LNER weekend upgrade: How to bump your ticket to First Class

Daniel Clark

Published: May 1, 2025

Updated: Oct 16, 2026

LNER weekend upgrade: How to bump your ticket to First Class

If you’re booked onto an LNER train, it might be possible to upgrade your ticket to First Class on weekends, Bank Holidays and on some Super Off-Peak trains with the LNER Weekend Upgrade. By travelling in First Class with LNER, you can enjoy a more luxurious journey, with a range of additional amenities to ensure you have the most comfortable experience. This guide explains how the LNER First Class Weekend Upgrade works, including how to upgrade on your day of travel.

How much is it for a LNER weekend upgrade?

To get an LNER First Class Upgrade, the cost depends on whether you are on a long or short journey.

A LNER Weekend Upgrade is available for approximately:

£35 on a short journey
£45 on a long journey

When booking LNER First Class tickets in advance, the price difference with Standard fares varies by route and date of travel.

How to get a LNER weekend upgrade?

When booking your trip with ourJourney Planner, you can click to ‘View 1st Class & More Tickets’ to find First Class fares.

It is also possible to purchase the LNER Weekend Upgrade on the day of your travel. Simply speak to the train manager to find out if there is space onboard, and you’ll be able to pay the upgrade by card.

Are there any restrictions on LNER weekend upgrades?

LNER Weekend Upgrades, as the name suggests, are available on Saturday and Sunday, but also on Bank Holidays and some Super Off-Peak trains.

LNER considers Super Off-Peak trains to be any services departing from London or Stevenage between 09:06 and 14:59 and after 18:59 on Monday to Thursday (after 18:15 on a Friday), or trains arriving into London or Stevenage after 11:17 during the week.See here for full details of LNER Super Off-Peak times.

What is included in LNER First Class?

Travelling in First Class adds extra comfort and style to your journey, from waiting in a First Class station lounge to kicking back in your (more spacious) seat.

By taking advantage of an LNER upgrade to first class weekend, you’ll get complimentary food and drinks, more legroom, bigger tables and a reclining seat. As well as typical onboard amenities like power sockets and USB charging points, passengers in First Class get faster WiFi too.

For a full breakdown of everything that comes with an LNER Weekend Upgrade, check out our in-depth guide to LNER First Class here.