Arriva Rail London: former routes and current operators
Arriva Rail London was the company that operated London Overground for TfL before First Rail London took over in May 2026. London Overground remains the current passenger brand.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
Operator history and changes
Arriva Rail London’s concession began on 13 November 2016. It delivered London Overground services on TfL’s behalf rather than creating a separate Arriva-branded passenger network. The operator managed a mix of orbital, radial and local lines, with different termini and interchange patterns across London.
First Rail London became the operator on 3 May 2026. FirstGroup’s current rail information confirms that the handover took place, and ORR records the access agreements supporting the change. This is a completed operating-company transition, not the end of London Overground. Older Arriva Rail London contact details and corporate information now belong to the previous concession period, while passengers should continue to look for TfL’s London Overground routes and line names.
Former routes and principal stations
Historical orbital and South London services
During the Arriva period, Overground services linked North, West, East and South London on several separate corridors. These stations do not describe one continuous train.
Historical radial and local lines
The concession also covered the Euston–Watford route, inner West Anglia services and other local lines, including the later Barking Riverside extension.
Travelling on these routes today
Use current TfL London Overground information, including the present line name and destination. A change of concession operator does not turn the service into a new National Rail route or require searching for an Arriva departure. Check the interchange shown in the planner, especially where a journey combines Overground with Underground, Elizabeth line or main-line trains at the same station complex.
Tickets and journey choices
Corporate material from Arriva Rail London is historical. Use TfL’s current fare and ticket information for your route, including payment coverage and any required interchange touches. A ticket or payment method that works on one part of a London journey should not be assumed to cover an unrelated main-line service without checking its conditions.
Accessibility and assistance
Use TfL’s live station access and assistance information for the actual line and direction. Overground stations vary in their platform access and interchanges. Check lift status and replacement transport before travelling; the former concession operator’s corporate address is not the appropriate source for arranging current passenger help.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.