SCOTRAIL
ScotRail is the national railway company of Scotland.
It operates all passenger train services in Scotland, excluding Caledonian Sleeper services, which are operated by Serco.
ScotRail also provides international service to London and Aberdeen via the East Coast Main Line, and regional rail services north to Aberdeen and Inverness as well as Argyll & Bute and West Highland Lines.
ScotRail is Scotland’s national train operator. It provides rail services to all parts of Scotland, including Glasgow Central, Edinburgh Waverley and Aberdeen stations, as well as many smaller stations across the country.
ScotRail operates over 2,500 trains each day, serving more than 350 destinations across the country.
ScotRail has built a reputation for providing great value for money and excellent service.
What are ScotRail’s main rail routes?
ScotRail operates over 6,000 services per day on a network of over 1,700 route miles, the longest of any British train operating company. Their routes include:
- The West Highland Line (Fort William – Mallaig)
- The Glasgow-Edinburgh via Falkirk High line
- The Glasgow-Edinburgh via Shotts line
- The Glasgow-Edinburgh via Motherwell line
- The Glasgow-Edinburgh via Airdrie/Bathgate lines (including Edinburgh Waverley – Bathgate)
What are ScotRail’s trains types?
ScotRail offers four types of trains, with each type offering a different level of comfort.
InterCity 125
These are the fastest and most frequent trains in Scotland, operating on the East Coast Main Line between Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as other key routes such as Aberdeen to Inverness, Perth to Dundee and Fife Circle services.
The InterCity 125s have a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h), making them one of the fastest trains in Europe.
High-Speed Trains (HSTs)
These are the main long-distance service between London Euston and Glasgow Central, Aberdeen and Inverness.
They operate at up to 125 mph (200 km/h) on most lines but can go faster than this on some sections of the track.
The High-Speed Trains have both first and standard-class accommodation.
All HSTs are fitted with electronic ticketing machines that accept cash and credit cards as well as National Rail tickets.
Type A
These are the most basic of trains, with two-berth compartments and four-berth compartments.
They are usually found on routes between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness, as well as some routes in the Highlands.
Type B
These are generally older carriages with two-berth compartments, but they can also be found on other lines where Type A trains are not available.
Type C
These trains have modern carriages with toilets and air conditioning, but no buffet cars or onboard catering facilities.
Type D
These trains also have modern carriages with toilets and air conditioning; however, they also have buffet cars where you can buy food and drink before your journey begins.
What are ScotRail train classes available?
ScotRail offers four types of trains, with each type offering a different level of comfort.
First Class
First class is the most comfortable option (and it’s a good choice if you’re looking for some alone time) — but it’s also the most expensive. It includes:
- Free WiFi access
- Power outlets at every seat
- Onboard toilets
- Food and drink available for purchase
The first class is more expensive than the standard but has more legroom, electrical sockets and tables.
First Class is available on all ScotRail trains except for Intercity services between Glasgow and Edinburgh and services between Aberdeen/Inverurie/Dundee and Inverness/Fort William/Mallaig/Kyle of Lochalsh.
First Plus or Premium Plus gives you extra space at the cost of £20-50 per journey depending on which train you’re travelling on (you can find out more about these classes here).
Super Voyager and Super Voyager Sleeper are high-speed trains that operate between London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Central, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.
They offer a restaurant car as well as free WiFi access throughout the journey.
Business Class
Business class has all the same perks as first class, with one big difference — it’s cheaper!
Business class tickets can be up to 50% cheaper than first-class tickets.
If you’re not fussed about having your own space or free WiFi, this is a great choice for those who want to save money without compromising on comfort.
Standard Class
Standard class is what most people think of when they hear “train.”
Standard class is the cheapest option and offers a spacious seating area with tables and power sockets.
It’s not overly fancy and doesn’t include any extra amenities (like food or power outlets), but it gets you from A to B safely and on time.
