London: Rare Opportunity to Ride Over the Bow Curve Railway Track – Discover What Tourists and Commuters Need to Know About the January 18th Ride

Published on December 16, 2025

For the first time in over seventy years, passengers will have the unique chance to travel over the Bow Curve railway track in East London on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This diversion is part of essential engineering works being carried out on the c2c line, and it provides a rare opportunity to experience a lesser-known part of the London railway network.

The Bow Curve is a historic railway track that links the Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street mainlines. Originally opened in 1849, the track was closed to passengers in 1949 and has only been used for special purposes in recent years. Now, thanks to the c2c line’s diversions during scheduled engineering work, the Bow Curve will be part of the regular route for passengers traveling on Rainham services, providing an exciting experience for tourists and regular commuters alike.

This diversion, which will run from Stratford to Fenchurch Street, will offer a rare glimpse of the area where the now-defunct Bow Road railway station once stood before its closure in 1949. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable trip, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

The Bow Curve: A Historic Route Reopened for One Day Only

The Bow Curve was once a crucial part of London’s railway network but was shut down as the demand for direct routes between Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street decreased. Today, the curve serves mainly as a connection for freight and maintenance services. However, this one-off opportunity to ride a passenger train over the track on January 18th, 2026 offers a rare glimpse into a forgotten piece of London’s transport history.

Passengers will board trains at Stratford or Fenchurch Street to experience the journey. The trains will run every half-hour, with services departing from Stratford between 08:29 and 21:59 and from Fenchurch Street between 09:54 and 22:54. Those traveling from Stratford will travel via Stratford to Limehouse, passing through the Bow Curve before reaching Fenchurch Street, making this a truly unique route.

For tourists, this is an excellent chance to explore East London, including Stratford’s Olympic Park and the historic Limehouse area. These locations are not only rich in history but also have modern attractions, providing a mix of both the old and new.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• Plan your trip early: Ensure you arrive at Stratford or Fenchurch Street on time as there will be limited departures throughout the day.
• Explore the area: The journey takes you through Stratford, a bustling area with plenty to offer, including Westfield Stratford City, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and nearby Hackney.
• Expect a scenic journey: Enjoy the views of London’s urban landscape as the train travels through Bow Curve, offering a rare perspective of East London.

The Impact of Engineering Works on the c2c Line

While the opportunity to ride over the Bow Curve is a thrilling one, it comes as part of necessary engineering works affecting the c2c line. Weekend closures on the Essex Thameside line have prompted a series of diversions for passengers traveling from Rainham to London. On January 18th, these diversions will result in Rainham services being extended to Fenchurch Street via Stratford, bypassing West Ham. As part of this diversion, passengers will travel along the Bow Curve as the trains head towards Fenchurch Street.

Other c2c line diversions in January include rerouted services from Basildon and Ockendon, with rail replacement buses operating between various stations. These changes may affect commuters traveling to central London and those heading to destinations in Essex. Therefore, passengers are encouraged to check live service updates from c2c and National Rail to avoid confusion and delays.

Quick Tips for Commuters:

• Check train schedules: Ensure you are aware of the alternative routes and replacement bus services if you’re traveling from areas like Basildon or Ockendon.
• Plan ahead for delays: With diversions and temporary bus replacements, it’s advisable to arrive earlier than usual for your journey to avoid any last-minute hassles.
• Monitor live updates: Use National Rail Enquiries and c2c’s website to stay informed on any potential delays or cancellations.

What This Means for Business Travelers

For business travelers heading into London for meetings or conferences, the disruptions caused by these engineering works may pose challenges. With services altered or replaced by buses, commuters can expect slower travel times, particularly those on routes affected by the c2c line diversions. However, this presents an excellent opportunity for those seeking to take a unique train ride while avoiding the regular hustle of the city’s commuter system.

Travelers may want to plan for additional travel time and consider using alternative transport options, such as the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) or London Underground, to get to their final destination.

Quick Tips for Business Travelers:

• Allow extra travel time: C2c diversions and rail replacement buses may lead to longer-than-expected journeys.
• Consider alternate routes: Use Underground or DLR services to bypass the busiest sections of the affected lines.
• Stay updated on services: Keep an eye on train service updates through apps or websites for the latest information.

Conclusion: A Unique Opportunity to Experience London’s Historic Railways

The Bow Curve is an iconic piece of London’s railway history, and the January 18th ride offers an exciting opportunity for both tourists and commuters to experience a rarely used track. As part of the c2c line’s diversions, this special event highlights both the importance of maintaining London’s infrastructure and the rich history embedded in its transport system.

Whether you’re a train enthusiast, business traveler, or tourist, don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to travel over the Bow Curve and see a side of London’s railway history that most people will never experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Rare Bow Curve ride available on January 18th, offering a unique journey from Stratford to Fenchurch Street.
• Engineering works are leading to diversions on c2c line services, affecting several routes across East London.
• Passengers should check schedules and allow extra time for travel due to rail replacement buses and diverted services.
• Tourists can use the opportunity to explore Stratford and the surrounding areas while experiencing this historic railway route.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated