London’s public transport system is a tapestry of interconnected rail lines that crisscross the city. From the deep-level tube lines to the expansive Overground network, there is no shortage of options. Check out our blog on how to navigate the public transport system.
Here’s a more detailed look at each line, including key destinations, geographical coverage and special highlights.
Bakerloo Line
- Colour: Brown.
- Route: Harrow and Wealdstone (Northwest) – Elephant & Castle (South).
- Notable stops: Paddington, Baker Street and Waterloo
This line is a mix of central hotspots and quieter suburban stations and provides a link between North West London and the heart of the city.
Central Line
- Colour: Red.
- Route: West Ruislip (West) – Epping (Northeast).
- Notable stops: Oxford Circus, Bank Street and Stratford.
This line covers one of the longest distances on the network and is ideal for both commuting and sightseeing. It serves areas from urban hotspots to the edges of Epping Forest.
Circle Line
- Colour: Yellow.
- Route: A loop (with a branch to Hammersmith).
- Notable stops: Westminster, Liverpool Street and South Kensington.
This line connects many of London’s major landmarks, making it a favourite for tourists as well as simplifying travel around central London.
District Line
- Colour: Green.
- Route: Upminster (East) – Richmond/Wimbledon/Ealing Broadway (Southwest/Wet)
- Notable stops: Tower Hill, Fulham Broadway and Kew Gardens.
The District Line covers a large area and is also partially above ground, making it a scenic route particularly in the West.
Hammersmith & City Line
- Colour: Pink
- Route: Hammersmith (West) – Barking (East).
- Notable stops: Paddington, Whitechapel and Barking.
This line closely mirrors the Circle and Metropolitan Lines in central London, making it a versatile route for cross-city travel.
Jubilee Line
- Colour: Grey.
- Route: Stanmore (Northwest) – Stratford (East).
- Notable stops: Canary Wharf, Green Park and Wembley Park.
This line is heavily used, especially for its connections to Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park.
Metropolitan Line
- Colour: Purple.
- Route: Aldgate (Central) – Amersham/Chesham (Northwest).
- Notable stops: Baker Street, Uxbridge and Chorleywood.
This line is a suburban charm, transitioning from the heart of the city to the Chiltern Hills.
Northern Line
- Colour: Black.
- Route: Morden (South) – Edgware/High Barnet (North).
- Notable stops: Camden Town, Old Street and Clapham Common.
This is a unique line with it’s two branches through central London (Bank and Charing Cross).
Piccadilly Line
- Colour: Dark Blue
- Route: Heathrow Airport (West) – Cockfosters (North).
- Notable stops: Knightsbridge, Covent Garden and Heathrow Terminals.
This line serves as a lifeline for travellers, connecting the airport with central London and beyond.
Victoria Line
- Colour: Light Blue
- Route: Brixton (South) – Walthamstow Central (Northeast).
- Notable stops: Victoria, Brixton and King’s Cross St Pancras.
Victoria line is the fastest and frequent, perfect for zipping across central London.
Waterloo & City Line
- Colour: Turquoise
- Route: Waterloo – Bank
- Notable stops: Waterloo and Bank
Known as “The Drain”, is a commuter-focused route serving the City of London.
London Overground
- Colour: Orange.
- Route: A network of suburban rail lines encircling central London.
