Step-free access

Step-free access stations have lifts or ramps - or a combination of both - so that customers don't have to use escalators or stairs to move between the street and the platform. See our page on wheelchair access and avoiding stairs.

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%. We're well on our way to reaching the Mayor's accessibility target of 50% by 2041.

Tube

Northolt station (Central line - West Ruislip branch) will be step-free. Construction work will start in early 2025.

Knightsbridge and Paddington (Bakerloo line) are both going step-free in 2024.

Bank station upgrade was completed in February 2023. This delivered step-free access on the Northern line and improved step-free access to the DLR.

To make Colindale and Leyton Tube stations step-free, we're working with the Government and local boroughs to access the Government's Levelling Up Fund and start work in 2024.

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

Barking Riverside - a new station with step-free access on the Barking Riverside extension - opened in July 2022.

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 branches)
  • West Hampstead (Jubilee line)
  • White City (Central line)

In 2024, we'll assess these 9 stations to understand the scope of work involved and the best way to deliver step-free upgrades including costs, benefits, funding opportunities and impact on customers. 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 2024 and 2025 with the support of funding partners and the input of key stakeholder groups.

Step-free consultation

We held a consultation on the future of the step-free Tube network from November 2021 to February 2022. A report on our findings is on the Future of step-free access on the Tube consultation page.

Find out more about future improvements and projects.