Tourists visiting London in search of the iconic Abbey Road zebra crossing are mistakenly arriving at a different location, causing confusion for many Beatles fans. Instead of the famous crossing associated with the legendary band, these visitors are ending up at Abbey Road Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station, situated approximately 10 miles away from their intended destination.
According to data from Transport for London (TfL) obtained through a Freedom of Information request, there were a total of 4,642 journeys made from Abbey Road DLR to St. John’s Wood between 2021 and November 2025. In contrast, only 1,853 journeys were recorded in the opposite direction. This discrepancy suggests that a significant number of those travelling to St. John’s Wood may be misguided fans hoping to see the site made famous by The Beatles.
Signs Direct Tourists to Correct Location
In an effort to assist these bewildered visitors, DLR staff have placed signs at the station to clarify the situation. Two prominent signs, one on the southbound platform and another outside the main entrance, read: “Day tripper looking for the Beatles zebra crossing? Feel like you’ve been here there and everywhere and on a magical mystery tour? Then don’t pass me by. Unfortunately, you are at the wrong Abbey Road. However, we can work it out and help you get back to the correct location.”
The signs provide clear instructions for fans, indicating that they should take the DLR one stop to West Ham and transfer to the Jubilee line for St. John’s Wood station. Passengers are reminded that a ticket is required for the journey.
In 2024 alone, the number of journeys made directly from Abbey Road DLR to St. John’s Wood reached 1,140, while only 334 trips were made in the opposite direction. This indicates that over three-quarters of these journeys were one-way, further illustrating the confusion experienced by tourists.
Impact on Local Transit and Iconic Status
The fare for a peak time single journey between the two stations is £3.50, while off-peak tickets cost £2.90. The entire trip takes approximately 35 minutes. Comparatively, trips from Stratford High Street, the next station north of Abbey Road DLR, to St. John’s Wood totaled just 788 from 2021 to 2025, with 818 passengers travelling in the opposite direction. The data indicates that the issue of misdirection appears to be unique to the Abbey Road DLR stop.
TfL acknowledged that the reported figures may not capture the full extent of the confusion. Passengers using paper tickets or those who realize their mistake without tapping out of the station are not included in the statistics, suggesting that the actual number of misdirected fans could be much higher.
The Abbey Road zebra crossing gained international fame after being featured on the cover of The Beatles’ 1969 album of the same name, which shows the band walking across it, with Paul McCartney barefoot. The crossing was designated as a Grade II-listed site by Historic England in 2010, where it is recognized as a significant form of road safety crossing, invented by Lord Hore-Belisha.
The iconic image has inspired various adaptations, including a nude version by the Red Hot Chili Peppers for their 1988 EP, and a recreation by Kanye West in 2006. Since 2010, a live 24/7 webcam positioned at Abbey Road Studios has received over 90 million views, highlighting the enduring popularity of the location for fans around the world.
As the confusion continues, it becomes increasingly clear that more needs to be done to guide Beatles enthusiasts to the right Abbey Road, ensuring that their pilgrimage to this historical site does not lead them astray.