Standard class tickets are usually much cheaper than either first or business class tickets, so if you’re just looking for a way to get from point A to point B as cheaply as possible, a standard class might be right for you.
Standard class is available on all ScotRail trains, including Intercity trains and trains to London Euston.
Are Scotrail trains running on Sunday?
Scotrail trains are running on Sunday.
Scotrail train services operate every day of the week.
There are no Scotrail train services on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, but services do run on Easter Sunday and a limited number of other days.
You can find out more about Scotrail’s current service status here:
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/service-information/service-status-information
Are there toilets on Scotrail trains?
Yes, there are toilets available on Scotrail trains.
There are two types of trains – Intercity (IC) and non-intercity (non-IC) services.
The IC trains have toilets on board. The non-IC trains do not have toilets on board but do stop at stations where you can make use of toilet facilities.
ScotRail trains have toilets on board, however, they are not available at all stations.
There are toilets in First Class carriages, both at the front and back of the train.
The trains that run between Edinburgh and London have a toilet onboard for your convenience.
Can you drink alcohol on Scotrail trains?
If you’re planning a journey by train in Scotland, you might be tempted to think that the answer is ‘no’.
Scotrail has stated that alcohol isn’t permitted on their trains.
They also say that carrying it could lead to a fine of up to £500 and a criminal conviction.
However, there are some exceptions:
- If you’re travelling on the Caledonian Sleeper service from London King’s Cross to Inverness (and vice versa), alcohol is allowed in your sleeping compartment.
- If you’re travelling from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley, on First ScotRail (formerly known as FirstGroup) services, alcohol is permitted in your hand luggage only.
Are toilets open on trains Scotrail?
If you’re travelling in Standard Class, you’ll need to ask a member of the rail staff to unlock the toilet door for you.
They will then escort you to the toilet and wait outside until you’ve finished using it.
What time is off-peak on Scotrail?
Peak times are between 06:30 and 09:00 and 16:30 and 19:00 on weekdays, as well as all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
Off-peak times are outside of these hours.
You can travel any time you like at other times of the day, but note that there are no trains during the night (after 22:30).
Are dogs allowed on Scotrail trains?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Scotrail trains, but there are a few important things to bear in mind.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times
- There is a maximum of one dog per adult and children under five are not permitted to travel with their parents if they have a dog with them.
- Dogs must not occupy a seat, but they can sit next to you as long as they’re not at risk of falling off the train (i.e. if there’s no handrail).
- Dogs must be able to sit quietly without disturbing other passengers or staff and they should always wear a ticket when travelling (even if it’s just for identification purposes).
- Any dogs that aren’t permitted on ScotRail trains include those classified as dangerous under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (including Pit Bulls) and those that weigh more than 20kg (44lb).
VIRGIN TRAINS
Virgin Trains are the United Kingdom’s largest train operating company, with a fleet of almost 700 trains.
They operate high-speed intercity services on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) between London and Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, as well as regional express services on the East Coast Main Line (ECML).
Virgin Trains is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by Virgin Rail Group and Stagecoach that operates long-distance inter-city services on the West Coast Main Line.
From London Euston to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Liverpool.
It also operates medium-distance services between London and North West England via the West Coast Main Line and services along the North East Coast Main Line and Cross Country route.
Virgin Trains have some different types of trains available to passengers travelling with them.
These include Pendolino trains, Voyager units and Super Voyager units.
The company also offers first class, standard class and Club Europe services on all its trains.
What are Virgin trains types?
Super Voyager is an intermediate-speed train which operates between London Euston and Glasgow Central via Birmingham New Street station.
The Super Voyager was introduced in 1993 and has been upgraded several times since then.
Virgin Trains operates two types of service: high-speed trains and express trains.
High-speed trains make fewer stops than express trains but have inter-city fares rather than commuter fares.
What are Virgin Train’s main rail routes?
London Euston to Birmingham, Glasgow Central, Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly.
London Euston to Northampton, Milton Keynes Central, Rugby and Watford Junction.
