Confusion among Beatles fans has led many to the wrong Abbey Road location, resulting in visits to a train station situated 10 miles away from the famous zebra crossing. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station, also named Abbey Road, is not connected to the iconic band, yet it is mistakenly listed on travel maps, contributing to the mix-up.
According to data obtained through a Freedom of Information request from Transport for London (TfL), there were a total of 4,642 journeys made from Abbey Road DLR to St. John’s Wood between 2021 and November 2025. In stark contrast, only 1,853 journeys were recorded in the reverse direction. It is believed that many of these trips are made by bewildered Beatles enthusiasts seeking the legendary crossing.
To assist lost tourists, the DLR station has placed informative signs to redirect visitors. One sign on the southbound platform reads: “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 sign continues, advising passengers to take the DLR one stop to West Ham, where they can transfer to the Jubilee line train heading to St. John’s Wood station. Travelers are reminded that a ticket is required for the journey.
In 2024, approximately 1,140 journeys were made directly from the DLR station to St. John’s Wood, while only 334 journeys were recorded in the opposite direction. This indicates that more than three-quarters of the trips from Abbey Road DLR are one-way, underscoring the persistent confusion.
The cost of travel between these two stations is relatively affordable. A peak time single fare is £3.50, while the off-peak fare is £2.90. The complete journey takes about 35 minutes. Data also reveals that trips from Stratford High Street, the next stop north of Abbey Road DLR, to St. John’s Wood amounted to only 788 journeys from 2021 to 2025, further highlighting the uniqueness of the Abbey Road DLR station’s mix-up.
TfL noted that passengers using paper tickets or those who realize their mistake without tapping out to exit would not be captured in the data, suggesting that the actual number of confused travelers could be significantly higher.
The famous Abbey Road zebra crossing gained its notoriety from the 1969 album cover of The Beatles’ album, where the band is depicted walking across the street, with Paul McCartney notably barefoot. This image has become a cultural touchstone and was designated as Grade II-listed by Historic England in 2010, recognized as a significant symbol of road safety designed by Lord Hore-Belisha.
The crossing has also inspired other artists, including a nude version by the Red Hot Chili Peppers for their 1988 release, ‘The Abbey Road E.P.’, and an imitation by Kanye West in 2006. Additionally, a live webcam installed at Abbey Road Studios in 2010 has attracted over 90 million views, allowing fans worldwide to observe the iconic site.
As confusion continues to reign for those seeking the true Abbey Road, the DLR station remains a reminder of how easily iconic landmarks can be misidentified.
