the docks.
Tip: Slammed within an hour of halls closing: grab a table before 5:30pm.
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Photo: Izzie Peskett / Google MapsWatchHouse Cabot Place
Specialty coffee
Canary Wharf, one Elizabeth-line stop from Custom House
The polished specialty roaster's Canary Wharf outpost: excellent espresso and laptop-friendly seating, the best serious coffee minutes from ExCeL.
Tip: Before 8:30am on show days to beat the Wharf commuter rush.
Open in Google MapsAfter the halls close: London
Client dinner, team night out or a free day after DroneX: bookable experiences in London, same account, same checkout.
While you're in London
Few cities pack more world-class sport and entertainment into a business week than London, from Premier League nights to West End-scale arena shows.
Premier League football (Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, West Ham)
With several top-flight clubs inside the city, there is usually a Premier League fixture within reach on any given trip during the season.
Find ticketsWimbledon Championships
The world's most famous tennis tournament is a bucket-list experience, and the daily ticket queue makes it possible even on short notice.
Find ticketsNFL London Games
Regular-season NFL games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley give US-facing travellers a familiar spectacle with a London twist.
Find ticketsThe O2 Arena concerts
One of the world's busiest arenas, The O2 almost always has a major artist, comedian or show on during your stay.
Find ticketsSix Nations rugby at Twickenham (Allianz Stadium)
England's home Six Nations matches are huge occasions, and hospitality packages suit client entertaining perfectly.
Find ticketsFixtures recur each season; exact dates for your fair week are confirmed at ticket search.
How do you get to DroneX?
From London airports
- London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport: ExCeL puts it a 15 minute walk away or a short journey by DLR, bus or taxi, with flights to more than 30 destinations across Europe
- By DLR from London City Airport, ride to Canning Town and change to a Beckton train for Custom House (for ExCeL) or Prince Regent, according to the TfL route maps
- From Heathrow (LHR), Elizabeth line trains to Abbey Wood run through central London and Canary Wharf to Custom House; Heathrow says four trains an hour run direct from Terminal 4 to Abbey Wood and four of the six an hour at Terminals 2 and 3 run to Abbey Wood
- From Gatwick, Stansted, Luton or Southend, take the airport rail link into London and connect to the Elizabeth line, the Jubilee line or the DLR
By rail and road
- London is linked by rail to every major UK city; ExCeL says it is a short hop from any London rail terminal and suggests the TfL journey planner for the fastest connection
- Elizabeth line stations such as Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street are on the Abbey Wood branch through Custom House
- Drivers should pre-book: ExCeL says that is the only way to guarantee a car park space, and the car park is reached only from the A13 (sat nav E16 1FR)
- The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels are tolled, so check the TfL charges if you drive in from south of the river
How do you get around during DroneX?
Getting to ExCeL each day
- ExCeL calls the Elizabeth line and DLR the quickest routes: Custom House serves the West Entrance and Prince Regent the East Entrance, each about 200 metres from its entrance
- The two stations are about 1 km apart through the venue and the entrances about 600 metres apart, so check which halls DroneX is in before choosing a station; the organiser's FAQ lists Halls S13 to S15 for 2027
- The organiser's travel page recommends the Jubilee line to Canning Town, then a Beckton bound DLR to Prince Regent, which it says is significantly nearer the show entrance (that page still shows the 2026 dates, so recheck it nearer the show)
- Taxis and minicabs use ExCeL's West and East drop-off and pick-up points
Around London
- ExCeL suggests a contactless bank card, a visitor Oyster card or a Travelcard for the best value on the Tube, DLR, Elizabeth line and buses
- Canary Wharf is one Elizabeth line stop from Custom House and has plenty of restaurants for client dinners
- From Stratford, the Jubilee line and the DLR both run to Canning Town for the Beckton branch to ExCeL
- Late September in London can be mild or wet, so pack a light waterproof for the walk between station and hall
Do you need a visa for DroneX?
