The Metropolitan Line of the London Underground

Introduction to the Metropolitan Line

The Metropolitan Line is one of the oldest and most fascinating lines on the London Underground network. Known for its deep-rooted history and far-reaching route, the line offers both a vital commuting corridor and a journey through London’s suburban expansion.

Its significance extends beyond daily transport—it played a fundamental role in shaping modern suburbia in Britain. From central London to the far reaches of Buckinghamshire, the Metropolitan Line traverses a diverse range of neighbourhoods and landscapes.

Geography and Route

The Metropolitan Line stretches from the bustling streets of Aldgate in the City of London to the peaceful suburbs of Amersham and Chesham in Buckinghamshire.

It serves several different branches, making it one of the more complex Underground lines. The line splits into four northern termini:

Amersham
Chesham
Uxbridge
Watford

All services run through central London before diverging at Harrow-on-the-Hill, where the line branches off into its various suburban extensions.

Length and Passenger Usage

The Metropolitan Line covers a total distance of approximately 66.7 km (41.5 miles), making it the second-longest line on the Underground network, after the Central Line.

As of recent estimates, the Metropolitan Line carries over 60 million passengers annually, playing a critical role in connecting commuters from the outer suburbs to central London.

Historical Background

The Metropolitan Line is steeped in history. It was the first underground railway in the world, opening to the public on 10 January 1863 between Paddington (then Bishop’s Road) and Farringdon.

Constructed by the Metropolitan Railway company, it was initially built using the cut-and-cover method and operated with steam locomotives. The idea of underground trains was revolutionary at the time, and the success of the Metropolitan Railway laid the foundation for the rest of the Underground network.

Electrification began in the early 20th century, and extensions into the countryside throughout the early 1900s turned it into a line that promoted suburban living.

Origin of the Name

The line got its name from its original operator, the Metropolitan Railway, which was formed to create the first underground railway. The name “Metropolitan” referred to the line's intended role in serving the greater metropolitan area of London.

The term “Metropolitan Line” became standardised as part of the London Underground branding during the 1930s when London Transport was formed.

Number of Stations

There are a total of 34 stations on the Metropolitan Line, though not every train stops at every station, particularly on the express services which skip stops between central London and the outer suburbs.

Aldgate Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 1)
Liverpool Street Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 1) is an interchange with the Circle Line, District Line and Hammersmith & City Line
Moorgate Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 1) is an interchange with the Circle Line and Hammersmith & City Line
Barbican Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 1) is an interchange with the Circle Line and Hammersmith & City Line
Farringdon Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 1) is an interchange with the Circle Line and Hammersmith & City Line
King's Cross St Pancras Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 1) is an interchange with the Circle Line, Hammersmith & City Line and Piccadilly Line
Euston Square Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 1) is an interchange with the Circle Line and Hammersmith & City Line
Great Portland Street Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 1) is an interchange with the Circle Line and Hammersmith & City Line
Baker Street Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 1) is an interchange with the Circle Line, Hammersmith & City Line, Bakerloo Line and Jubilee Line
Finchley Road Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 2) is an interchange with the Jubilee Line
Wembley Park Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 4) is an interchange with the Jubilee Line
Preston Road Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 4)
Northwick Park Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 4)
Harrow-on-the-Hill Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 5)

Uxbridge Branch

West Harrow Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 5)
Rayners Lane Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 5) is an interchange with the Piccadilly Line
Eastcote Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 5) is an interchange with the Piccadilly Line
Ruislip Manor Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 6) is an interchange with the Piccadilly Line
Ruislip Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 6) is an interchange with the Piccadilly Line
Ickenham Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 6) is an interchange with the Piccadilly Line
Hillingdon Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 6) is an interchange with the Piccadilly Line
Uxbridge Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 6) is an interchange with the Piccadilly Line

Northwood Branch (continuing from Harrow-on-the-Hill)

North Harrow Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 5)
Pinner Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 5)
Northwood Hills Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 6)
Northwood Tube Station (Travelcard Zone 6)
Moor Park Tube Station (Border between Travelcard Zone 6 and A)

Watford Branch

Croxley Tube Station (Travelcard Zone A)
Watford Tube Station (Travelcard Zone A)

Towards Amersham (continuing from Moor Park)

Rickmansworth Tube Station (Travelcard Zone A)
Chorleywood Tube Station (Travelcard Zone B)
Chalfont & Latimer Tube Station (Travelcard Zone C)

The train continues to Amersham or straight to Chesham during peak hours.

Chesham Tube Station (Travelcard Zone D)
Amersham Tube Station (Travelcard Zone D)

Areas and Neighbourhoods Served

The line covers a wide range of areas, from the financial centre of the City to leafy commuter towns in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Key areas served include:

The City of London (Aldgate, Liverpool Street)
Baker Street and Marylebone
Harrow
Uxbridge (west London)
Watford (northwest London)
Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, and Amersham (Chilterns)
Chesham, the furthest station from central London on the network

These areas range from urban financial and retail hubs to picturesque countryside suburbs, showcasing the unique reach of the Metropolitan Line.

Major Interchange Stations

The Metropolitan Line intersects with many other Underground and National Rail lines. Notable interchanges include:

Aldgate: Connection to the Circle Line
Liverpool Street: Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City lines; National Rail and Elizabeth Line
Moorgate: Northern Line and National Rail
King's Cross St Pancras: Six Underground lines and National Rail, Eurostar services
Baker Street: Junction with Jubilee, Bakerloo, Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines
Finchley Road: Jubilee Line
Harrow-on-the-Hill: Key interchange for line branching; National Rail (Chiltern Railways)
Uxbridge: Piccadilly Line

These connections make the Metropolitan Line essential not just for travel across its own route but as a link within London’s wider transport web.

Unique Features and Services

Unlike most Underground lines, the Metropolitan Line offers a distinctive feature: express services. These trains skip several stops between Harrow-on-the-Hill and central London, significantly reducing travel time for long-distance commuters. It also has the longest distance between two adjacent stations on the Underground: the stretch between Chesham and Chalfont & Latimer is approximately 6.3 km (about 3.9 miles).

Fun Facts About the Metropolitan Line

Chesham, one of the line’s termini, is the most distant station from central London—about 25 miles from Charing Cross.
The line is featured in the famous Harry Beck Tube map, created in 1931, and was one of the first lines represented in the iconic colour-coded style (dark magenta).
During the 1930s, the Metropolitan Line marketed suburban homes along the route under the name “Metro-land”, promoting countryside living with a quick commute to the city—effectively giving rise to modern British suburbia.
In 2013, the line celebrated its 150th anniversary with special steam train journeys and public events.

Conclusion

The Metropolitan Line is not just a transit route—it's a historic corridor that shaped London and its surroundings. Whether you’re commuting from Amersham or exploring the City, this line connects past and present in a uniquely London way. From being the first underground railway in the world to transforming suburban life, the Metropolitan Line remains a remarkable part of London’s identity.