What is Avanti West Coast?
Avanti West Coast is one of the major rail operators in the UK. Having taken over the running of the West Coast Main Line in 2019, it now provides services from London Euston and several of the UK’s larger stations including Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Glasgow Central and Liverpool Lime Street.
Did you know Avanti means 'Forward' in Italian? As well as taking over the operation of all trains on the West Coast line, Avanti West Coast has made some innovative upgrades and improvements to tickets, trains and stations over the years.
At Trainline we’ll show you where Avanti trains will take you and how to book the best value train tickets for your journey. To find Avanti train tickets, search above and we’ll show you the best available journey times and prices.
Find what you need
Where can I travel by train with Avanti West Coast?
Not sure where to start your Avanti West Coast adventure? We've got you covered!
City to city
Avanti West Coast is one of the primary rail operators in the UK, providing services from London Euston and several major terminals including Glasgow Central, Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street.
High-speed trains
Many of the routes feature high-speed services with no changes required, making Avanti West Coast an excellent alternative to air travel if you're looking to travel up or down the country.
Most popular routes
Avanti West Coast destinations: where can they take you?
With Avanti, there are lots of amazing places you can visit by train. To find some inspiration on where to go, check out these highlights below.
London
Find out more about trains to London.
Manchester
Find out more about trains to Manchester.
Birmingham
Find out more about trains to Birmingham.
Glasgow
Find out more about trains to Glasgow.
Edinburgh
Find out more about trains to Edinburgh.
Liverpool
Find out more about trains to Liverpool.
Blackpool
Find out more about trains to Blackpool.
Lake District
Find out more about trains to the Lake District.
Coventry
Find out more about trains to Coventry.
Which Avanti West Coast routes are the most popular?
If you want to explore the UK by train, you can easily reach major towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys in the UK:
Where should I travel by train with Avanti West Coast?
If you’re planning a trip with Avanti, but are unsure where to visit first, here are some ideas for things to see and do in and around the UK:
What classes are available on Avanti West Coast trains?
There are three classes on Avanti West Coast services. As well as Standard and First Class, there’s also Standard Premium Class, which includes some of the perks of First Class at a cheaper price, for a little touch of luxury on your journey.
Standard Class
Image source: Avanti West Coast
In Avanti West Coast’s Standard Class, you’ll benefit from free WiFi as well as:
- Plug sockets at certain table and window seats
- Click and collect service
Standard Premium Class
Image source: Avanti West Coast
On certain routes, you’ll find Avanti Standard Premium Class, where you’ll get all the amenities of Standard Class plus some extras from First Class, including:
- Free WiFi
- Plug sockets at every window seat
- Click and collect service
- Wider, more comfortable seating
- Extra legroom
- Guaranteed at-seat table
First Class
Image source: Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast’s First Class offers a little luxury when travelling by train: you’ll get everything in Standard Class plus free food and drink, as well as First Class Lounge access before you catch your train.
- Free WiFi
- Plug sockets at every window seat
- Click and collect service
- Wider, more comfortable seating
- Extra legroom
- Guaranteed at-seat table
- Complimentary food and drink
- First Class Lounge access (up to 2 hours before train departure)
What are the different types of Avanti West Coast tickets?
Buying train tickets in the UK can be a little confusing at times. That's why we’re stepping in to help sort out the Advance from the Anytime and more.
Image source: Avanti West Coast
Advance train tickets
Anytime train tickets
Flexi Season tickets
Off-Peak train tickets
First Class train tickets
Return train tickets
Season tickets
Cheap train tickets
GroupSave train tickets
Last-minute train tickets
How can I buy cheap Avanti West Coast train tickets?
Look, we’re not saying that finding great value train tickets is the answer to all of life’s problems, but it can't hurt, right?
How can I buy Avanti West Coast train tickets?
Buying Avanti tickets in the UK is simple with the Trainline app!
Follow these simple steps to save money on your train tickets:
- Search online in our Journey Planner or download our app.
- Add your departure and arrival station.
- Choose your date – most Advance tickets go on sale 12 weeks before the date of departure, so the earlier you book the cheaper your tickets could be.
- Don’t forget to add your Railcard, if you have one, to get an even bigger discount. Alternatively, if you're travelling in a group of three to nine adults, you could use GroupSave for a discount of up to 33% on participating services.
