It feels like just yesterday we were counting down the days, peering into unopened stations like kids waiting for the gates of a theme park to swing wide.
And then—ta-da!—on May 24, 2022, we were graced with the most exciting new addition to London’s transport network.
The dazzling and futuristic Elizabeth Line.
The Lizzy line is the cleanest, brightest, breeziest bit of commuting we’ve ever known. It sparkles with its pristine platforms, gentle lighting that makes everyone look at least 30% more glamorous, and enough air conditioning to keep even the most flustered rush-hour warrior cool.
With top speeds of up to 90 mph, the Lizzy line darts from Abbey Wood to Heathrow or Reading faster than anyone could say “signal failure on the Central line.” It makes cross-city travel feel like a first-class experience—even when we’re just going one stop.
Let’s not forget its commitment to connectivity. 4G and Wi-Fi in the tunnels? Be still, our texting thumbs! No more lurching into the light of Paddington just to catch up on messages—we’re streaming, scrolling, and swiping all the way to Heathrow.
The Elizabeth Line is more than just a pretty face; it is the culmination of over two decades of planning and nearly 13 years of construction, stretching from 2009 to your glorious debut in 2022.
It cost around £19 billion to build—but honestly, it is priceless to us.
The Lizzy Line connects 41 stations, some old, some brand-new and sparkly. We love it for its accessibility, reliable timetable, and the way it makes even a mundane Monday feel like a sci-fi fantasy ride.
So here’s to you, Lizzie Line, on your third birthday. May your signals stay green, your carriages stay fresh, and your fans keep singing your praises.

5. Signage and an empty concourse are pictured at Liverpool Street station during a test run of a Transport for London (TfL) Elizabeth Line train between Paddington station and Liverpool Street station and back, in London on May 11, 2022. (Photo by Justin TALLIS / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
The Elizabeth Line is our favourite Tube Line on the London Underground network | AFP via Getty Images

6. LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Members of the media and staff stand on the near-empty platform in the new Elizabeth Line section of Farringdon station ahead of the planned opening date, on May 19, 2022 in London, England. The Elizabeth Line is due to open to the public on 24 May 2022, after Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the line on 17 May 2022. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Members of the media and staff stand on the near-empty platform in the new Elizabeth Line section of Farringdon station ahead of the planned opening date, on May 19, 2022 | Getty Images

7. Prize for Architecture
The Elizabeth line was nominated for the 2024 Riba Stirling prize for architecture. | Hufton + Crow

8. LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 23: Queen Elizabeth unveils the new roundel for the Crossrail line next toTerry Morgan, Chairman of Crossrail and London's mayor Boris Johnson during a visit to the site of the new Crossrail Bond street station which is still under construction on February 23, 2016 in London, England. The Queen unveiled the new roundel for the Crossrail line that is to be renamed the "Elizabeth line" from December 2018 when the line opens to passengers in the capital. (Photo by Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth unveils the new roundel for the Crossrail line next toTerry Morgan, Chairman of Crossrail and London’s mayor Boris Johnson during a visit to the site of the new Crossrail Bond street station on February 23, 2016 | Getty Images

