Transport for London’s (TfL) Silvertown Tunnel opens on 7 April 2025.
From then onwards there will be crossing charges for using both Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels – but there is a 50% discount for residents on low incomes, and other discounts for charities, small businesses, sole traders and blue badge holders – but you must be signed up to TfL’s Auto Pay.
There will be concessions for residents to take advantage of the new and more frequent public transport connections via bus, DLR and a cycle shuttle.
Councillor Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, said: “TfL’s Silvertown Tunnel is nearly open we want to make sure our residents and businesses benefit from the new river-crossing. It will bring free and more frequent public transport options like a new express bus service and cycle shuttle, and free DLR journeys too. We also don’t want residents on a low income, charities and businesses to miss out on the discounts available if they use a car. If you plan to use either the Silvertown Tunnel when it opens or the Blackwall Tunnel, make sure you have registered for TfL’s AutoPay.”
The Silvertown Tunnel will link Silvertown in east London to Greenwich Peninsula. It will help reduce congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel, help make peak time journeys faster and provide an alternative crossing when the Blackwall Tunnel is closed for repairs.
Discounts
Residents in Royal Greenwich could be eligible for a 50% discount for at least three years on their tunnel crossing charges if they are in receipt of certain benefits. To check eligibility and apply for the discount, they can now pre-register at tfl.gov.uk/tunnel-discounts.
There are also discounts for small businesses and charities as well as a 100% discount for Blue Badge holders.
Increased and free bus services
In addition to existing Blackwall Tunnel services, zero-emission bus services through the Silvertown Tunnel will offer new routes and better access to more destinations. Across both tunnels, there will be 21 buses an hour during peak times.
There will be free pay as you go bus fares on the new express bus service Superloop SL4 and extended route 129 which will go through the Silvertown Tunnel, and the existing route 108 through Blackwall Tunnel.
DLR fares refunded
For at least 12 months after Silvertown Tunnel opens, customers using pay as you go for journeys on the DLR between Greenwich/Cutty Sark and Island Gardens and Woolwich Arsenal and King George V will have their fares refunded.
New free shuttle service for people cycling
A new dedicated service will let people cycling take their bikes on a shuttle bus through Silvertown Tunnel, helping them cross safely, with clear directions to cycleways from the stops on both sides of the river. Stops for this service will be located at Seagull Lane (north stop) and Millennium Way (south stop). There will be 5 buses per hour between 6:30am and 9:30pm every day except Christmas Day. This service will be free to use for cyclists for at least 12 months. All buses will be zero-emission at the tailpipe.
TfL has translated information about Silvertown Tunnel and the discounts available into eight of the most spoken languages across east and southeast London. tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/blackwall-and-silvertown-tunnels-charge-translations