London Marylebone to Birmingham International; Birmingham New Street; Bristol Temple Meads; Cardiff Central; Coventry; Derby; Leicester; Nottingham and Sheffield.
West coast mainline – between London Euston and Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street and Glasgow Central.
East coast mainline – between London Kings Cross, Leeds & Newcastle Central.
CrossCountry – between Edinburgh Waverley and Aberdeen Central/Milton Keynes, Central/Swansea, West Wales, Parkway/Southampton, Central/Bristol, Temple Meads/Portsmouth, Harbour/Manchester, Piccadilly/Birmingham, New Street/Glasgow Central.
Brighton Main Line – between Brighton & Bedford
What are Virgin Train’s train classes available in the United Kingdom?
First Class
That is the highest class on all Virgin Trains services.
It is aimed at business travellers and features extra legroom, complimentary newspapers and free WiFi.
Standard Class
Standard Class is the most popular class on Virgin Trains services, offering more space than Second Class but less than First Class.
Standard Class also has access to free WiFi on most trains and free newspapers on certain routes.
Tourist Single
Tourist Single is available on certain Virgin Trains routes and allows passengers to travel in comfort at an affordable price.
This ticket offers more legroom and luggage space than standard tickets but does not include any onboard catering or entertainment facilities (such as WiFi).
When is an off-peak on Virgin Trains?
Off Peak is when the train journey is between the hours of 4.30am and 10am, or 3pm and 10pm on weekdays.
Peak fares are available for most journeys. However, there are some exceptions.
You can find more information about off-peak times and ticket restrictions here:
https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/travelling-by-train/time-of-travel/off-peak
If you’re travelling with a railcard, you can get a discount on Off-Peak fares by selecting ‘Save money with a railcard?’ when booking your ticket in the Virgin Trains app or website.
Can you take dogs on Virgin Trains?
You can bring your dog on Virgin Trains if it’s a guide dog or assistance dog, or if you have a ticket for a small pet.
There are some restrictions on how many dogs you can bring and where you can travel with them.
In the cabin, there must be enough room for you and your pet to sit without touching anyone else or having to disturb other passengers.
If there isn’t enough room, you’ll need to sit in first class with your pet as long as it’s not disruptive or dangerous.
If you’re travelling with a guide dog or other assistance dog, Virgin make sure you have seats together so that we can help you get off the train safely at your destination station
Can you drink on Virgin Trains?
Yes, you can drink on Virgin Trains trains. However, there are some rules that you should be aware of.
You must be 18 or over to consume alcohol on a train and the person who is carrying the alcohol must be over 21 years old.
You can also only drink in designated areas of the train, such as your seat or in a seated area away from the doors or corridor.
Alcoholic drinks cannot be consumed in First Class carriages or Quiet Coach unless there is an area available for passengers to do so.
All passengers must have proof of age and identity when purchasing alcohol.
This may include a passport, driving licence or photo ID card with a date of birth clearly visible (such as a PASS card).
If you do not have this proof of age and identity, then you will not be able to purchase alcohol from our retail outlets or be served by any member of the crew onboard our trains.
Can you take bikes on Virgin Trains?
You can take a bike with you on Virgin Trains journeys. However, there are some restrictions and conditions that apply.
You’ll need to book your bicycle into the guard’s van, so speak to your train manager before you board.
If you’re travelling during peak times, when there are more passengers than bike spaces in the guard’s van, they may not be able to accommodate you.
You can also take your bike in first-class or standard class carriages with you provided there is enough space available and the train is not full.
If you have any questions about taking bikes on trains with Virgin Trains, please contact us on 0345 70000 or email customercare@virgin-trains.co.uk
How fast does a Virgin Train travel?
A train from Virgin Trains travels at speeds of up to 125 mph, which is around 200 km/h.
This means that you can get to your destination in less than an hour!
The average speed of a train on the East Coast Mainline is 87 mph, which makes it one of the fastest railways in the UK.
