The Northern line is the black line on the London Underground map, known for its extensive and branching route that covers a large part of the city.
Description of the Northern Line
The Northern line connects Morden station, the southernmost station of the entire London Underground network, with the center and the north of the city. Its layout is one of the most complex due to the multiple branches and forks that extend through both central and northern London, in addition to its route to the south. This complexity is the result of the merger of three different railway companies in the 1920s and 1930s, which eventually formed the line as we know it today.
In operation since 1890, the Northern line is one of the oldest in the London Underground system. With its 58 kilometers of length, most of which run through deep tunnels, it is one of the busiest lines, with over 250 million journeys per year, highlighting its importance in the city’s public transport network.
Stations on the Northern Line
The Northern line covers a total of 50 stations spread across its six branches, covering central, northern, and southern London. Here are the key stations of each branch:
- High Barnet Branch: Northern area: High Barnet, Totteridge & Whetstone, Woodside Park, West Finchley, Mill Hill East, Finchley Central, East Finchley, Highgate, Archway, Tufnell Park, Kentish Town
- Edgware Branch: Northern area: Edgware, Burnt Oak, Colindale, Hendon Central, Brent Cross, Golders Green, Hampstead, Belsize Park, Chalk Farm
- Interchange Station: Camden Town, which connects the northern and southern branches.
- Charing Cross Branch: In central London: Mornington Crescent, Euston, Warren Street, Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, Charing Cross, Embankment, Waterloo
- Bank Branch: Also in central London: King’s Cross St. Pancras, Angel, Old Street, Moorgate, Bank, London Bridge, Borough, Elephant and Castle
- Morden Branch: South London: Kennington, Oval, Stockwell, Clapham North, Clapham Common, Clapham South, Balham, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Colliers Wood, South Wimbledon, Morden
Map and Route of the Northern Line
Northern Line Operating Hours
The Northern line operates from Monday to Saturday from 5:00 am to 1:13 am. On Sundays, the hours are slightly reduced, starting at 6:51 am and ending at 12:19 am. For updated first and last train times at each station, you can check the official London Underground website.
Interesting Facts About the Northern Line
Despite its name, the Northern line is not the northernmost line of the London Underground, as it also extends significantly to the south, making it the line that reaches furthest in this direction.
The Hampstead station on the Northern line is the deepest station in the entire London Underground, located 58.5 meters below ground.
Additionally, the Northern line has the longest tunnel in the entire Underground network: the tunnel from East Finchley to Morden, via Bank, which is 27.8 kilometers long.
With its complex network of branches and unique history, the Northern line is essential for transportation in London, providing crucial connections between the north, south, and center of the city.