LNER First Class: Everything you need to know

Are you debating whether to pick up a LNER First Class ticket? It can be tough to know when an upgrade is truly worth it when travelling by train, but we’re here to help! We answer key questions and break down what is included with LNER First Class in our extensive guide below.

Photo by Walter Baxter

What is included with a LNER First Class ticket?

A First Class LNER ticket gets you:

• Access to First Class lounges at various popular stations (see below)
• Complimentary food and drinks onboard and in lounges (see menus below)
• Wider seats which can recline onboard
• More legroom and larger tables onboard
• A quieter environment in First Class sections
• Faster WiFi compared to Standard Class

As well as typical onboard amenities such as:

• Power sockets and USB charging points

Basically, you’ll be travelling in extra comfort and style, whether at the station or during your journey.

LNER First Class menus

Did you know you get free complimentary food onboard with a First Class ticket?

The available onboard menu will change not only depending on when exactly your journey is, but where you’re travelling from, as LNER has made it their mission to support local suppliers with their offerings, so expect some regional delicacies!

Download each LNER First Class menu PDF here:

• Brunch menu
• Deli menu
• Dish menu
• Dine menu (weekdays only)

You can expect a range of sandwiches, health bowls, snacks, hot drinks and soft drinks across all menus, with alcoholic beverages served for the lunch and evening menus. Hot meals, such as a full English, lamb rogan josh, sausage and mash, and pearl barley mushroom risotto, feature only on the Dish and Dine menus.

If you’re booking your ticket on LNER’s website or app, you'll see the name of the menu served when you're travelling. If not, simply ask the host which menu is available for your chosen route onboard. Alternatively, check out the menu that will be onboard your train depending on which direction you’re headed:

• Northbound service
• Southbound service

LNER First Class drinks menu

Hot drinks

(Oatly Barista Oat milk is available with hot drinks)

• Coffee
• Regular
• Decaf
• Breakfast tea
• Speciality tea
• Earl Grey
• Mint
• Green
• Decaf
• Hot chocolate

Soft drinks

• Harrogate Spring Water
• Pepsi
• Pepsi Max
• R Whites Lemonade
• Britvic Ginger Ale
• Orange Juice
• Apple Juice
• Britvic Tonic or Slimline Tonic Water

Alcoholic drinks (served with Lunch / Evening menus)

• Hop on Board Ale
• Masons Gin | Masons Vodka
• Libations Rum
• Dewar’s White Label Whisky
• White Wine – Viura Blanco, Spain
• Red Wine – Tempranillo Tinto, Spain
• Rosé Wine – Tempranillo Rosado, Spain

How to get a LNER First Class upgrade

To acquire your LNER First Class ticket, you can simply select the ‘First Class’ type when purchasing your train ticket. Once you’ve selected your ideal route using our Journey Planner, be sure to click on the ‘View 1st Class & More Tickets’ option on the side of the screen to see the LNER First Class ticket price before confirming your purchase.

You may also be able to upgrade your ticket on select routes, though this may be completed before your journey. Click or tap on your ticket online or on the app, or your ticket confirmation via email for more info on this and to see whether you’re eligible.

Photo by Walter Baxter

LNER First Class lounges

LNER First Class lounges allow you to relax at the station before or after your train journey. Simply show your ticket for access to a place to unwind and receive light refreshments on the house, with a helpful, dedicated team of staff there to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. Discover more about LNER First Class lounges here.

LNER First Class seating plan

Where the First Class carriage is located will depend on the model of your train and how many coaches are in service.

For Azuma services, you can find the First Class carriage:

• On 5-coach trains: Coaches D and E
• On 9-coach trains: Coaches K, L and M
• On 10-coach trains: Coaches D, E, K and M

View the detailed seating plan for LNER Azuma trains here.

For Electric Trains:

• On 9-coach trains: Coaches K, L and M

View the detailed seating plan for LNER Electric trains here.

Popular LNER Routes

London Kings Cross to York

Prices from £11

London Kings Cross to Newcastle

From £19.90

London Kings Cross to Leeds

From £18.10

London Kings Cross to Aberdeen

From £33.20

Is LNER First Class worth it?

That depends! Are you looking to travel in comfort and willing to spare some extra cash for the privilege? If yes, we think that First Class is very worth it!

LNER journeys tend to be on the longer side, so being able to luxuriate with free food and drinks, more spacious seating and high-speed WiFi can only help ensure a more enjoyable experience.

Of course, First Class tickets are more expensive than Standard Class, but much like any other ticket type, they will be cheaper the further in advance you book them - hence, we think it’s far more worth it if you can get them at a lower price!

For those simply looking to get from A to B, then Standard Class tickets still promise to offer an efficient and enjoyable journey, but First Class is ideal for those looking for something a little extra. And who doesn’t deserve to treat themselves every once in a while?