We haven’t travelled to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg since 2018 and 2019, but in January 2025 we returned to get a taste of the Alstom Coradia Stream HC which the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL) runs under the name Série 2400. The Coradia Stream HC was a candidate to become NMBS /SNCB‘s AM30, until it was (all but) decided Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) from Spain would adapt its CAF Civity Duo. Although that decision is being challenged. While in the grand duchy, we also visited Schengen and Diekirch. 2025 is big year for the country, as on 3 October, Grand Duke Henri (Henry) will abdicate in favour of his son, Guillaume, who will become Grand Duke Guillaume V (or William V).

Not that we need a reason, an excuse or a pretext to travel but one of these motivations to to go to Luxembourg was to sample CFL’s Series 2400 trains. 

As I wrote in the intro, the Alstom Coradia Stream High Capacity double-decker electric multiple unit (EMU) is a possibility to be purchased by the Belgian Railways. The other obvious other candidate(s) is / are Desiro trains by Siemens. The Desiro HC or Desiro Double Deck could both fit the bill, but the Desiro just a bit more. At least that’s what seems from the tender document. Between the time I wrote this blogpost just after the Luxembourg and now, things have happened. NMBS / SNCB selected CAF and both competitors challenge(d) this decision. The Council of State, Belgium‘s highest administrative court, has halted the selection procedure…

But let’s focus on the Alstom Coradia.

The Alstom Coradia

The Alstom Coradia is a versatile family of diesel multiple units, electric multiple units, and unpowered rail cars designed for intercity and regional services. Manufactured by Alstom, these trains are operational across Europe, North America, and Africa.

The Coradia family offers high-performance rolling stock tailored to meet diverse operator needs. It includes diesel and electric configurations and features the high-density, double-decker Coradia Duplex model. The trains use Alstom’s Onix IGBT traction system for smooth acceleration and energy efficiency and are equipped with regenerative braking as standard. 

They can integrate various communication and signalling systems, including automatic train protection (ATP) and the European Train Control System (ETCS).

Passenger comfort is a central focus in Coradia’s design. Interiors are modular, featuring ambient lighting, luggage storage, and partitions between foyers and seating areas. Seats can include power outlets, individual lighting, and audio-visual systems, with configurations customised to operator requirements. Additional options include vending machines, ticket dispensers, internet connectivity, and accessibility features for disabled passengers.

Types of Coradia

The Coradia range includes models like the Duplex, Lint, Continental, Polyvalent, and Nordic. The Coradia Meridian was specifically developed for Trenitalia and other operators in Italy. 

The Continental EMU operates in three- to six-carriage sets, with roof-mounted traction systems freeing interior space. Designed for German and European markets, it meets UIC loading standards and suits platform heights of 550–760 mm.

The Coradia Duplex, a double-decker EMU, operates in two- to seven-carriage sets and can couple up to four sets for 12-car trains. 

The Nordic model, tailored for Northern Europe‘s larger gauge, is configured for harsh winters and features roof-mounted traction equipment. The Lint, originally by Linke-Hofmann-Busch, is a diesel-powered train in one- to three-car configurations, with underframe-mounted powerpacks maximising low-floor space. 

The Polyvalent, the latest variant, supports electric and bi-mode operation at speeds up to 160 km/h and includes a cross-border model for Germany and Switzerland. It offers improved accessibility and reduced vibrations via motorised bogies at carriage ends.

Worldwide

Coradia trains are operated worldwide. In Denmark, Alstom secured its largest railway contract in 2021, with 100 Coradia Stream electric trains ordered. 

Finland‘s VR Class Sm4 operates regionally, while France‘s SNCF has procured numerous Polyvalent trains, including hydrogen-powered variants. Germany employs Continental and Lint models across several operators, while Italy uses the Meridian for regional and airport services.

In the Netherlands, the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) operates Lint trains and the Intercity Nieuwe Generatie (ICNG) based on the Coradia Stream. Norway has ordered Nordic trains, and Romania is acquiring 37 Coradia Stream trains for regional use. 

In Sweden, various Coradia models serve commuter and intercity routes, while the United Kingdom operates diesel-powered Coradia 1000 and electric Juniper families, including the Class 175, 180, and 334.

