About the District Line
The District line is the most complex on the London Underground, with five separate branches radiating from central London westward to Richmond, Ealing Broadway and Wimbledon, and eastward to Upminster. Its 60 stations span 64 km, serving a huge swathe of west, central and east London. Key stations include Victoria, Sloane Square, South Kensington, Earls Court, Paddington, Notting Hill Gate, Westminster, Embankment, Blackfriars, Cannon Street, Tower Hill, Whitechapel and Barking. The green colour on the tube map reflects the line's character - it runs through some of the greenest, most desirable residential areas in west London, as well as the historic riverside towns of Richmond and Kew.
History
The District line was built by the Metropolitan District Railway, opening its first section between South Kensington and Westminster in 1868. Extensions to Hammersmith, Richmond, Wimbledon and the east followed over subsequent decades. The line was electrified in 1905 using a system developed by American engineer Charles Tyson Yerkes, who financed much of the Underground's early 20th-century development. Today the District shares its infrastructure extensively with the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines.
Stations on this Line
57 stops along the route
Line Statistics
Travel Tips
- 1The District line splits into five branches - always check your train's destination before boarding at Earl's Court or Whitechapel
- 2At Earl's Court, trains split for Richmond/Ealing Broadway/Wimbledon westbound - the correct platform is sign-posted
- 3Kew Gardens, Richmond and Wimbledon are excellent day trip destinations on the District line
- 4The section between Victoria and Tower Hill is useful for sightseeing - Westminster, Blackfriars and Tower Hill are all on this stretch
- 5The District line does not run 24 hours - check last train times, especially on the Richmond and Wimbledon branches
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the District Line in London.