Do trains have WiFi? UK guide to getting online for free

Kieran Read

Published: Oct 19, 2026

Do trains have WiFi? UK guide to getting online for free

Onboard a train and unable to access the free WiFi? No worries! We’ve collected all relevant information for each provider below, meaning you’ll be back to surfing the web or scrolling social media in no time.

Firstly, you’ll need to work out who your train provider is. You can do this by checking your ticket on whatever app you’re using or on your physical ticket.

If you’ve used contactless, search your train route and cross-reference your journey duration and any destinations with the possible routes you can find online.

How does train WiFi work?

Train WiFi in the UK combines mobile network signals, trackside infrastructure, and onboard technology to provide internet access while on the move.

For the most part, trains connect to the internet primarily on 4G and 5G mobile networks through roof-mounted antennas picking up signals from multiple mobile networks such as EE, Vodafone, O2, etc., switching between them to maintain the best possible connection.

Passengers using devices on a train with WiFi.

Avanti West Coast

Does Avanti West Coast provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Avanti West Coast provides free WiFi on their services and at most stations! If you’re a regular traveller, you will have to log in just once to be recognised and automatically logged on during subsequent journeys. Download speeds are currently 1.6 MB per second onboard, and unlimited at stations.

Only inappropriate or data-sensitive websites are blocked on Avanti West Coast WiFi. The connection may run slower during busier times and will be unavailable entirely when travelling in tunnels.

How to access Avanti West Coast WiFi?

Simply select the Avanti_FREE_WIFI option under your device’s WiFi tab and follow the on-screen instructions.

Station WiFi is currently available for the following stations:

Birmingham International
Carlisle Coventry
Crewe
Lancaster
Macclesfield
Oxenholme Preston Rugby
Runcorn
Stoke-on-Trent
Stafford
Stockport
Warrington Bank Quay
Wigan North Western
Wolverhampton

First Class Lounge WiFi is available at:

Find out more here: https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/onboard/wifi

c2c

Does c2c provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, c2c provides free WiFi onboard their services and at their stations. Whilst passengers onboard are allocated 100MB each, WiFi allowance at the station is currently unlimited. Onboard WiFi is achieved by combining 3G and 4G mobile network coverage with station wireless internet connections - essentially, you won’t be eating into your 100MB allowance when the train has pulled into a station, only when in motion. Data limits are reset overnight, every night.

How to access c2c WiFi?

Open the WiFi settings on your device
Click on “c2c Free Train WiFi”, which will appear on your available network list
You will be directed to a registration page within your web browser. If this doesn’t happen, you can access the page on your web browser via media.c2c-online.co.uk
Register your details if you have not already.
Once you’ve registered and hit continue, you will be connected and can start using WiFi

Find out more here: https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/help_centre/onboard/how-do-i-access-onboard-wifi/

Caledonian Sleeper

Does Caledonian Sleeper provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Caledonian Sleeper provides free WiFi onboard their services. However, due to the routes, the company cannot guarantee availability for the entirety of journeys. Hence, Caledonian Sleeper recommends downloading anything you intend to watch or listen to on your journey before boarding.

Find out more here:https://www.sleeper.scot/help-support/during-your-trip/

Chiltern Railways

Does Chiltern Railways provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Chiltern Railways provides free WiFi onboard (subject to availability) and at their stations.

How to access Chiltern Railways WiFi?

Go to your WiFi icon on your phone or laptop and find '_Chiltern-wifi'
This should open your web browser. If not, open this manually.
Fill in a simple registration form (you'll only need to register once) to unlock access.

Find out more here: https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/onboard-our-trains/onboard-wifi

CrossCountry

Does CrossCountry provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, CrossCountry provides free WiFi onboard their services, which is available on both Standard and First Class.

How to access CrossCountry WiFi?

Go to your WiFi icon on your phone or laptop and find 'CrossCountry WiFi
This should open your web browser. If not, open this manually.
Fill in a simple registration form (you'll only need to register once) to unlock access.

