Acton Main Line Station, London
Acton Main Line (GPS: 51.51719, -0.26676) is a modernised railway station located in the London Borough of Ealing, serving as part of the Elizabeth Line. Though not part of the London Underground, its connections make it a valuable hub for west London commuters and visitors alike.
Location and Station Layout
The station lies in the heart of Acton, with its entrance located on Horn Lane. There is a dedicated ground-level station building, rebuilt in recent years to accommodate increased passenger flow and accessibility upgrades. The building houses ticketing machines, a customer service point, and sheltered waiting areas. There are no retail shops inside the station itself.
Acton Main Line is approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km) west of Charing Cross by road, making it an accessible entry point to central London.
History and Naming
The station originally opened on 1 February 1868 by the Great Western Railway (GWR) under the name “Acton.” It was renamed to “Acton Main Line” on 1 March 1949 to distinguish it from several other stations in the Acton area, including Acton Central, Acton Town, and Acton North.
Historically, Acton Main Line was a relatively quiet commuter station, but its inclusion in the Crossrail (now Elizabeth Line) network has dramatically elevated its importance.
Rail Services
Acton Main Line is served by the Elizabeth Line, part of the National Rail infrastructure operated under the Transport for London network. It is not served directly by the London Underground Stations, but nearby alternatives include Central Line and District Line stops.
Elizabeth Line Routes
From Acton Main Line, Elizabeth Line services run:
- Westbound to West Drayton, Slough, and Reading. The immediate next stop westbound is Ealing Broadway, followed by West Ealing.
- Eastbound to Paddington, and further into the City, Canary Wharf, and Abbey Wood. The next station eastbound is Paddington, followed by Bond Street. The Old Oak Common Station is presently being constructed between Acton Main Line Station and Paddington Station.
Fares and Travel Times
- To Reading Station: A single adult fare costs approximately £12.90. With an Oyster card or contactless payment, the fare is £10.80 off-peak. Estimated travel time is around 50 minutes.
- To Abbey Wood Station: A single adult fare is around £11.80. With Oyster/contactless, the cost is about £9.30 off-peak. Journey time is approximately 55 minutes.
- To Charing Cross Station: There is no direct train. Take the Elizabeth Line eastbound to Paddington, transfer to the Bakerloo Line southbound to Embankment. A single adult fare is about £6.70, or £3.60 off-peak with Oyster/contactless. Travel time is around 30 minutes, including interchanges.
Accessibility and Upgrades
The station underwent a major redevelopment as part of the Crossrail project and reopened in 2021 with a new ticket hall, step-free access to platforms via lifts, and improved lighting and signage. These upgrades have made the station more accessible and user-friendly for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility.
Connections and Nearby Alternatives
While Acton Main Line is not directly connected to the London Underground, nearby stations such as North Acton on the Central Line and Acton Town on the District Line offer complementary Underground services. These stations are a short bus or walking distance away, broadening journey options for commuters and visitors.
Fun Fact
Acton is one of only a few places in London with five stations that include its name: Acton Main Line, Acton Central, Acton Town, South Acton, and West Acton. This abundance of transport links makes Acton one of the best-connected neighbourhoods in west London.
Quick Facts
- Station Name: Acton Main Line
- Location: Horn Lane, London Borough of Ealing
- Opened: 1868 (renamed in 1949)
- Lines Served: Elizabeth Line
- Nearby Roads: Horn Lane and Noel Road
- Operator: Transport for London (on National Rail infrastructure)
- Distance from Charing Cross: Approx. 6.5 miles by road
- To Reading: £12.90 single, £10.80 Oyster; ~50 mins
- To Abbey Wood: £11.80 single, £9.30 Oyster; ~55 mins
- To Charing Cross: ~£6.70 single, £3.60 Oyster; ~30 mins (includes interchange)
- Next Stations (Elizabeth Line): Paddington (east), Ealing Broadway (west)
- Nearby Underground Stations: North Acton (Central Line), Acton Town (District Line)
- Accessibility: Step-free access to all platforms
- Fun Fact: One of five stations in London to include "Acton" in its name
Acton Main Line Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Acton Main Line Station, London (View image in full size)
