The Piccadilly line is one of the most iconic and important lines of the London Underground. Stretching from the northwestern suburbs to the far western edge of Greater London, and through the heart of the city, it connects a wide variety of neighborhoods, historical landmarks, and major transport hubs. Known for serving Heathrow Airport and central London destinations like Leicester Square and Covent Garden, the Piccadilly line is a vital link for commuters, tourists, and locals alike. With over 50 stations along its route, the Piccadilly line is an essential part of London’s public transportation network.
Overview of the Piccadilly Line
The Piccadilly line runs between Cockfosters in the north and Heathrow Airport or Uxbridge in the west. It is identified on the London Underground map by its dark blue color. The line covers a total distance of approximately 71 kilometers (44 miles), making it one of the longer lines on the Tube network. Opened in 1906, it has become synonymous with central London travel and is particularly popular among travelers flying into or out of Heathrow Airport.
Main Features
- Serves central London, including key tourist areas
- Provides direct access to all Heathrow Airport terminals
- Offers a mixture of deep-level and surface stations
- Connects with multiple other Underground lines and National Rail stations
Branches and Route Structure
The Piccadilly line features a branching route in the west, splitting toward either Heathrow Airport or Uxbridge. The core section of the line runs through the central London area, and the line is busiest along this segment. Trains are frequent, particularly during peak hours, and service is provided every day, including holidays.
Western Branches
- Heathrow Branch: Serves Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5
- Uxbridge Branch: Shared with the Metropolitan line at some stations
Passengers traveling to or from Heathrow benefit from a direct Underground connection to the city, avoiding the need for taxis or transfers. The Uxbridge branch provides important links to suburban areas in west London and Hertfordshire.
Full List of Piccadilly Line Stations
Northern Section (Cockfosters to King’s Cross St Pancras)
- Cockfosters
- Oakwood
- Southgate
- Arnos Grove
- Bounds Green
- Wood Green
- Turnpike Lane
- Manor House
- Finsbury Park
- Arsenal
- Holloway Road
- Caledonian Road
- King’s Cross St Pancras
This part of the line passes through residential areas and connects to important stations such as King’s Cross, a major hub for national rail services and international travel via Eurostar.
Central London Section (King’s Cross St Pancras to Earl’s Court)
- Russell Square
- Holborn
- Covent Garden
- Leicester Square
- Piccadilly Circus
- Green Park
- Hyde Park Corner
- Knightsbridge
- South Kensington
- Gloucester Road
- Earl’s Court
These stations are located in the heart of London’s tourist and shopping districts. Attractions such as the British Museum, Covent Garden Market, and Buckingham Palace are easily accessible from this part of the line.
Western Section (Earl’s Court to Heathrow and Uxbridge)
Heathrow Branch
- Barons Court
- Hammersmith
- Turnham Green (some trains skip this stop)
- Acton Town
- South Ealing
- Northfields
- Boston Manor
- Osterley
- Hounslow East
- Hounslow Central
- Hounslow West
- Hatton Cross
- Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3
- Heathrow Terminal 4 (via loop)
- Heathrow Terminal 5 (via separate branch)
The Heathrow branch is particularly popular with international travelers. Terminal 4 is served by a loop service that reconnects with the main line at Hatton Cross, while Terminal 5 is served by its own spur.
Uxbridge Branch
- Acton Town
- Ealing Common
- North Ealing
- Park Royal
- Alperton
- Sudbury Town
- Sudbury Hill
- South Harrow
- Rayners Lane
- Eastcote
- Ruislip Manor
- Ruislip
- Ickenham
- Hillingdon
- Uxbridge
This branch mainly serves suburban communities and overlaps with the Metropolitan line between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge. Trains on this branch generally operate less frequently than those on the Heathrow route.
Interchange Stations
Many Piccadilly line stations provide connections to other lines or rail services, making it easy to transfer and continue your journey across London or beyond.
Key Interchange Stations
- Finsbury Park: Victoria line and National Rail
- King’s Cross St Pancras: Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Victoria lines, and National Rail
- Green Park: Jubilee and Victoria lines
- Hammersmith: District and Hammersmith & City lines
- Acton Town: District line
- Rayners Lane: Metropolitan line
These interchanges provide quick access to key parts of the city and support seamless connectivity to major attractions, business districts, and airports.
Tips for Riding the Piccadilly Line
While the Piccadilly line is reliable and efficient, a few tips can enhance your travel experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with London’s transport system.
Helpful Tips
- Travel outside peak hours (7: 30-9: 30 AM and 4: 30-6: 30 PM) to avoid crowds
- Use contactless cards or Oyster cards for the easiest payment
- Check train destinations carefully, especially at Acton Town where the line splits
- Mind the gap between the train and platform, especially at older stations
- Allow extra time when traveling to Heathrow, especially during weekends or holidays
Many stations also offer step-free access and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Check the Transport for London (TfL) website for the latest accessibility and service updates.
The Piccadilly line is an essential and versatile part of the London Underground, offering both convenience and comprehensive coverage of key destinations. From its suburban starting point in Cockfosters to the international terminals at Heathrow and the western suburbs of Uxbridge, it serves as a vital link for millions of passengers each year. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to the airport, or exploring the historic heart of London, understanding the stops on the Piccadilly line will help you navigate the city with ease and confidence.