Are you looking to upgrade your upcoming London Northwestern Railway (or LNR - though, not to be confused with LNER) journey for a little added comfort? Check below to see if this is possible!
Photo by Kat's Transport Photography
Can you buy a London Northwestern Railway First Class ticket?
No, you cannot. Since Sunday, 21 May 2023, London Northwestern Railway has removed First Class from its services, citing “changing customer demand” as the reason.
Instead, London Northwestern Railway have used the previous First Class space to provide additional seating for Standard Class passengers - an extra 4.7 million seats to be exact! The layout of the carriages was not changed, though First Class signage was removed from both inside and outside the fleet.
Note that London Northwestern Railway have begun the process of transitioning older fleets out for the new Class 730 trains, which will have all-new layouts to reflect this decision.
What ticket types can you get on London Northwestern Railway?
While First Class is no longer an option, LNR offers a range of flexible and affordable ticket types to suit different travel needs:
- Advance Tickets – Book early and save; ideal for fixed plans.
- Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak – Great for those travelling outside rush hours.
- Anytime Tickets – Flexible options that let you travel at any time of day.
- GroupSave – Discounts for groups of 3 to 9 adults travelling together.
- Railcards – Accepted for additional savings (e.g., 16-25, Senior, Two Together). Find out more about Railcards here.
All these options can be purchased online, via the app, or at ticket machines and booking offices.
Discover more about train ticket types with our dedicated guide.
What onboard facilities are available?
While there is no First Class seating, LNR provides a comfortable and accessible onboard experience across its routes, including:
- Free Wi-Fi on many services
- Power sockets available on selected trains
- Cycle spaces (check in advance for restrictions)
- Accessible toilets and priority seating
- Digital information screens for real-time updates
The newer Class 730 electric trains—being introduced gradually across the West Midlands and London Euston routes—offer cleaner, quieter journeys with improved seating layouts, USB charging, and more luggage space.
Where does London Northwestern Railway operate?
LNR connects London Euston with destinations across the West Midlands, including:
This makes it a popular choice for both commuters and leisure travellers seeking affordable long-distance rail travel.
Alternative First Class options
If First Class travel is a must for your journey, consider switching to services operated by:
- Avanti West Coast – Offers First Class from London Euston to the North West and Scotland.
- LNER – Operates on the East Coast Main Line (not to be confused with LNR).