NATIONAL RAIL
National Rail is the brand name of the rail service provided by Network Rail.
There are two types of National Rail train services in the UK: Intercity and Commuter.
Intercity trains are long-distance trains that connect major towns and cities across the UK, stopping at many smaller stations along the way.
Intercity trains operate on fixed routes, timetables, and prices.
Commuter trains provide local transport within a city or region.
Commuters usually have more flexible travel options than intercity.
Commuter services are operated by a range of different companies including Arriva Trains Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR), Northern, Southern and Virgin Trains.
What are National Rail trains types?
InterCity trains are services that connect major towns and cities within England, Scotland and Wales, stopping at many local stations on the way.
A few intercity lines also extend beyond the borders of these countries into Wales and Scotland respectively.
These are long-distance trains that operate between major cities within Great Britain.
They tend to be faster than other services and stop at fewer stations along their route.
Some intercity trains offer first-class tickets with more legroom and better facilities than standard class tickets.
Intercity trains can travel up to 200mph (320km/h).
Express trains travel at higher speeds than regional trains but not as quickly as inter-city ones.
They stop at fewer stations but still allow passengers to make connections with other trains if necessary.
Regional Trains operate over shorter distances within a particular region of England, Scotland or Wales.
They connect key towns and cities within their respective regions
Local Trains services operate more frequently than regional ones, stopping at every station along their route
What are National Rail’s main rail routes?
The National Rail network has been developed to include several routes from London’s Paddington Station to other parts of the country.
The main routes include:
West Coast Main Line – Links London Euston with Manchester and Glasgow.
East Coast Main Line – Links London King’s Cross with Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Midland Main Line – Links London St. Pancras with Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby via Leicester; links London St. Pancras with Leeds via Birmingham New Street.
Cross Country Route – Links Penzance in Cornwall with Plymouth in Devon, Bristol and Birmingham; also connects Plymouth to Manchester via Exeter, Taunton and Birmingham New Street; connects Edinburgh with Dundee via Glasgow Central station; also connects Aberdeen and Inverness with Perth via Glasgow Central station.
What are National Rail train classes available?
First Class is the most luxurious and comfortable type of train available.
First Class passengers usually get a reserved seat, larger seats and more legroom than standard class passengers.
First Class is also more expensive than standard class tickets.
Standard Class is the most common type of train you’ll find on NATIONAL RAIL’s network.
Standard Class tickets will get you a seat on any available seat in a carriage or compartment, but not necessarily your seat.
Standard class tickets are cheaper than First Class tickets, but still require payment for refreshments or food if ordered onboard.
Standard Plus is an upgraded version of Standard Class that includes additional benefits such as priority boarding at stations and free WiFi access throughout your journey.
Do National Rail tickets include underground passes?
Yes, National Rail tickets include a London Underground pass.
If you’re planning to use London’s public transport system, you’ll notice that there are several ticket options.
One of the most common is a Travelcard, which gives you unlimited travel in certain zones during the period specified on your ticket.
Another option is an Oyster card, which is a debit card that can be used in place of cash or paper tickets on the underground network and some buses.
Ticket prices vary depending on how many zones you travel through and how long you want to travel.
If you want to save money by using public transport, it’s best to buy a Travelcard with an Oyster card so that you can use both at once.
Can you buy National Rail gift vouchers?
Yes, you can buy National Rail gift vouchers.
National Rail offers three types of tickets: standard, saver and super saver.
Standard tickets are the most expensive and super saver tickets are the cheapest.
These tickets can be purchased online, by phone or at a station ticket office.
There are also several other types of tickets, such as off-peak and first class, which can be bought at a station or online.
You can’t buy gift cards for National Rail online but you can purchase them from over 1,000 retailers including WHSmiths and Tesco supermarkets.
Are dogs allowed on National Rail train trips?
Yes, dogs are allowed on National Rail trains.
You can take your dog with you on most National Rail services, but there are some conditions to be aware of.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and they must not travel in first-class carriages or compartments.
