The Central line is the red line of the London Underground, famous for being the longest line in the entire network.
Description of the Central Line
The Central line, with a total length of 74 km, is the longest line on the London Underground. It connects Epping in the northeast with Ealing Broadway and West Ruislip in the west, providing a vital connection across the city. The first section of the line was authorized in 1891 and opened to the public on July 30, 1900, connecting Shepherd’s Bush with Cornhill (now known as Bank) and covering 11 intermediate stations in its initial stretch.
Originally called the Central London Railway, the Central line was also popularly known as The Tuppenny Tube due to the two-penny fare it charged for a journey in its early days. This line is a classic example of a deep-level tube line with circular tunnels located far beneath the city. Today, the Central line has 49 stations and is used by over 260 million people annually, making it one of the busiest lines in the network.
Stations on the Central Line
The Central line of the London Underground includes 49 stations spread across its four main branches. Below are the stations listed by branch:
- West Ruislip Branch: West Ruislip, Ruislip Gardens, South Ruislip, Northolt, Greenford, Perivale, Hanger Lane
- Ealing Broadway Branch: Ealing Broadway, West Acton, North Acton, East Acton, White City, Wood Lane, Shepherd’s Bush, Holland Park, Notting Hill Gate, Queensway, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, British Museum, Holborn, Chancery Lane, St. Paul’s, Bank, Liverpool Street, Bethnal Green, Mile End, Stratford, Leyton, Leytonstone
- Woodford Branch: Wanstead, Redbridge, Gants Hill, Newbury Park, Barkingside, Fairlop, Hainault, Grange Hill, Chigwell, Roding Valley
- Epping Branch: Snaresbrook, South Woodford, Woodford, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Debden, Theydon Bois, Epping
Map and Route of the Central Line
The Central line map highlights its extensive route from northeast London to the western suburbs, passing through the heart of the city. This line not only facilitates daily commutes but is also essential for accessing various cultural, commercial, and financial points of interest in London.
Central Line Operating Hours
The Central line has extensive operating hours to accommodate both residents and tourists. From Monday to Saturday, trains run from approximately 5:00 am to 1:30 am, depending on the station. On Sundays, the service starts a bit later, around 6:30 am, and ends at 12:30 am. For detailed information on the first and last train times at each station, you can check the updated schedules.
Interesting Facts About the Central Line
The Central line is known for having the longest journey between two stations in the entire London Underground system: the journey between West Ruislip and Epping spans an impressive 54 kilometers. This long underground and overground route allows passengers to experience a journey through various urban and suburban landscapes.
Another interesting fact is that the Central line, due to its age and the variety of its station architectures, offers a fascinating tour through the evolution of London Underground design. From stations with traditional platforms to more modern ones with updated access and services, this line reflects the rich history and continuous development of public transport in London.
With its long history, extensive route, and strategic importance in the London Underground network, the Central line remains a crucial component for urban transport, connecting the far reaches of the city and serving millions of passengers each year.