Central line disruption

Travel advice and alternatives for the Central line.

Central line trains have been experiencing higher than normal rates of motor failure after more than 30 years in operation, which means we had fewer trains available for service each day.  

While there is still some disruption on the line, from Monday January 27 2025, we have been able to reinstate the weekday timetable which was replaced by the reduced timetable in February 2024.

Current timetable

This means there will be more frequent trains from most stations on the Central line between Mondays and Fridays.  

We will aim to run an average of 25 to 28 trains per hour in the weekday morning and evening peaks between White City and Leytonstone, compared to 21 trains per hour with the previous temporary timetable.

  • Central London - Trains are scheduled to run around every 2 - 3 minutes at peak times
  • East London - Trains are scheduled to run approximately every 3-10 minutes at peak times, with the service between Hainault and Woodford running every 20 minutes
  • West London - Trains are scheduled to run between White City and North Acton/West Ruislip approximately every 3-10 minutes at peak times, and between North Acton and Ealing Broadway approximately every 5-8 minutes at peak times

You may still sometimes have to wait longer than usual for a train, and services may be busier than usual.

What we are doing

For now, the weekend timetable on the Central line will not change. 

This allows us to continue our intensive work to repair more trains, and improve service levels further.  

In the long term we are also investing in the fleet via the Central Line Improvement Programme.

Travel advice

Although weekday service will now be more frequent, continue to check before you travel and plan your journeys in advance.

If your journey has been delayed by 15 minutes or more, you may be entitled to a refund. Visit our refunds page for more details.

Alternative routes

The Central line through zones 1 and 2 between White City and Stratford is well served by alternative Tube lines and other modes of public transport.

Check timetables for our services.

Woodford/Hainault Tube shuttle

Weekday morning peak trains from Grange Hill to Central London (via Woodford) will be restored as part of this timetable change.   

At other times, shuttle services will run between Woodford and Hainault approximately every 20 minutes. For journeys to/from central London take the first train and change at Woodford or Hainault.

Use our travel tools

Check before you travel and plan ahead using our travel tools. Keep up to date with the latest service information.

Plan your journey ahead of time and check before you travel.

  • Our TfL Go app has interactive maps, live arrival times, route finding, accessible journeys and other travel information
  • Journey Planner helps you plan your route by public transport, cycling or walking

  • Check the latest status updates for Tube, rail and trams

  • Check the latest status updates for buses and traffic

  • Nearby uses your current location or a postcode or address of your choice and places you on a map, showing you Tube, bus, river, rail and Santander Cycles locations around you
  • Subscribe to our email updates for travel news