London Passport Office: Warehouse K, Royal Docks
Warehouse K at 2 Western Gateway in the Royal Docks (E16, by ExCeL London) is the largest of the seven UK passport offices and the busiest for fast track and premium same-day appointments. Book early in 2026.
In one paragraph
Warehouse K, 2 Western Gateway, London E16 1DR, in the Royal Docks by ExCeL. Nearest stations are Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) and Royal Victoria (DLR). Fast track GBP 192 (delivery within about a week), premium same-day GBP 239.50 (collect within 4 hours, adults only). Appointment-only, no walk-ins. Book via gov.uk/book-a-passport-appointment after submitting your online application.
Address and Getting There
Warehouse K
2 Western Gateway
London E16 1DR
- Custom House (5 to 8 min walk) – Elizabeth line + DLR
- Royal Victoria (5 min walk) – DLR
- Canning Town (one DLR stop) – Jubilee line + DLR interchange
Warehouse K is a converted Grade II listed dock warehouse on the western side of Royal Victoria Dock, next to ExCeL London. The Royal Docks are outside the central London Congestion Charge zone, though the whole of Greater London is in the ULEZ. If you drive, the ExCeL and Royal Victoria Dock car parks are the nearest paid options; most visitors arrive via Custom House on the Elizabeth line or DLR.
Service Tiers Available at Warehouse K
| Service | Adult fee | Child fee | Time to passport | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast track | £192 | £156.50 | ~1 week from appointment | Travel within 2 to 8 weeks |
| Premium same-day | £239.50 | Not available | Collect 4 hours after appointment | Travel within 2 days |
| Identity interview | £0 (no fee) | Not applicable | Part of standard application | Some first adult passports |
Fees are the same across all 7 UK passport offices. Warehouse K does not offer standard renewals in person; standard applications must be submitted online or by post.
The Booking Pattern (Why London Books Up First)
Warehouse K sees more bookings than any other passport office because it serves the largest population catchment in the UK. Anecdotal availability data over recent years shows a consistent pattern:
November, December, January, February. Same-week slots often available. Plan around this if your travel allows flexibility.
March. Slots open and close within 24 hours. Refresh gov.uk/book-a-passport-appointment at 09:00 and 17:00 when slots are released.
April to August. Most likely to be fully booked 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Check Liverpool, Durham, or Newport as fallbacks.
Late September, October. Demand drops sharply after summer travel ends. Slots return.
What to Bring to the Appointment
- PEX reference number from your online application confirmation email
- Your current passport (or expired passport for a renewal)
- Two identical, signed passport photos that meet the GOV.UK photo standard
- Proof of travel (flight, ferry, or Eurostar booking) showing your name and travel date
- Any supporting documents: marriage certificate, deed poll, or evidence for name changes
- For child applications: birth certificate, both parents' photo ID, and the child themselves (children must attend)
- Payment method (debit or credit card; the fee is taken when you book online)
Warehouse K does not accept walk-in fees, paper applications, or top-ups. Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment; the queue manager will direct you to the right counter.
Alternatives If London Is Booked Out
If Warehouse K has no fast-track or premium slots for your travel date, the booking system lets you switch to any of the other six UK passport offices. Each accepts the same PEX reference and charges the same fee. Realistic distances from central London by train:
| Office | From London by train | Approx fare (return, off-peak) | Usual availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peterborough | 50 min from King's Cross | £30 to £80 | Often good |
| Liverpool | 2 hr 10 min from Euston | £60 to £140 | Often busy summer |
| Newport | 1 hr 50 min from Paddington | £40 to £100 | Shortest waits |
| Durham | 3 hr from King's Cross | £60 to £140 | Shortest waits |
| Glasgow | 4 hr 30 min from Euston | £80 to £180 | Reasonable |
| Belfast | Flight only (1 hr 20 min) | £60 to £200 (flight) | Generally good |
For premium same-day in particular, the maths can work: a return train to Peterborough (around GBP 30 to 80) is cheaper than the GBP 73 gap between fast-track and premium. If your travel date allows fast track from Peterborough, that is often the cheaper path.
Important Warehouse K Rules
- Proof of travel is mandatory for fast track and premium. You cannot use either service simply because you want your passport sooner. A confirmed booking is required.
- You must apply online first. Warehouse K does not accept paper applications. Book the appointment only after you have your PEX reference.
- Premium same-day is adults only. Under-16s cannot use Premium. For an urgent child passport, use fast track (GBP 156.50, ~1 week).
- Children must attend in person. Both for child fast-track and any in-person identity interview involving a minor.
- Late arrivals lose the slot. Warehouse K operates back-to-back appointments. If you are more than 10 minutes late you may be turned away and the fee is not refunded.