London Overground
London Overground is a TfL rail service with six named lines circling outer London, using Oyster and contactless pay as you go.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Official website
- Official website
- Train tickets
- Direct
London Overground is a Transport for London service, not a national train-operating company brand. TfL sets fares, frequency and station standards. Network Rail maintains most of the track and signalling, since the Overground runs on National Rail infrastructure. Six named lines make up the network: Liberty, Lioness, Mildmay, Suffragette, Weaver and Windrush. Together they form an orbital route around outer London plus radial branches.
The original routes behind those names run: Richmond and Clapham Junction to Stratford, Watford Junction to Euston, Gospel Oak to Barking, Highbury & Islington to West Croydon and Clapham Junction, Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, Cheshunt and Chingford, and Romford to Upminster.
One distinction matters early. London Overground is separate from the Elizabeth line. Both are TfL-branded, but the Elizabeth line runs on different infrastructure with its own fares and rolling stock.
Tickets and fares
Overground fares run on the same Oyster and contactless pay-as-you-go system as the rest of London's TfL network, not separate National Rail ticketing.
Bikes and accessibility
Folded bikes travel at any time on almost every TfL service, Overground included. Full-size, non-folded bikes are more restricted: allowed Monday to Friday before 07:30, between 09:30 and 16:00, and after 19:00, with no time restriction at weekends or on bank holidays. Non-folding e-bikes are not permitted on the Overground, though folded e-bikes travel under the same rules as folded bikes. Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are allowed under TfL's conditions of carriage. E-scooters, folded or not, are not allowed on any TfL service.
Where to book
Train tickets
- Buy direct from London Overground
London Overground
Frequently asked questions
What are London Overground's line names?
The six lines are Liberty, Lioness, Mildmay, Suffragette, Weaver and Windrush, each covering one of the original orbital or radial routes around outer London.
Who runs London Overground?
Transport for London sets fares, frequency and station standards, while Network Rail maintains most of the track and signalling, since Overground trains run on National Rail infrastructure.
Can I take my bike on the London Overground?
Folded bikes travel any time. Full-size bikes are allowed Monday to Friday before 07:30, between 09:30 and 16:00, and after 19:00, with no restriction at weekends or on bank holidays.
Is London Overground the same as the Elizabeth line?
No. Both are TfL-branded services, but the Elizabeth line is a separate service with its own infrastructure and fares, distinct from the Overground's six lines.
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Official website