50% off First Class tickets for one week only

Offer ends 28 July. Don’t miss out! 
 

Terms and conditions
  • Tickets are subject to availability.
  • Tickets are available on selected routes and services between Cardiff and Manchester, and Cardiff and Holyhead.
  • Sale prices and discount stated are valid only to purchase First Class Advance tickets between the sale period of 22nd-28th July 2025, for journeys on selected Transport for Wales train services made between 25th July and 19th August 2025.  
  • Tickets must be purchased at least 3 days before travel.
  • National Rail terms and conditions of travel apply. 

Travel First Class 

  • Available on select journeys between Cardiff <> Holyhead and Cardiff <> Manchester.
  • Enjoy spacious seats and free refreshments and snacks.
  • Exclusive fine dining for an upgrade cost.
     

 

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.

 

Accessibility

We have two 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.
 

View train accessibility details

Carriage layout

Diagram of the carriage layout of a Mark 4

Accessibility

Access ramp icon​​​Access rampYes 
Assistance button iconAssistance buttonYes 
Priority seating iconPriority seatingYes
Wheelchair users spcae iconWheelchair users' space2
Universal toilet iconUniversal Toilet1
Door width (mm)800
 

Routes

  • Cardiff - Holyhead
  • Future plans to run Swansea - Manchester Piccadilly (from December 2022)

These are the most common routes but they are subject to change.

Route map of where the Mark 4 trains run on Transport for Wales

What’s inside

Baby changingYes
Bicycle space4
Capacity icon
Capacity222
Catering - at seat (selected services only)Yes
Charging sockets 3-pin onlyYes 
Public AddressYes
Restaurant car icon
Restaurant carYes
Seats - standard class182
 Seats - First Class40
Seats - priorityYes
Universal Toilet1
Toilet - not wheelchair accessible3
Visual Information ScreensYes
Wheelchair users' space2
Wi-FiYes