After minor signalling changes were made, approval was granted and a few days of operating trials were carried out before the grand opening on 9 January 1863, which included a ceremonial run from Paddington and a large banquet for 600 shareholders and guests at Farringdon.
Efter mindre ændringer til signalsystemer kom godkendelsen i hus, og nogle få dages driftsforsøg blev foretaget før indvielsen 9. januar 1863, der indeholdt en ceremoniel kørsel fra Paddington og en stor banket for 600 aktionærer og gæster på Farringdon.