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, however, dining options come with an upgrade cost.
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
- 2 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.
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View train accessibility details
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Carriage layout
Accessibility
Access ramp Yes Assistance button Yes Priority seating Yes Wheelchair users' space 2 Universal Toilet 1 Door width (mm) 800 Routes
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Cardiff - Holyhead
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Future plans to run Swansea - Manchester Piccadilly (from December 2022)
These are the most common routes but they are subject to change.
What’s inside
Baby changing Yes Bicycle space 4 Capacity 222 Catering - at seat (selected services only) Yes Charging sockets 3-pin only Yes Public Address Yes Restaurant car Yes Seats - standard class 182 Seats - First Class 40 Seats - priority Yes Universal Toilet 1 Toilet - not wheelchair accessible 3 Visual Information Screens Yes Wheelchair users' space 2 Wi-Fi Yes -
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