- Book!
What are Avanti West Coast Season Tickets?
If you make the same journey two or more times a week on an Avanti route, you may be better off getting a Season Ticket. Sound interesting? Find out more below!
Season Tickets allow you to travel at any time of day, and as much as you want for a specified period between two stations.
You can choose how long they last and make as many back-and-forth trips within that period as you please.
That’s not all – Digital Season Tickets live in the Trainline app on your phone, so you don’t need to queue at the station to collect a paper ticket or worry about losing it.
If you’re regularly travelling to work by train, buying a Season Ticket often works out cheaper than daily single or return tickets.
Season Tickets are all about flexibility. Travel between your home and destination station as many times as you like in one day - every single day if you want to.
Avanti West Coast stations
Discover more about the main terminals around the country that link the Avanti West Coast network together.
What services are available on Avanti West Coast trains?
Keep reading to find out more about the services available on Avanti West Coast trains.
Luggage
Food and drink
WiFi
Pets
Passenger Assist
Can I take my bike on Avanti West Coast trains?
Yes, you can take your bike on the train, and more importantly, you should take your bike on the train!
Planning a day out on your bike? Or cycling as part of your commute to work? You’re in luck. Taking bikes on trains in the UK is completely free.
You’ll need to make a reservation to take your full-sized bike onboard Avanti West Coast trains. If you’re taking a fold-up bike on board there’s no need for a reservation, but you must be able to carry the bike onto the train and fit it in the luggage rack.
Avanti trains have racks for up to four cycles. Currently, Voyager trains cannot accept tandem bikes but each Pendolino train has enough room for two tandem bikes (please book two bike spaces for each tandem when booking your bike reservation). If you are travelling with a cycle, ask a member of the station platform team for the location of the cycle space before you board the train.
Find out more about taking bikes on trains in the UK.
Image source: Avanti West Coast
Which other train companies operate in the UK?
Including Avanti West Coast, 28 train companies operate on the National Rail network in total, including:
Avanti West Coast reviews
Want to read some first-hand reviews of Avanti West Coast services? Check out some reviews below!
Manchester to London, a First-Class experience by train
After a few days in Manchester for work, it was time for the return south and home via London Euston. I always look forward to the train journey, one time I even saw Jimmy Carr onboard!
For business, I always try and book as far in advance as possible to save on the First-Class fare. Not only saving a little bit of money on the fare but also having something to look forward to on the way back.
Manchester Piccadilly is a big, light, airy railway station with plenty of eateries and shops if you need to grab anything before boarding the Avanti West Coast train. I made my way down the platform to the First-Class carriage, settling into the comfy seat and popping my phone on charge.
As always there are some great people onboarding looking after you and today was no exception. The refreshments included with the fare make it an even better journey and before you realise, the Pendolino train begins to snake its way out of the city.
Throughout the whole journey to London, I found myself staring out of the window as the countryside flew by swapping from green fields and rivers to towns and city scenes. One of the things I love about the Pendolino trains is the windows, they are huge!
I still find it remarkable that in just over 2 hours I can be from Manchester city centre to London Euston and 2/3 of the way home.
About Richard
Richard, a former Trainline employee, chose to share his experience of the journey between Manchester and London.
Can I cancel or refund my Avanti West Coast train ticket?
Keep reading for useful information on what to do if your Avanti train is cancelled or delayed.
Which tickets can I refund?
Will I be charged for refunding my ticket?
Can I get a refund if my train is cancelled or delayed?
How do I refund my train tickets?
How long does it take to get a refund?
Frequently Asked Questions about Avanti West Coast
Travelling with Avanti West Coast? Find out everything you need to know before your journey.
What is Avanti West Coast?
Who owns Avanti trains?
How do I buy Avanti West Coast tickets?
Do Avanti trains have WiFi?
When are Avanti West Coast’s Peak hours?
Can I take a bicycle on Avanti West Coast services?
How fast do Avanti trains go?
Which Avanti West Coast trains are Pendolino?
Can I bring a pet on board?
How much luggage can I bring?
Terms and conditions
Find out more about UK train travel
Want to know more about train travel in the UK?
Click on one of our UK train travel guides – we’ll provide you with all the information you need about UK train and ticket types, deals and discounts, popular destinations, and more.