What are trains in the UK like?

The United Kingdom has an extensive rail network, which allows you to discover the beautiful and culturally rich country in an easy and comfortable way. Trains are run extremely frequently on busy routes, and are run by many different operators. Tickets however are all managed by the same entity, National Rail.

Intercity trains

Although the UK knows no official train categories like other European countries, there is a clear difference between the long-distance intercity trains run e.g. between London and Scotland from all other (regional) trains. The most important of these services are:

  • Avanti West Coast: London to Birmingham, Liverpool, North Wales, Glasgow & Edinburgh
  • LNER: London to York, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Aberdeen & Inverness
  • GWR: London to Bath, Cardiff, Swansea, Plymouth and further into the southwest 

The exact interior and amenities vary per operator and route. Reservations are not mandatory but are reccommended, especially on busy routes and times. Eurail and Britrail passes are valid with or without an additional reservation. Please be aware that although they are valid in the entire UK, Eurail passes can't open the gates at stations with ticket gates; ask a member of staff to open the gate for you by showing your Eurail ticket.

All tickets, reservations, Eurail and Britrail passes, and Rail Tour package holidays featuring all needed tickets and hotels are available via Happyrail.

  • Second class features 2+2 seating, a trolley service for purchasing drinks and snacks is often available. Air conditioning, power sockets and free wifi are almost always available.
  • First class features wider seats with more legroom, usually in a 2+1 configuration, with the same comforts as second class and often (depending on the operator and route) complimentary drinks, snacks or even a full meal included, also when travelling with a Britail or Eurail pass.

Regional Trains

Most trains in the UK apart from the long-distance Intercity trains are classes as regional trains. These vary between operators.

  • Most trains feature air conditioning. Old trains with no wifi and power sockets are being replaced by more modern ones, but might still be running depending on the route.
  • Second class has seats either in a 2+2 or 2+3 configuration, first class has wider seats in 2+2 or 2+1 configuration.
  • First class is usually available, with the exception of trains in Wales, Scotland, and some local services around England.
  • Most trains don't feature catering. Some longer regional routes, like in Scotland and Wales, feature a trolley service with snacks, hot and cold drinks available for purchase.
  • Reservations are possible on some routes, but usually not necessary: just find any train with any empty seats. Eurail and Britail passes are valid on all trains.
  • Please be aware that although they are valid in the entire UK, Eurail passes can't open the gates at stations with ticket gates; ask a member of staff to open the gate for you by showing your Eurail ticket.

Eurostar international high-speed trains

Eurostar high-speed trains run from London to Brussels, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. Three classes are available (Standard, Eurostar Plus, Eurostar Premier), all modern and comfortable.

Seat reservations are mandatory, and always included in tickets bought via Happyrail. Eurail passes are valid in combination with an additional reservation, both of which are avilable via Happyrail with 0 additional fees. Tickets and reservations can be booked 6 months in advance. 

Please note that trains to or from London have an extended check in-time to allow for customs and luggage checks; see the check-in time as noted on your ticket.

  • Standard class features comfortable seats in a 2+2 configuration, all with luggage space above the seats and next to the doors, plug sockets and free wifi. Trains to London have a bar/café car available.

  • Eurostar Plus (1st class) features wider seats with more legroom, a quieter atmosphere, and complimentary drinks and a light meal served at your seat. Plug sockets, free wifi and more than enough luggage space are available.

  • Eurostar Premier features the same seats as in Eurostar Plus but has a much shorter check-in time with a priority customs line, complimentary chmpagne, drinks, and a more luxurious hot meal served at your seat.

Heathrow Express

Heathrow Express is the name for the express train service connecting London Heathrow Airport to Paddington station in the city center. The train runs every 15 minutes and features more luggage storage than most other trains for passengers travelling to/from the airport.

Most ordinary UK train tickets are not valid on this service; dedicated tickets have to be purchased. While Britrail passes are valid, Eurail passes are not valid.

When travelling with a Eurail pass, we reccommend taking an Elizabeth Line train to central London, on which Britrail passes are valid. Like at other UK stations with ticket gates, you might need to ask a member of staff to open the ticket gates for you.

Night Riviera Sleeper

The Night Riviera is run by operator Great Western Railway (GWR) from London westwards to Plymouth, Truro, Plymouth, and more stations in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

 All tickets, with bed reservations included, can be bought via Happyrail. For all passes (Britail and Eurail, available via Happyrail) an additionial bed reservation is required, which can be booked online via operator GWR or via phone and collected at the train station.

The train features one- and two-person person sleeping compartments. All have a washbasin, bedding, free wifi, and a small breakfast included.

A lounge car with a café is also available.

Caledonian Sleeper

The Caledonian Sleeper train runs from London to Scotland. The train is split upon arrival in Scotland, and the various coaches continue to either Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Fort William, or Aberdeen. Several classes in seats and sleeping compartments are available. 

All tickets in all classes can be booked via Happrail. For all passes (Britail and Eurail, available via Happyrail) an additional reservation is required, which can only be booked online via the Caledonian Sleeper website or phone line.

  • Classic rooms are the simplest form of sleeper compartment. They feature 2 beds; when only one is booked, you might have to share the compartment with someone else of the same sex.
  • Toiletries, towels and bedding are included. Wifi and power sockets are available. 
  • Breakfast is not included as standard but can be ordered in the evening to be delivered in your room and paid in the morning.

  • Club Rooms are identical to Classic rooms but feature an ensuite shower. Breakfast is included as standard with no extra payment and is ordered in the evening.

  • Caledonian Double rooms feature a double bed, which can be booked for single or double occupancy, feature their own ensuite bathroom, and have all amenities including breakfast included. 

  • Seat cars are available, with comfortable seats in a 2+1 configuration. 
  • Be aware that the lights are not dimmed at night and the seats do not recline a large amount. 
  • Passengers in seat cars do not have acces to the club car.

  • A club car with a café and seats for having a drink or snack is available for all passengers in a Classic, Club or Caledonian Double room.

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