CrossCountry trains
Britain's long-distance cross-country operator — no London terminus, but a huge network linking Scotland, the Midlands, the South West and the South Coast through Birmingham.
About CrossCountry
CrossCountry runs some of the longest journeys on the British network, connecting Scotland and the North East with the Midlands, the South West and the South Coast — all without touching London. Birmingham New Street is its beating heart, and its Voyager and Turbostar trains turn up at a huge range of stations, making it a great operator for variety.
Routes & network
- Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow through Birmingham to Bristol, the South West and the South Coast
- Birmingham is the network's main hub
Fleet
- Class 220 and 221 ‘Voyager’ (diesel-electric units)
- Class 170 ‘Turbostar’ (diesel units)
How to identify CrossCountry trains
The maroon Voyagers are the signature — fast diesel units that appear right across the country, often far from any main line you'd expect.
Where to spot them
Crewe ★★★★★
One of Britain's most famous railway junctions — a classic West Coast Main Line spot with heavy passenger and freight variety.
Doncaster ★★★★★
A premier East Coast Main Line junction with fast expresses and heavy freight — long a favourite of British enthusiasts.
York ★★★★★
One of Britain's grandest stations and a superb East Coast Main Line spot — with the National Railway Museum right next door.
Nuneaton ★★★★★
A busy Trent Valley junction on the West Coast Main Line, where cross-country routes meet the fast line — and a strong freight location.
Stafford ★★★★☆
A major West Coast Main Line junction where the Stoke and Birmingham routes diverge — strong passenger flow with steady freight.
Tamworth ★★★★★
A distinctive two-level station where the West Coast Main Line crosses the Birmingham–Derby route — and a superb freight spot.
Peterborough ★★★★★
A major East Coast Main Line junction with fast expresses and heavy freight, where several routes meet — one of the best all-round spots in the east.
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.
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