Making a journey in First Class allows you to travel in comfort and provides a space where you can take time out and relax.

Whether you're travelling for business, and need to use your time productively, or for pleasure, and just want to take time out to read, listen to music and watch the world go by. First Class tickets provide the perfect option.

We offer a premier service on selected services between Holyhead and Cardiff. Enjoy a complimentary cooked breakfast on the southbound morning service, and a 3-course meal on the northbound evening service. Our on-board chefs use fresh produce, much of it sourced in Wales. And we have a range of wines, champagne and spirits available to buy.

You can choose from a selection of:

• Chilled fruit juices and Breakfast Cereals
• Grilled Sausage, Back Bacon, Black Pudding, Mushrooms, Grilled Tomatoes or Baked Beans, Egg (as you would like) to order
• Vegetarian Option Available
• Toast

See our menus for the full range and prices. 

You can enjoy First Class on the following trains:

 

Holyhead to Cardiff Central (North to South Wales) 

Station	Departure Time (Mondays to Fridays only)
Holyhead	0534
Bangor	0601
Llandudno Junction	0619
Chester	0715
Wrexham General	0732
Shrewsbury	0810
Hereford	0856
Newport	0940
Cardiff Central	0958

 

Cardiff Central to Holyhead (South to North Wales)

Station	Departure Time (Mondays to Fridays only)
Cardiff Central	1716
Newport	1731
Cwmbran	1742
Pontypool & New Inn	1749
Abergavenny	1800
Hereford	1825
Shrewsbury	1909
Wrexham General	1943
Chester	2006
Flint	2018
Rhyl	2035
Colwyn Bay	2047
Llandudno Junction	2054
Bangor	2111
Holyhead	2145

 

Accessibility

While reservations can be made for locomotive-hauled trains between Holyhead, Manchester, and Cardiff (in both directions), please be aware of the following:

• These services do not have wheelchair accessible toilets.
• Doors to these trains are not power-operated and have to be opened manually from the door handle on the outside of the train.
• There is no wheelchair space in Business Class, only Standard Class.

There are other train services operating on these routes which have accessible on-board toilets and power operated doors. Our Assisted Travel team can provide further advice and support in planning your journey. The Assisted Travel team can be contacted on 033 300 50 501 between 8am and 8pm (every day except Christmas Day).

As part of our commitment to accessibility, these trains will be refurbished by the end of this year and will meet all legal accessibility requirements.

 

What are First Class train tickets?

First Class tickets can be purchased standalone or as an upgrade on your normal ticket. They're often the more expensive than other ticket types of train tickets available in the UK and can be used on a wide range of services across the UK. 

• Flexible First Anytime tickets allow you to travel at whatever time suits, perfect if your plans are likely to change.
• Advance Single (1st Class) are available to buy from 12 weeks ahead up to 15 minutes before you travel (subject to availability). They are often cheaper when compared to purchasing on the day of travel. 

 

How can I get a first class ticket?

If your chosen journey has a first class service, then first class tickets will be offered to you when purchasing online, at staffed ticket offices or at ticket vending machines.

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

Upgrades are available to customers travelling on standard class walk up tickets only. This will entitle the holder to the full complimentary on-board service offer.

Passengers holding Standard Class Advance tickets will firstly need to upgrade to the equivalent walk up single ticket before they can purchase the upgrade.

 

Can you upgrade to First Class on the train?

The simplest way to travel first class is to select a First Class ticket when booking ahead of time. However, if you'd like to upgrade once you're on the train, simply speak to the Train Manager on board. You will be able to pay the difference between a Standard and First Class fare there and then.