The Piccadilly line is the dark blue line of the London Tube and is one of the longest and busiest lines in the entire network.
The Piccadilly line mainly runs through deep underground tunnels in Zone 1 of the London Underground, connecting the north with the west of the city. As it moves away from the center, particularly towards the west, the line emerges above ground in several sections, offering a diverse landscape along its route.
Opened to the public in 1906, the Piccadilly line is one of London’s oldest lines. With a length of 71 kilometers, it is the fourth longest line on the London Underground, serving as an essential route that connects the city center with the western suburbs, including major destinations like Heathrow, one of the busiest airports in the world.
Stations on the Piccadilly Line
The Piccadilly line has a total of 53 stations spread across several branches and extensions, making it one of the most extensive and diverse lines in the network. The main branches are detailed below:
- Cockfosters Branch: Cockfosters, Oakwood, Southgate, Arnos Grove, Bounds Green, Wood Green, Turnpike Lane, Manor House, Finsbury Park, Arsenal, Holloway Road, Caledonian Road, King’s Cross St. Pancras, Russell Square, Holborn, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, South Kensington, Gloucester Road, Earl’s Court, Barons Court, Hammersmith
- Heathrow Branch: Hounslow Central, Hounslow West, Hatton Cross, Heathrow Terminal 4, Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3, Heathrow Terminal 5
- Uxbridge Branch: Ealing Common, North Ealing, Park Royal, Alperton, Sudbury Town, Sudbury Hill, South Harrow, Rayners Lane, Eastcote, Ruislip Manor, Ruislip, Ickenham, Hillingdon, Uxbridge
Map and Route of the Piccadilly Line
Piccadilly Line Operating Hours
The operating hours of the Piccadilly line vary depending on the station and the day of the week.
From Monday to Saturday, the service starts around 4:49 am and the last train departs at approximately 1:20 am.
On Sundays, the hours are slightly shorter, starting at 5:32 am and ending at 12:33 am.
For detailed and up-to-date information on the first and last train times, please visit the official London Underground website.
Interesting Facts About the Piccadilly Line
The Piccadilly line is the fourth most used line on the London Underground, with over 200 million journeys per year. This reflects its importance for both Londoners and visitors, especially because it connects the city center with Heathrow Airport, a crucial route for many international travelers.
The Piccadilly line is also known for having the shortest distance between two adjacent stations on the entire underground system: Leicester Square and Covent Garden, separated by only 260 meters. Even though the journey takes just about 20 seconds, it remains popular among tourists, often for the convenience of avoiding a few minutes’ walk between these two iconic West End attractions.
Additionally, the Piccadilly line shares several stations with other major lines such as the District line and the Metropolitan line, making it easier to transfer and improving accessibility to different parts of London.
With its mix of underground and above-ground sections, the Piccadilly line offers passengers a unique experience that combines speed, efficiency, and a journey through some of London’s most vibrant and tourist-friendly areas.