Find out more here: https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/on-board-with-crosscountry/wifi-on-board

East Midlands Railway

Does East Midlands Railway provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, East Midlands Railway provides free WiFi onboard all of their intercity services that run to and from London St Pancras. The WiFi is 4G, though it isn’t recommended for streaming or downloading videos as it will slow the service for everyone. Any indecent or inappropriate material will be blocked to ensure access is safe for all ages.

EMR WiFi is also available at the following stations:

Alfreton
Beeston
Boston
Burton-on-Trent
Chesterfield
Corby
Derby
East Midlands Parkway
Gainsborough Lea Road
Hinckley
Kettering
Kidsgrove
Leicester
Lincoln
Long Eaton
Loughborough
Market Harborough
Matlock
Narborough
Newark Castle
Skegness
Sleaford
Sheffield
Stamford
Wellingborough

Find out more here: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/trains-stations/on-board-the-train/free-wifi

Elizabeth Line

Does the Elizabeth Line provide WiFi onboard?

No, the Elizabeth Line does not provide WiFi onboard. However, many Underground stations are rolling out uninterrupted access to 4G and 5G which is accessible when on-platform and onboard, meaning you can still access the web and social media whilst travelling.

How to access Elizabeth Line 4G/5G?

You don’t need to do anything! Simply search away along your journey and enjoy access, but note that it’s your own 4G or 5G which is being accessed, not free WiFi.

Find out more here: https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/station-wifi

Gatwick Express

Does Gatwick Express provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Gatwick Express provides free WiFi both onboard and at their stations. Each passenger will receive 50MB allowance per device per day, with slower connection once this has been used up. More than one mobile operator is used for the connection, meaning reasonable coverage can be expected, though WiFi may be notably slower in rural areas.

If you’re having issues, check if there is a blue ‘WiFi’ sticker on the door. On Southern diesel trains, the WiFi will shut off if the engine is switched off when the train has stopped at terminal stations.

A limited number of websites will be blocked due to data-insensitive or inappropriate content. To ensure fair coverage for all passengers, individual download speeds are controlled.

How to access Gatwick Express WiFi?

To access WiFi onboard your train:

Select 'gatwickexpress_wifi' from your list of networks
Open your browser and click Connect

To access WiFi at the station:

Select 'O2 WiFi' from your list of networks
Open your browser and register online

Find out more here: https://www.gatwickexpress.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/wi-fi

Grand Central

Does Grand Central provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Grand Central provide free WiFi onboard their services. Not only that, you can now connect to the upgraded service offered by the EE mobile network for faster and more reliable connectivity. Connection speeds will vary depending on the number of passengers using the service and mobile network coverage.

Grand Central notes that the service is not intended for streaming movies, TV shows, video conferencing or large file downloads, which allows for the bandwidth to be fairly shared between passengers. It is recommended that passengers download any movie or TV before the journey.

Find out more here: https://www.grandcentralrail.com/wifi

Great Northern

Does Great Northern provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Great Northern provides free WiFi onboard most of their services, including trains travelling between King’s Cross, Cambridge, King’s Lynn and Peterborough. To identify whether your service has WiFi, look out for a blue WiFi sticker on the train door.

The services are provided by multiple mobile operators, meaning reasonable coverage across services, but you can expect slower connectivity in rural areas. For Southern diesel trains, engines are switched off at the station, which will momentarily stop WiFi connection.

How to access Great Northern WiFi?

Select 'greatnorthern_wifi' from your list of networks
Open your browser and click 'connect'

Find out more here: https://www.greatnorthernrail.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/wi-fi-on-board

Great Western Railway

Does Great Western Railway provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Great Western Railway provides free WiFi onboard. Many GWR stations also offer free WiFi from The Cloud. A ‘fair use’ traffic management policy is in place which restricts streaming onboard, so it’s recommended you download TV shows and films before your journey.

How to access Great Western Railway WiFi?

