ScotRail’s Class 385 trains have clocked up more than 62 million miles since entering passenger service in Scotland in 2018.

The 70 strong electric fleet had travelled a combined 62,827,366 miles by the end of July 2026, enough to make more than 130 return journeys to the Moon.

Along the way, the trains are estimated to have carried 25.5 million passengers.

The Class 385s operate services linking Edinburgh and Glasgow, across the south side of Glasgow and east towards North Berwick.

They largely replaced ScotRail’s diesel Class 170 trains on those routes and have brought a substantial reduction in emissions.

ScotRail estimates the electric fleet has produced 82 per cent fewer carbon emissions during its time in service compared with the diesel trains it replaced.

The trains were built by Hitachi Rail and are maintained at Craigentinny depot in Edinburgh through a partnership between ScotRail and Hitachi teams.

They have also developed a strong reputation for reliability since arriving on Scotland’s railway.

The Class 385 fleet has won a Golden Spanner award in two of the past three years.

The industry awards recognise Britain’s most reliable train fleets using performance and maintenance data.

Barbara McIntyre, ScotRail Engineering Director, said:

“Clocking up more than 62 million miles is a significant milestone for the Class 385 fleet and for everyone who works hard to keep the trains running safely and reliably.

“To put that distance into perspective, it is the equivalent of travelling to the Moon and back more than 130 times.

“Since entering service in 2018, the trains have carried more than 25 million passengers and have become an important part of daily travel for communities across central Scotland.

“The fleet’s two Golden Spanner awards in the past three years show that these trains continue to be recognised across the rail industry for their reliability and performance.

“They have also helped us significantly reduce the environmental impact of operating these routes, with an estimated 82 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared with the diesel trains they replaced.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our engineering teams and the strength of our partnership with Hitachi Rail at Craigentinny.”

The numbers provide a striking picture of how much work is being done by a fleet most passengers will simply regard as part of their everyday journey.

More than 62 million miles represents eight years of commuting, days out, appointments, work journeys and countless ordinary trips across Scotland.

And while 130 return journeys to the Moon is the number that catches the eye, carrying more than 25 million passengers is probably the one that matters most back on Earth.