Rayners Lane

Rayners Lane is an interchange station where the Piccadilly line branches off the Metropolitan line tracks, heading south-west towards Uxbridge while the Metropolitan continues north-east towards Pinner and Harrow-on-the-Hill. The station has a significant South Asian community in the surrounding area, with Alexandra Avenue known for its concentration of Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan restaurants and shops. For rail enthusiasts, Rayners Lane is also notable for being the setting of an Evelyn Waugh short story from the 1930s - the name became a byword for a certain kind of suburban aspiration and melancholy.

Station Overview

Rayners Lane station opened in 1906. It sits in Zone 5 and is served by the Metropolitan line and the Piccadilly line. The station does not have step-free access. It is the junction point where the Piccadilly line's Uxbridge branch diverges from the Metropolitan line.

Lines and Connectivity

The Piccadilly line (dark blue) connects south through South Harrow, Sudbury Hill and into central London. The line also continues north-west on the Uxbridge branch through Eastcote, Ruislip Manor, Ruislip and Hillingdon to Uxbridge.

The Metropolitan line (magenta) connects south-east towards Harrow-on-the-Hill and into central London via Baker Street. Northbound from Harrow-on-the-Hill, the Metropolitan reaches Pinner, Northwood and eventually Amersham and Chesham.

Facilities

Rayners Lane station has a shop and ticket machines. Alexandra Avenue nearby has South Asian restaurants, grocers and shops within a short walk.

Accessibility

Rayners Lane does not have step-free access. The nearest accessible stations on these lines are further in central London.

Travel Tips

• Alexandra Avenue is a short walk from the station and has excellent South Asian restaurants - good value Indian and Pakistani food in particular.
• This is the junction point between the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines - trains alternate between central London and Uxbridge on the Piccadilly line branch. Check the destination board.
• Roxbourne Park, a pleasant local park, is accessible from the surrounding area.
• Harrow-on-the-Hill (Metropolitan line) is the better option for the historic hilltop town.
• No step-free access at this station.

Nearby Attractions

Alexandra Avenue food strip - five minutes walk. South Asian restaurants, grocers and food shops serving the local community. Good value Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

Roxbourne Park - accessible from the surrounding area. A local park along the River Pinn with walking paths and a small lake. Free.

Harrow-on-the-Hill - accessible via Metropolitan line. The historic hilltop town with Harrow School, ancient church and panoramic views.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Piccadilly line and Metropolitan line services at Rayners Lane run from approximately 05:00 to midnight (Piccadilly) and similar hours for Metropolitan. Night Tube operates on the Piccadilly line on Friday and Saturday nights. The station is busiest during weekday rush hours.