The Piccadilly Line is one of the busiest and most iconic routes on the London Underground, connecting travelers to key landmarks, airports, and business districts. Recognizable by its dark blue color on the Tube map, this line serves 53 stations from Cockfosters in North London to Heathrow Airport in the west and Uxbridge in the northwest.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about the Piccadilly Line, including:
✔ Full list of Piccadilly Line stops
✔ Interactive map and route details
✔ Piccadilly Line operating hours
✔ Fascinating facts about its history
✔ Essential travel tips
Whether you’re a daily commuter or a first-time visitor, this guide ensures you navigate the Piccadilly Line like a pro.
1. Overview of the Piccadilly Line (London Underground)
The Piccadilly Line is a vital artery of London’s transport network, serving over 700,000 passengers daily. Opened in 1906, it connects North London, West London, and Heathrow Airport, making it essential for both locals and tourists.
Key Features:
- Operated by: Transport for London (TfL)
- Line color: Dark blue
- Stations served: 53 (including branches to Heathrow & Uxbridge)
- Daily ridership: 700,000+ passengers
- Connections: Interchanges with all major Tube lines, National Rail, and Heathrow Express
2. Piccadilly Line Stops: Full List (North to West/Southwest)
The Piccadilly Line stops cover a mix of Central London hubs, suburban areas, and major transport links. Below is the complete list from north to southwest/west:
Main Route (Cockfosters to Heathrow Terminals 1-2-3 & 5)
- Cockfosters (Zone 5) – Terminus
- Oakwood (Zone 5)
- Southgate (Zone 4)
- Arnos Grove (Zone 4)
- Bounds Green (Zone 3-4)
- Wood Green (Zone 3)
- Turnpike Lane (Zone 3)
- Manor House (Zone 2-3)
- Finsbury Park (Zone 2) – Connects to Victoria Line & National Rail
- Arsenal (Zone 2) – Near Emirates Stadium
- Holloway Road (Zone 2)
- Caledonian Road (Zone 2)
- King’s Cross St. Pancras (Zone 1) – Major hub for Eurostar, Thameslink, and 6 Tube lines
- Russell Square (Zone 1) – Near British Museum
- Holborn (Zone 1) – Connects to Central Line
- Covent Garden (Zone 1) – Tourist hotspot
- Leicester Square (Zone 1) – Connects to Northern Line
- Piccadilly Circus (Zone 1) – Iconic London landmark
- Green Park (Zone 1) – Connects to Jubilee & Victoria Lines
- Hyde Park Corner (Zone 1) – Near Buckingham Palace
- Knightsbridge (Zone 1) – Home to Harrods
- South Kensington (Zone 1) – Access to Natural History Museum & V&A
- Gloucester Road (Zone 1)
- Earl’s Court (Zone 1-2) – Interchange with District Line
- Barons Court (Zone 2)
- Hammersmith (Zone 2) – Connects to Hammersmith & City, District Lines
- Turnham Green (Zone 2-3)
- Acton Town (Zone 3) – Branch point for Uxbridge
- South Ealing (Zone 3)
- Northfields (Zone 3)
- Boston Manor (Zone 4)
- Osterley (Zone 4)
- Hounslow East (Zone 4)
- Hounslow Central (Zone 4)
- Hounslow West (Zone 5)
- Hatton Cross (Zone 5-6)
- Heathrow Terminals 1-2-3 (Zone 6)
- Heathrow Terminal 5 (Zone 6) – Terminus
Uxbridge Branch (From Acton Town)
- Ealing Common (Zone 3)
- North Ealing (Zone 3)
- Park Royal (Zone 3)
- Alperton (Zone 4)
- Sudbury Town (Zone 4)
- Sudbury Hill (Zone 4)
- South Harrow (Zone 5)
- Rayners Lane (Zone 5) – Connects to Metropolitan Line
- Eastcote (Zone 5)
- Ruislip Manor (Zone 6)
- Ruislip (Zone 6)
- Ickenham (Zone 6)
- Hillingdon (Zone 6)
- Uxbridge (Zone 6) – Terminus
Pro Tip: Use TfL’s Journey Planner to find the fastest route for your trip.
3. Piccadilly Line Map & Route: How Does It Work?
The Piccadilly Line map shows its dark blue route stretching from North London to Heathrow Airport, with a key branch to Uxbridge.
Key Features of the Route:
✔ Direct access to Heathrow Airport (Terminals 1-2-3 & 5)
✔ Serves major tourist attractions (British Museum, Covent Garden, Harrods)
✔ Connects to all major Tube lines in Central London
Interactive Tube Map: For a full Piccadilly Line route map, visit TfL’s official Tube map.
4. Piccadilly Line Operating Hours: When Do Trains Run?
Planning your journey? Here’s everything about Piccadilly Line operating hours.
Peak Hours (Weekdays: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM & 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Frequency: Trains every 2-5 minutes (Central London)
- First train: Around 5:00 AM (varies by station)
- Last train: Around 12:30 AM
Off-Peak & Weekends
- Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes
- Early morning (before 7 AM): Reduced service
- Late-night service (after 11 PM): Limited, check TfL
Heathrow Airport Services
- First train to Heathrow: ~5:10 AM (from Cockfosters)
- Last train from Heathrow: ~11:45 PM (to Cockfosters)
Weekend & Engineering Works
- Some sections may close for maintenance (common on Sundays)
- Replacement buses are provided
Does the Piccadilly Line Have Night Tube?
❌ No, but Night Tube alternatives (e.g., N9 bus) serve Heathrow.
