Class 220 (Voyager) spotting guide
The Class 220 Voyager is the workhorse of Britain's longest cross-country journeys, linking Scotland and the North East with Birmingham and the South West. Fast and frequent, it's an easy catch at almost any major cross-country station.
Photo: Matt Davis · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
The Class 220 Voyager is a four-car diesel-electric multiple unit built by Bombardier in 2000–2001 for long-distance cross-country services.
About the Class 220 (Voyager)
The Class 220 Voyager is a four-car diesel-electric multiple unit built by Bombardier in 2000–2001 for long-distance cross-country services. Thirty-four units were built and are operated by CrossCountry.
History
Introduced from 2001 for Virgin CrossCountry's 'Operation Princess' network, the Voyagers replaced locomotive-hauled trains and HSTs on cross-country routes. They passed to the CrossCountry franchise and continue to work its long-distance services today.
How to identify it
Look for a sleek, four-carriage unit with a sharply raked cab and a yellow front, usually in CrossCountry maroon and silver. Running numbers are in the 220xxx series; the tilting Class 221 Super Voyager is a close relative.
Fleet numbers
Thirty-four four-car units, numbered from 220001, operated by CrossCountry.
Operators
Typical workings
- Cross-country routes linking Scotland, the North East, Birmingham and the South West
- Long-distance services via Birmingham New Street
Where to see the Class 220 (Voyager)
York ★★★★★
One of Britain's grandest stations and a superb East Coast Main Line spot — with the National Railway Museum right next door.
Doncaster ★★★★★
A premier East Coast Main Line junction with fast expresses and heavy freight — long a favourite of British enthusiasts.
Reading ★★★★★
A large, busy junction on the Great Western Main Line with fast expresses, commuter services and freight — one of the best spots in the south.
Collect the Class 220 (Voyager) fleet
Turn everyday sightings into a collecting challenge — track the running numbers you've caught.