If you’ve traveled on a CrossCountry Voyager recently, you’ll know they are the workhorses of the UK rail network. Stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance, these trains have clocked up millions of miles, the first unit to be refreshed, 220033, has actually traveled the equivalent of 12 trips to the moon and back!
But after 20 years of service, it’s time for a “glow-up.” This week, CrossCountry and Alstom gave us a first look at the future of long-distance travel.
What’s Changing
The refurbishment isn’t just a lick of paint; it’s a total overhaul of the passenger experience. Over the next two years, all 70 trains (including Class 220 and Class 221 units) will receive:
Better Seating: Brand new seats in both Standard and First Class with increased legroom and improved under-seat storage.
The Power Upgrade We’ve Been Waiting For: Every seat will now feature integrated power sockets, including traditional 3-pin plugs, USB-A, and crucially USB-C ports for modern devices.
A Brighter Environment: New LED lighting, fresh carpets, and updated interior/exterior artwork to make the carriages feel less “boxed in.”
Refurbished Toilets & Vestibules: A top-to-bottom refresh of the facilities (hopefully addressing the infamous “Voyager smell”).
Tech Improvements: Upgraded 360-degree CCTV, forward-facing cameras, and automatic passenger counters to help manage capacity.
Sustainability at the Core
One of the most impressive parts of this announcement is the commitment to the environment. Alstom is aiming for near-zero waste during the refurbishment process. Old materials aren’t just being tossed in a skip; they are being recycled or even donated to local universities in Derby for student projects.
When Can You Ride One?
The first refurbished unit is expected to be back in service before the end of February 2026.The full rollout will take about two years. Alstom’s Derby facility is working on a high-speed schedule: they aim to complete one train set per week. Each train spends three weeks in the “shop” one week to be stripped down, one for painting, and one for the new interior fit-out.
For years, the main criticism of CrossCountry has been overcrowding and aging interiors. While the refurbishment doesn’t physically lengthen the trains, the extra legroom, better storage, and modern charging points will make those long-distance hauls across the country significantly more comfortable.
While the new seats and USB-C ports are a welcome upgrade, some regular commuters are already debating whether this goes far enough. Critics often point out that the core issues like the narrow “tapered” carriage design and the limited number of coaches on busy routes can’t be fixed with new carpets.
However, for the millions of us who rely on the “Spine of Britain” to get from A to B, a cleaner, brighter, and more “connected” environment is a huge win.
The first refurbished Voyager (220033) is hitting the tracks in just a couple of weeks. Whether you’re a daily commuter through Birmingham New Street or planning a scenic trip down to Penzance, we want to hear from you.
Will you be heading out to catch one of the new-look Voyagers when they enter service? And if you do snag a seat, does the “glow-up” make those long-distance journeys feel like a first-class experience at last?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
