CrossCountry’s first refurbished Voyager entered passenger service
posted on 26th Feb 2026 06:24
On 24 February 2026, long-distance train operator CrossCountry has welcomed passengers onboard its first refurbished Voyager train. Its return to service follows completion of its refurbishment at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane works in Derby, where the new look was recently launched to colleagues and invited guests. The first train, 220 033, travelled more than 5.8 million miles before its refurbishment - further than 12 return trips to the moon.
The refurbished train’s maiden voyage saw an afternoon departure from Alstom’s Central Rivers depot, where CrossCountry’s Voyager fleet is maintained, serviced and overhauled. After running to Birmingham New Street, the service was opened to passengers travelling on the 14.28 from Birmingham to Newcastle and the 18.33 from Newcastle to Birmingham. Its first day in service the train clocked up a total of 479 miles.
Alongside the improvements to its long-distance Voyager fleet, CrossCountry’s Class 170 Turbostar fleet continues another refresh programme. Several new-look trains are now serving routes between Birmingham, Leicester and Stansted Airport, and Cardiff, Birmingham and Nottingham.
