First Class train tickets

Make it First Class

Experience our best comfort and customer service with a First Class train ticket.

Whether you're travelling for business or for pleasure, our First Class tickets offer our finest journey experience. Enjoy spacious seats, greater comfort and exclusive food and drink offerings on selected routes.

Our First Class services are now available on selected journeys between Cardiff and Holyhead and Cardiff and Manchester, so there’s never been a better time to make the most of your travel time.

 

Yes, this really is train food

You’ll be surprised by what you can order on our First Class service. Our talented chefs create fantastic, seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients for the best onboard dining experience. Sit back and enjoy a freshly cooked meal whilst watching the landscape of Wales and its borders pass by.

Refreshments and snacks are included in the cost of your ticket, but there’s an upgrade cost for fine dining.

Fine dining isn’t available on all our First Class services. Please select the food and drink icon after entering your journey details to see what’s available for your adventure.

Discover our First Class dining service.

Fancy an upgrade?

Where applicable, you can upgrade from a Standard Class ticket to First Class on our services. This applies to all our Standard tickets including Anytime and Advance Singles, Returns, Season tickets, and Rover and Ranger tickets. 

All you need to do is let the conductor on board know that you’d like to upgrade, and they’ll confirm whether there’s space available in First Class.

Please remember there’ll also be an additional cost for any meals you order on the train, if you’ve upgraded to First Class.

What First Class train tickets are available?

We offer flexible First Class Anytime and Off-Peak single and return tickets allowing you to travel at whatever time suits, perfect if your plans are likely to change. We also offer low-cost Advance First Class tickets which are only available in limited numbers.

You can also upgrade to First Class. Just let the conductor know when you’re on the train and you’ll be able to buy an upgrade if space is available. First Class seats are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

How can I buy a First Class ticket?

You can purchase a First Class Single or Return ticket like you would a Standard ticket: on our app, our website, at station ticket offices or at station self-service ticket machines.

Don't forget, you can buy tickets for all UK train services through us, so whether you're going from Cardiff to Holyhead or Newcastle to Paddington you can still buy your First Class tickets with us and benefit from paying no booking fees.

How often do First Class train services run?

We run First Class train services between Swansea and Manchester, and Cardiff and Holyhead. 

On weekdays, we run: 

• 6 services each way between Cardiff and Manchester
• 1 services from Cardiff to Holyhead
• 1 service from Holyhead to Cardiff 

On weekends, we run:

• 6 services each way between Cardiff and Manchester
• 1 service from Swansea to Manchester on a Saturday
• 2 services each way between Swansea and Manchester on a Sunday

Find out which services have First Class services on board by using our Journey Planner tool and looking for trains with First Class tickets available.

Check First Class is available before you travel

Occasionally, we may be unable to provide a previously advertised First Class service due to a train cancellation or problem on the railway. If this happens, you can get your ticket refunded. Please check First Class will be available on your train on the day you travel. If food and drink is provided, this means First Class is available.

Accessibility

We have wheelchair spaces on board and wheelchair-accessible toilets. Doors to these trains are power-operated.

Our Assisted Travel team can provide further advice and support for planning your journey.