You can bring up to three dogs into second-class accommodation, but only if they’re small enough to fit under the table while passengers are seated.
If you’re travelling with a larger dog, it’s best to get a seat reservation so that it doesn’t have to travel in the luggage rack at peak times when there is nowhere else for people to sit.
Dogs aren’t allowed on London Underground services, except assistance dogs trained by a recognised organisation for blind or visually impaired passengers, who have been assessed as being suitable for work in this field (with an accompanying letter from their employer).
Can I use my Freedom Pass on National Rail trips?
If you’re a Freedom Pass holder, you can use your pass on National Rail services.
Freedom Passes are free bus and tram travel for over-60s in England, Scotland and Wales.
They give you up to ⅓ of the price of most National Rail journeys in England.
You’ll also get 50% off most Eurostar journeys to France and Belgium if you live in an area where fares are reduced by 50%.
You’ll need to buy a ticket before you board the train and show it to the conductor.
Also, If you’ve got a 16-25 Railcard, you can get a third off the price of some tickets.
There are two types of Freedom Pass:
- Freedom Pass – this is the original pass that gives free bus and tram travel in England, Scotland and Wales.
The pass covers buses of all operators except Stagecoach services in London (which have their own scheme).
- Freedom Pass II – this applies to people from Northern Ireland who qualify for free bus travel as well as rail discounts.
Can you bring bikes inside on the National Rail train?
Yes, you can bring bikes on National Rail trains.
In fact, it’s easier than you might think.
Most of the time, all you need to do is show your ticket inspector that you have a bike with you.
If your train is full and there’s no room for your bike on board, they can sometimes arrange for you to store it in the guard’s van at the front or back of the train – but this isn’t always possible so don’t rely on it.
If there’s not enough room for your bike in any carriage, you’ll need to take it off and carry it between stations (although most trains do have assistance points at each end of every carriage).
Bikes are allowed on all types of trains – including high-speed ones – but some services have restrictions which mean they can only carry foldable bikes or small wheelchairs/pushchairs/scooters etc.
When are off-peak National Rail journeys?
Off-peak National Rail journeys are generally made during the times of day when most people are at work.
These are Monday to Friday, between 9am and 4pm, and on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Off-peak tickets can be used to make journeys at weekends, outside of this period if you choose to travel at a different time.
However, other restrictions apply:
You must be travelling before 9am or after 4pm (6pm on Sundays) to take advantage of off-peak ticket prices.
This means that you will not be able to use an Off-Peak Day Return ticket after 6pm on a weekday or any time on a Saturday or Sunday.
Off-peak fares are not available on trains travelling between London terminals and some major cities in southern England.
These include trains from:
- London Paddington to Reading, Swindon and Oxford;
- London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour/Southampton Central;
- London Victoria to Gatwick Airport;
- London Bridge to Brighton;
- Brighton/Gatwick Express services between Brighton and Gatwick Airport/London Victoria/Gatwick Airport Terminal 5 only.
ARRIVA TRAINS
Arriva Trains is a train operating company based in Birmingham, England.
It was founded in 2001 by Arriva UK Trains Limited (ATL), which is a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG.
Arriva Trains operate mainly in the Midlands region of England and Wales but have also operated in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset since 2004.
They also operate routes out of London Paddington station where there has been a change from previous operators such as First Great Western (FGW) and Chiltern Railways (CR).
What are Arriva Train’s main train routes?
North West – Liverpool to Manchester Airport via Warrington Central; Manchester to Preston; Manchester Airport to Blackpool North; Blackpool North to Preston; Preston to Bolton.
North East – Newcastle Central Station to Middlesbrough town centre; Middlesbrough town centre to Darlington; Darlington to Hartlepool.
Yorkshire – Leeds City Station to York City Centre; York City Centre to Harrogate Town Centre; Harrogate Town Centre to Scarborough; Scarborough back into York City Centre.
What are Arriva Trains train classes available?
