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)
Page Details
This page was created on 29 May 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Want to share your London travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the London Travel Tips Facebook GroupMore information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.
