A major upgrade to the lifts at Sevenoaks station will begin on 16 July 2025 and is part of a wider programme of significant investment aimed at delivering better journeys by improving accessibility and modernising station facilities across the network. The full programme is expected to be completed by March 2026.
With over 3.1 million journeys made through Sevenoaks each year, the station is one of Kent’s busiest. The current lifts have become increasingly unreliable, and this essential upgrade will ensure consistent access.
The work will ultimately enhance the travel experience for all passengers, particularly those with reduced mobility but there will be a reduction in step free access to some platforms during the programme.
The lift renewal will be delivered in two phases:
- Phase one: 16th July to early October 2025 will see the replacement of the lifts to the car park, concourse, and platforms 3 and 4.
- Phase two: Late October 2025 to March 2026 will see the lifts serving platforms 1 and 2 replaced.
During the works, Sevenoaks station will remain open but step-free access will be limited, and passengers are advised to plan ahead. Passenger support and travel advice
To minimise disruption, alternative travel arrangements and assistance are available:
Passengers are encouraged to speak with station staff for details of the alternative routes or contact the assisted travel teams at Southeastern and Thameslink.
For Thameslink services: Use Otford station for step-free access to and from London Blackfriars or Welwyn Garden City. Station staff can arrange a taxi between Otford and Sevenoaks.
- From Charing Cross or Waterloo East: Change at London Bridge for a service that terminates at Sevenoaks Platform 2, which remains accessible.
- Southeastern London-bound services are unaffected.
- Away from London: Customers who want to travel on services away from London that need lift or ramp access can change at Orpington, which has step-free facilities and staff available to help.
- The lifts on Platforms 1 and 2 will remain in service , and train services from these platforms will continue as normal.
David Davidson, chief operating officer for the South Eastern Railway, said:
“We understand this work may cause inconvenience, and we’re very sorry for the impact it will have on some customers’ journeys, particularly those who need step-free access. However, the current lifts at Sevenoaks station need to be replaced so that we can continue to ensure that customers are able to access the station without needing to use the stairs.
“We thank our passengers for their patience and cooperation as we work to deliver a more reliable and accessible station.”
Passengers are reminded to check for updates and plan their journeys in advance during the lift renewal. Please check at www.nationalrail.co.uk
