June 03, 2026
Tower Hill is one of the best-connected areas to stay in London, whether you're here for business meetings across the city or exploring everything the capital has to offer. Sitting on the edge of the City of London with the Thames on one side and two centuries of history on the other, it's a location that makes moving around London very easy.
Here's everything you need to know about getting around when you’re staying in Tower Hill.
Why Tower Hill is such a strong transport hub
Tower Hill sits between the City of London and the Thames, making it one of the most well-connected parts of the capital.
Tower Hill Underground station provides direct District and Circle line connections across the city, while Tower Gateway DLR station, just a short walk away, offers fast links to Canary Wharf and Greenwich.
The Thames Clipper river service departs from Tower Millennium Pier nearby, adding a scenic option for travelling along the Thames.
Between the Tube, the DLR, the river, and the area's excellent walkability, most of London is within easy and straightforward reach.
Main Tower Hill transport options
1. London Underground (less than 1-minute walk from Tower Suites)
Tower Hill station is served by both the District and Circle lines, giving you direct access to a huge range of destinations across the city.
For tourists, this means quick and easy connections to some of London's most visited areas - Westminster and Buckingham Palace in around 15 minutes, Notting Hill in around 30 minutes, and Kensington's museums in around 25 minutes. South Kensington, home to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A, is a straightforward journey on the District line.
For business travellers, Bank is two to three minutes away, Westminster around 15 minutes, Paddington around 25 minutes, and Victoria 15 to 20 minutes.
Use contactless or an Oyster card for the fastest entry and exit - it's cheaper than buying a single ticket and works on every mode of Transport for London transport.
2. DLR
Tower Gateway DLR station is just outside Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hospitality, making the DLR one of the quickest and most direct connections from the area. If you’re travelling to Canary Wharf, simply take the DLR from Tower Gateway directly (no Tube interchange required) with a journey time of around 10 minutes.
For tourists, the DLR is also one of the most scenic ways to travel - the elevated track gives you great views across east London, and it continues all the way to Greenwich, where the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and the Old Royal Naval College are all worth a visit. Taking the DLR to Greenwich rather than the Tube is the recommended route from Tower Hill - quicker, easier, and considerably more interesting to look out of the window.
For business travellers, the direct connection to Canary Wharf and Excel London from Tower Gateway is one of the most efficient commuter routes in the city and runs frequently throughout the day. No interchange, no platforms to navigate - just a straightforward ten minute journey.
3. Walking
Tower Hill is one of the most walkable parts of London and on foot you get to see the city in a way no Underground journey can match.
Tower Bridge is a five-to-seven-minute walk, and London Bridge is around 12 to 15 minutes from Tower Suites. Borough Market, which is one of London's most visited food markets, is around 20 minutes across the bridge. The Monument to the Great Fire of London, Leadenhall Market, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Roman Wall outside Tower Suites are all within a short stroll.
For business travellers, Aldgate and Fenchurch Street are five to ten minutes on foot, and during peak hours walking often beats the Tube for very short journeys.
4. River services
The Thames Clippers river service departs from Tower Millennium Pier, a short walk from Tower Hill station or Tower Suites along the riverside. It's well signposted and easy to find.
For tourists this is a very enjoyable way to see London - travelling by river gives you views of the city that no bus or Tube journey can replicate. Services run regularly to London Bridge, Canary Wharf, Bankside (where you will find the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe), Waterloo, Embankment, and Westminster.
For business travellers it's a calmer, more comfortable alternative to the Tube - particularly useful for client-facing travel or when you want to avoid peak-time congestion underground.
5. Taxis and ride-hailing
Black cabs and ride-hailing services are readily available around Tower Hill throughout the day and evening. For tourists they're a practical option for direct hotel-to-venue journeys, particularly late at night or when travelling with luggage. For business travellers they work well for group journeys, early morning transfers, and door-to-door trips where convenience matters most.
Bear in mind that City traffic can be unpredictable during peak hours - always allow extra time when travelling by road.
You can also book your airport transfer with Blue Orchid directly.
Getting to London's Airports
Heathrow: Take the District line from Tower Hill to Paddington and switch to the Heathrow Express (15 minutes, fastest option) or continue on the Piccadilly line for a direct but slower journey. Total journey time around 50 to 70 minutes.
London City Airport: Take the DLR from Bank. Approximately 25 minutes, it is one of the most convenient airport connections in central London.
Gatwick: Take the Underground to London Bridge or Victoria and switch to the Gatwick Express or Thameslink. Around 50 to 60 minutes from central London.
Stansted: Take the Underground to Liverpool Street and switch to the Stansted Express. Around 55 to 65 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I get from Tower Hill to Canary Wharf?
If you’re travelling to Canary Wharf, simply take the DLR from Tower Gateway directly with a journey time of around 10 minutes.
2. Is Tower Hill well connected for business travel?
Yes, Tower Hill is one of the most well-connected locations in the City of London, offering fast Underground access and direct links to major business districts across London.
3. What is the fastest way from Tower Hill to Heathrow?
The usual route is to take the District Line to Paddington and then transfer to the Heathrow Express or alternatively take the Piccadilly Line for a direct but slightly slower journey.
4. Can you walk from Tower Hill to nearby business districts?
Yes, several key areas are within walking distance, including London Bridge, Aldgate, Fenchurch Street, and Tower Bridge, typically ranging from 5 to 15 minutes on foot.
5. What is the easiest way to travel around central London from Tower Hill?
The Underground is usually the easiest option, especially the District and Circle Lines, as they connect directly to most major business and financial districts.
6. Is walking practical around Tower Hill for business travel?
Yes, many key areas like Tower Bridge, Aldgate, and Fenchurch Street are within a short walking distance, making walking a very efficient option for nearby meetings.
7. Where do I catch the Thames Clipper?
You can catch the Thames Clippers River service from Tower Millennium Pier, just a short walk from Tower Hill tube station and the Tower of London. The pier is well signposted along the riverside, making it easy to locate even if you’re visiting the area for the first time.
Services run regularly throughout the day, offering a convenient way to travel across London by river, with direct connections to destinations including Canary Wharf, London Bridge, and Westminster.