The Metropolitan line is the magenta line on the London Underground, connecting central London with branches to the north-west. It should not be confused with the Elizabeth line, shown in purple.
About the Metropolitan line
The first section of the Metropolitan Railway opened to the public on 10 January 1863, between Paddington and Farringdon. It was the world’s first urban underground railway, developed from proposals including those of Charles Pearson.
Today’s line does not follow exactly that historic route. Metropolitan now connects Aldgate and Baker Street with Uxbridge, Watford, Amersham and Chesham, passing through north-west London into Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
It is a sub-surface line in the centre, with long above-ground sections farther out. Some trains are fast or semi-fast and skip stations. Checking where your train stops is more useful than knowing its maximum speed.
Metropolitan line stations
Metropolitan has 34 stations. This list separates the shared sections and branches. Not every train runs to Aldgate or calls at every station along the route.
- From Aldgate to Harrow-on-the-Hill: Aldgate, Liverpool Street, Moorgate, Barbican, Farringdon, King’s Cross St. Pancras, Euston Square, Great Portland Street, Baker Street, Finchley Road, Wembley Park, Preston Road, Northwick Park and Harrow-on-the-Hill.
- From Harrow-on-the-Hill towards Uxbridge: West Harrow, Rayners Lane, Eastcote, Ruislip Manor, Ruislip, Ickenham, Hillingdon and Uxbridge.
- From Harrow-on-the-Hill to Moor Park: North Harrow, Pinner, Northwood Hills, Northwood and Moor Park.
- Watford branch, from Moor Park: Croxley and Watford.
- From Moor Park to Chalfont & Latimer: Rickmansworth, Chorleywood and Chalfont & Latimer.
- After Chalfont & Latimer: one branch ends at Amersham and another at Chesham. They are not successive stops on the same route.
Choosing your destination and service type
- Uxbridge or Watford: look for that specific destination. A train to Amersham or Chesham does not call at those termini.
- Amersham or Chesham: check the destination before boarding and the connection suggested by the journey planner if you need to change.
- An intermediate station: check that it appears in your train’s calling points. Fast and semi-fast services skip some stations; a final destination beyond your stop is not enough.
- Towards central London: check whether the train terminates at Baker Street or continues to Aldgate.
Other lines also use the shared central section. Check the line name, destination and calling points on the displays before boarding.
Metropolitan line map and route
The map above is retained as a reference. Also use the current TfL Metropolitan route and up-to-date map to check stations and connections.
Metropolitan line operating hours
First and last trains depend on station, direction, destination, service type and day. Consult TfL’s official timetables and check disruptions and engineering works before setting out.
Metropolitan is not part of the Night Tube. If returning late from an outer branch, confirm the last train serving your station and any connections needed to complete your journey.
Facts about the Metropolitan line
The Metropolitan Railway marked the beginning of the London Underground in January 1863. Its first trains used steam locomotives, and the tunnels were mainly built by digging trenches and covering them over, the cut-and-cover method.
The distinction between all-stations, fast and semi-fast services reflects the line’s role in serving outer destinations. It does not give every trip a fixed journey time: check your particular route.
Autumn can bring special timetables because fallen leaves affect adhesion on the rails. Check the timetable for your travel date rather than relying on a departure time saved in another season.
The line also has a varied architectural history. Stations on its outer sections include examples of Victorian and Edwardian design, adding historic character to everyday journeys.
With its history and above-ground stretches across parts of Greater London and Buckinghamshire, Metropolitan remains an important part of London’s transport network.
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026.
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