A major shake-up to London’s transport network is on the horizon, as Transport for London (TfL) prepares to roll out five new Superloop routes between 2026 and 2027.
From Romford to Eltham, and Hendon to Ealing, these express links promise faster, more direct journeys across outer London, without needing to set foot on the Tube.
After the BL1 “Bakerloop” launched in September, connecting Waterloo to Lewisham, Mayor Sadiq Khan made it clear he wanted commuters to see change sooner rather than later.
“I didn’t want commuters to wait any longer for improved transport,” he said, referencing the Bakerloo Line extension that’s not expected to open until 2040.
In the meantime, TfL is fast-tracking a series of Superloop routes designed to improve cross-borough travel and link up key transport hubs.
SL11 – Greenwich to Abbey Wood (2026)
The SL11 will replace the existing 472 route in South East London, cutting the number of stops to create a faster express link.
The route remains similar, stretching from North Greenwich to Abbey Wood via Thamesmead, but now takes a more direct path through Beresford Street in Woolwich.
TfL says the streamlined service will strengthen connections with the Elizabeth Line, DLR, and National Rail, while tying into SL3 at Abbey Wood and Thamesmead. Originally hinted at for 2024, passengers will now have to wait until early 2026 for its debut.
The addition comes as Londoners are already seeing improvements to other services, including the new DLR trains launching across the capital, which promise smoother and more accessible journeys.
SL12 – Gants Hill to Rainham (2026)
Havering finally gets its Superloop connection. The SL12 will stretch from Gants Hill to Rainham, linking Ilford, Romford, and two major hospitals, George’s and Queen’s.
Following earlier frustration at being excluded from TfL’s initial rollout, the borough is now celebrating. A public consultation revealed 79% of residents found the proposal more convenient, with 69% saying they’d switch from car to bus if it launches.
SL13 – Hendon to Ealing Broadway (2026/27)
North West London’s SL13 will connect Hendon War Memorial to Ealing Broadway, stopping at key interchanges including Hendon Central, Brent Cross, and Neasden.
Services are planned to run from 5am to 12.30am, every 12 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays. Evenings and Sundays will see a slightly reduced frequency of 15 minutes.
To make space for SL13, TfL also plans to tweak existing routes, extending the E7 to accommodate the new express link.
SL14 – Stratford to Chingford (Under Consultation)
The SL14 proposal aims to bridge Stratford Bus Station and Chingford Hatch, serving Leyton, St James’s Street, and Blackhorse Road.
It would intersect with SL1 at Crooked Billet Roundabout, meaning passengers could travel from Stratford to North Finchley under one fare.
However, existing D8 services in Stratford will need rerouting to make way for the new express stop at Stratford City Bus Station.
SL15 – Clapham Junction to Eltham (Consultation Stage)
Lastly, the SL15 will connect Clapham Junction and Eltham, running daily with stops at eight major rail interchanges. These include Clapham South, Tulse Hill, Forest Hill, and Catford Bridge.
The route takes cues from the P13, 160, and 185, aiming to make south London travel quicker, particularly between Catford and Eltham.
While no existing routes will be scrapped, small adjustments may occur near Clapham Junction, and a new stop under Falcon Road’s railway bridge could soon appear.
TfL hopes the Superloop network will transform how Londoners travel, particularly those in outer boroughs long underserved by rapid links.
By 2027, the capital could see a complete Superloop ring, offering faster journeys without relying solely on central Underground lines.
