If you’re after Great Western Railway (GWR) First Class tickets, look no further. At Trainline, we’ll show you what exactly is on offer, from luxurious seats to complimentary meals and much more. Don’t be put off by the thought of paying more than you would in Standard either, as there are ways to find cheap First Class train tickets too! Read on for a complete guide to GWR First Class.
What do you get with GWR in First Class?
As well as all the usual amenities you'll find in Standard Class on GWR trains (luggage racks, toilets, bike storage, etc.), travelling in First Class means you get access to a few extra perks before and during your trip.
GWR can whisk you from London and Swansea Bay to the Thames Valley via The Cotswolds, and down into Devon in no time. The added benefits of travelling in First Class on GWR trains during your journey include:
- Complimentary food and drink (including access to Pullman Dining on certain routes for an additional fee)
- Reclining extra-wide seats
- More legroom
- Power sockets and USB sockets at seats
- Enhanced WiFi
GWR’s First Class menu
GWR aim to offer complimentary at-seat drinks and snacks on their weekday high-speed services starting between 06:00 and 19:30. However, this isn’t guaranteed.
Pullman Dining
On selected high-speed services Monday–Friday afternoon/evening between London Paddington and Plymouth, and London Paddington and Swansea, you can reserve a table on GWR's luxury restaurant carriage. You can make a reservation online any time between 2 weeks before your date of travel and an hour before departure. You'll enjoy comfortable seating, crisp white tablecloths and silver service. GWR's talented chefs use fresh local produce to offer a delicious meal to enjoy whilst you watch the world go by. Set menus begin from £33.50 for two courses and £39.50 for three courses. There is also a wine list available.
GWR First Class seating plan
You’ll normally find First Class seating in coaches K or L on GWR trains (look for the First Class sign by the door). The seats are more spaced out than in Standard Class, although they follow the same arrangement on either sitting at a table of four or two seats next to each other. The extra option in First Class are single seats with their own table, perfect for solo travellers who want their own space.
GWR First Class lounges
Great Western Railway has a number of First Class lounges through the UK that you can relax in before and after your train journey.
GWR First Class lounges can be found at the following stations:
Popular GWR First Class routes
Check out our guides to travelling First Class on some of Great Western Railway’s most popular routes.
London to Bath
|
Departs from |
London Paddington |
|
Arrives into |
Bath Spa |
|
First Class lounge |
London only |
Find out more about taking the train from London to Bath.
Cardiff to London
|
Departs from |
Cardiff Central |
|
Arrives into |
London Paddington |
|
First Class lounge |
Cardiff and London |
Learn more about travelling from Cardiff to London by train.
London to Penzance
|
Departs from |
London Paddington |
|
Arrives into |
Penzance |
|
First Class lounge |
London and Penzance |
Read our guide to travelling from London to Penzance by train.
How to get cheap GWR First Class tickets
There are different ways you can get cheap GWR First Class train tickets without having to pay over the odds. Our top tips for saving money on First Class train tickets are:
Travel Off-Peak
Tickets for travel during Off-Peak hours (anytime outside of Monday to Friday rush hours) are normally cheaper, plus the trains are usually quieter too.
Book in advance
GWR usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks before the departure date, usually at their cheapest price. So, book your tickets as early as possible if you want to save a pretty penny or two.
Use a Railcard
There are several Railcards in the UK you can use to save up to 1/3 on First Class train tickets. Check out which one you might be eligible for and buy online on our Railcards page.
Search for split tickets
‘Splitting’ your journey into several sections and buying tickets for each part can sometimes be cheaper than buying a single ticket on longer journeys. Our ticket-splitting app feature, SplitSave, does the hard part for you.
Good to know (FAQs)
What does GWR First Class include?
As well as more spacious and comfortable seating, First Class on GWR trains includes lounge access at the station (where available) and complimentary food and drink during your journey.
Do you get free food with GWR First Class tickets?
Yes. All passengers travelling First Class with GWR will get complimentary food and drinks served to their seats.
Can I use GWR’s First Class lounge?
You can use GWR’s First Class lounge if you hold a valid First Class train ticket and there’s a lounge available at either your departure or arrival station.
Find out more about GWR
Want to know more about Great Western Railway? Check out some of our guides to travelling with GWR and by train in Great Britain for info on train times, Season tickets and more.