Are you looking for some info on First Class train tickets in the UK? Then we’re here to help. We’ve scoured the country for the various benefits on offer for passengers travelling in First Class. Read on for our complete guide, including some tips on how to purchase your First Class train tickets for less!

First Class train tickets explained

When it's not quite enough just to get there... Enjoy luxury travel and reach your destination in style with a First Class ticket! Find more info below, including some frequently asked questions.  

What are First Class train tickets?

First Class train tickets are a fast pass to the best seats on the train! They're often the most expensive of all the different types of train tickets available in the UK, however, they can sometimes be cheaper than others. For example, an Off-Peak First Class journey may be cheaper than travelling in Standard during Peak times. It might sound confusing, but all you need to do is keep your eyes peeled when searching for tickets. Or, you can use our app and we'll pinpoint the cheapest tickets for you!

Can I upgrade my train ticket to First Class?

You can upgrade your ticket to First Class on certain journeys, as long as it's before you board your train. You can do this by speaking to ticket staff at your departure station, and you'll usually need to pay the difference between your current ticket and the price of the First Class ticket. It's also possible to get a Weekend First upgrade. The option is only available on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Prices and terms differ by train company, depending on the features of their First Class carriages and the route.

What about last-minute First Class train tickets?

We know that life can't always be planned out in advance. If something pops up and you need to make a last-minute journey, you may still be able to grab a First Class seat. You know what to do – use our Journey Planner to tell us where you're going, and we'll highlight the cheapest tickets for your same-day travels. If you’ve left your booking literally to the last minute and the train's about to leave, you may see a “Not available to buy” notice on our app or website. If so, you won’t be able to buy your ticket with us, but you can talk to staff at the station instead.

What do you get for First Class train travel?

Most train companies in the UK offer First Class services which include free WiFi, complimentary nibbles and drinks, free newspapers, extra legroom and reclining seats as well as First Class lounges at certain stations. Once you’ve travelled in First Class, you won’t want to go back to Standard.*

Is it worthwhile to buy First Class train tickets though? In short, absolutely. The First Class carriage has several perks that both business and leisure passengers can enjoy to the fullest.

For example, with LNER, this is what you’ll get for First Class train travel:

  • Reclining seats
  • Extra leg and elbow room
  • Complimentary newspapers
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Complimentary food and drinks

 

*Please note that there are more than 20 train operators in the UK, and they all offer different First Class services and benefits at different fares, so be sure to check out our train companies page to find out your preferred operator and the services they offer.

How to get cheap First Class train tickets

If you want to know how to get cheap First Class train tickets, it’s easy. Simply enter your departure station and destination into our Journey Planner at the top of this page (or use our app if you're on the move), and we'll highlight the cheapest tickets for your journey. Read on for our top tips below and see how much you could save on your train journey while travelling in style. Want to bag yourself the latest offers on UK train travel? Visit our train deals and discounts page to search for all the available deals in the UK.

Travel Off-Peak

When buying your First Class ticket, make sure you book an Off-Peak time. Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends than during Peak times. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to start your search and we’ll highlight the cheapest Off-Peak First Class tickets for you.

Learn more about Off-Peak train tickets

Book in advance

Train tickets in the UK usually go on sale 12 weeks before the departure date. Look out for Advance train tickets and make sure you buy them as soon as possible, as these tend to be cheaper when they’re first released and sell out quickly on the busiest routes.

Visit our Advance train tickets page for more information, or if you know the date you’d like to travel, sign up for our Ticket Alert service, and we’ll email you when your tickets go on sale.

Get a Railcard

Finally, combine your Advance Off-Peak First Class ticket with a Railcard to save an additional 1/3 off the price and travel in style. Railcards cater to different age groups and circumstances so, from the Senior Railcard to the Disabled Persons Railcard and the 26-30 Railcard, you'll be sure to find your match.

Learn more about Railcards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for First Class trains in Europe?

We also sell First Class tickets for trains across Europe, so you can travel like a rock star to fantastic locations such as Paris, Madrid, Berlin and Rome. Check out our dedicated page to First vs Second Class on European trains for more details.

Other train ticket types in the UK

If a First Class train ticket is not the one you’re looking for, why not check out the other ticket types available in the UK. Simply tap the one you’re interested in and we’ll show you all its features, including how to get the cheapest fares.

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