22
Nov,2025
It’s 2 a.m. You just left a gig in Shoreditch, or maybe you’re finishing a late shift at the hospital. The last bus is gone, and your phone says the next train isn’t for three hours. That’s when you remember: London’s Night Tube is running. But which lines actually go all night? Not all of them. And knowing which ones do can save you hours of waiting on a cold platform.
Which London Underground lines run 24 hours?
As of 2025, five of London’s 11 Underground lines operate a full 24-hour service on Friday and Saturday nights. These are the Night Tube lines:
- Central line
- Jubilee line
- Northern line
- Piccadilly line
- Victoria line
That’s it. No more, no less. The Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, and Elizabeth lines do not run all night. If you’re planning to travel after midnight on a Wednesday or Thursday, you’ll need to rely on night buses or taxis.
When does the Night Tube actually run?
Don’t assume it runs every night. The Night Tube only operates on Friday and Saturday nights - meaning service starts after the last regular train on Friday evening and continues until the morning of Saturday, then again Saturday night into Sunday morning. It does not run on Sunday through Thursday nights.
Trains typically start running around 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, replacing the last regular service. They keep going until about 6 a.m. the next morning. Frequency varies: on the busiest lines like the Northern and Central, you’ll usually get a train every 10 minutes. On the Piccadilly and Victoria, it’s closer to every 15 minutes.
What stations are open during Night Tube hours?
All stations on the five Night Tube lines stay open. But here’s the catch: not every station on those lines serves Night Tube trains. Some smaller or less busy stops close after the last regular train.
For example, on the Northern line, stations like East Finchley and Mill Hill East don’t have Night Tube service. On the Piccadilly line, stations like Acton Town and Cockfosters are closed overnight. Always check Transport for London’s official Night Tube map before you head out - it shows which stations are open and which aren’t.
How to plan your Night Tube journey
Planning is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use the TfL Go app - it shows real-time Night Tube departures and alerts you if your station is closed overnight.
- Check the route on the TfL website before you leave. Search for your journey and select ‘Night Tube’ under the travel options.
- Know your stop. If your station isn’t listed as open overnight, you’ll need to get off at the next one and walk or take a night bus.
- Don’t rely on Google Maps for overnight routes - it often doesn’t update Night Tube schedules accurately.
Pro tip: If you’re heading to or from Heathrow Airport, the Piccadilly line Night Tube runs all night, but only between Hatton Cross and Cockfosters. Heathrow Terminal 5 is served, but Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are not. You’ll need to take the regular Piccadilly line to Hatton Cross and then a night bus (N9) to reach those terminals.
What about fares?
Night Tube fares are the same as daytime fares. You can use Oyster cards, contactless payment, or a Travelcard. There’s no extra charge for riding at night. But here’s something to watch out for: if you start your journey before midnight and finish after, you might be charged for two separate journeys if you change lines. That’s because the system treats overnight travel as two different time bands. To avoid this, try to stay on one line or use a Travelcard that covers your entire route.
Why aren’t all lines on the Night Tube?
London Underground isn’t just a train service - it’s a 24-hour maintenance operation. Every night, engineers need to inspect tracks, replace rails, fix signals, and clean stations. The Night Tube only runs on lines where maintenance can be done without disrupting service on other lines. The Central and Northern lines, for example, have simpler track layouts and fewer junctions, making overnight work easier. The District and Circle lines, on the other hand, share tracks with commuter services and have complex interchanges that can’t be shut down for maintenance without causing chaos during the day.
Also, demand plays a role. The Victoria and Jubilee lines connect major nightlife zones like Soho, Camden, and Stratford - places packed with people on weekends. The Bakerloo line, which runs through quieter areas like Elephant & Castle and Harrow & Wealdstone, just doesn’t have enough riders after midnight to justify the cost.
What if the Night Tube isn’t running?
If you’re traveling on a Sunday through Thursday night, your best bet is the Night Bus network. London has over 100 night bus routes, many of which follow the same paths as the Underground. For example, the N55 runs from Richmond to Liverpool Street, roughly parallel to the District line. The N29 goes from Wimbledon to Oxford Circus, matching the Northern line’s route.
Night buses run every 15 to 30 minutes, and they’re free if you have a valid Oyster or contactless card. They’re slower than the Tube, but they’re reliable and cover areas the Night Tube doesn’t reach.
What’s changing in 2025?
Transport for London is testing extended Night Tube hours on the Elizabeth line. Starting in early 2025, Friday and Saturday night service on the Elizabeth line will extend from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. - though it still won’t be full 24-hour service. This is a pilot. If ridership stays high, they might expand it to more nights. But don’t count on it yet.
There’s also talk of adding the Bakerloo line to the Night Tube by 2027, but no firm plans have been announced. For now, stick with the five lines you know.
Is the Night Tube safe?
Yes - but use common sense. The Night Tube is well-lit, monitored by CCTV, and patrolled by transport police. Stations are busy on Friday and Saturday nights, especially around central zones. Still, avoid empty carriages. Stick to the front or back of the train where there are more people. Keep your belongings close. If you feel uneasy, move to another carriage or alert a station staff member. They’re always on duty overnight.
Most incidents on the Night Tube are minor - spilled drinks, loud conversations, the occasional argument. Serious crime is rare. The biggest risk? Missing your stop because you’re tired. Set an alarm on your phone or ask the person next to you to wake you up.
What about other cities?
London’s Night Tube is one of the biggest in the world, but it’s not unique. Berlin, Madrid, and Barcelona have 24-hour metro systems on weekends. New York’s subway runs 24/7 every day - but it’s older, less reliable, and less clean. Tokyo’s trains stop around midnight. Sydney’s light rail and metro shut down after 11 p.m. - no night service at all.
That’s why London’s Night Tube matters. It’s not just about getting home. It’s about letting people work late, go out late, and live in a city that never sleeps - without having to pay for a taxi.
Do all stations on the Night Tube lines stay open overnight?
No. Some smaller stations on the Night Tube lines close after the last regular train. For example, on the Northern line, East Finchley and Mill Hill East don’t serve Night Tube trains. On the Piccadilly line, Acton Town and Cockfosters are closed overnight. Always check Transport for London’s official Night Tube map before you travel.
Can I use my Oyster card on the Night Tube?
Yes. Oyster cards, contactless payment cards, and Travelcards work exactly the same on the Night Tube as they do during the day. There’s no extra charge for traveling at night. Just tap in and out as normal.
Does the Night Tube run on public holidays?
Usually not. The Night Tube only runs on Friday and Saturday nights. Even on bank holidays like Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, service follows the regular weekend schedule - meaning it runs only if the holiday falls on a Friday or Saturday. Always check TfL’s website before traveling on a holiday.
Is the Night Tube slower than the regular Tube?
Not really. Night Tube trains run at the same speed as daytime trains. The only difference is frequency - you might wait a few extra minutes between trains. On the Central and Northern lines, trains come every 10 minutes. On the Piccadilly and Victoria, it’s about every 15 minutes.
Can I take my bike on the Night Tube?
No. Bikes are not allowed on the Night Tube at any time. This rule applies to all Underground lines, day or night. If you need to cycle late, use the night bus network - many have bike racks on the front.
What to do next
If you’re planning to use the Night Tube, download the TfL Go app now. Set a reminder for Friday night. Know your station. Check if it’s open. And don’t forget - if you’re heading to the airport, double-check your terminal. The Piccadilly line doesn’t serve all of Heathrow overnight.
The Night Tube isn’t perfect. But for anyone who works late, goes out late, or just doesn’t want to pay £30 for a taxi at 3 a.m., it’s one of the best things about living in London.
