The London Underground network features stations of all shapes and sizes. While Chesham, Heathrow Terminal 4, Olympia, and Mill Hill East have just one platform each, Clapham Common and Clapham North stand out for having the narrowest platforms.
When you think about the ‘biggest’ Underground station, maybe King’s Cross St Pancras or Waterloo stations spring to mind. But it’s actually Baker Street, with a record-breaking 10 platforms connecting five lines.
Baker Street is the world’s oldest underground station, opening in 1863 as part of the Metropolitan Railway. Over the decades, it has evolved into a bustling hub, merging three separate stations in the 1930s to streamline London’s growing Tube network.
Baker Street is not the busiest station in the Underground network
(Image: MyLondon)
Nowadays, Baker Street has 10 platforms and it connects the Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Jubilee lines. The station has so many platforms purely due to the amount of lines it serves.
Its platforms are interconnected, with most, like the Jubilee and Bakerloo southbound platforms, just a short walk apart. This design ensures smooth commuter flow, making Baker Street one of the busiest interchanges on the network.
The station’s history is reflected in its design. Platforms one to four were refurbished in the 1920s, while platforms eight to ten date back to 1906. Adjustments have been made over the years to accommodate longer modern trains, like the S Stock trains.
Baker Street’s platforms are full of charm
(Image: MyLondon)
Nicknamed ‘The Cathedral’ for its grand arches, Baker Street also hides secrets. There’s a hidden spot which offers a rare view of the Bakerloo and Metropolitan line platforms.
Beyond its size, Baker Street is steeped in history, intrigue, and charm. As the London Underground ’s oldest station, it remains a cornerstone of the network and a treasure full of hidden gems.
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