The only London Underground line which passes through a zone on Tube map without stopping
Travelling around London via the iconic Underground is a quintessential part of city life, with each Tube line holding its own unique charm. The Metropolitan line, known for its air-conditioned carriages and speedy connections to Central London and beyond, is no exception.
Despite being a regular part of many Londoners' daily commute, the Metropolitan line boasts an intriguing history and some distinctive features. It's hard to believe that when it first opened in 1863 as part of the Metropolitan Railway network, it was a world away from what we know today, featuring gas-lit wooden carriages pulled by steam locomotives. In fact, it was the world's first underground railway.
The Metropolitan line also covers an impressive three counties - Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and, naturally, London. Interestingly, some of its former routes have since evolved into other Tube lines, such as the Hammersmith and City line.
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Did you know that the Metropolitan Line is the only Tube line that whizzes through an entire Zone without stopping? That's right, it breezes through Zone 3 without even pausing for a moment.
The Metropolitan line, with its impressive length of 66.7km, is the third longest Tube line, trailing behind the Piccadilly (71km) and the Central (74km). With only 34 stops along its route, trains can reach some pretty nifty speeds. Fun fact: the first ever air-conditioned, walk-through Underground train made its debut on the Metropolitan line in 2010.
If you fancy a long ride out of the city, hop on the Metropolitan line and stay put until the end. You'll find yourself in Chesham, the most distant underground station from central London, located a whopping 25 miles away.
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