The Elizabeth line covers around 100km cutting through central London and beyond. This new line has not only added an extra level of accessibility, but also convenience. The line has already helped to cut travel times to some of London’s biggest attractions.

Fun fact: the Elizabeth line appears on the iconic Tube map as a double purple line rather than a solid line to differentiate the Elizabeth line as a new railway as opposed to a London Underground line.

If you’re looking to move to London you may want to take advantage of this new line. With stops at popular commuting stops such as Canary Wharf, there’s no better time to make the move.  Here are the top places to live along the Elizabeth line for those looking for easy access across London.   

Woolwich 

Woolwich

Woolwich is filled with green spaces, cafes, restaurants and a wealth of history. Woolwich station sits right in the centre of the town centre making it easily accessible by bus or by foot. 

Woolwich is home to many trendy bars and delicious restaurants. With plenty to explore including weekly shops and high street stores. Plus, the A206 runs right through the main shopping area giving you easy access by road.

Not only does the area have everything you could need, but it’s also affordable. In the last few years, many new housing developments have sprung up, giving Woolwich a new lease on life. With plenty of leisure centres and schools, it’s the perfect place for families to settle down. 

Find the Elizabeth Line station at Dial Arch Square across from Beresford Square/ Woolwich Arsenal bus stop.

The average rent for a 1-bed in Woolwich is £1,425 pcm

Journey times from Woolwich on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 26 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 15 minutes
  • Canary Wharf: 8 minutes


 

Paddington

Paddington

Paddington is an ideal central location for those looking to be in the middle of London life. Hyde Park sits to the south, stylish Marylebone to the east and vibrant Notting Hill to the west. These surround the area with a vast mix of culture, shopping and green space. 

Paddington is the perfect spot for those wanting a more affordable central home. Take a walk along the historical canals or destress with a run around Hyde Park.

Why not head to Mayfair for some shopping or explore Paddington's own variety of bars? There’s plenty to do in the area and the excellent transport links give you ultimate freedom. 

Find the Elizabeth Line station along Eastbourne Terrace just a 10-minute walk from Hyde Park.

The average rent for a 1-bed in Paddington is £3,312 pcm

Journey times from Paddington on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Heathrow: 29 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 11 minutes
  • Canary Wharf: 17 minutes


 

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is the perfect place for those working in the area that don’t want the stress of a commute. As it is a hub for workers and businesses, it's extremely well-connected. Jump on the jubilee line to head up to North London or take advantage of the Elizabeth line to head east or west.

Ideal for young professionals, Canary Wharf has everything for ambitious socialites. From amazing bars and restaurants to myriad job opportunities. 

Find the Elizabeth Line in the heart of Canary Wharf at the top of Upper Bank Street.

The average rent for a 1-bed in Canary Wharf is £1,715.36 pcm

Journey times from Canary Wharf on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 17 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 6 minutes
  • Heathrow: 45 minutes

Read more about living in Canary Wharf.
 

Maidenhead

Maidenhead

Maidenhead is another of the best places to live on the Elizabeth line. This market town in the borough of Windsor offers a haven away from the busier parts of London. With plenty of green space and riverside walks, it’s the perfect place to call home. 

Maidenhead feels like a quaint English town with direct links straight into London. For those looking for the best place to live for commuting, Maidenhead has it all. The new Elizabeth line has massively improved the connections to the city. Now residents can jump on the new line to make their way to areas such as Canary Wharf, Paddington and more.

If you're interested in living in Maidenhead, be sure to check out our Berkshire House development.

Essential Living's Berkshire House also calls Maidenhead home. Offering stylish apartments for a relaxing place to live with excellent transport links. In just a 6-minute walk you can be at Maidenhead’s station and get on the Elizabeth line to central London and beyond.

Find the Elizabeth Line along the A308 across from David Lloyd Maidenhead.

The average rent for a 1-bed in Maidenhead is £1,880 pcm or view our 1-bed Maidenhead apartments starting from £1,300 pcm

Journey times from Maidenhead on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 35 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 45 minutes
  • Canary Wharf: 54 minutes

Read more about living in Maidenhead.


