Metropolitan Line London Guide

The Metropolitan Line is one of the longest and most historic lines on the London Underground network. It connects central London with north-west areas such as Harrow, Uxbridge, Watford, Chesham and Amersham. While it is mainly used by commuters, it can still be useful for visitors travelling to key stations or specific destinations.

Metropolitan Line map

Metropolitan Line overview

The Metropolitan Line is the oldest Underground railway in the world, first opened in 1863. Today, it runs from Aldgate in central London to several north-west branches including Amersham, Chesham, Watford and Uxbridge.

• Length: one of the longest Tube lines
• Main function: suburban and commuter travel
• Key central stations: Liverpool Street, King’s Cross St Pancras, Baker Street
• Main advantage: direct long-distance journeys

When should you use the Metropolitan Line?

You should consider using the Metropolitan Line when your journey involves traveling between central London and the north-west suburbs, or when you want a direct route without changing lines.

• Central London to Wembley: yes, via Wembley Park
• Baker Street connections: yes
• Long journeys to suburbs: yes
• Short central journeys only: usually better alternatives exist

Typical journeys on the Metropolitan Line

This line is particularly useful for the following types of trips:

• Baker Street to Wembley Park – direct and simple
• Liverpool Street to north-west London – convenient commuter route
• King’s Cross to Amersham or Watford – long-distance Underground travel

Best Metropolitan Line stations for visitors

• Liverpool Street – major rail and airport connections
• King’s Cross St Pancras – Eurostar and national trains
• Baker Street – key interchange and tourist attractions
• Wembley Park – Wembley Stadium and events

Tourist attractions on the Metropolitan Line

• Wembley Stadium – accessible via Wembley Park
• Madame Tussauds – near Baker Street
• Barbican Centre – near Barbican
• Museum of London – near Barbican / Moorgate

Main areas covered

The Metropolitan Line connects several types of areas:

• Central London – Aldgate, Liverpool Street, King’s Cross
• Inner suburbs – Wembley Park, Harrow
• Outer suburbs – Uxbridge, Watford, Amersham

Metropolitan Line stops

The Metropolitan Line serves more than 30 stations, including Aldgate, Liverpool Street, Moorgate, Barbican, Farringdon, King’s Cross St Pancras, Baker Street, Wembley Park and several north-west suburban stations.

Important transport connections on the Metropolitan Line

• Liverpool Street – Stansted Express and rail services
• King’s Cross St Pancras – Eurostar and national trains
• Baker Street – multiple Underground lines
• Wembley Park – connections to Jubilee Line

Related London Underground guides

• Jubilee Line
• Bakerloo Line
• Piccadilly Line
• Victoria Line

Ticket price

Use contactless or an Oyster card to get the cheapest fares. This is especially important on longer journeys, where ticket prices can vary significantly.

👉 Check our London Tube Tickets guide

Metropolitan Line timetable

The Metropolitan Line runs every day, but services may be less frequent on outer branches compared to central lines like the Victoria or Central lines.

FAQ – Metropolitan Line

Is the Metropolitan Line useful for tourists?

It is mainly useful for specific routes such as Wembley Park or Baker Street rather than general sightseeing.

Is it faster than other lines?

It can be efficient for long-distance travel but is not always the fastest option in central London.