Stretching from the northern suburbs to the heart of South London, the Northern line forms a critical artery in the capital's transport network. As one of the most complex and heavily used lines on the London Underground, it serves 52 stations, facilitating millions of journeys each year.
A Century of History Beneath the Streets
The route's story begins in the late 19th century with two pioneering railways. The City & South London Railway, which launched in 1890, holds the distinction of being the world's first deep-level electric Tube line. It was later joined by the Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway, which began operations in 1907.
Through a series of extensions, linkages, and rebranding efforts, these two separate lines eventually merged to become the Northern line in 1937. Further expansions, such as the High Barnet branch and the Edgware extension, shaped the extensive and sometimes labyrinthine network that passengers rely on today.
Navigating the Branches and Key Destinations
The Northern line is unique for having two central branches through Zone 1: the Bank branch and the Charing Cross branch. This provides passengers with valuable route options across central London. The line connects major national rail hubs including King's Cross St Pancras, London Bridge, and Waterloo, alongside pivotal Underground interchanges like Bank and Tottenham Court Road.
It serves a diverse range of areas, from the vibrant nightlife and markets of Camden to the political centre of Westminster, and from the business district around Moorgate to the residential neighbourhoods of Morden and Edgware.
The Complete Station List
The Northern line's stations are organised across several branches and spurs:
Edgware Branch: Edgware, Burnt Oak, Colindale, Hendon Central, Brent Cross, Golders Green, Hampstead, Belsize Park, Chalk Farm, Camden Town, Mornington Crescent, Euston.
High Barnet Branch: High Barnet, Totteridge & Whetstone, Woodside Park, West Finchley, Finchley Central, East Finchley, Highgate, Archway, Tufnell Park, Kentish Town, Camden Town, Euston.
Mill Hill East Spur: Finchley Central, Mill Hill East.
Central Section (Bank Branch): King’s Cross St Pancras, Angel, Old Street, Moorgate, Bank, London Bridge, Borough, Elephant & Castle.
Charing Cross Branch: Euston (for Charing Cross branch), Warren Street, Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, Charing Cross, Embankment, Waterloo.
Southbound to Morden (shared route): Kennington, Oval, Stockwell, Clapham North, Clapham Common, Clapham South, Balham, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Colliers Wood, South Wimbledon, Morden.
An Indispensable Part of London Life
More than just a transport route, the Northern line is woven into the daily fabric of the city. It supports one of the busiest commuter corridors in the UK, links key residential, business, and entertainment districts, and remains a testament to over a century of London's engineering and urban development. Its continued evolution and maintenance by Transport for London (TfL) are crucial for keeping the capital moving.
