The Northern Line london is one of the busiest and most complex lines on the London Underground, famous for its black-colored route on the Tube map. Stretching from Edgware and High Barnet in the north to Morden in the south, it splits into two central branches, serving key destinations like London Bridge, Bank, and Camden Town.
including:
✔ Northern Line Overview – Why it’s unique & how it operates
✔ All Stations on the Northern Line – Key stops & interchanges
✔ Map and Route of the Northern Line – Breakdown of both branches
✔ Northern Line Operating Hours – First/last trains & frequency (including “What time does Northern Line close?”)
✔ Interesting Facts About the Northern Line – Secrets even locals don’t know
Plus, we’ll answer burning questions like:
- Is Gatton Close station real?
- How does London Bridge Northern Line service work?
- Why does the Northern Line have two branches?
By the end, you’ll master this essential Tube line—whether you’re a commuter, tourist, or trivia lover!
1. Northern Line Overview: London’s Deepest & Busiest Tube Line
A. Key Facts
- Color on Tube map: Black
- Opened in 1890 (one of the oldest Underground lines)
- Stations served: 50 (from Edgware/High Barnet to Morden)
- Length: 58 km (36 miles)
- Daily ridership: Over 1 million passengers
B. Why Is the Northern Line Special?
✔ Two central branches (Bank & Charing Cross)
✔ Deepest station: Hampstead (58.5 meters underground)
✔ Serves major landmarks (London Bridge, Camden Market, Leicester Square)
✔ First to use automatic trains (1960s)
C. Unique Challenges
- Congested at peak times (especially Camden Town)
- Confusing splits (Bank vs. Charing Cross branches)
- Ghost stations (including the mysterious “Gatton Close”)
2. Stations on the Northern Line: Full List & Key Interchanges
The Northern Line has 50 stations, split across two main routes:
Northern Branch (Edgware & High Barnet to Central London)
| Station | Key Connections | Nearby Attractions |
| Edgware | – | – |
| High Barnet | – | Barnet Market |
| Camden Town | – | Camden Market |
| Euston | Victoria, Overground | British Library |
| King’s Cross St. Pancras | 6 other Tube lines | Eurostar, British Museum |
Central London Split (Bank vs. Charing Cross Branches)
| Bank Branch | Charing Cross Branch |
| Bank (for Waterloo & City, DLR) | Leicester Square (Piccadilly Line) |
| London Bridge (Jubilee Line) | Charing Cross (Bakerloo Line) |
| Borough | Embankment (District, Circle) |
Southern Branch (Morden via Kennington)
| Station | Key Connections |
| Kennington | (Loop to Charing Cross branch) |
| Clapham North | – |
| Morden | – |
Key Interchanges
- London Bridge Northern Line (connects to Jubilee Line)
- Camden Town (busiest interchange for branch splits)
- King’s Cross St. Pancras (most connected station in London)
3. Map and Route of the Northern Line london: How It Works
A. Route Breakdown
The Northern Line splits into two central branches:
- Bank Branch (via London Bridge)
- Charing Cross Branch (via Leicester Square)
Pro Tip: Trains display “Via Bank” or “Via Charing Cross”—check before boarding!
B. Best Journeys
✔ Tourist Route:
- Leicester Square → Camden Town → London Bridge (theatre, markets, skyline views)
✔ Business Commute: - Tooting → Bank (financial district)
✔ Airport Transfer: - King’s Cross → London Bridge (for Gatwick Express)
C. Map Quirks
✔ Only line with a loop (Kennington turnaround)
✔ Shortest distance between stations: Leicester Square to Covent Garden (0.3 miles)
4. Northern Line Operating Hours: When Does It Close?
A. Regular Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM
B. Last Trains (Key Stations)
| Station | Last Train Northbound | Last Train Southbound |
| London Bridge | 12:20 AM | 12:25 AM |
| Camden Town | 12:30 AM | 12:35 AM |
| Morden | 12:30 AM | – |
C. Night Tube?
✅ Yes! Runs 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays on the Charing Cross branch only.
5. Interesting Facts About the Northern Line
A. Secret History
- Original name: “City & South London Railway” (steam-powered!)
- WWII role: Sheltered thousands during the Blitz.
B. Myth: Is Gatton Close a Real Station?
❌ No—it’s a fictional station from The Apprentice (2015). Real “ghost stations” include:
✔ South Kentish Town (closed in 1924)
✔ Bull & Bush (never opened)
C. Pop Culture Appearances
✔ Skyfall (2012): Chase scene at Temple station (mislabeled as “Northern Line”)
✔ Paddington (2014): Features Windsor House lift at Borough station
6. How It Compares to Other Tube Lines
🚇 Northern Line: The Jekyll & Hyde of the Underground
This iconic black line combines record-breaking stats with frustrating quirks that set it apart from other routes:
| Feature | Northern Line | Average Tube Line |
| Stations | 50 (More than any other line) | 25-40 stations |
| Depth | London’s deepest (Hampstead station plunges 58.5m – equivalent to 17 double-decker buses stacked vertically) | Most lines run 20-30m below surface |
| Branches | 2 complex branches that split at Camden Town (requires careful platform checks) | Typically 1-2 simpler branches |
💡 Why It Shines
✔ North-South Superhighway
- Connects suburbs to central London without Zone 1 changes
- Beats above-ground traffic between Edgware/Morden and the City
✔ Night Owl Special
- Charing Cross branch offers 24/5 Night Tube access to:
- Camden’s music venues
- Leicester Square’s theaters
- Waterloo’s late trains
✔ All-Weather Champion
- 5.5km continuous tunnel between East Finchley and Morden (London’s longest underground stretch)
- Perfect for avoiding rain between Bank and Kennington
⚠️ Brutal Truths
- Bank branch becomes “The Sardine Express” at rush hour
- No air cooling in deep tunnels (summer temperatures can exceed 30°C)
- Weekend closures affect 1 branch 60% of Saturdays
Smart Rider Strategy:
- Mornings: Use Charing Cross branch if possible
- Evenings: Check TfL alerts for branch closures
- Nights: Remember only Charing Cross branch runs 24/5
7. FAQs (Quick Answers)
Q: What time does the Northern Line close?
