The Waterloo & City line is one of the most unique lines of the London Underground, easily identifiable by its blue-green color on the tube map.
What makes the Waterloo & City line special?
The Waterloo & City line is the shortest line in the entire London Underground network, with a total length of just 2.5 kilometers. Despite its small size, this line plays a crucial role by connecting two major transport hubs: Waterloo and Bank. The most interesting thing about this line is that its entire route is underground, passing beneath the River Thames at a great depth. The journey between these two stations takes just 3 minutes, providing a quick and efficient connection for travelers moving between South London and the City.
Although this line has only two stations, it transports approximately 15 million passengers each year. This reflects its importance for workers commuting between the offices and financial centers of the City and the residential and transport areas in South London.
Stations on the Waterloo & City line
As mentioned, the Waterloo & City line has only two stations:
- Waterloo Station: A major transport hub that connects with various underground lines and national rail services.
- Bank Station: (Originally named ‘City’) is located in the heart of London’s financial district and is a key interchange with several underground lines and the DLR (Docklands Light Railway).
Map and Route of the Waterloo & City line
Operating hours of the Waterloo & City line
The Waterloo & City line operates from Monday to Friday from 6:15 am to 12:30 am. It is the only line in the London Underground that does not offer a full service during weekends: on Saturdays, trains run from 8:00 am to 12:30 am, and on Sundays and public holidays, the line is closed. This is partly because the line primarily serves City workers who do not require weekend service. For updated timetables, check: London Underground.
Interesting facts about the Waterloo & City line
Did you know that the Waterloo & City line is also known as “The Drain”? This nickname comes from its deep and fully underground tunnel that “drains” passengers between Waterloo and Bank stations. Although the exact origin of this nickname is unclear, many users claim it fits perfectly, given the sensation of being “drained” from one side of the city to the other.
Another interesting fact is the name change of Bank station. Originally named “City” due to its location in London’s financial district, the station was renamed in 1940 to “Bank” to reflect its proximity to the Bank of England.
Additionally, the Waterloo & City line is unique because it is the only line in the London Underground that is completely underground for its entire route. Although this is due to its short length of 2.5 kilometers, it provides a different travel experience compared to any other line in the London Underground network.
With only two stations and a short but vital underground route, the Waterloo & City line remains an essential component of the London Underground, efficiently connecting South London with the financial heart of the city.