The Copper Box Arena is in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 3HB. The closest station is Hackney Wick on the London Overground, about a five-minute walk away. Stratford, served by the Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, DLR, Overground and National Rail, is about 15 minutes on foot. There is very limited parking, so public transport is the easiest way to arrive.
What is the nearest station to the Copper Box Arena?
Getting to a London Lions game is straightforward, because the Copper Box sits in one of the best-connected parts of London. Several Tube, rail and Overground lines, a bus that stops outside the door and cycle routes through the park all serve it. This guide explains each option, how long to allow and what to do if you need step-free access.
Where is the Copper Box Arena?
The Copper Box Arena is on the Hackney Wick side of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the former London 2012 Olympic Park in east London. The full address is Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 3HB. Built for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it now hosts sport and events throughout the year, including London Lions men's home games. It holds around 6,000 people and is fully indoor and seated.
The park itself is free to enter at any time. That means you can walk through it before the game, whichever station you arrive at.
The quickest routes at a glance
| Route | Walk to the arena | Lines and services | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hackney Wick | About 5 minutes | London Overground (Mildmay line) | The shortest walk; north and west London via the Overground |
| Stratford | About 15 minutes | Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth line, DLR, Overground, National Rail | Most of central London and Essex; step-free access |
| Stratford International | About 10 minutes | Southeastern high-speed trains, DLR | St Pancras, King's Cross and Kent |
| Bus 388 | Stops outside (stops M and N) | Runs between Stratford and central London | Arriving at the door with minimal walking |
| Bike | Racks outside | 140+ cycle racks and a Santander Cycles docking station | Local fans and anyone avoiding busy trains |
Walking times are approximate and come from the arena's own guidance. Always check live service updates with Transport for London before you travel, especially at weekends, when planned engineering works are common.
By London Overground: Hackney Wick
Hackney Wick is the closest station to the Copper Box. It's on the Mildmay line, which runs between Stratford and Richmond or Clapham Junction via stations including Highbury & Islington, Camden Road and Willesden Junction. For many fans in north and west London, it's the simplest single-train journey.
Walking from Hackney Wick
Leave the station and follow the signs into Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park towards the Copper Box Arena. The walk takes about five minutes.
Step-free access at Hackney Wick
Hackney Wick has step-free routes, but lifts can be taken out of service for faults or maintenance. Check the current status on the Transport for London Hackney Wick station page before you travel. If a lift is out of service, Stratford is the more reliable step-free option.
By Tube, Elizabeth line, DLR or rail: Stratford
Stratford station
Stratford is one of London's major transport hubs, served by the Central and Jubilee lines, the Elizabeth line, the DLR, the London Overground and National Rail services. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is in Zone 2, about seven minutes by train from Liverpool Street. From Stratford, walk through Westfield Stratford City or around it into the park, and follow the signs to the Copper Box. The walk takes about 15 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Coming from central London
- From the City and the East End: the Central line or the Elizabeth line to Stratford.
- From the West End or west London: the Elizabeth line or Central line, or the Jubilee line from Westminster, London Bridge and Canary Wharf.
- From Docklands and south-east London: the DLR to Stratford or Stratford International.
Stratford International
Stratford International is about a 10-minute walk from the arena. Southeastern high-speed trains reach it from St Pancras International in about seven minutes, which makes it a quick option from King's Cross St Pancras and from Kent. The DLR also stops here.
Coming from outside London
Fans travelling from further afield have good options too. Greater Anglia trains from Essex and East Anglia stop at Stratford. Southeastern high-speed trains from Kent stop at Stratford International. If you arrive at a central London terminal, the Central line from Liverpool Street, the Elizabeth line from Paddington or Liverpool Street, and the Southeastern high-speed service from St Pancras all reach Stratford quickly. Check National Rail Enquiries for your full journey, and allow extra time if you're changing trains.
By bus
The 388 bus stops directly outside the Copper Box Arena, at stops M and N. It runs between Stratford and central London, which suits anyone who would rather avoid a longer walk. Other bus routes serve Stratford and Hackney Wick, from where you can walk through the park.
By bike
There are more than 140 cycle racks outside the arena and a Santander Cycles docking station nearby. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has wide, traffic-free paths, and the towpaths along the River Lee and its canals connect the park with Hackney, Tower Hamlets and the Lea Valley. Bring a good lock, and remember that bikes can't come into the arena.
