Since their debut in 1998, our Class 168 “Clubman” trains have carried millions of customers between London, Oxford, the Chilterns and the West Midlands. Capable of 100 mph and purpose-built for both inter-city and commuter runs, they form the backbone of longer-distance Chiltern Railways services, delivering the punctuality, comfort and value we’re known for.
We’ve invested £12 million to give every Class 168 a fresh interior and better tech: new seat cushions and carpets, brighter LED lighting, faster 5G-ready Wi-Fi and at-seat USB & mains power throughout the train. You’ll also notice a smart new livery and quieter, better-cooled coaches all part of keeping your journey easy, comfortable and greener for years to come.
On board every refreshed Class 168 you’ll find:
- Spacious 2 + 2 seating (around 68 seats per carriage) with brand-new cushions and hard-wearing carpets
- Free, faster 5 G-ready Wi-Fi so you can stream, work or chat on the move
- At-seat power with USB and standard three-pin sockets at almost every seat
- Large drop-down tables and generous overhead luggage racks.
- Bright LED lighting and bigger windows that gives a light and airy ambience
- Air-conditioning and quieter engines for a smooth, comfortable ride in every season
- Accessible toilet and dedicated wheelchair bays fully compliant with current PRM standards
- Real-time information screens and clear automated announcements to keep you updated
- Full CCTV coverage and on-board hosts for extra peace of mind
Take a look inside:
Gallery
Where can you travel on a Class 168 train?
You’ll find our freshly refurbished Class 168 trains right across the network – from Birmingham Moor Street down to London Marylebone, and on the branch lines to Stourbridge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, Bicester Village, Aylesbury and beyond – giving you a more comfortable ride wherever you’re headed.
FAQs
Why refresh your current trains, why not get new ones?
As part of our Right route 2030 vision; we have been negotiating with the Department for Transport to bring additional, newer trains into operation as soon as possible. We are seeking Government approval to deliver these trains to help provide additional seats for customers, replacing our oldest trains with modern, more reliable models.
Alongside these additional trains, we are also working on a long-term update to Chiltern’s fleet. Our Vision 2030 report set out our ambition to secure low-emission and battery-powered trains to make journeys easier, greener and better.
For more information on this, please visit our Right route 2030 vision page.
What is included in the refurbishments/upgrades?
Enhancements you can expect from these refurbishments are
- Fully refurbished train interior, including seats and toilets.
- Upgraded Wi-Fi
- USB charge points (also USB A and USB C)
- Full LED lighting
- New carpets
- Fresh exterior repaint
Reasons to Choose Chiltern Railways
Arrive on time with Chiltern Railways – consistently ranked as one of the most punctual train companies in Britain. Get real-time updates through our app, so you always know what’s happening with your journey.
Book tickets for any train across the UK with no booking or card fees – ever. Choose eTickets and get them delivered straight to your phone in seconds.
We’re proud to be one of the UK’s top-rated train companies for customer satisfaction – thanks to our friendly service, clean trains and comfortable journeys.