Northern line
The black Northern line is the busiest Tube line by route complexity — two central London branches (Bank and Charing Cross), two northern termini (High Barnet and Edgware), and the new Battersea Power Station extension opened in 2021.
About the Northern line
The Northern line was the first deep-level Tube railway in the world, opening in 1890 as the City & South London Railway between Stockwell and King William Street.
The 2021 Battersea Power Station extension added two new stations — Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station — and is the first major Tube extension of the 21st century.
The Charing Cross branch runs as part of the Night Tube on Fridays and Saturdays between Morden and High Barnet/Edgware.
Key stations on the Northern line
- King's Cross St PancrasEurostar, six-line interchange
- BankCentral, Waterloo & City, DLR — City of London
- London BridgeJubilee and National Rail — Shard, Borough Market
- Battersea Power StationNew 2021 station, Apple HQ and Power Station retail
FAQs about the Northern line
Why does the Northern line have two central branches?
Historical — the line was formed from two separate railways: the City & South London (now the Bank branch) and the Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway (now the Charing Cross branch). They share northern and southern termini.
Does the Northern line have Night Tube?
Yes. The Charing Cross branch runs 24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights between Morden and High Barnet/Edgware.
When did the Battersea extension open?
20 September 2021. The extension added Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station to the Charing Cross branch.