Anyone who travels on the High Barnet branch of the ‘northern’ bit of the Northern line will know that Kentish Town Tube station has been out of action for some time, with no trains stopping there since June 2023.
Work began on the line around a year and a half ago in order to replace the escalators with higher-quality models, the kind that you’ll see at Elizabeth line stations. It was initially earmarked that the Tube station would be shut for around a year, before this estimate was pushed back to September 2024. It then delayed again, which brings us to now, where we finally have a confirmed date when the trains will stop at Kentish Town again – and it’s just in time for Christmas!
From December 23, those who live in Kentish Town will be able to breathe a sigh of relief and welcome the reduction in their step count or use of buses as the train stops right on their doorstep again. This date is, however, provisional… but if all goes to plan with the essential works, then you’ll have access to the Tube from the station once more (with brand-new escalators that have a 40-year lifespan).
Work has been undertaken to replace the escalators and restore the entrance to the Tube station, which will mean that, upon the station’s reopening, passengers will notice an increase in ticket gates as well as new tiling and signs around the station. Thameslink trains have still stopped at Kentish Town throughout the period of closure on the Tube line.
If it does all go to plan and reopen on December 23, the station will close as normal on Christmas Eve earlier and reopen on Boxing Day to run on a Sunday service.