In North America, the Lint operates in Ottawa in Canada, and bilevel Coradia passenger cars are being procured by Metra and Virginia Railway Express in the United States of America. 

In Africa, Algeria introduced Coradia trains for intercity routes in 2018, and Senegal uses Polyvalent trainsets for its Train Express Regional.

The Coradia family demonstrates Alstom’s commitment to versatile, sustainable, and passenger-focused rail transport solutions.

Luxembourg’s Coradia 2400

The CFL bought Coradia Stream HC units, offering 334 seats, 290 in second class (18 foldable) and 44 in first class. According to the CFL website, on 13 January 2025, the company has three 2400 units. 

The CFL

The Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL), the Luxembourg National Railway Company, is the country’s primary railway operator. In 2023, CFL transported approximately 28.7 million passengers. It employs around 5,000 people, making it the largest corporate employer in Luxembourg.

The railway network in Luxembourg spans 275 route-kilometres (170 miles), of which 140 kilometres (87 miles) are double track and 135 kilometres (84 miles) are single track. Of the total track length of 617 kilometres (383 miles), 576 kilometres (358 miles) are electrified using a 25 kV, 50 Hz system.

Luxembourg shares borders with Belgium, France, and Germany, and its rail services include cross-border connections to these countries. Some of these services are managed entirely by CFL, while others are operated in cooperation with SNCF, NMBS / SNCB, and Deutsche Bahn (DB). CFL passenger trains serve most of the network.

CFL operates primarily with electric multiple units (EMUs) and electric locomotives, which are often used with push-pull configurations. The company also uses diesel locomotives for freight operations and shunting.

Luxembourg is a member of the International Union of Railways (UIC), and its UIC country code is 82. CFL was established in 1946 following the nationalisation of private railway companies.

Passenger train routes

CFL promotes a passenger network comprising seven primary lines:

• Line 10: Luxembourg – Troisvierges-Frontière – Liège (Belgium), Kautenbach – Wiltz, and Ettelbrück – Diekirch.
• Line 30: Luxembourg – Wasserbillig-Frontière – Trier (Germany).
• Line 50: Luxembourg – Kleinbettingen-Frontière – Brussels (Belgium).
• Line 60: Luxembourg – Esch-sur-Alzette – Rodange, Bettembourg – Volmerange-les-Mines (France), Noetzange – Rumelange, and Esch-sur-Alzette – Audun-le-Tiche (France).
• Line 70: Luxembourg – Rodange – Athus (Belgium), Rodange – Longwy (France).
• Line 90: Luxembourg – Thionville (France) – Metz (France) – Nancy (France).

Internally, CFL organises its network into more detailed subdivisions with additional branches.

Rail links with neighbouring countries

Luxembourg’s rail network connects seamlessly with its neighbours:

• Belgium: Standard gauge, with a voltage change to 3 kV DC.
• France: Standard gauge, using the same 25 kV AC electrification as Luxembourg.
• Germany: Standard gauge, with a voltage change to 15 kV AC.

Rolling stock

CFL maintains a modern fleet, primarily composed of double-decker passenger trains. Most services are operated by electric trains, with diesel locomotives reserved for freight and other non-passenger tasks.

Projects

In 2019, the track between Luxembourg railway station and Sandweiler-Contern was doubled at a cost of €462 million, significantly enhancing capacity. A new, more direct line between Luxembourg and Bettembourg is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Ridership and passenger kilometres

CFL’s ridership has grown substantially over the decades, reaching 28.7 million passengers in 2023. Passenger kilometres travelled on CFL trains increased to 389 million in 2022, reflecting the railway’s essential role in the country’s transport network.

Luxembourg 2025

1. What is Schengen?.
2. REVIEW | Lëtzebuerg City Museum or Luxembourg City History Museum.
3. REVIEW | Sofitel Luxembourg Europe.
4. REVIEW | Conservatoire National de Véhicules Historiques & Musée d’Histoire de la Brasserie de Diekirch car and beer museums in Diekirch, Luxembourg.
5. LUXEMBOURG | Diekirch and the Musée d’Histoire[s] or Museum of History/ies.