First-class is the most expensive and luxurious option, with wider seats, more leg room and more comfort.
First-class tickets are usually more expensive than standard-class tickets.
Standard class has regular seats in a carriage, with luggage racks above and below to store your bags safely.
There are also toilets on board and no smoking is allowed in this carriage.
Standard Premier for a more comfortable journey but don’t want to spend too much money, then standard premier may be the best option for you.
Standard premier seats are similar to first class but there is less leg room due to other passengers having luggage stored above their seats.
These seats come with complimentary drinks and newspapers during your journey so it’s worth considering if you want to save some money without compromising too much on comfort!
Do Arriva Trains have wifi?
Yes, Arriva Trains Wales offers free WiFi on all its trains.
The service is provided by Arriva Trains Wales and can be used by simply selecting the ‘wifi’ network on your device after arriving at the station.
There are some limitations to the service:
- It’s only available on selected routes and stations – click here to find out more.
- You must have an internet connection before boarding a train which will then allow you to use the WiFi connection onboard.
If you don’t have an internet connection then you won’t be able to use it.
- You can only use one device at a time and each device can only connect once per journey.
Are dogs allowed on Arriva Trains?
All dogs are welcome on board Arriva Trains, but they must be kept on a lead at all times and are not allowed in first-class carriages.
Only one dog per person, no other pets are allowed on the train.
Dogs will be carried in the guard’s van on trains with a catering service and in any case where a guard is available to assist with the welfare of the animal.
If you have a dog that needs to travel in the guard’s van it must be able to sit up without its head touching the roof of the carriage, be quiet, well behaved and not require sedation.
The guard’s van has limited space so it may not be possible to accommodate your pet if there are other animals booked onto that train.
If you are travelling with only one dog please contact us before booking so that we can confirm if there is room for your pet in the guard’s van.
Or whether an alternative arrangement will need to be made for your journey.
For further information please see our Passenger Charter or contact us directly on 0843 208 0800 or tweet us @arriva_social
Are dogs allowed on Arriva Trains on the Wales train route?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Arriva trains in Wales.
It’s important to remember that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and they must not be left unattended.
If your dog is not travelling in a crate or cage it must travel in the guard’s van.
To book your dog on to a train please contact us directly via our contact us page, or call us on 0345 700 0125 (calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).
Are there toilets on Arriva Trains wales?
Yes, there are toilets on Arriva Trains Wales services that operate on the mainline railway network.
The toilets are located at the ends of most carriages, next to the doors.
The toilet facilities are fully accessible and can be used by people with disabilities.
Can I use my bus pass on Arriva Trains wales?
Yes, you can if you’re a registered passenger and have a valid rail replacement ticket, you can use your bus pass on Arriva Trains Wales services.
- What if I don’t know where I’m going?
If you don’t know where you’re going then please ask at the ticket office when you get to the station or call our customer service team on 0345 3000 250 (7 days a week, 5 am-midnight). They’ll be able to help you find an appropriate rail service.
- Where can I get a bus pass?
You can buy a bus pass online or from your local council.
Find out more about buying a bus pass from your local council’s website.
NORTHERN RAIL
Northern Rail is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by Arriva UK Trains, operating the Northern Rail and TransPennine Express franchises.
In June 2018, it was announced that Northern would be rebranded as Virgin Trains from 2023.
Northern Rail operates trains across northern England and Scotland, including the North East and Cumbria, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Lancashire, Merseyside, Tyneside and South West Scotland.
Virgin Trains operates long-distance intercity services between London Euston, Birmingham New Street and Edinburgh Waverley.
What are Northern Rail train’s main rail routes?
Manchester Piccadilly – London Euston via Manchester Airport & Crewe – Carlisle – Glasgow Central – Edinburgh Waverley – Newcastle (and beyond)
Manchester Victoria – Liverpool Lime Street via Bolton – Preston / Lancaster
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) – this route runs between London Kings Cross and York via Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City.
