The Piccadilly line is coloured dark blue on the Tube map. It is the fourth busiest line on the Underground. Classed as a deep-level line, the majority of its stations are actually above ground, of the 53 stations on the line only 25 are below ground.

The Piccadilly line is one of the most important and well-used lines on the London Underground, providing convenient and reliable transport for millions of passengers every year. It is especially useful for tourists visiting London, as it serves many of the city’s most popular, well-known destinations and top tourist attractions including Harrods (Knightsbridge), Hyde Park Corner, Buckingham Palace (within walking distance from Green Park), Piccadilly Circus (after which the line is named), Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

The Piccadilly line runs from Heathrow Terminal 5, Terminal 4 and Terminal 1,2 & 3 in the west to Arnos Grove in the north, serving 53 stations and covering a distance of approximately 60 miles.

One of the main advantages of the Piccadilly line for tourists is its convenient connections to Heathrow Airport, providing fast and direct transport to the airport from central London. The areas served by the Piccadilly are famous for their shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making the Piccadilly line an ideal choice for tourists.

In addition to its convenient connections, the Piccadilly line operates 24 hours a day, making it a reliable and flexible mode of transport for tourists and travellers.

Overall, the Piccadilly line is a valuable resource for tourists visiting London, offering fast and convenient connections to the city’s most popular destinations and Heathrow Airport.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, the Piccadilly line is a great option for travel on the London Underground.

Interesting facts

• Shortest distance between stations is Leicester Square to Covent Garden at 0.3km and about 35 seconds from start to stop.
• A fragrance known as Madeleine was trialled at St. James Park, Euston, and Piccadilly Circus stations in 2001, to make the Tube more pleasant. It was stopped within days after complaints from people saying they felt ill.
• The Piccadilly line was originally known as the Great Northern and Strand Railway when it first opened in 1906.
• The line was originally intended to serve the upper-class neighbourhoods of London, but it soon became popular with the general public and was absorbed into the London Underground network.
• The Piccadilly line runs through the world’s oldest underground railway tunnel, the now disused King’s Cross & Charing Cross section of the Great Northern Piccadilly and Brompton Railway.
• The Piccadilly line served as a secret military train during World War II, with trains and platforms concealed from public view to transport supplies and troops around London.
• The Piccadilly line’s Heathrow Terminal 5 station was designed by world-renowned architect, Lord Foster, and features unique, contemporary design elements such as a roof made entirely of glass.