The Northern Line (Battersea | Edgware) is one of London’s most diverse and exciting travel corridors. Operated by Transport for London (TfL), this route cuts a path from the gleaming, modern riverside developments of the south, through the bustling heart of the West End, and out to the leafy, history-rich suburbs of North London.
While technically part of the London Underground network, this service functions as a vital hop-on, hop-off artery for sightseers. It connects an incredible variety of neighbourhoods, from the power-brokers of Westminster to the punks of Camden and the village lifestyle of Hampstead. Whether you are a local looking for a new weekend adventure or a visitor wanting to see the real London, this route offers a direct line to some of the capital’s best experiences.
What makes this route special
This specific branch of the Northern Line is a journey through London’s timeline. You start at the newest addition to the network—the redeveloped Battersea Power Station—and travel north through centuries of history. It offers a unique mix of ultra-modern architecture, royal heritage, bohemian culture, and suburban tranquility.
Unlike many routes that stay purely central, this service whisks you from the banks of the Thames to the edge of the Green Belt in under 50 minutes. The northern section, specifically from Golders Green to Edgware, emerges from the tunnels to run above ground. Here, passengers are treated to wide-open skies and views of the classic Metro-land suburbs that defined 20th-century London living.
A route breakdown of key locations
The journey begins in the south at the spectacular Battersea Power Station. Recently transformed from an industrial relic into a world-class destination for shopping and dining, it’s a stunning place to start your day. The route then dips through Nine Elms, a rapidly developing district often called ‘Dubai on Thames’ due to its modern skyline.
Crossing under the river, the line stops at Kennington before hitting the cultural heavyweight of Waterloo. Here, you are steps away from the South Bank, the London Eye, and the National Theatre.
As you enter the West End, the stops read like a Monopoly board. Embankment and Charing Cross place you right at Trafalgar Square, the official centre of London. Just minutes later, you arrive at Leicester Square for theatreland and Chinatown, followed by Tottenham Court Road, the gateway to Oxford Street’s shopping.
Moving north, the character shifts again. Goodge Street and Warren Street serve the academic and medical quarters of Fitzrovia. Euston connects you to national rail services, while Mornington Crescent drops you at the southern tip of Camden.
Camden Town is an essential stop for its world-famous markets, live music, and alternative fashion. Just up the road, Chalk Farm offers a slightly quieter entry point to the Roundhouse venue and Primrose Hill.
The route then climbs to the affluent hilltop villages of Belsize Park and Hampstead. Hampstead is arguably the most picturesque stop on the line, with its cobbled streets, historic pubs, and the vast expanse of Hampstead Heath.
Emerging above ground at Golders Green, the route travels through the suburban hubs of Brent Cross (famous for its shopping centre) and Hendon Central. The RAF Museum at Colindale is a major attraction for families. Finally, passing through Burnt Oak, the service terminates at Edgware, a busy suburban centre with its own distinct community feel.
When does the route run
The Northern Line serves passengers from very early in the morning until late at night, seven days a week.
- Weekdays and Saturdays: Services typically start around 05:30 and run until just after midnight.
- Sundays: Services start slightly later, around 07:00, and finish before midnight.
- Night Tube: On Fridays and Saturdays, the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line often operates a 24-hour service, making it perfect for late-night theatre-goers or those enjoying the nightlife in Camden and Soho.
Service frequency and connections
One of the best features of this route is its frequency. During peak times, you can expect a train every 2 to 3 minutes in the central section. Even in the off-peak hours and on weekends, the service is incredibly reliable, with trains usually arriving every 3 to 6 minutes.
Connections are seamless. You can swap to almost any other Tube line at key interchanges like Waterloo, Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road, and Euston. National Rail connections are available at Waterloo, Charing Cross, and Euston, allowing for easy onward travel across the UK.
Value for money
Travelling on the Northern Line is excellent value, especially given the distance it covers.
- Fare Zones: The route spans Zone 1 (Battersea to Euston) out to Zone 5 (Edgware).
- Capping: If you use an Oyster card or contactless payment, your daily spend is “capped”. This means you can hop on and off as many times as you like in a single day for a fixed maximum price, making it cheaper than buying multiple single tickets.
- Off-peak: Travelling outside of the morning and evening rush hours (06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00) is cheaper and offers a more relaxed experience.
Top tips for the journey
- Avoid the Crush: The section between Camden Town and Waterloo can get very busy during rush hour. If you are travelling for leisure, try to travel between 10:00 and 16:00 for a guaranteed seat.
- The Hampstead Lift: Hampstead station is the deepest on the network. Don’t try to take the stairs unless you want a serious workout—it’s over 320 steps! Use the lifts.
- Surface Views: For the best views on the northern section (Golders Green to Edgware), try to sit by a window. The transition from tunnel to open air at Golders Green is a nice moment of “release” after the city centre.
- Check the Destination: The Northern Line is famous for being complex. When travelling north from Central London, make sure your train is marked “Edgware”. Some trains branch off towards High Barnet or Mill Hill East.
Planning a day out on this route
A perfect day out on this route balances the new, the old, and the green.
- Morning: Start at Battersea Power Station. Admire the Art Deco architecture and perhaps grab a coffee by the river.
- Midday: Hop on the train to Charing Cross. Walk up to the National Gallery or wander through Covent Garden (near Leicester Square).
- Lunch: Head north to Camden Town. Grab street food from Camden Market by the lock—the variety is endless, from halloumi fries to Peruvian curry.
- Afternoon: Escape the crowds by taking the train a few stops to Hampstead. Wander the village streets and take a walk on the Heath for one of the best views of the London skyline.
- Late Afternoon: If you have an interest in aviation, continue north to Colindale to visit the Royal Air Force Museum, which is free to enter and fascinating for all ages.
Year-round appeal
Because the route is largely underground or sheltered, it is immune to the unpredictable British weather. Whether it is pouring rain or scorching hot, the Northern Line keeps moving. The destinations, too, are year-round attractions. Camden Market and the West End theatres are buzzing 365 days a year, while the cosy pubs of Hampstead are arguably best enjoyed in the winter months. In summer, the green spaces of Battersea Park, Regent’s Park (near Camden), and Hampstead Heath come alive, making this route a gateway to London’s outdoors.