By car
There is no general parking at the Copper Box, so London Lions strongly recommend public transport. If you need to drive:
- Westfield Stratford City has large car parks a short walk from the park.
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park's multi-storey car park is another option. Car parks in the park can close or fill for major events, so check the arena's customer notices before you set off.
- Accessible parking: there is a limited number of accessible spaces at the front of the Copper Box, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The arena is inside London's Ultra Low Emission Zone, which covers all London boroughs. Check whether your vehicle meets the standards with Transport for London before you drive.
Accessible travel to the Copper Box
If you need step-free access, Stratford is usually the most reliable station. It has step-free access to the Jubilee and Central line platforms, the DLR, National Rail and the London Overground. Travel assistance can be booked in advance for National Rail and London Overground journeys.
At the arena, the Copper Box is a registered accessible venue with accessible toilets and changing rooms. A detailed access guide is available through AccessAble. Wheelchair and ambulant tickets for London Lions games are booked through Ticketmaster with a free companion ticket. Our London Lions tickets page explains how.
How much time to allow
Doors open 60 minutes before tip-off, and the pre-show starts 30 minutes before. Every bag is searched on entry, so build in time for the queue. The arena suggests allowing about 10 extra minutes on busy nights. A game lasts around two hours from doors to the final buzzer, so if you have a train to catch afterwards, plan your journey home before you arrive.
Leaving after the game
Thousands of fans leave at the same time, so stations can be busy for a short while after the final buzzer. Hackney Wick is closest, but Stratford has more lines and more frequent services. Many fans take a few minutes for a drink or food at Westfield Stratford City and let the crowds clear.
A tip for the journey home
Check your last train home before the game, especially on Sundays and when engineering works are planned. If your route home is through central London, the Elizabeth line and Central line from Stratford are usually the quickest options.
Getting to women's games at NCC Hackney
Most men's home games are at the Copper Box Arena, but some domestic games are played at NCC Hackney. If your game is at NCC Hackney, the directions below apply. Always check the venue on the fixture list and your ticket before you travel.
London Lions women play their home games at NCC Hackney, on Redvers Street in Hoxton, not at the Copper Box. The closest station is Hoxton on the London Overground, and the nearest Tube is Old Street on the Northern line. Buses including the 26, 55, 149, 242, 243 and 394 stop nearby. There is no parking at the venue and street parking is restricted. See the NCC Hackney venue information for full details.
Before you set off: a checklist
- Your ticket on your phone, or your booking reference. Only the person who bought the tickets can collect them from the box office, with photo ID and the payment card.
- A bag no bigger than roughly A4 size. There is no bag storage at the arena.
- A payment card or phone, because the Copper Box is cashless.
- Live travel updates from Transport for London, checked on the day.
- Our guide to your first London Lions game, if you're new to basketball.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest station to the Copper Box Arena?
Hackney Wick, on the London Overground's Mildmay line, is the nearest station, about a five-minute walk from the arena. Stratford, about 15 minutes away on foot, has more lines, including the Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, and step-free access to its main platforms.
Is there parking at the Copper Box Arena?
There is no general parking at the arena, and a small number of accessible spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The nearest car parks are at Westfield Stratford City and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park multi-storey. Public transport is strongly recommended.
What is the postcode for the Copper Box Arena?
The postcode is E20 3HB, and the full address is Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 3HB. Satnavs may route you to the edge of the park, so follow signs to the arena once you arrive.
Which bus goes to the Copper Box Arena?
The 388 bus stops directly outside the arena, at stops M and N, and runs between Stratford and central London. Other routes serve Stratford and Hackney Wick, both within walking distance through the park.
Is the Copper Box Arena step-free?
The arena is a registered accessible venue. For the journey, Stratford station has step-free access to its Jubilee, Central, DLR, National Rail and Overground platforms. Check lift status at Hackney Wick on the Transport for London website before travelling.
For venue details, see the Copper Box Arena page.
Sources and references
- Copper Box Arena — Find us
- Copper Box Arena — Accessibility information
- London Lions — Copper Box Arena
- London Lions — Frequently asked questions (including NCC Hackney)
- Transport for London — Hackney Wick station
- Transport for London — Ultra Low Emission Zone
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park — Plan your visit
This article was checked against the sources above. Fixtures, prices and venue arrangements can change, so always check the latest details on the London Lions website before you travel.