Search for ‘GWR WiFi’ on WiFi listings and select ‘connect’.
From here, open your device's internet browser and GWR’s WiFi registration page should load automatically – you’ll only need to register once.
Follow the instructions onscreen to activate free GWR WiFi.

Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/travelling-with-us/on-our-trains/wifi-on-board

Greater Anglia

Does Greater Anglia provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Greater Anglia provides free WiFi onboard. Combining 3G and 4G mobile data signals, the connection quality will vary depending on location and the amount of passengers using the WiFi. All passengers are given a data allowance of 90MB with 1.5Mb/s data speed. Connection speed is limited for popular video and music streaming sites to allow seamless connection for all.

How to access Greater Anglia WiFi?

To access WiFi onboard:

Search for ‘greateranglia-wifi’ on your device’s WiFi listings and select ‘connect’.
From here, open your device's internet browser to access the registration page, which should load automatically.
Follow the instructions onscreen.

To access station WiFi:

Search for ‘Greater Anglia WiFi’ on your device’s WiFi listings and select ‘connect’.
From here, open your device's internet browser to access the registration page, which should load automatically.
Follow the instructions onscreen.

Find out more here: https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/your-journey/wifi

Hull Trains

Does Hull Trains provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Hull Trains provides free WiFi onboard, enabled by turning the train into a 4G-enabled hotspot.

How to access Hull Trains WiFi?

You should find Hull Trains as an available option on the list of WiFi providers. Upon clicking this option, you’ll be taken to a browser page and asked to sign in or register. If you lose connection, go back to the entry portal and log in with your email and password.

Find out more here: https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/support-and-contact/faqs

LNER

Does LNER provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, LNER provides free WiFi onboard. Available for customers in both Standard and First class, a ‘fair use’ traffic management policy is in place which restricts streaming onboard, so it’s recommended you download TV shows and films before your journey.

How to access LNER WiFi

Select the 'LNER WIFI' network when prompted (or in your WiFi settings)
Launch your internet browser and you should then be directed to http://wifi.lner.co.uk where you can log on or register.

Find out more here: https://www.lner.co.uk/footer/wifi-terms-and-conditions/

London Northwestern Railway

Does London Northwestern Railway provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, London Northwestern Railway provides free WiFi onboard. As it uses several 3G and 4G signals, the connectivity will vary depending on the destination and the number of users online at that given moment. Connection speed and access to certain video and music streaming sites are limited to ensure reliability for all customers.

How to access London Northwestern Railway WiFi

Once onboard, select “LNR On Board Wi-Fi” from the list of available networks in your WiFi settings and follow the on-screen instructions to connect.

Find out more here: https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/onboard-facilities/free-wifi

Lumo

Does Lumo provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Lumo provides free WiFi onboard under the name LumoGo. Most websites are available to access; however, video streaming and catch-up TV (which require excessive bandwidth) are prohibited to ensure all passengers have access to the services.

How to access Lumo WiFi?

When onboard, simply select ‘Lumo Wi-Fi’ under the WiFi settings. You will then be able to watch train updates on the ‘Live Train Journey’ page or surf the web to your heart’s content.

Find out more here: https://lumogo.co.uk/

Northern

Does Northern provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Northern provides free onboard WiFi. Northern notes that the WiFi is not intended for high-bandwidth applications such as streaming of video.

Find out more here: https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/wifi

ScotRail

Does ScotRail provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, ScotRail provides free onboard WiFi, ideal for browsing the internet, checking emails and using social media. ScotRail asks passengers to refrain from streaming and watching on-demand TV or any other activities that use high amounts of bandwidth.

You can currently enjoy free WiFi in over 50 stations and on 18 different train routes across the ScotRail network - keep an eye out for WiFi zone stickers.

How to access ScotRail WiFi?

Check that WiFi is enabled on your device, look for the ScotRail network and follow the login instructions on the screen. After that, you're free to browse at your leisure.

