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.

All British train tickets, as well as Eurostar tickets to London, can be bought via the Happyrail planner. Eurail and Britrail passes valid on all types of trains can be bought via Happyrail. For an overview of Eurail seat reservations in the UK please see Eurail Seat Reservations UK.

Check our our British Rail Tours, featuring all tickets, reservations, hotels and more.

Intercity trains

Although the UK knows no official train categories like other European countries, some North-South services are specifically aimed at long-distance travel and feature catering and seat reservations. These include the following

  • Avanti West Coast: London - Birmingham - Manchester/Liverpool - Scotland, & London - Birmingham - North Wales
  • LNER: London - York - Newcastle - Scotland
  • GWR: London - Bath - Exeter - Plymouth - Penzance, & London - Cardiff - Swansea
  • Crosscountry: various, including Penzance - Exter - Birmingham - York - Newcastle - Scotland

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.  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 are available on trains of the mentioned operators( plus long routes of some other operators), usually free for first class passengers. LNER and Avanti offer light meals, also free for first class passengers. 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. The same comforts as second class are included and often (depending on the operator and route) complimentary drinks, snacks or even a light meal are included for free, also when travelling with a Britail or Eurail pass.

Regional Trains

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

  • 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. Pictured below: examples of a modern and an older type of regional train.
  • Second class has seats either in a 2+2 or 2+3 configuration, first class has wider seats with more legroom 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.

Eurostar international high-speed trains

Eurostar high-speed trains run from London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The trains are modern and very comfortable. Three classes are available: Standard, Eurostar Plus, Eurostar Premier.

Seat reservations are mandatory, and always included in tickets bought via the Happyrail planning service. Eurail passes, available via Happyrail, are also valid, but only together with a mandatory seat reservation. You can book seat reservations via the Happyrail planner by selecting 'Reservations' after buying your Eurail pass. You can see an overview of Eurostar seat reservations in France: Eurail Reservations.

Please note that Eurostar trains to/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, with dedicated luggage space, power sockets and free wifi. Trains to London have a bar/café car, while trains to Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany only have vending machines for drinks and snacks.

  • Eurostar Plus features wider seats with more legroom, a quieter atmosphere, and complimentary drinks and a light meal served at your seat. Power 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 champagne, 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 using a Eurail pass, we recommend taking an Elizabeth Line train to central London, on which Eurail 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 a sleeper train run by operator Great Western Railway (GWR) from London westwards to Plymouth, Truro, Plymouth, and other stations in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

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. 

  • 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 daily 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 similar to Classic rooms but feature an ensuite shower. Breakfast is included as standard with no extra payment, your oder will be taken by the steward in the evening.

  • Caledonian Double Rooms feature a double bed, which can be booked for single or double occupancy, an ensuite bathroom, and have all amenities including breakfast included (your order will be taken by the steward the evening before).

  • A dining car called the Club Car with a bar and seats for having a drink or snack is available for all passengers in a Classic, Club or Caledonian Double room.

  • 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 have a limited amount of recline. Passengers in seat cars do not have acces to the club car.

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