Cutty Sark DLR station reopens early after escalator upgrade

Editor

March 23, 2026
3 min read

Cutty Sark DLR station reopens early after escalator upgrade

Cutty Sark station on the Docklands Light Railway has reopened earlier than expected following a major programme of upgrade works, restoring step-free access and improving reliability at one of south-east London’s busiest tourist gateways.

The station, located in Greenwich, has been closed since 2024 to allow for the replacement of all four escalators. During that time, passengers were required to use a 121-step staircase to access the platforms, significantly affecting accessibility and passenger flow.

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The upgrade includes four new escalators, a newly installed lift, improved wall coverings, LED lighting and a modern fire detection system. The works form part of a wider effort to modernise older DLR infrastructure and address long-standing maintenance issues.

Cutty Sark station sits on the Lewisham branch of the DLR, one of the network’s most heavily used routes, linking Canary Wharf and the City to Greenwich. The station also serves as a key access point for major attractions including the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory.

Transport for London said the improvements are designed to increase reliability and improve the passenger experience, particularly during peak visitor periods in spring and summer.

Trish Ashton, director of rail at TfL, said the station would reopen with more dependable facilities following the works.

Barrie Kelly, chief executive of Visit Greenwich, said the station’s return would support local tourism, particularly as visitor numbers rise during the warmer months.

The reopening comes as the DLR continues to see strong passenger demand, with usage recovering and in some areas exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Infrastructure upgrades across the network have been prioritised to maintain capacity and reduce disruption.

With step-free access restored and improved circulation within the station, Cutty Sark is expected to handle increased footfall more efficiently as London moves into a busy tourist season.

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About Author

Editor

Emma Trehane founded EyeOnLondon in 2021 and leads the publication as it continues to grow as a digital platform covering the arts, culture and ideas shaping London. With a background in the Humanities, Communications and Media, she moved into the city’s literary and cultural world before working in editing and media consultancy. Through EyeOnLondon she brings together writers, critics and specialists who share a curiosity about London and the wider world around it.