Islington Transport Links: Tube, Bus, & Cycling Guide

Introduction

One of the biggest advantages of living in Islington is its excellent transport connectivity. Situated just north of central London, the borough offers fast links to the City, West End, Canary Wharf, and beyond. Whether you’re commuting for work, cycling the canal paths, or hopping on a bus for a night out, Islington makes getting around easy and convenient. Here’s a complete 2025 guide to Islington’s transport links, covering Tube, buses, and cycling.

Tube & Rail Connections

Angel (Northern Line)

• Direct access to Bank, King’s Cross, and London Bridge.

• Ideal for City workers and tech professionals around Old Street and Shoreditch.

Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line, Overground, National Rail)

• Fast Victoria Line service to Oxford Circus (10 mins) and Victoria (15 mins).

• Overground links to Stratford, Clapham, and Richmond.

• National Rail to Hertfordshire and beyond.

Finsbury Park (Victoria & Piccadilly Lines, National Rail)

• Excellent for commuters heading to King’s Cross (4 mins), Heathrow, or Cambridge.

• Multiple Underground and rail options make it a major hub.

Caledonian Road (Piccadilly Line)

• Quick access to Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Heathrow Airport.

Essex Road (Great Northern Rail)

• Direct trains to Moorgate in under 10 minutes.

• A quieter alternative to busy Tube stations.

Key Advantage: Most of Islington is within walking distance of a Tube or Overground station, making travel fast and flexible.

Bus Routes

Islington is served by an extensive bus network, perfect for late-night travel when the Tube closes.

• Route 4: Archway → Waterloo (via Angel).

• Route 19: Highbury → Battersea (via Piccadilly Circus).

• Route 30: Hackney Wick → Marble Arch.

• Route 43: Friern Barnet → London Bridge (24-hour service).

• Route 476: Northumberland Park → King’s Cross.

Key Advantage: Many routes run 24 hours, providing safe and affordable travel across London.

Cycling in Islington

• Regent’s Canal Path: Popular for commuting to King’s Cross or Hackney by bike.

• Cycle Superhighways: CS1 runs from Tottenham to the City, cutting through Islington.

• Bike hire: Santander Cycles and private hire schemes (e-bikes and scooters) are widely available.

• Green routes: Highbury Fields and Clissold Park provide relaxing cycling paths away from main roads.

Key Advantage: With more dedicated bike lanes and safer cycling infrastructure in 2025, Islington is one of London’s most cycle-friendly boroughs.

Average Commute Times from Islington

• Angel → Bank: 7 minutes

• Highbury & Islington → Oxford Circus: 10 minutes

• Finsbury Park → King’s Cross: 4 minutes

• Canonbury → Shoreditch High Street: 8 minutes

Final Thoughts

Islington’s transport links make it one of the most convenient boroughs in London for commuters, families, and professionals. With multiple Tube lines, extensive bus routes, and safe cycling options, residents can move seamlessly across the city.

Whether you’re heading to the office, exploring the West End, or cycling the canal, Islington connects you quickly to all of London’s key destinations — one of the many reasons it remains such a desirable place to live.