Greenwich Foot Tunnel – London, England - Atlas Obscura
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Greenwich Foot Tunnel

London, England

A 1,215-foot tunnel transports pedestrians beneath the River Thames. 

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Greenwich Foot Tunnel Claymore (Atlas Obscura User) (Douglas Worley)
Greenwich Foot Tunnel Claymore (Atlas Obscura User) (Douglas Worley)
Greenwich Foot Tunnel Claymore (Atlas Obscura User) (Douglas Worley)
Warning signs in the Greenwich Foot Tunnel Claymore (Atlas Obscura User) (Douglas Worley)
Sign for the Greenwich Foot Tunnel Claymore (Atlas Obscura User) (Douglas Worley)
Entrance to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel Claymore (Atlas Obscura User) (Douglas Worley)
South entrance cl94 (Atlas Obscura User)
1984
3015
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Opened in 1902, the Greenwich Foot Tunnel cuts 50 feet deep below the surface to take pedestrians under the River Thames from Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs.

The cast iron tunnel is 1,215 feet long and covered with around 200,000 white tiles. It was created as a way for workers who lived in south London to get to work at the docks on the Isle of Dogs, replacing a ferry service, although now it offers 24 hour access to any travelers who need to cross the London river. 

During World War II, the northern end of the tunnel was damaged in the London bombing, and there you can see it reinforced with a concrete lining and thick steel. To enter the tunnel, look for the glazed dome buildings for access into the underground passageway.

Renovation work to install new lifts and improve drainage started in 2009 and was completed in 2014 after delay. Access to the tunnel is by stairs or lifts.  Although a foot tunnel, Greenwich council is trialling the use of a “shared” cycling and pedestrian use at less busy times.

Know Before You Go

Entrances near Cutty Sark (Greenwich side) and Island Gardens (Isle of Dogs side). look for the brick building with the glass dome.


There are exactly 100 stairs to get to the tunnel on the south bank and 87 stairs on the north bank . An elevator is an alternative option for getting down and back up.

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