Silverlink: former routes and current operators
Silverlink was the former operator of both London suburban lines and services from Euston towards the Midlands. Its Metro and County divisions passed to different successors, which is essential when planning a journey from an old Silverlink reference.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
Operator history and changes
The North London Railways franchise began in 1997 and became known as Silverlink. Its two principal passenger identities served different markets. Silverlink Metro covered suburban and orbital routes in London, while Silverlink County covered the Euston–Northampton corridor and associated regional services.
In November 2007, Metro services transferred to Transport for London as part of the creation of London Overground. County services were combined with western Central Trains services to form London Midland. London Midland was itself replaced in 2017, leading to the London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway brands. London Overground has expanded since the Silverlink era, and its present network includes routes that were never part of Silverlink.
Former routes and principal stations
Historical Silverlink Metro routes
Metro included orbital London services, the Gospel Oak–Barking line and the Euston–Watford suburban route. The examples below come from different lines.
Historical Silverlink County corridor
County provided services from Euston along the West Coast route towards Northampton and the Midlands.
Travelling on these routes today
Use London Overground information for former Metro journeys and London Northwestern Railway for much of the former County corridor. At Euston or Watford Junction, confirm whether you want a stopping Overground train or a main-line service. For an orbital London journey, use the present line name and destination shown by TfL, since the network and its passenger naming have developed substantially since 2007.
Tickets and journey choices
Old Silverlink fares and travel zones are historical. Check the present ticket or pay-as-you-go area and whether the journey stays within it. An Overground payment arrangement is not automatically a ticket for every main-line train between the same stations; inspect the current conditions for the particular service.
Accessibility and assistance
Check today’s TfL or National Rail accessibility information according to the route. The accessible path between main-line and suburban platforms may differ at a shared station. Confirm lift status, boarding help and any replacement transport, especially when your itinerary combines Overground with a main-line connection.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.