Stratford

Stratford

Home of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford is a hub of all things sport and leisure. This area is particularly popular with families due to its mix of nurseries and schools. 

Stratford is a great place for shopping. With the Westfield shopping centre right in the centre of the town. This is as well as Stratford Shopping Centre and the busy high street. There’s always something to do in Stratford, making it the perfect place to live. 

There are also plenty of transport links to and from Stratford. As well as the Elizabeth line, you can access Stratford’s national rail, overground and DLR. But, if you want to stay close to home, there are plenty of walks, green spaces and playgrounds to choose from. 

Find the Elizabeth line at Stratford Station across from Westfield Car Park B. 

The average rent for a 1-bed in Stratford is £2,250 pcm

Journey times from Stratford on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 18 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 7 minutes
  • Canary Wharf: 5 minutes
     

Southall

Southall

Over in west London Southall offers a bustling residential community. Known as a hub for south Asian culture, it's here you'll find the best south Asian food in London. 

The main high street is packed with all your favourite shops and amenities. From pharmacies to gyms, health centres to churches and temples. 

Through the Elizabeth line, you have direct access to central and east London. From Southall, it takes 22 minutes to get to Paddington and around 35 minutes to Liverpool Street. 

Find the Elizabeth line along South Road across from Gurdwara Parking.

The average rent for a 1-bed in Southall is £1,599 pcm

Journey times from Southall on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 14 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 25 minutes
  • Canary Wharf: 31 minutes
 

Brentwood

Brentwood

Along the commuter belt is the town of Brentwood. A location surrounded by luscious green countryside with direct links to the city. Like Southall, Brentwood is a popular residential area for families. 

The town has a host of large supermarket chains such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s and a range of high-street shops. Brentwood town centre has a number of restaurants, shops and coffee shops to choose from. 

For those wanting outside space for walks or parks, there are plenty of green spaces to choose from. Visit the relaxing Shenfield common or explore the local Hartswood Ancient Woodland.  
Find the Elizabeth line along the southern border of Brentwood town, on the corner of Myrtle road and the B186.

The average rent for a 1-bed in Brentwood is £1,300 pcm

Journey times from Brentwood on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 37 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 26 minutes
  • Canary Wharf: 31 minutes
     

Abbey Wood


Moving closer to the city, we have Abbey Wood. Situated close to the Thames, Abbey Wood is a hub of schools and residential areas. Popular with young families, this area has everything from shopping centres to woodland.

Abbey Wood is more suited to those looking for a slower pace of life and more of a community feel. Largely residential, it has all your essential shops and traditional pubs and cafes. If you’re looking for a family-friendly area with easy commuting routes into the city, Abbey Wood is the place to be. 

Find the Elizabeth line on Abbey Wood road across from Sainsbury’s.

The average rent for a 1-bed in Abbey Wood is £1,232 pcm

Journey times from Abbey Wood on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 28 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 18 minutes
  • Canary Wharf: 11 minutes
     

Reading

Reading

Reading may be at the very western end of the Elizabeth line but it has a lot to offer commuters. Far enough out of the city to escape the hustle and bustle, but with direct transport links. Reading is a great place to settle down and loved by those that work in the city.

Reading is well known for its popular music festival and top-rated university. But, it's also a great place to eat, drink and entertain. With plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice. 

The large town centre offers plenty to see and do. From parks like Foxbury Gardens to riverside walks along the river Kennet. If you're a student looking for direct links into central London, this could be the perfect place for you. 

Find the Elizabeth line in the heart of Reading town centre and the car park along North Street. 

The average rent for a 1-bed in Reading is £1,123 pcm

Journey times from Reading on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 50 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 1 hr 1 minute
  • Canary Wharf: 1 hr 7 minutes
     

Ilford

Ilford

Perfect for families due to its Outstanding rated Ofsted schools, Ilford has plenty to see and do. From shops to picturesque parks and open green spaces. Explore streets lined with historic Victorian, Edwardian and 1920’s homes. Or, head into the town centre to enjoy a variety of different pubs and restaurants.
Ilford is also very well connected with the underground, cross-rail and national rail. Jump onto the central line at Barkingside, Redbridge or Newbury Park stations. Enjoy the Elizabeth line routes from Ilford station, Seven Kings and Newbury Park.

