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.
Quick answer: is the Metropolitan Line useful?
- Main use: long-distance Tube travel
- Best for: Wembley Park, Baker Street and rail connections
- Tourist value: limited but useful in specific situations
- Line colour: Purple
- Main role: commuter and outer London travel
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
Complete Metropolitan Line Station List
The Metropolitan Line serves stations between Aldgate and the outer northwest suburbs of London, with branches to Amersham, Chesham, Watford and Uxbridge.
| Station | Zone |
|---|---|
| Aldgate | 1 |
| Liverpool Street | 1 |
| Moorgate | 1 |
| Barbican | 1 |
| Farringdon | 1 |
| King’s Cross St Pancras | 1 |
| Euston Square | 1 |
| Great Portland Street | 1 |
| Baker Street | 1 |
| Finchley Road | 2 |
| Wembley Park | 4 |
| Preston Road | 4 |
| Northwick Park | 4 |
| Harrow-on-the-Hill | 5 |
| North Harrow | 5 |
| Pinner | 5 |
| Northwood Hills | 6 |
| Northwood | 6 |
| Moor Park | 6 |
| Rickmansworth | 7 |
| Chorleywood | 7 |
| Chalfont & Latimer | 8 |
| Chesham | 9 |
| Amersham | 9 |
| Croxley | 7 |
| Watford | 7 |
| West Harrow | 5 |
| Rayners Lane | 5 |
| Eastcote | 5 |
| Ruislip Manor | 6 |
| Ruislip | 6 |
| Ickenham | 6 |
| Hillingdon | 6 |
| Uxbridge | 6 |
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
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?
Yes, but mainly for specific journeys. The Metropolitan Line is particularly useful for Baker Street, King’s Cross St Pancras, Liverpool Street and Wembley Park, as well as for travelling from central London to north-west London.
What colour is the Metropolitan Line on the London Tube map?
The Metropolitan Line is shown in purple on the official London Underground map.
Where does the Metropolitan Line start and end?
The Metropolitan Line runs from Aldgate in central London to several branches in north-west London, with destinations including Uxbridge, Watford, Chesham and Amersham.
Is the Metropolitan Line the oldest Underground line in London?
Yes. The Metropolitan Railway opened in 1863, making it the world’s first underground passenger railway and an important part of London transport history.
Does the Metropolitan Line go to Wembley Stadium?
Use Wembley Park for Wembley Stadium. The station is served by both the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines and is one of the most convenient stations for the stadium.
How do I get from Baker Street to Wembley Park?
The Metropolitan Line provides a direct connection between Baker Street and Wembley Park, making it a convenient option for visitors travelling to Wembley.
Does the Metropolitan Line go to Baker Street?
Yes. Baker Street is one of the most important central stations on the Metropolitan Line and is convenient for Madame Tussauds and the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
Does the Metropolitan Line go to King’s Cross St Pancras?
Yes. The Metropolitan Line serves King’s Cross St Pancras, providing convenient access to national rail services and St Pancras International.
Does the Metropolitan Line go to Liverpool Street?
Yes. Liverpool Street is directly served by the Metropolitan Line and provides connections with other Underground lines and National Rail services.
Does the Metropolitan Line go to Uxbridge?
Yes. Uxbridge is one of the western termini of the Metropolitan Line and provides Underground access between central London and the Uxbridge area.
Does the Metropolitan Line go to Watford?
Yes. The Metropolitan Line has a branch serving Watford. Check the destination displayed on the train before boarding because not all Metropolitan Line trains follow the same branch.
Does the Metropolitan Line go to Amersham?
Yes. Amersham is served by the Metropolitan Line and is one of the furthest Underground stations from central London.
Does the Metropolitan Line go to Chesham?
Yes. Chesham is served by a branch of the Metropolitan Line. Make sure you board a train showing Chesham as its destination when travelling from central London.
Does every Metropolitan Line train go to the same destination?
No. The Metropolitan Line has several branches and destinations, so it is important to check the destination shown on the front of the train and on station information screens before boarding.
Is the Metropolitan Line good for travelling to north-west London?
Yes. This is one of the Metropolitan Line’s main strengths. It provides direct services from central London towards areas such as Harrow, Uxbridge, Watford, Chesham and Amersham.
Does the Metropolitan Line go to Heathrow Airport?
No. The Metropolitan Line does not serve Heathrow Airport. Travellers heading to Heathrow should normally use another route such as the Piccadilly Line, Elizabeth Line or an airport rail service.
Is the Metropolitan Line faster than the Jubilee Line to Wembley Park?
From some central London stations, particularly Baker Street, the Metropolitan Line can be a very efficient option for Wembley Park. The best route depends on your starting point and current service conditions.
Which Tube lines connect with the Metropolitan Line?
The Metropolitan Line connects with several other Underground lines at major stations including Liverpool Street, King’s Cross St Pancras, Baker Street and Wembley Park, making it useful for longer journeys across London.
Can I use an Oyster card or contactless payment on the Metropolitan Line?
Yes. Oyster cards and contactless payment can be used on the Metropolitan Line. Fares depend on the zones travelled through, which is particularly relevant for longer journeys to outer London stations.
Does the Metropolitan Line run every day?
Yes. The Metropolitan Line normally operates seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays. Services on the outer branches may be less frequent, so check the latest timetable when travelling to destinations such as Amersham, Chesham or Watford.