Metropolitan Line
The Metropolitan Line, instantly recognizable by its magenta colour on the Tube map, offers tourists a fascinating journey that stretches from the heart of London out into the picturesque Home Counties. Stretching from Aldgate in the east to Amersham, Chesham, and Uxbridge in the north-west, this unique sub-surface line blends historic charm with a commuter's utility, perfect for exploring both urban and more tranquil suburban areas.
As one of the oldest underground railways in the world, with its initial section opening in 1863, the Metropolitan Line holds a special place in London's transport history. While much of its central section runs in cut-and-cover tunnels, further out it emerges into open air, offering views of the surrounding countryside. The trains are modern, spacious, and air-conditioned, a significant upgrade from its early days, yet many of its stations retain beautiful Victorian architectural features, hinting at its rich heritage.
Key highlights for tourists travelling on the Metropolitan Line
- Aldgate: Located on the eastern edge of the City of London, Aldgate is a historic area, close to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. It's also a short walk to the vibrant markets and eateries of Spitalfields.
- Liverpool Street: A major financial district hub and transport interchange, Liverpool Street is close to Spitalfields Market, a vibrant destination for food, fashion, and crafts. The historic Tower of London and Tower Bridge are also within walking distance.
- Moorgate: Situated in the heart of the City of London, Moorgate provides access to the Barbican Centre, a world-class arts venue, and is a good starting point for exploring the financial district.
- Farringdon: A thriving area with a mix of historical charm and modern development. It's a short walk to St. Paul's Cathedral and the Museum of London (currently closed, due to reopen in West Smithfield in 2026), and provides excellent connections to the City of London.
- King's Cross St. Pancras: A major transport interchange, connecting you to national and international rail services (Eurostar). From here, you can visit Platform 9 ¾ for Harry Potter fans, or explore the revitalized King's Cross area with its trendy restaurants, bars, and cultural spaces. The British Library is also nearby.
- Euston Square / Great Portland Street: These stations are convenient for accessing Regent's Park, one of London's most beautiful royal parks, where you can find Queen Mary's Rose Garden and London Zoo.
- Baker Street: An absolute must for fans of Sherlock Holmes. Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic literary location. Baker Street station itself is one of the oldest on the network and has some fascinating historical features.
- Wembley Park: Your direct link to Wembley Stadium, the iconic home of English football and major concerts, and the OVO Arena Wembley, another popular entertainment venue. The London Designer Outlet offers shopping and dining nearby.
- Harrow-on-the-Hill: Perched on a hill, this charming area boasts the historic Harrow School (alma mater of Winston Churchill) and picturesque streets. It offers a quieter, more traditional English feel.
- Watford: This station provides access to the town of Watford, from which you can easily reach the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter via a short bus ride.
- Amersham / Chesham: Journey to the end of the line for a taste of the Chilterns, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These charming market towns offer a peaceful escape from the city, with opportunities for walking and exploring the countryside.
Tips for riding the Metropolitan Line
- Air-conditioned trains: All Metropolitan Line trains are modern and fully air-conditioned, providing a comfortable journey, especially on longer stretches out of central London.
- Express services: During peak hours, some Metropolitan Line services run as "fast" trains, skipping certain stations to provide quicker journeys, particularly between Baker Street and Harrow-on-the-Hill. Always check the destination and stopping patterns before boarding.
- Longer journeys: As it extends quite far out, prepare for longer journey times if travelling to the end of the line branches.
- Shared tracks: In central London, the Metropolitan Line shares tracks with the Hammersmith & City Line and the Circle Line. Ensure you are boarding a Metropolitan Line train with your desired destination.
The Metropolitan Line offers a unique blend of urban connectivity and scenic routes, allowing you to seamlessly transition from the bustling heart of London to the serene beauty of the Home Counties. It's a reliable and comfortable way to explore both the city's iconic landmarks and its charming outskirts.
Stations
The Metropolitan Line has several branches in the north-west. I will list the stations along the main route first, and then each branch.
Main Line (Aldgate to Moor Park)
- Aldgate Tube Station
- Liverpool Street Tube Station
- Moorgate Tube Station
- Barbican Tube Station
- Farringdon Tube Station
- King's Cross St. Pancras Tube Station
- Euston Square Tube Station
- Great Portland Street Tube Station
- Baker Street Tube Station
- Finchley Road Tube Station
- Wembley Park Tube Station
- Preston Road Tube Station
- Northwick Park Tube Station
- Harrow-on-the-Hill Tube Station
- Moor Park Tube Station
Uxbridge Branch (from Rayners Lane)
- West Harrow Tube Station (This station is after Harrow-on-the-Hill, before Rayners Lane on the branch)
- Rayners Lane Tube Station
- Eastcote Tube Station
- Ruislip Manor Tube Station
- Ruislip Tube Station
- Ickenham Tube Station
- Hillingdon Tube Station
- Uxbridge Tube Station
Watford Branch (from Moor Park)
- Croxley Tube Station
- Watford Tube Station
Amersham Branch (from Moor Park)
- Rickmansworth Tube Station
- Chorleywood Tube Station
- Chalfont & Latimer Tube Station
- Amersham Tube Station
Chesham Branch (from Chalfont & Latimer)
- Chesham Tube Station
More Reading
- London Underground: Discover London's iconic Tube—learn about its colourful network, rich history, diverse station architecture, easy payment options, and essential navigation tips for seamless travel.
