Planning a late night out in London and wondering if you can catch the Tube home? The short answer is: it depends on the day. London's Tube network doesn't run 24 hours every night, but the Night Tube service does operate all night on Fridays and Saturdays on select lines.
🌙 Quick Answer
No, the London Tube does not run 24 hours every day. Night Tube services only operate on Friday and Saturday nights on five Tube lines plus one Overground route. On Sunday through Thursday nights, the last trains run around midnight.
Which Lines Run All Night?
The Night Tube operates on five Underground lines and one London Overground route. Here's the complete breakdown:
| Line | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Brixton to Walthamstow Central | Every 10 mins |
| Central | Ealing Broadway to Loughton/Hainault | Every 10-20 mins |
| Jubilee | Stanmore to Stratford | Every 10 mins |
| Northern | Edgware/High Barnet to Morden (Charing Cross branch only) | Every 8-15 mins |
| Piccadilly | Cockfosters to Heathrow Terminal 5 | Every 10 mins |
| Overground | New Cross Gate to Highbury & Islington (Windrush line) | Every 15 mins |
Does the Victoria Line Run All Night?
Yes, but only on Friday and Saturday nights. The Victoria line operates the full route from Brixton to Walthamstow Central throughout the night, with trains running approximately every 10 minutes. This makes it one of the most reliable Night Tube lines, as it covers the entire route without any branch restrictions.
Does the Piccadilly Line Run All Night?
Yes, on weekends. The Piccadilly line runs all night on Friday and Saturday between Cockfosters and Heathrow Terminal 5. However, there's no overnight service on the Terminal 4 loop or between Acton Town and Uxbridge. If you're catching an early flight from Heathrow on a Saturday or Sunday morning, the Night Tube is a great option.
Does the Central Line Run at Night?
The Central line does operate overnight on weekends, but with some restrictions. Trains run every 10 minutes between White City and Leytonstone, and every 20 minutes on the outer sections to Ealing Broadway, Loughton, and Hainault. Note that there's no Night Tube service to Epping and the line terminates at Loughton.
What About the Overground at Night?
The London Overground runs a limited night service on the Windrush line between New Cross Gate and Highbury & Islington. Trains run every 15 minutes on Friday and Saturday nights. Other Overground routes don't have overnight service.
Need more details about the Windrush line? Check out our complete guide to Windrush line night service with exact times and station information.
⚠️ Important: Northern Line Restrictions
The Northern line's Night Tube service doesn't cover all branches. There's no overnight service on the Bank branch or to Mill Hill East. Night trains run via the Charing Cross branch only, between Morden and Edgware/High Barnet via Leicester Square.
When Does the Night Tube Run?
Night Tube services operate on:
- Friday nights: from around midnight into Saturday morning (until approximately 5:30am)
- Saturday nights: from around midnight into Sunday morning (until approximately 5:30am)
The Night Tube runs continuously, so there's no gap between the last regular service and the overnight trains on these nights.
How Much Does the Night Tube Cost?
Night Tube fares are charged at off-peak rates, making it an affordable way to get home. You can use your Oyster card, contactless payment, or Travelcard just as you would during the day. Daily capping still applies, so you won't pay more than the daily maximum even if you travel late.
Day Travelcards remain valid until 4:30am the following morning, so a Friday Travelcard covers your Night Tube journey into Saturday morning.
What About Sunday to Thursday Nights?
On nights when the Night Tube doesn't run (Sunday through Thursday), the last Tube trains typically depart between 11:30pm and midnight depending on the line and station. This is where planning becomes essential.
🔍 Find Your Last Train Home
Don't get stranded on a weeknight! Use Last Trip to find the exact time of your last Tube, bus, or train home from any London station.
Find My Last Trip →Alternatives When Night Tube Isn't Running
If you're travelling late on a Sunday through Thursday, you have several options:
- Night buses: London has an extensive network of night bus routes (prefixed with 'N') that run throughout the night, every night
- Use Last Trip: our tool shows you exactly when the last Tube or bus leaves, so you can plan your journey home
- Taxi or rideshare: more expensive, but sometimes necessary if you miss the last train
Summary: Does London Tube Run 24 Hours?
To recap: the London Underground does not run 24 hours every day. However, Night Tube services operate all night on Friday and Saturday nights on the Victoria, Central, Jubilee, Northern, and Piccadilly lines, plus the Overground's Windrush line.
On other nights, last trains run around midnight. Planning ahead is key, especially on weeknights when you'll need to catch that last train or find an alternative way home.