ScotRail First Class: Everything you need to know

Sarah Bowtell

Published: Apr 1, 2025

Updated: Oct 16, 2026

ScotRail First Class: Everything you need to know

Are you considering a ScotRail First Class upgrade for your next intercity trip? Check our guide below to get the full lowdown on what’s included and whether a ScotRail First Class upgrade is worth it.

What is included with ScotRail First Class?

When choosing whether to upgrade to First Class, it’s important to know what you’re getting for the additional cost. With a ScotRail First Class ticket, you’ll get:

Quieter, more comfortable seating
Hospitality (selected services, see further information below)
A table at every seat
A dedicated charging point at every seat
A window blind or curtain
Free Wi-Fi (on Inter7City HST and eXpress (Class 385) services)

As ScotRail operates First Class on three different train types, it’s worth checking which one is applicable for your journey so you know what to expect. You can check the scheduled services for Inter7City (HSTs), Intercity (Class 170) and eXpress (Class 385) here.

Does ScotRail have a First Class seating plan?

There’s no published ScotRail First Class seating plan; however, you’ll usually find First Class signage near the train doors. You can also check with station staff if you’re not sure.

There are fewer seats in First Class sections of the train, making it a quieter and more comfortable experience. You’ll find a selection of seating arrangements with four-seater tables, two seats side-by-side and single table seats available in First Class.

ScotRail First Class menu

Catering is often provided on ScotRail’s longer distance and scenic routes via a trolley service. This includes some services between Fort William and Glasgow, Inverness and Wick, and some Inter7City services from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth.

Check ScotRail’s website for a full list of services expected to offer catering, including the ScotRail First Class menu.

First Class ticket holders travelling on services where catering is available can enjoy access to the ScotRail First Class menu, which features a complimentary hot drink or bottle of water along with a choice of flavoured Scottish shortbread.

On the full menu, you’ll find hot and cold drinks as well as snacks and sandwiches available for purchase from the trolley. Please note that alcohol is not permitted on board ScotRail trains.

Photo by Andrew Abbott via Geograph Britain and Ireland

Can you upgrade to First Class on ScotRail?

If you’re looking for an easy way to book ScotRail First Class tickets, head to our journey planner and type in your preferred route and travel time. Select the journey that best suits your plans and before proceeding to payment, click on ‘View 1st Class & More Tickets’ to see the ScotRail First Class options available.

If you’ve already bought your Standard Class ticket but would like to enjoy the benefits of ScotRail First Class, speak to the conductor on board on the day and ask about First Class availability. Upgrades on eXpress services are just £5 one way, while intercity service upgrades are only £15 each way.

ScotRail Aberdeen First Class Lounge

If your journey starts or ends at Aberdeen, the ScotRail Aberdeen First Class Lounge is a great extra perk. First Class passengers can relax and enjoy complimentary refreshments. There are also dedicated toilet and shower facilities available.

You’ll find the Aberdeen First Class Lounge upstairs, behind the departure boards on the main station concourse.

The opening times are:

Monday to Friday: 06:15 to 21:30
Saturday: 06:15 to 19:00
Sunday: 08:45 to 21:30

Is ScotRail First Class worth it?

This will be different for every passenger and depend on the journey you’re taking. The cost of upgrades tends to be lower than you’ll find with many train providers; however, the added benefits, particularly the hospitality options, are more limited.

As ScotRail First Class benefits are different on different routes and at different times, we’d definitely suggest checking which benefits are available for your particular journey to help you decide. If you’re travelling to or from Aberdeen, for example, the First Class Lounge is a great extra that you wouldn’t benefit from on other routes.

To get the most affordable prices, it’s best to book in advance where possible and make use of any flexibility in your travel plans to see if a lower-priced fare is available. After all, why not get the best price while enjoying a touch of luxury?