A little diligent planning ahead, combined with some smart cross-checking, can make all the difference when it comes to getting a cheap first class ticket.
Follow our guide to the ins and outs of stylish travel and a whole new world of British rail will open up, including larger seats, soft drinks and snacks on shorter journeys, and hot meals and alcoholic drinks on long-distance services like Avanti. .
We tried all the tricks to get first class tickets at reduced prices – this is what we found…
Is there really a simple way to Get a cheap first class ticket?
Yes. Register on the Seatfrog auction app (seatfrog.com). After purchasing a standard class fare for a trip, it is possible to bid for an upgrade to first class. On most trains, a limited number of such upgrades are available. It’s a simple system: the highest bid wins and the auction closes 30 minutes before departure.
On a random check, we found that a standard ticket from London Euston to Penrith at 1.40pm cost £94, while a first class ticket cost £230. Using Seatfrog you could bid on an upgrade for £36. So, sure enough, the first class ticket cost £130, a saving of £100 (or a 43 per cent discount).
They are first class tickets for all trains. What services are offered at Seatfrog?
Almost all. Transport for Wales has just joined, but Scotrail and Hull Trains are not involved.
If you do not participate in a Seatfrog auction, Is it better to book in advance or wait until the last minute?
It’s usually best to book well in advance, says Mark Smith of the website Seat61.com. When we looked, a first class ticket from York to Edinburgh was £59.80 ten weeks in advance. This compares to £91.70 on the day (up 54 per cent).
Is there an exact best time? book in advance?
Eight to 12 weeks is best for long-distance routes, as this is when most rail operators publish timetables and when prices are typically lowest. Fares can be up to 75 percent cheaper during this “sweet spot.” Some operators allow you to book cheap fares in advance even further in advance – LNER runs for 20 weeks and Hull Trains runs for 26 weeks.
How about very Last minute offers?
This is possible and worth checking out if the Seatfrog app isn’t for you. In trainline.com – on the day of travel – we discovered that the difference between first class and standard class from Bristol to Penzance was just £22.10 – £83.50 instead of £61.40. For London King’s Cross to Edinburgh, a last-minute first-class ticket cost £138.90 (booked 30 minutes before travel), while trips later in the week cost between £173 and £299.
Are some routes better for first class offers than others?
Yes. The best prices are usually available when traveling between regional stations and when avoiding London, says Railsmartr.co.uk. Note that a first class ticket from York to London on the same day and at approximately the same time can cost £95 (for a 1h 52m journey), while York-Edinburgh in first class can cost as little as £52 (for a trip of 1h 52m). journey of 2h 37m).
What about the update? once you’re on board?
Sometimes this is possible if there is availability; you will have to ask the guard. Particularly low rates may apply on weekends and holidays. The cost on Great Western Railway and Greater Anglia is £10, or £10 to £45 on LNER. You can pay right there with your card and move on.
What about Avanti? West Coast Trains?
It differs from the others with two upgrade possibilities: premium standard and first class. You sit in the same style carriages for both, with wider seats and a guaranteed table, but with the standard premium you don’t get free food or drinks. Daytime first class upgrade prices are similar to LNER. If you book in advance, Saturday fares between London and Glasgow can be £85 (standard), £120 (premium standard) and £199.50 (first class). On all journeys, the standard premium costs from an additional £17.50.
Do Railcard discounts apply? to first class tickets?
Yes, when tickets are purchased in advance. They do not work for updates available through Seatfrog or on board.
any other Travel tips?
Try boarding a train with a dining car. Although first class passengers have priority bookings, standard class ticket holders can also dine at GWR.
When does GWR have dinner? do cars run?
GWR’s Pullman Dining is housed in a vintage-style Pullman carriage and is available Monday to Friday on the 13:03 and 19:04 Paddington to Plymouth services; 17:48 Paddington to Swansea; 1:15 p.m. and 6:16 p.m. Plymouth to Paddington; and the Swansea to Paddington at 12.23pm (gwr.com). It costs £37 for two courses or £44 for three courses; Wine costs £17 a bottle.
What about transportation Welsh dining service?
Two courses £21.95 (with a bottle of wine £37) or three courses £24.95 (with a bottle of wine £40); For more details, see the first class menu at tfw.gales.