First Class train tickets

At base level, most First Class tickets will give you access to free WiFi, newspapers and a complimentary hot drink (or a variation of these), but what usually goes unmentioned is the atmosphere. Quiet and spacious, the First Class carriage is a haven for long-distance journeys, like London to Edinburgh.

For those who like to use their travel time to be productive, working on a laptop or another device is a breeze, thanks to the under-seat power sockets that help keep your juice levels topped up. The extra quiet carriages and large tables in First Class make getting on with business an easy task, while leisure passengers can kick back and catch some shut-eye, listen to music or read a book in peace.

Again, be sure to check out our train companies page to find out your preferred operator and the services they offer. On some occasions, train companies may not be able to guarantee access to some or all of their onboard First Class services.

So, what extra perks are there for First Class train travel at the upper end of luxury? The benefits of First Class vary by train company and route, meaning you may have a different experience each time, depending on where you're travelling.

For instance, Greater Anglia trains offer you wider seats with extra leg space, free WiFi and complimentary refreshments, with food available from a trolley service on some of the longer routes like London to Norwich.

Meanwhile, South Western Railway only provides a catering service on certain routes (London Waterloo to Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Exeter St David's, subject to availability). Some Great Western Railway First Class services even feature reclining seats, so you can travel at the height of comfort.

Yes, it’s possible to book cheap First Class train tickets in advance. Despite the great benefits of First Class travel, people still tend to avoid it due to the price tag. If you're feeling the pinch, you'll be pleased to know that most train companies release their First Class tickets as early as 12 weeks in advance, and if you’re flexible with Off-Peak travel, you could end up with a great deal!

Start experiencing First Class before you even board the train by chilling out in a First Class lounge! Note that not all stations feature a First Class lounge, and they're usually only available to customers of a particular train company.

However, First Class lounges are great for escaping the hectic hustle and bustle at major stations, allowing you to instead relax in a comfortable chair with a drink at hand.

Again, your experience will vary depending on the station and service you're using. For example, the London King's Cross First Class lounge (Avanti West Coast) features numerous comfortable chairs for business or relaxation, free WiFi, phone-charging stations and complimentary snacks. Meanwhile, the London Paddington First Class lounge (Great Western Railway) features coffee machines, fridges with complimentary cold drinks and live departure boards, amongst other amenities.

Here are some of the major stations with First Class lounges:

• London King's Cross
• London Paddington
• London Euston
• Birmingham International
• Birmingham New Street
• Coventry
• Stoke-on-Trent
• Crewe
• Liverpool Lime Street
• Manchester Piccadilly
• Runcorn
• Edinburgh Waverley
• Glasgow Central

Yes, you can normally get a full First Class train ticket refund from the train company in charge of your journey. But, if you’ve bought your ticket with us, we’re happy to do the legwork for you and get in touch with the relevant train company on your behalf.