Cutty Sark DLR Station
A historic DLR station near the iconic Cutty Sark ship, currently closed for renovations and notorious for its broken escalators.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and the climb
Cutty Sark DLR Station
Best Time
Beat the crowds and the climb
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic DLR station near the iconic Cutty Sark ship, currently closed for renovations and notorious for its broken escalators.
"The escalators have not worked properly for more than 10 years, infact since the thing was built."
🚶♀️ Brace for the Stairs
Escalators are often out of order. Be prepared for a 121-step climb or a small lift.
🚫 Station Closure Alert
Cutty Sark DLR station is closed for renovations. Use Greenwich or Island Gardens stations instead.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cutty Sark Ship
Adjacent to the station
Explore the world's last surviving tea clipper, a beautifully restored vessel offering stunning views of the London skyline.
Maritime Greenwich UNESCO Site
Surrounding area
Immerse yourself in history at this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum.
Tunnel Drill Display
Station's 2nd floor
See a fascinating historical display of the tunnel drilling equipment used between Greenwich and Mudchute.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Escalator Woes & Accessibility
Station Closure & Alternatives
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Brace for the Stairs
Escalators are often out of order. Be prepared for a 121-step climb or a small lift. +1
🚫 Station Closure Alert
Cutty Sark DLR station is closed for renovations. Use Greenwich or Island Gardens stations instead. +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for navigating the steps and exploring Greenwich.
📱 Check TFL Status
Always check the Transport for London app for real-time updates on DLR services.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Brace for the Stairs
Escalators are often out of order. Be prepared for a 121-step climb or a small lift. +1
🚫 Station Closure Alert
Cutty Sark DLR station is closed for renovations. Use Greenwich or Island Gardens stations instead. +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for navigating the steps and exploring Greenwich.
📱 Check TFL Status
Always check the Transport for London app for real-time updates on DLR services.
💰 Tap Off Carefully
Staff monitor card readers closely, especially with escalator issues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cutty Sark DLR station is a point of contention, primarily due to its consistently broken escalators and the resulting arduous climb of 121 steps. While the station is currently closed for renovations, past reviews highlight its unreliability and poor maintenance, making it an 'embarrassment' for the area. Despite these issues, the proximity to the historic Cutty Sark ship and the wider Maritime Greenwich attractions remains a significant draw.
"Barrier locations: 2/5
Likeness of being stopped by a TFL member of staff: 2/5
How often the barriers are open: 5/5
Cutty sark is a peculiar one to me, I have things I love and hate about the station. Currently the thing I hate the most is the fact the escalators are broken, which makes getting out this station a ball ache. I miss being able to just go up them and be out the station, but now I have to faf about with going up 121 gobsmacking stairs. Also another thing I’m not a huge fan of is the staff members stopping people, it’s happened quite a bit to me and seen it done to many other people, since the escalators are broken, they have a member on staff on all exits making sure you tap off, like mind your business.
My favourite thing about this station though is that the drill for making the tunnel between Greenwich and mudchute is at this station on the 2nd floor for you too see, really people of history that would do you some good!
A regular commute for me and definitely won’t be paying again"
UKs bunkable stations
"This station is a joke. The escalators have not worked properly for more than 10 years, infact since the thing was built. And now there's no escalator service at all. You have to walk up 4 long flights of stairs. And the ridiculously tiny lift is a joke.
Cutty Sark is a very busy tourist and student area. And this station is not big enough to accommodate the amount of people.
I live locally, am older, with recent knee and hip surgery, and have to use the station several times on a daily basis for my job. I cannot climb those stairs, especially with the amount of people also using them.It takes so much time to use this station. I walk to mainline Greenwich station access the dlr. Again, wasting more time.
Don't even get me started on the one card reader for a thousand plus people daily trying to use it.
This is a complete mess, a total joke, and a bloody embarrassment to Greenwich."
S.H.
"The worst DLR station on the network. Escalators are an absolute nightmare. The two sets up and down barely ever work together and currently none are working. Been like this for years. Over 100
stairs to the surface. Scruffy in general as well. Embarrassing to have this station so close to Greenwich tourist attractions"
Fraser Aitken
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Due to renovations, Cutty Sark DLR Station is closed. The nearest working stations are Greenwich DLR and Island Gardens DLR. You will need to walk from these stations to reach the Cutty Sark ship and attractions. +1
Yes, you can also reach Greenwich via the Thames Clipper river bus service, which offers scenic views and a different perspective of London.
Several bus routes serve the Greenwich area, including the 188, 199, 206, 286, 386, and N1. Check TfL for specific stops near the Cutty Sark ship.
Yes, there are cycle paths in Greenwich Park and around the area. Santander Cycles are also available nearby.
Currently, the station is closed for renovations. Historically, accessibility has been a major issue due to broken escalators and a small lift.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cutty Sark DLR station is part of the London Underground network, so you will need a valid Oyster card, contactless payment, or a travelcard to enter and exit. However, the station is currently closed for renovations. +1
Yes, there is an admission fee to board and explore the Cutty Sark ship. Tickets can be purchased online or at the visitor center.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Cutty Sark website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
If the station were open, a Freedom Pass would be valid for travel on the DLR within the allowed zones and times.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, students, and families. Check the official website or inquire at the ticket office.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The station is right next to the historic Cutty Sark ship. The surrounding Maritime Greenwich area offers the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, Queen's House, and beautiful Greenwich Park.
There are approximately 121 steps from the platform to the street level due to ongoing escalator issues. +1
There is a lift, but it is very small and often has long queues, especially when the escalators are not working.
The station features a display on the second floor showcasing the tunnel drilling equipment used for the Greenwich to Mudchute tunnel.
Historically, it's a busy station due to its proximity to tourist attractions and student populations, but the current closure means it's not operational.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic Cutty Sark ship against the London skyline, explore the historic architecture of Maritime Greenwich, and enjoy panoramic views from Greenwich Park. +1
Yes, photography is generally permitted on the DLR, but be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive behavior.
Photography for personal use is usually allowed on the ship, but commercial photography may require permission. Check with the attraction staff.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for photographing the ship and the surrounding historic buildings.
Given the station's current closure and historical escalator issues, photos of the exterior or the challenging stair climb might be of interest to some. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
♿ Visitors with Mobility Concerns
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cutty Sark DLR Station Saga: Escalators and Closures
Adding to the challenges, the station is currently undergoing extensive renovations and is closed for an extended period, potentially up to a year.
While the station is closed, the historical significance of the Cutty Sark ship and the surrounding Maritime Greenwich area remains a major draw. Visitors are advised to check Transport for London (TfL) updates for the latest information on the station's reopening and to plan their travel accordingly, factoring in potential delays and alternative routes.
Exploring Maritime Greenwich: Beyond the Station
The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. The National Maritime Museum provides in-depth exhibits on Britain's naval history, while the Royal Observatory Greenwich is where the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) is located, offering a unique opportunity to stand with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and the other in the Western.
Getting to these attractions is still feasible via other transport links. The Thames Clipper river bus offers a scenic and enjoyable way to arrive, docking conveniently near the Cutty Sark.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit