The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is an automated light metro system primarily serving the redeveloped Docklands area of London and providing a direct connection between London's two major financial districts, Canary Wharf and the City of London.

The DLR (Docklands Light Railway) is a specialized form of "automated light rail" that is part of the broader London transport network. While it looks and acts like a train, it is technically a driverless transit system that runs on elevated tracks and through tunnels in East London. Unlike the standard London Underground (the Tube), DLR trains do not have a driver's cab at the front; instead, they are controlled by a central computer system, with a "Passenger Service Agent" on board to check tickets and handle emergencies. For tourists in 2026, the DLR is famous for the "front seat" experience, where you can sit at the very front window and pretend to "drive" the train through the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. The system uses a different type of rolling stock than heavy rail—the trains are lighter and can handle tighter curves and steeper gradients. While it integrates perfectly with the Oyster and contactless payment systems used on the Tube and buses, the DLR is its own distinct mode of transport, specifically designed to serve the unique geography of the revitalized London Docklands area.