5. Interesting Facts About the Piccadilly Line
This historic line has some fascinating trivia:
1. Opened in 1906 (Part of the “Great Northern, Piccadilly & Brompton Railway”)
- One of London’s deepest Tube lines (e.g., Covent Garden).
2. Serves 3 Heathrow Airport Terminals
- The cheapest way to reach Heathrow (£5.50 off-peak with Oyster).
3. Ghost Stations
- Down Street Station (closed in 1932) was used as a WW2 bunker.
4. Unique Rolling Stock
- Uses 1973 Stock trains (oldest on the network, due for replacement by 2025).
5. Future Upgrades
- New trains (2025) with air conditioning, walk-through carriages.
6. Travel Tips for the Piccadilly Line
London’s deep-blue workhorse serves both commuters and airport travelers – here’s how to ride it like a pro while avoiding pitfalls:
⏰ Smart Timing Strategies
✅ Avoid Peak Hours (7:00-9:30 AM & 4:30-7:00 PM)
- Pressure Points:
- King’s Cross (worst crowding between 8:15-8:45 AM)
- Holborn (students + commuter crush)
- Better Windows:
- Early Birds: Trains before 6:45 AM have seats
- Late Option: After 7:30 PM from Central London
💡 Pro Hack:
Tuesdays/Thursdays are 15% quieter than Mondays.
💳 Fare-Saving Moves
✅ Contactless/Oyster is King
- Cost Comparison:
| Payment Method | Leicester Sq → Heathrow |
| Contactless/Oyster | £5.60 (anytime) |
| Heathrow Express | £25 (walk-up fare) |
Key Perks:- Daily cap = £14.90 (unlimited Piccadilly Line rides)
- No Express premium for same destination
⚠️ Trap:
Using contactless beyond Heathrow (Zone 6) triggers National Rail fares – stick to Oyster for Iver/Langley stops.
✈️ Heathrow Speed vs Value
✅ When to Choose Piccadilly:
- Cost: £5.60 vs £25-37 on Heathrow Express
- Time: ~50 mins from Central London (vs 15 mins HEX)
- Best For:
- Solo travelers
- Terminals 2/3 (direct) or 4/5 (one change)
✅ When to Splurge on Heathrow Express:
- Flights within 90 mins of arrival at Paddington
- Business travelers with heavy luggage
🔍 Insider Tip:
Piccadilly trains to Terminal 5 depart every 10 mins – ignore “next train” boards showing longer waits.
🔧 Engineering Workaround
✅ Sunday Check-In Essential
- Common Closures:
- Acton Town → Uxbridge (replacement buses)
- Cockfosters branch (1 weekend/month)
- Real-Time Tools:
- TfL Status Page
- District Line alternative for Hammersmith
🌟 Bonus Pro Tips
✔ Seat Strategy:
- Front/rear carriages have 30% more space
- Priority seats often free at Heathrow terminals
✔ Summer Survival:
- No air-con (1973 stock) – carry water
- Avoid 12:00-3:00 PM when tunnels are hottest
✔ Tourist Hack:
- Alight at Covent Garden for theaters (not Leicester Sq)
🎯 TL;DR: Piccadilly Line Cheat Sheet
| When? | Do This |
| Rush Hour | Postpone until after 9:45 AM |
| Heathrow Runs | Allow 70 mins (security queues included) |
| Weekends | Verify Acton Town status |
Next time you ride: Download Tube Exits app to know which carriage door opens at your stop!
Final Thoughts: Your Complete Piccadilly Line Guide
From Heathrow’s terminals to West End theatres, the Piccadilly Line is more than just transport—it’s a strategic lifeline for tourists, commuters, and airport travelers alike. Here’s why this guide unlocks its full potential:
🌍 Why This Line Matters
✔ Airport Gateway:
- Only Tube line serving all Heathrow terminals (2/3/4/5)
- £5.60 flat fare vs. £25+ on Heathrow Express
✔ Culture Connector:
- Direct to Covent Garden (5-min walk to Royal Opera House)
- Leicester Square for theatres and nightlife
- South Kensington for museums (V&A, Natural History)
✔ Commuter Smart Route:
- Avoids worst Zone 1 congestion (vs. Central/Northern Lines)
- Early/late services for shift workers (first train 5:00 AM)
⏳ Time-Saving Secrets
| Journey | Piccadilly Line | Alternative | Time Saved |
| Heathrow T3 → Covent Garden | 50 mins | HEX + Tube (£30+) | 20 mins |
| King’s Cross → Knightsbridge | 15 mins | Victoria Line + walk | 5 mins |
💡 Pro Move:
For Heathrow Terminal 5, wait for trains labeled “Terminal 5” (not “Terminals 2 & 3”) to avoid changing at Hatton Cross.
⚠️ Key Limitations
- No Air-Conditioning (1973 stock trains until 2025)
- Weekend Closures: Frequent on Uxbridge branch
- Crowding: 8:00-9:00 AM at Holborn (students + commuters)
📱 Essential Resources
| Need This? | Where to Find It |
| Live Departures | TfL Journey Planner |
| Heathrow Updates | @HeathrowAirport (Twitter) |
| Seat Availability | Tube Exits app (shows least crowded cars) |
🚇 Parting Wisdom:
- Tourists: Alight at Covent Garden (not Leicester Sq) for shortest walk to theatres
- Commuter Hack: Front carriage at Arnos Grove usually has seats
- Late Nights: Last train from Heathrow departs 11:45 PM
Next time you ride: Spot the original 1906 tiles at South Kensington and art deco lights at Arnos Grove!
Safe travels on London’s iconic blue line! ✨
