The Elizabeth Line of the London Underground

Introducing the Elizabeth Line

The Elizabeth Line of the London Underground is the newest addition to London’s vast rail network, a high-capacity east–west line that revolutionizes travel across the capital and beyond. Officially opened in 2022, this state-of-the-art railway connects key destinations from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

Operated by Transport for London (TfL) and part of the National Rail network, the Elizabeth Line blends modern engineering with historic ambition, transforming commuting for millions.

Geography of the Line

The Elizabeth Line stretches across London and the South East of England, covering a remarkable span. It crosses nine London boroughs and reaches into the counties of Berkshire and Essex, creating a vital east–west corridor. Central stations run beneath the heart of London, while outer branches reach suburban and airport destinations.

The line includes three main sections:

The Western section: from Reading and Heathrow Airport to Paddington.
The Central section: from Paddington through central London to Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf.
The Eastern section: splitting into two branches — one to Shenfield and one to Abbey Wood.

Length and Passenger Use

The full Elizabeth Line stretches approximately 118 kilometres (73 miles), making it one of the longest continuous urban rail lines in Europe. Passenger numbers have grown rapidly since its phased opening, and as of 2024, the line carries more than 4 million journeys per week, with numbers steadily increasing. It is now one of the busiest railways in the UK, demonstrating its vital role in the transport system.

History of the Elizabeth Line

The idea of a new east–west rail link across London was proposed as far back as the 1940s, but it wasn’t until the Crossrail project was approved in 2007 that construction began. Major tunnelling commenced in 2012, and although the line faced delays, it finally opened in stages:

May 2022: Central section from Paddington to Abbey Wood opened.
November 2022: Trains began running through from Reading and Heathrow to Abbey Wood.
May 2023: Full through-service across all sections began.

Name and Royal Connection

Originally known as Crossrail, the line was officially named the Elizabeth Line in 2016 in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, marking her long and historic reign. The Queen herself visited the line shortly before its opening, unveiling a commemorative plaque at Paddington Station.

How Many Stations Are on the Line?

The Elizabeth Line serves 41 stations in total, including 10 brand-new, purpose-built stations beneath central London, designed with spacious platforms, high ceilings, and modern finishes. The remaining stations were existing National Rail stations that were upgraded for Elizabeth Line services.

Stations on the Elizabeth Line

Reading Station
Twyford Station
Maidenhead Railway Station
Taplow Station
Burnham Station
Slough Station
Langley Station
Iver Station
West Drayton Station
Heathrow Terminal 5 Station
Heathrow Terminal 4 Station
Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 & 3 Station
Hayes & Harlington Station
Southall Station
Hanwell Station
West Ealing Station
Ealing Broadway Station
Acton Main Line Station
Old Oak Common Station
Paddington Station
Bond Street Station
Tottenham Court Road Station
Farringdon Station
Liverpool Street Station
Whitechapel Station
Maryland Station
Forest Gate Station
Manor Park Station
Ilford Station
Seven Kings Station
Goodmayes Station
Chadwell Heath Station
Romford Station
Gidea Park Station
Harold Wood Station
Brentwood Station
Shenfield Station
Custom House Station
Woolwich Station
Abbey Wood Station

Areas and Neighbourhoods Served

The line links a wide variety of locations across Greater London and beyond. Key areas and neighbourhoods served include:

Reading – a historic town and major commercial centre in Berkshire.
Slough – a major business hub just outside London.
Heathrow Airport – London’s largest international airport.
Paddington, Bond Street, and Tottenham Court Road – central London shopping and business zones.
Whitechapel – a culturally rich area of East London.
Canary Wharf – a major financial district.
Woolwich and Abbey Wood – rapidly growing areas in southeast London.
Romford, Ilford, and Shenfield – key towns in northeast London and Essex.

Major Interchange Stations

Several stations along the Elizabeth Line provide crucial connections to other Underground, Overground, and National Rail services:

Paddington: links to Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines, as well as National Rail and Heathrow Express.
Bond Street: interchanges with Central and Jubilee lines.
Tottenham Court Road: links to Central and Northern lines.
Farringdon: interchanges with Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, and Thameslink services.
Liverpool Street: connects to Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines, plus National Rail services.
Whitechapel: connects to the District, Hammersmith & City, and London Overground.
Stratford: connects to Jubilee and Central lines, DLR, Overground, and National Rail.

These interchange points make the Elizabeth Line an incredibly efficient option for navigating London.

Fun Facts About the Elizabeth Line

The Elizabeth Line’s central tunnels run at depths of up to 40 metres (130 feet) beneath London’s streets.
The trains are over 200 metres long, making them some of the longest in the UK – each can carry up to 1,500 passengers.
The line features platform screen doors at all underground stations — a safety innovation not found on older Tube lines.
The roundel used on the Elizabeth Line is purple, a colour chosen to reflect royalty and to stand out from the other lines on the Tube map.
The construction of the line uncovered over 10,000 archaeological finds, from Roman skulls to Victorian ship timbers.

Conclusion

The Elizabeth Line is much more than a railway — it’s a transformational piece of infrastructure that enhances how people move through and around London. By connecting key economic zones, suburban neighbourhoods, and one of the world’s busiest airports, it strengthens London’s position as a global city.

For locals, it’s a fast and reliable way to get across the capital. For tourists, it’s a convenient route to major sights and airports. With stunning modern stations, seamless interchanges, and a royal namesake, the Elizabeth Line is a fitting symbol of a future-facing London.