Question 1

Which stations are on the Elizabeth line?

Accepted Answer

The Elizabeth line runs from Reading and Heathrow in the west, through a central tunnel under London (Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Whitechapel), then splits to Abbey Wood (via Canary Wharf and Custom House) and to Shenfield (via Stratford) in the east. There are 41 stations in total.

Question 2

Does the Elizabeth line go to Heathrow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It serves Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 directly. It is a cheaper, step-free alternative to the Heathrow Express and connects the airport straight to Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and on to Canary Wharf without changing trains.

Question 3

How late does the Elizabeth line run?

Accepted Answer

Last trains call at central London stations between about 00:15 and 00:35, Monday to Saturday, reaching the ends of the line by around 01:30. Sunday last trains run at similar times. First trains start from about 04:45–05:30 (later on Sundays). There is no overnight service. See the first & last trains page for exact times at every station.

Question 4

Does the Elizabeth line run at weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Saturday service matches weekdays; Sunday starts later and finishes at a similar time. A few weekends a year, TfL closes a section for planned engineering work, most often the Abbey Wood branch or the western surface sections. The weekend closures page shows TfL's published plan for the coming weekend.

Question 5

Why do people call it the Lizzy line?

Accepted Answer

Lizzy line and Liz line are common nicknames for the Elizabeth line, which opened in 2022 after being built as Crossrail. All of these names refer to the same line.

Question 6

Is the Elizabeth line part of the Tube?

Accepted Answer

No. It is operated by Transport for London, appears on the same maps and uses the same contactless and Oyster fares, but it is a separate full-size railway with larger trains, longer platforms and fewer stops. Many journeys that previously required the Tube can be made directly.

Question 7

What colour is the Elizabeth line?

Accepted Answer

The Elizabeth line is shown in purple on TfL maps. This guide uses its own purple-based design rather than the official roundel or map.

Question 8

When is the Elizabeth line quietest?

Accepted Answer

On weekdays the busiest periods are 07:30–09:30 and 16:30–18:30. The quietest times are usually 10:00–15:30 and after 19:30. Weekends are quieter overall, though central stations are busy with shoppers on Saturday afternoons.

Question 9

Is the Elizabeth line good with luggage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Trains are spacious and every station is step-free from street to train. Avoid the weekday evening peak (16:30–18:30) with large luggage; travelling after 10:00 or in the evening is more comfortable.

Question 10

Which Elizabeth line station is best for Oxford Street?

Accepted Answer

Both Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road sit directly under Oxford Street. Use Bond Street (Marylebone Lane exit) for Selfridges and the western half, and Tottenham Court Road for the eastern half near Oxford Circus and the shops towards Centre Point.

Question 11

Which Elizabeth line station is best for the British Museum?

Accepted Answer

Tottenham Court Road. Take the Newman Street / Oxford Street (north) exit and it is roughly a 10–15 minute walk - no Tube change needed.

Question 12

Which Elizabeth line station is best for ExCeL?

Accepted Answer

Custom House. The station is directly beside ExCeL London, with a level, step-free walk to the west entrance.

Question 13

How do I avoid changing to the Tube?

Accepted Answer

Choose the Elizabeth line station closest to your destination and use the correct exit. Oxford Street, Soho, the British Museum, Canary Wharf, ExCeL, Westfield Stratford, the Barbican and Smithfield are all a short walk from an Elizabeth line exit. The things-to-do page lists walking times.