Explore the Waterloo & City Line: London’s Underground Shortcut
Looking for something off the beaten track in London? Meet the Waterloo & City line — a tiny but fascinating part of the Tube network that even many locals overlook. Known as “The Drain”, this two-stop underground line whisks you under the River Thames in just 4 minutes, connecting Waterloo Station with Bank in the City of London.
Short, sweet, and steeped in history, it’s a unique way to experience a lesser-known side of London’s iconic transport system.
What Makes It Special?
Just Two Stops: The line runs only between Waterloo and Bank, with no stops in between.
Fastest River Crossing: A quick, underground shortcut between South Bank sights and the heart of the City.
A Commuter Classic: Built in 1898, it was designed to carry bankers and workers into the financial district and it still does today.
Why Tourists Should Try It
Whether you’re exploring London’s landmarks or just curious about the city’s quirky infrastructure, the Waterloo & City line is worth a ride. Here’s why:
Connects Key Attractions:
From Bank, you’re minutes away from the Museum of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Leadenhall Market.
From Waterloo, it’s an easy walk to the London Eye, Southbank Centre, The Old Vic, and more.
A Unique Underground Experience:
Most Tube lines have several stops, this one has just two! It’s quick, efficient, and gives you a peek into London’s transport history.
Hidden History:
This was London’s second electric railway, and it’s still not connected to any other Tube line. Trains are lowered in and out of the underground depot by crane, something few railways anywhere can say.
Fun Facts for the Curious About “The Drain”
- It’s the least-used line on the Underground (because it’s mainly for weekday commuters).
- It doesn’t run on Sundays or public holidays, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Train maintenance? It happens by lifting trains up to street level!
- It’s over 125 years old, and still running strong.
- Isolated by Design: It’s not physically connected to any other tube or rail line, making it a completely self-contained operation.
- Rolling Stock Secrets: Trains are transported for maintenance via a special lift shaft, one of the few times you’ll see Tube trains lifted by crane.
- Post-War Modernisation: The original wooden carriages were replaced with modern electric stock in the 1940s, and the line was later absorbed into London Underground in 1994.
How to Ride the Waterloo & City Line
From Waterloo Station: Follow signs to the Waterloo & City line on the Underground level.
From Bank Station: Look for the greenish-blue “W&C” signs deep inside Bank’s maze-like corridors.
It runs Monday to Friday, roughly 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. There’s no service on weekends or holidays, so it’s a true weekday-only experience.
Make It Part of Your London Adventure
Even if you’re not headed to a meeting in the City, hopping on the Waterloo & City line is a fun and fast way to:
Cross the Thames without the crowds
Experience a hidden piece of London’s transit story
Say you’ve ridden the entire line — in under 5 minutes!
It’s the kind of local oddity that makes travel more memorable. Don’t miss the Tube line that most visitors never discover!