Step-free access

Currently 92 Tube stations (more than a third of them), more than 60 London Overground stations and all 41 Elizabeth line stations have step-free access. All DLR stations and tram stops are step-free, and we have one of the most accessible bus networks in the world.

Since 2016, we have worked to reduce additional journey times for those who need accessible routes by 40%.

Tube

In September 2024 we opened a new ticket hall at Paddington, giving direct step-free access to the Bakerloo line for the first time. Knightsbridge will be the next Tube station to go step-free.

Colindale, Leyton and Northolt (Central line - West Ruislip branch) Tube stations will also become step-free. Construction work has started on site at Colindale and is expected to start on site at Leyton and at Northolt in early 2025. We've worked with the Government and local boroughs to access the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

Other Tube stations prioritised for step-free access include Alperton, Arnos Grove, Colliers Wood, Eastcote, North Acton, Tooting Broadway and West Hampstead.

Elizabeth line

All Elizabeth line stations are step-free from street to platform.

Stations in the central section of the line - as well as Heathrow - have level access from platform to trains. (Customers at Custom House station must board the fifth carriage for level access.)

London Overground

Work is ongoing to deliver step-free access at these London Overground stations:

• Brondesbury
• Hackney Downs
• Peckham Rye
• Seven Sisters (London Overground only)
• Surrey Quays

Platform to train access

Step-free access projects don't always create level access between the platform and the train. But any new trains introduced as part of our work to improve the Tube should minimise the step and gap between platform and train.

In some places we are also adding portable ramps that can be positioned by station staff or building platform humps - permanently raised areas on the platform. These help to ensure a full step-free route from street to train.

See the Step-Free Tube guide on the Tube maps page.

Future of step-free access

We still have 9 Tube stations shortlisted for the next phase of step-free access work. The stations are:

• Alperton (Piccadilly line - Uxbridge branch)
• Arnos Grove (Piccadilly line)
• Burnt Oak (Northern line - Edgware branch)
• Eastcote (Metropolitan and Piccadilly line - Uxbridge branch)
• Finchley Road (Metropolitan and Jubilee lines)
• North Acton (Central line - West Ruislip branch)
• Rayners Lane (Metropolitan and Piccadilly line - Uxbridge branch)
• West Hampstead (Jubilee line)
• White City (Central line)

In 2024, we're evaluating these 9 stations to plan step-free upgrades. We're considering costs, benefits, funding, and customer impact. This could mean the first of these stations will be completed in 2026.

Feasibility work

If we receive enough investment, we could make more stations step-free. That's why we keep engaging with local authorities, developers, and businesses in other areas of London.

We also have plans to review more stations in 2025 with the support of funding partners and the input of key stakeholder groups.