Angel Station and its iconic London Underground escalator

If you have ever travelled on the Northern Line and stepped off at Angel, you will know just how striking the station’s escalator is. At 60 metres in length with a vertical rise of 27 metres, it is the longest escalator on the entire London Underground network. For commuters it’s a necessary climb, but for advertisers it is a canvas that few other spaces in London can match.

A landmark within the Tube network

Angel station sits in the heart of Islington, one of London’s busiest neighbourhoods, and serves thousands of daily commuters. First opened in 1901, it has evolved into a key interchange on the Northern Line. The station is unusual in that access to the platforms is escalator-only, meaning that every single passenger must pass through this towering moving stairway.

For brands, that level of certainty is invaluable. Unlike advertising in a street setting where audiences may take different routes, here every traveller must experience the same journey. That journey takes around one minute and 20 seconds, long enough for your creative to make a serious impression.

Daily flow of audiences

Government figures suggest around two million people ride the Tube every day, with Angel a vital hub in Zone 1. Many of these passengers use the escalator multiple times a week, and repeated exposure to advertising builds strong recall. Whether they are right-side standers catching up on messages or left-side walkers rushing for a train, passengers are a captive audience.

Advertising formats on escalators

Escalator panels line the sides of the moving staircases. At Angel these panels stretch along the entire 60 metres, providing a continuous sequence of advertising that surrounds the audience. Campaigns can take over an entire run of panels for maximum impact, or select placements for targeted exposure.

These formats work exceptionally well for brand awareness campaigns, launches, and directional messaging for nearby retail, dining, or entertainment. A full run of panels can tell a brand story step by step, building anticipation before the commuter reaches the top.

You can explore more about escalator advertising on the Tube and see how this format drives engagement across the network.

Why Angel station stands out

• Sheer scale: At 60 metres, Angel’s escalator is not just long but also iconic, giving brands the chance to associate with something record-breaking.
• Exclusive access: With no stairs or lifts, every passenger must take the escalator, guaranteeing exposure.
• Location advantage: Angel is surrounded by shops, bars, and restaurants, making it an ideal station for lifestyle, retail, and hospitality brands.

This unique mix makes Angel one of the most powerful advertising environments on the Tube.

Creative opportunities for brands

Imagine a campaign where every panel tells a different part of the story: a teaser at the bottom, the reveal halfway up, and a call-to-action at the top. Or consider a single brand dominating both sides of the escalator, wrapping passengers in a bold visual experience.

Brands like food delivery platforms, streaming services, or fashion retailers can capitalise on the dwell time and frequency of journeys here. With Angel station serving a demographic of young professionals, creatives, and students, the fit for lifestyle brands is especially strong.

Linked insights

If you are looking at escalator advertising at Angel, you may also want to explore nearby Zone 1 stations such as King’s Cross and Old Street, both of which provide excellent complementary audiences.

Article extras

FAQs

Which London Underground station has the longest escalator?

Angel station on the Northern Line has the longest escalator, measuring 60 metres in length and 27 metres in height.

How long does it take to ride the Angel escalator?

At a speed of 0.75 metres per second, it takes around one minute and 20 seconds to travel from bottom to top.

Why is Angel a strong advertising location?

Every passenger must use the escalator, creating guaranteed exposure. The station’s central Zone 1 location also attracts a desirable demographic for lifestyle and retail brands.

What advertising formats are available on escalators?

Escalator panels run along the sides, and brands can either book individual panels or take over entire runs for maximum impact.