TransPennine Express (TPE) – this route runs between Manchester Airport and Glasgow Central via Leeds city centre and York city centre with stops at TPE stations along the way.
North TransPennine Express (NXE) – this route runs from Manchester Airport to Middlesbrough via Liverpool Lime Street station or Manchester Piccadilly station with stops at NXE stations along the way.
East Midlands Trains (EMT) – this route runs from London St Pancras International station to Leicester Central station via Bedford
What are Nothern Train classes available?
First Class have an individual table and seat.
You will find the First Class carriage at the front of the train, usually with power points for laptops and a larger luggage compartment.
Standard Class is available on all trains and is similar to that of a bus or coach.
Standard Class is often described as having more legroom than First Class but in reality, it is only marginally different.
The tables are low and there is no power point available for laptops.
Standard Plus is a middle ground between Standard and First class, offering better seating (similar to First class) but without individual tables or power points for laptops.
This class also comes with free WiFi for all passengers travelling within Northern England, Scotland and Wales (excluding Merseyrail).
How do Nothern Train tickets works?
First Class – Standard First Class is a standard single ticket with a reserved seat. You can use the First Class service between any two stations on the network.
Standard Class – Standard Class is a standard single ticket without a reserved seat. You can use Standard Class on most services that don’t have First Class carriages or use it to upgrade from Standard to First class (for example if you’re travelling with children).
First/Standard Flexi Pass – This allows unlimited travel in the First or Standard class within a specified period. It can be used for one week or three months.
Multi-operator Season Ticket – If you want to save money and travel regularly, then consider buying a season ticket for your regular journeys. There are various options available for both weekly and monthly travel and some offer discounts when travelling on certain routes or during off-peak hours.
Can I buy a ticket on the train Northern Rail?
Yes, you can purchase tickets on board Northern Rail services.
Please note that tickets purchased on board will incur a £10 administration fee.
- Do I need to buy a ticket before travelling?
No, if you’re using our mobile app or online journey planner to book your journey, then you will not need to buy a ticket in advance of travel.
This means you can simply hop on the train and go!
- Can I pay with cash or a card at the station?
Yes, we accept cash as well as all major credit/debit cards at our ticket offices and onboard trains.
You can also use the contactless payment for journeys up to £30 (maximum fare depends on your journey).
Can dogs go on Northern Rail trains?
Northern Rail allows dogs and other animals to travel on their trains. However, some restrictions need to be followed.
The following animals can be carried:
- Dogs (excluding guide dogs)
- Cats and kittens (excluding guide cats)
- Ferrets
- Rodents (excluding rats)
- Small birds in cages – per person: 1 cage with maximum dimensions of 40cm x 30cm x 30cm.
The cage must not exceed the maximum weight limit of 0.75kg or be more than 90 cm in length, 60 cm in width and 35 cm in height (including the bird).
You must ensure that the cage is secure and leak-proof as any spillages may cause damage to other passengers’ luggage or equipment.
- Small non-poisonous reptiles (maximum length of 70cm including tail) – per person: no more than one reptile per passenger may be carried.
Reptiles must be contained within a secure box measuring at least 45cm x 25cm x 25cm (including the reptile).
What are Northern Rail off-peak train times?
The off-peak train times for Northern Rail services are:
- Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.
- Saturday between 8 am and 5pm.
- Sunday between 11 am and 7pm.
Do Northern Rail trains have toilets?
Northern Rail trains do not have toilets on board, but there are facilities at most stations.
The frequency of services means that passengers don’t need to make a long journey without being able to visit a toilet.
Do Northern Rail trains have plug sockets?
Northern Rail has a lot of very old trains.
Many of these trains do not have plug sockets.
The newer trains are much better with plug sockets, but there are still some older trains on the network that don’t have them.
If you want to charge your phone or other devices while riding the train, make sure you bring an extension cord with you so that you can connect it to the power outlet in your seat.
There will be two cables hanging down from each seat and one of those cables is for power.