A: 12:30 AM (1 AM on Fridays/Saturdays for Night Tube).
Q: Does the Northern Line go to Gatwick?
A: No, but transfer at London Bridge for Gatwick Express.
Q: Why does London Bridge have two Northern Line platforms?
A: One for Bank branch, one for Charing Cross branch.
Q: Are there really tunnels under the Thames?
A: Yes! Between Kennington and Waterloo.
8. Jubilee Line Timetable: Plan Your Journey Like a Pro
The Jubilee Line keeps London moving with frequent trains and late-night service. Here’s everything you need to know about its schedule, frequency, and Night Tube options.
A. Operating Hours
| Day | First Train | Last Train |
| Monday–Saturday | 5:00 AM | 12:30 AM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM | 11:30 PM |
🔹 Key Notes:
- Early flights? First trains reach Stratford by 5:30 AM (good for DLR to London City Airport).
- Late nights? Last departures from Central London ~12:15 AM (after that, use Night Tube or buses).
B. Train Frequency (How Often Trains Come)
| Time | Central Section (Westminster–Canada Water) | Outer Sections (Stanmore/Stratford) |
| Peak (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) | Every 2–3 mins | Every 4–5 mins |
| Off-Peak (Daytime) | Every 4–5 mins | Every 6–8 mins |
| Evenings/Sundays | Every 6–10 mins | Every 10–12 mins |
✔ Pro Tip: Avoid 8:30–9 AM at Canary Wharf—crazy crowded!
C. Night Tube? Yes!
🎉 Fridays & Saturdays:
- Stratford ↔ Stanmore runs all night (every 10–20 mins).
- Best for:
- Late-night parties in Shoreditch.
- O2 Arena gigs ending past midnight.
⚠️ No Night Tube? Use Night Bus N15 (similar route).
🎯 TL;DR: Jubilee Line Schedule Cheat Sheet
| When? | What to Expect |
| Weekday Rush | Trains every 2 mins (but packed). |
| Sunday | Reduced service (check last trains!). |
| Night Tube | 24-hour weekend service (Stratford–Stanmore). |
Next time you ride, time it right—and enjoy London’s smoothest Tube line!
Need help with a specific journey? Ask below! 👇💛
now this one ”8. Travel Hacks for the Northern Line
✔ Avoid Bank branch at rush hour (most congested)
✔ Use Night Tube (Charing Cross branch only)
✔ Check TfL alerts (frequent weekend closures)” and make sure to keep the text format same
Northern Line Travel Hacks: Beat the Crowds & Delays
London’s deepest Tube line is also its most notorious—but these smart strategies will help you survive (and even outsmart) the chaos.
1. Avoid the Bank Branch at Rush Hour
🚫 Peak Times (7:30–9:30 AM / 4:30–6:30 PM):
- Bank Station becomes a maze of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds (especially Camden Town → City).
- Smarter Route: Take the Charing Cross branch instead—it’s 20% less crowded.
✔ Off-Peak Bonus: After 10 AM, Bank Station calms down significantly.
2. Night Tube? Only on the Charing Cross Branch
🌙 Fridays & Saturdays:
- Morden ↔ Edgware via Charing Cross runs all night (every 8–15 mins).
- Key Stops: Leicester Square (theatre crowds), Camden Town (nightlife).
⚠️ No Night Tube on Bank Branch: Use Night Bus N5 or N20 as alternatives.
3. Always Check for Weekend Closures
🔧 Northern Line’s Dirty Secret:
- Most closure-prone line due to deep-level tunnel repairs.
- Common Trouble Spots:
- Camden Town → Edgware (replacement buses galore).
- Kennington → Morden (alternative: Thameslink trains).
✔ Survival Tools:
- TfL Weekend Alerts (link).
- Citymapper App: Detours in real-time.
🎯 TL;DR: Northern Line Cheat Sheet
| Hack | Why It Works |
| Skip Bank Branch AM | Avoid London’s worst rush-hour crush. |
| Night Tube Hack | Only Charing Cross branch runs 24/5. |
| Weekend Check | Closures hit 2-3 weekends per month. |
Final Verdict: Love It or Hate It?
✅ London’s Backbone With a Split Personality
The Northern Line is simultaneously indispensable and infuriating, offering unmatched north-south connectivity if you master its quirks.
⚠️ Survival Guide for the Split Branches
- Bank Branch (Black) = City workers’ express (but sardine-packed at rush hour)
- Charing Cross (Grey) = Slightly calmer, night-tube enabled
- Switch Smart: Camden Town requires same-platform changes (listen for automated warnings)
🚇 Why It’s Worth the Hassle
✔ 24/5 Night Tube on Charing Cross branch
✔ Direct to 3 major train stations (London Bridge, King’s Cross, Waterloo)
✔ Secret perk: Deep-level tunnels stay cool in summer
Next time you ride: Time your trip post-10am, avoid Bank branch at peak, and own the chaos!
