Experience our best comfort and customer service with a First Class train ticket.
Whether you're travelling for business or 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. Make the most of your journey and buy yours now.
First Class train food
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 while 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 a First Class upgrade?
Where applicable, you can upgrade from Standard to First Class. 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 you’d like to upgrade. They’ll confirm whether there’s space available in First Class.
Please remember there’ll 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 a limited number of low-cost Advance First Class tickets.
You can also upgrade to a First Class ticket. 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 buy a First Class Single or Return ticket on our app, on our website journey planner, at station ticket offices or from ticket machines.
Don't forget, you can buy tickets for all UK train services with us. Whether you're going from Cardiff to Holyhead or Newcastle to Paddington, you can still buy your First Class tickets with us and pay no booking fees.
How often do First Class train services run?
We run First Class services between Cardiff and Manchester and Cardiff and Holyhead.
On weekdays, we run:
- 6 services each way between Cardiff and Manchester
- 1 service 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
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 that First Class will be available on your train on the day you travel. If food and drink are provided, this means First Class is available.
First Class accessibility
We have two wheelchair spaces on board and accessible toilets. Doors are power-operated.
Our Assisted Travel team can provide further advice and support for planning your journey.
View train accessibility details
Built between 1989 and 1992, Mark 4 Coaches are locomotive-hauled coaches.
We have seven trains of five coaches in our fleet.
Routes
These are the most common routes where you’ll find Mark 4 Coach trains.
- Swansea to Cardiff, Shrewsbury and Manchester via the Marches Line.
- Cardiff to Shrewsbury, Chester and Holyhead.
Carriage layout
Accessibility
Two standard class wheelchair users' spaces.
Two First Class wheelchair users' spaces.
Two universal accessible toilets.
Door width 800mm.
30 priority seats.
Other features
246 standard class seats and four additional tip-up seats.
At-seat catering on selected services.
41 First Class seats.
Restaurant car.
Five cycle spaces, within separate engine carriage.
Three toilets, not wheelchair accessible.
First Class train ticket FAQs
How much are First Class tickets?
First Class tickets vary in price, depending on your route, time and train. Buy directly with us to avoid paying any admin fees. Use our journey planner to find a ticket that’s right for you.
Can you get a cheap First Class ticket?
You can save money on your First Class ticket by travelling off-peak, using a Railcard and buying early (tickets are available around 12 weeks before the date of travel).
What do you get with a First Class train ticket?
You’ll get spacious seats, greater comfort and exclusive food and drink offerings. Complimentary refreshments and snacks are included in the cost of your ticket, but there’s an upgrade cost for fine dining.
Can I use a Railcard for a First Class ticket?
Yes, you can use your railcard when buying your First Class ticket to save up to ⅓ on the ticket price.
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