Ilford’s borough of Redbridge came out on top when the National Office of Statistics asked London residents ‘how satisfied are you with your life?’. 

Find the Elizabeth line at Ilford station across from Exchange Ilford shopping centre, at Newbury Park station near Ilford War Memorial Gardens and at Seven Kings Station on High Road.   

The average rent for a 1-bed in Ilford is £1,318 pcm

Journey times from Ilford on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 28 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 17 minutes
  • Canary Wharf: 23 minutes
 

Twyford


A stunning picturesque village in Berkshire, Twyford is a favourite for commuters wanting a slower pace of life. Living in Twyford includes access to some of the stunning countryside that circles London. 

If you’re looking for a location that allows you to combine the best of both worlds, then Twyford is a must-see. The rail station not only offers access to the Elizabeth line but also to Great Western Rail. 

Before the announcement of the Elizabeth line, routes into central London were limited. However, the new cross-rail has given Twyford residents access to places like Paddington in just 45-minutes. 

Find the Elizabeth line at Twyford station just off Waltham Road along Statio road.    

The average rent for a 1-bed in Twyford is £872 pcm

Journey times from Ilford on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 45 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 56 minutes
  • Canary Wharf: 59 minutes
     

Whitechapel

Whitechapel

Whitechapel has seen a big boost to its infrastructure over the last few years. Long gone are the days of Jack the Ripper, now the area is a popular residential area. 

Although Whitechapel is now home to indie shops, it still showcases its history. Explore the Jack the Ripper museum or walk the streets of Brick Lane. Take in the stunning Victorian terrace houses or wander down to Tower Bridge.

This is a popular place for tourists but there are plenty of parks and hidden gems to escape the crowds. You'll have access to the District and Hammersmith lines via Aldgate East station. Or wander down to Shadwell to jump on the overground. 

The new Elizabeth Line will run from Whitechapel station northeast of the district. It will offer residents a faster option to explore both east and west London.

Find the Elizabeth line at Whitechapel station along Whitechapel Road.

The average rent for a 1-bed in Whitechapel is £2,202 pcm

Journey times from Whitechapel on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 14 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 3 minutes
  • Canary Wharf: 9 minutes


 

Romford


This Essex town offers plenty of transport links to take you into London and nationwide. The large town in London’s east end is another area ideal for work-life balance. With easy access to the luscious countryside and fast travel to central London. 

Residents have plenty to see and do, with excellent shopping and leisure facilities. Browse the stores in The Liberty Shopping Centre or go for a walk around Essex Nature Reserve. 

With plenty of good schools, Romford also makes an ideal home for families. Take the kids to Kidspace Romford for the day or enjoy a night out at the greyhound races. 

The Elizabeth line runs right through the town offering you multiple stops. Jump off at Romford station or go onwards to Gidea Park and Harold Wood. 

The average rent for a 1-bed in Romford is £1,120 pcm

Journey times from Romford on the Elizabeth Line*

  • Paddington: 38 minutes
  • Liverpool street: 27 minutes
  • Canary Wharf: 33 minutes


The opening of the Elizabeth line has already started to expand the commuter belt for London. Opening 10 brand new stations it has helped connect villages and towns to central London.

Not only is it expanding options for London workers, but it's also slashing commuter times. For example, journeys from Abbey Wood to Paddington which previously took 51 minutes, will now take just 28 minutes. Woolwich to Whitechapel usually takes 25-29 minutes, but now takes 9 minutes via the Elizabeth line. 

Journey Previous Journey Time Elizabeth Line Journey Time
Abbey Wood > Paddington 51 minutes  28 minutes
Woolwich > Whitechapel 25-29 minutes 9 minutes
Romford > Paddington 53 minutes 39 minutes
Paddington > Tottenham Court Road 25 minutes 5 minutes
Heathrow > Canary Wharf 44-64 minutes 47 minutes

Check out our developments in and around London.

Josh Sebastian

Author

Josh is an experienced London resident and stellar local guide. With his finger on the pulse of things to do in London, he's constantly sharing lesser-known tips and recommendations with readers.