TfL Elizabeth line - Things that every Londoner needs to know including operating hours and key stations

The Elizabeth Line, London’s newest and most ambitious rail project, is a transformative addition to the capital’s transport network. Officially opened in May 2022 and named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, this state-of-the-art railway spans over 100km, connecting Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

With its sleek trains, step-free access, and dramatically reduced travel times, the line seamlessly links key destinations across London and beyond.

Blending modern engineering with cutting-edge design, the Elizabeth Line is more than just a transport route - it’s a gateway to enhanced connectivity, boosting both the city’s economy and accessibility. And it’s got 4G (even in the tunnels!)

Here are some important things every Londoner needs to know about our beloved Lizzy line.

Is the Elizabeth line 24 hours?

No, the Elizabeth Line is not open 24 hours. However, it operates with extended hours compared to many other lines on the London Underground.

The service typically runs from around 5:30am to midnight, depending on the station and direction of travel. The exact first and last train times vary slightly depending on the route, so it's always a good idea to check the Transport for London (TfL) timetable for specific journeys.

Unlike the Central, Victoria, Jubilee, and some Overground lines, which have a Night Tube service on Fridays and Saturdays, the Elizabeth Line currently does not offer overnight services.

Elizabeth line opening hours

The Elizabeth Line operates with the following general schedule:

Monday to Saturday: 5:30am to 11pm.

Sunday: 7am to 11pm

Please note that these times can vary depending on the specific station and direction of travel. For instance, the first and last trains to and from Heathrow Airport have specific schedules:

From Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3:

First train: Weekdays at 5:21am

Last train: Weekdays at 12:12am

From Paddington Station to Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3:

First train: Weekdays at 4:36am

Last train: Weekdays at 11:24pm

These times may differ on weekends and public holidays. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advisable to consult the Transport for London (TfL) Elizabeth Line timetables or use the TfL Go app for journey planning.

Where does the Elizabeth line start and end?

The Elizabeth Line stretches across over 100km and connects the west to the east of London and beyond.

The Lizzy line has two start points in Reading (Berkshire) and Heathrow Airport (Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5)

The western branch splits after Hayes & Harlington, with one route heading to Reading and the other serving Heathrow Airport.

The Elizabeth line ends in Shenfield (Essex) in the north-east and Abbey Wood (South-East London) in the south-east.

What central London stations are on the Elizabeth line?

Between the western and eastern ends, the line passes through central London with major stations like:

• Bond Street station
• Canary Wharf station
• Custom House station
• Farringdon station
• Liverpool Street station
• Paddington station
• Tottenham Court Road station
• Whitechapel station