Find out more here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/stations-and-facilities/wi-fi

South Western

Does South Western provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, South Western provides free WiFi onboard, with upcoming plans to upgrade certain services with superfast WiFi. Connectivity can vary given amount of passengers and location, and streaming and on-demand TV are not allowed.

Free WiFi is also available at all South Western Railway stations

How to access South Western WiFi?

Select SWR WiFi from your network list
Open your browser and follow the easy registration instructions
A welcome page will appear, meaning you are now connected.

Find out more here: https://www.southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/onboard/wifi

Southeastern

Does Southeastern provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Southeastern provides free onboard WiFi. Southeastern has recently increased the free WiFi data allowance from 50MB to 75MB on most services, and doubled it (100MB) to mainline and high-speed services. Unlike many competitors, the WiFi is also available in tunnels on high-speed routes. Streaming audio and video is not recommended.

How to access Southeastern WiFi?

Simply connect to 'Southeastern_WiFi' and enjoy browsing.

Find out more here: https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/on-board-the-train/wifi

Southern

Does Southern provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Southern provides free WiFi onboard. You will get a 50MB allowance per day per device. If you reach this limit, you’ll still be able to connect but it will be at a slower speed. Although more than one mobile operator is used for connection, connectivity can be slower in more rural areas.

To ensure everyone on the train gets a good quality connection, individual download speeds are controlled.

How to access Southern WiFi?

Select 'southern_wifi' from your list of networks
Open your browser and click 'Connect'

Find out more here: https://www.southernrailway.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/wi-fi-on-board

Stansted Express

Does Stansted Express provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Stansted Express provides free WiFi onboard.

Find out more here: https://www.stanstedexpress.com/travel-information/onboard

Thameslink

Does Thameslink provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Thameslink provides free WiFi onboard on most of its services– you’ll know if you’re on a WiFi train as you’ll see a blue WiFi logo on the door as you board. You will get a 50MB allowance per day per device. If you reach this limit, you’ll still be able to connect, but it will be at a slower speed. To ensure everyone on the train gets a good quality connection, individual download speeds are controlled.

How to access Thameslink WiFi?

Select 'thameslink_wifi' from your list of networks
Open your browser and click 'Connect'

Find out more here: https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/wi-fi-on-board

Transpennine Express

Does Transpennine Express provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Transpennine Express provides free onboard WiFi across all of its services. Each device will get 20MB allowance per journey. Bandwidth is shared with all users onboard, so connection speed may be affected as more passengers connect and there may be areas where the signal is less strong. The service is suitable for browsing the internet, but it's not designed for streaming or downloading large files.

How to access Transpennine Express WiFi?

Make sure the WiFi on your device is switched on
Select 'TPE Wi-Fi' from your list of available networks
Log in (or register if you are a first-time user)
You are now connected to the internet

Find out more here: https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/onboard-facilities/wifi-faqs

Transport for Wales

Does Transport for Wales provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, Transport for Wales provides free WiFi onboard. Though speeds cannot be guaranteed, Transport for Wales aims to provide around 500Kbps. There is a Fair Usage Policy in place to allow other users a fair share of the service.

How to access Transport for Wales WiFi?

Select WiFi Tren TrC | TfW Train WiFi in your settings.
Select your language (Welsh or English), then accept the T&Cs and follow the instructions on your device.
The TfW on-board hub page will now appear; simply click on Track My Ride, sit back, relax or surf the internet.

Find out more here: https://wifi.tfw.wales/

West Midlands Railway

Does West Midlands Railway provide WiFi onboard?

Yes, West Midlands Railway provides free WiFi onboard, using several 3G and 4G signals. The quality of the internet connection will vary depending on where you are along our route and how many people are using the WiFi.

How to access West Midlands Railway WiFi?

Once you're onboard, select “WMR On Board Wi-Fi” (previously LOOP on train WiFi) from the list of available networks in your WiFi settings. If it's your first time, you’ll need to register your details. But next time, you can log on by just entering your email address.

Find out more here: https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/onboard-facilities/free-wifi

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