Northern Line

One of the oldest and longest deep-level lines, the Northern Line's origins trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's known for its distinct "split personality" in central London, with two main branches – the Charing Cross branch and the Bank branch – before reconverging further south. As you descend into its stations, you'll find classic tiled platforms and the characteristic curved tunnels common to deep-level tubes. While the trains are modern and air-conditioned (a more recent upgrade for this line), the stations often retain a timeless, historic feel.

Key highlights for tourists travelling on the Northern Line

• High Barnet / Edgware Branches: These northern termini offer a glimpse into London's more suburban areas, with quieter residential streets and local high streets.
• Golders Green: A lively multicultural area with a significant Jewish community, offering a variety of kosher restaurants and shops. It's also a transport hub for onward bus connections.
• Hampstead: Alight here for one of London's most affluent and charming villages. Explore Hampstead Heath for stunning city views, visit Kenwood House, or wander through its independent boutiques and cafes.
• Camden Town: A vibrant and eclectic destination, famous for its Camden Market, street food, live music venues, and alternative fashion. It's a must-visit for a taste of London's bohemian side.
• Euston: A major railway terminus, connecting London to the Midlands, North West England, and Scotland. It's also close to the British Library and the Wellcome Collection.
• King's Cross St. Pancras: Another vital transport hub, famous for Platform 9 ¾ for Harry Potter fans, and the beautifully restored St Pancras International station (for Eurostar services). The surrounding area has undergone significant regeneration, offering trendy restaurants, bars, and public spaces.
• Angel: Located in Islington, Angel is known for its theatres, comedy clubs, and the bustling high street with a wide array of shops and restaurants. The charming Regent's Canal is also nearby.
• Old Street: A bustling area at the heart of London's "Tech City," offering a mix of modern office blocks and traditional pubs. It's a key interchange for City workers.
• Bank / Monument: These conjoined stations put you right in the heart of the City of London, the financial district. You're within walking distance of St. Paul's Cathedral, the Bank of England Museum, and Leadenhall Market.
• London Bridge: A bustling hub connecting you to Borough Market (a food lover's paradise), The Shard (for panoramic views), and the historic waterfront with views of Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast.
• Southwark: Your gateway to the vibrant South Bank cultural quarter. From here, you can walk to Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, and the Millennium Bridge.
• Waterloo: A huge transport interchange and your primary gateway to the South Bank. Easily access the London Eye, Southbank Centre, National Theatre, and the vibrant street art under Waterloo Bridge.
• Embankment: Perfectly positioned on the River Thames, Embankment is ideal for riverside strolls, with views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. It's also a short walk to Trafalgar Square.
• Charing Cross: Right in the heart of London, Charing Cross provides direct access to Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square (for theatre and entertainment), and Covent Garden's bustling market and street performers.
• Leicester Square: The epicentre of London's entertainment district, with numerous theatres, cinemas, and vibrant nightlife. It's a short walk to Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden.
• Tottenham Court Road: A major shopping area, particularly for electronics, and a key access point for the British Museum (a short walk away) and Oxford Street.
• Goodge Street / Warren Street: Convenient for accessing the West End, including the British Museum and the lively areas around Tottenham Court Road.
• Battersea Power Station: The newest extension to the Northern Line, this station serves the iconic redeveloped power station complex, offering shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces in a stunning historic setting.
• Morden: The southernmost terminus of the Northern Line, providing a link to south London suburbs.

Tips for riding the Northern Line

• Split personality: Be very aware of the two central branches (Bank and Charing Cross) and always check your train's destination and the platform information carefully before boarding to ensure you're on the correct route.
• Can get extremely busy: The Northern Line is one of the busiest on the network, especially during peak hours. Expect crowds, particularly in central sections. If possible, travel outside of 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on weekdays.
• Air-conditioned trains: All Northern Line trains are now air-conditioned, making for a much more comfortable journey, especially on hot days.
• Mind the Gap! Due to the age and curves of some stations, particularly on the Charing Cross branch, larger gaps can exist between the train and the platform. Always pay attention when stepping on and off.

The Northern Line, with its extensive reach and two distinct central routes, is a workhorse of the London Underground. While it requires a bit more planning due to its branching nature, it offers unparalleled access to a huge range of London's attractions, from historic landmarks and cultural institutions to vibrant markets and modern developments.

Stations

The Northern Line has two main branches in the north (Edgware and High Barnet) and then splits into two distinct routes through central London (Bank and Charing Cross) before rejoining and splitting again for the final section to Morden and Battersea Power Station.

To provide a clear list, we have first listed each northern branch to the point they converge, then the stations on the two central branches, and finally the stations on the southern section.

High Barnet Branch (Northern Section)

• High Barnet Tube Station
• Totteridge & Whetstone Tube Station
• Woodside Park Tube Station
• West Finchley Tube Station
• Mill Hill East Tube Station (branch from Finchley Central)
• Finchley Central Tube Station
• East Finchley Tube Station
• Highgate Tube Station
• Archway Tube Station
• Tufnell Park Tube Station
• Kentish Town Tube Station

Edgware Branch (Northern Section)

• Edgware Tube Station
• Burnt Oak Tube Station
• Colindale Tube Station
• Hendon Central Tube Station
• Golders Green Tube Station
• Hampstead Tube Station
• Belsize Park Tube Station
• Chalk Farm Tube Station
• Camden Town Tube Station (Here the two northern branches converge, and the line splits into the Bank and Charing Cross branches)

Central London - Charing Cross Branch (from Camden Town)

• Mornington Crescent Tube Station
• Euston Tube Station
• Warren Street Tube Station
• Goodge Street Tube Station
• Tottenham Court Road Tube Station
• Leicester Square Tube Station
• Charing Cross Tube Station
• Embankment Tube Station
• Waterloo Tube Station
• Kennington Tube Station (Here the Charing Cross and Bank branches converge again)

Central London - Bank Branch (from Camden Town)

• King's Cross St. Pancras Tube Station
• Angel Tube Station
• Old Street Tube Station
• Moorgate Tube Station
• Bank Tube Station
• London Bridge Tube Station
• Borough Tube Station
• Elephant & Castle Tube Station
• Kennington Tube Station (Here the Bank and Charing Cross branches converge again)

Southern Section (from Kennington)

• Oval Tube Station
• Stockwell Tube Station
• Clapham North Tube Station
• Clapham Common Tube Station
• Clapham South Tube Station
• Balham Tube Station
• Tooting Bec Tube Station
• Tooting Broadway Tube Station
• Colliers Wood Tube Station
• South Wimbledon Tube Station
• Morden Tube Station (Main Southern Terminus)

Battersea Branch (from Kennington)

• Nine Elms Tube Station
• Battersea Power Station 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.