Grand Central First Class: Everything you need to know

When deciding whether to go First Class, the first thing to think about is what’s included with your ticket. With a Grand Central First Class ticket, you’ll get:

• Larger, reclining seats for a more comfortable journey
• More legroom
• Complimentary drinks and snacks, keeping you fuelled for the day ahead
• At-seat service

This is in addition to the amenities enjoyed by all passengers throughout the train including free Wi-Fi.

You can order delicious snacks and drinks from the Grand Central First Class menu straight to your seat via the QR code at your seat or table.

Your Grand Central First Class complimentary food and drink benefits mean you can choose two items from the following list (subject to availability on the day):

• Freshly brewed bean to cup coffee
• A range of different teas
• Pain au chocolat
• Scrubby's Chilli and Lemon Humous Chips
• Walkers shortbread (2 pack)
• Love Corn BBQ
• Nature Valley Crunchy Oats and Honey Bar

You’ll also be able scan the QR code to order extra complimentary tea, coffee or Harrogate spring water during your journey, so there’s no excuse not to relax with a cuppa.

Photo by Adambro

Grand Central operate two types of trains: Adelante and Voyager 221. Each train type has a slightly different seat configuration, with Adelante trains including more table options for First Class passengers.

Whichever train you’re travelling on, you’ll find a selection of four-seater tables, two seats next to each other and single seats within the Grand Central First Class seating plan.

For Adelante trains, you’ll find First Class seating:

· On 5-coach trains: in coach E

· On 10-coach trains: in coaches E and J

For a full overview, be sure to check out the detailed seating plan.

For Voyager 221 trains, you’ll find First Class seating in coach E with the full seating plan available here.

If you’re travelling on the North Eastern Line, connecting London King’s Cross to Sunderland via Peterborough, York, Thirsk, Northallerton, Eaglescliffe and Hartlepool, you can expect to be on board an Adelante Train. Meanwhile if you’re travelling on the West Yorkshire service, connecting London King’s Cross to Bradford via Doncaster, Pontefract, Wakefield, Mirfield, Brighouse, Halifax and Low Moor, you may be on either an Adelante or a Voyager 221 service.

Advanced tickets usually include a seat reservation, however other tickets such as off-peak and anytime do not usually include this. Grand Central recommends calling their reservations team on 0345 603 4852 (opt. 4, then 1) to make complimentary seat reservations ahead of your journey. Do bear in mind that seat reservations are never guaranteed and subject to change due to travel conditions.

Unfortunately, there are currently no Grand Central First Class lounges available for use and a First Class Grand Central ticket doesn’t grant you access to other First Class lounges at the stations Grand Central serves.

It’s easy to book your Grand Central First Class upgrade with our journey planner. Simply search for your journey, select your preferred route and travel time, then before moving on to the payment screen, choose ‘View 1^st Class & More Tickets’ to see which Grand Central First Class tickets are available.

If you’ve already booked your standard ticket but now want to benefit from the Grand Central First Class complimentary food and drink offering and more comfortable seating, speak to the Train Manager onboard to see if there is any First Class availability and pay the additional fare.

Another way to upgrade once you’ve already booked is by bidding for a Grand Central First Class upgrade on the Seatfrog app. Bidding is available from 24 hours up to 30 minutes before your train’s departure. If you’re successful, be sure to bring along your original standard ticket as well as your Seatfrog upgrade barcode.

Whether First Class is worth it will completely depend on your travel plans, budget and priorities. You’ll get the best value if you can secure a more affordable price, so be sure to book early and consider whether there is flexibility on your trip to travel off-peak.

While there aren’t any Grand Central First Class lounges, we think the more comfortable and spacious seating plus complimentary snacks and drinks can make a Grand Central First Class upgrade a great option for your next adventure.