Visa-free / visa on arrival
- British and Irish passport holders do not need an ETA or a visa
- Most visitors who do not need a visa, including those from Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia, need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel
- An ETA costs £20 and lets you visit the UK for up to six months; apply only through GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app
- Each person travelling needs their own ETA, including babies and children
eVisa / visa required
- Nationals who are not eligible for an ETA need a Standard Visitor visa to attend DroneX; check your nationality on GOV.UK
- A Standard Visitor visa costs £135 for up to six months, and the earliest you can apply is three months before you travel
- GOV.UK allows visitors to attend trade fairs, meetings and conferences and to negotiate deals, but you cannot sell things at a trade fair or do paid work for a UK client
Documents to carry
- A passport valid for your whole stay, the same one you used for your ETA or visa
- Your DroneX registration confirmation and your hotel booking
- A letter from your employer setting out the business purpose of the trip, in case the Border Force officer asks
Entry and visa rules change; check current requirements on GOV.UK before you book.
First time at DroneX?
- Visitor tickets are free on the organiser's site, but 2027 registration had not opened when we checked; the FAQ says the link is coming soon
- Both days run from 10:00 to 16:00, and the organiser suggests arriving early to avoid registration queues
- Download the DroneX app before you travel: the organiser says it carries the exhibitor list, floorplan and session schedule and lets you book meetings with exhibitors in advance
- The show is split into the Expo Hall and the Conference, so pick two or three sessions that match your sector before you arrive
- DroneX is in person only; the organiser does not offer virtual attendance
Insider tips from repeat attendees
- The evening networking reception after day one is for exhibitors, VIP ticket holders and industry leaders, so keep that night free if your pass includes it
- A 16:00 close leaves time for an evening flight from London City Airport on the second day
- ExCeL often runs several events at once, so Royal Docks hotels next to the venue go first; Canary Wharf and Stratford offer more choice a few stops away
DroneX travel FAQs
When is DroneX 2027?
DroneX takes place 28 Sept to 29 Sept 2027 at ExCeL London in London, United Kingdom.
Where is DroneX held?
DroneX is held at ExCeL London in London, United Kingdom. The nearest airport is LCY.
When and where is DroneX 2027?
DroneX 2027 runs on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 September 2027 at ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL. The organiser lists Halls S13 to S15 and opening hours of 10:00 to 16:00 on both days.
Where should I stay for DroneX?
Hotels in the Royal Docks around ExCeL are the closest. Canary Wharf is one Elizabeth line stop from Custom House, Stratford is linked by the Jubilee line and DLR, and central hotels near Elizabeth line stations such as Farringdon or Liverpool Street run direct to Custom House.
Is DroneX free to attend?
The organiser's site offers a free visitor ticket, and VIP tickets also exist. Registration for 2027 had not opened when we checked. Show tickets come from the organiser and are separate from any hotel booking.
Which station is nearest to DroneX?
ExCeL has two stations: Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) by the West Entrance and Prince Regent (DLR) by the East Entrance. The organiser's travel page recommends Prince Regent as nearer the show entrance; check it again once the 2027 floorplan is final.
Which airport is best for DroneX?
London City Airport is the closest, a 15 minute walk from ExCeL according to the venue, with flights to more than 30 European destinations. Heathrow has Elizabeth line trains towards Abbey Wood that run through to Custom House.
Does DroneX have an official hotel partner?
The organiser's travel page links to its own hotel booking service. Event Escapes is independent and not affiliated with DroneX or Uncrewed Tech; we show live rates across many hotels near ExCeL so you can compare.
Related trade fairs
Other fairs where we cover the hotels, by the same venue, city or industry.
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Space-Comm Expo Europe hotelsWTM London
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More to plan and book around London, all on Event Escapes.
Which hotels are closest to ExCeL London?
The closest hotels to the venue with the distance, the walk or ride time and an indicative nightly rate, refreshed weekly. Live prices for your exact dates are in the booking section above. Last checked 1 November 2026.
Cheap and 3 star hotels near ExCeL London
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Connaught London ExCeL Hotel★★★ | 0.7 km | ~11 min walk | £117 |
| Premier Inn London Beckton★★★ | 2.3 km | ~9 min ride | £179 |
More hotels close to ExCeL London
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunborn London★★★★ | 0.3 km | ~5 min walk | £247 |
| Novotel London ExCeL★★★★ | 0.4 km | ~7 min walk | £252 |
| InterContinental London - The O2 by IHG★★★★★ | 2.1 km | ~8 min ride | £281 |
| Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel★★★★★ | 4.0 km | ~14 min ride | £439 |
EventEscapes is an independent travel platform and is not affiliated with DroneX or its organizers. Dates and venues can change. Verify with the official event site before booking travel.