How to access First Class Stansted Express seats with a Standard Class ticket

Marqv Neves

Mar 11, 2026

Travelling between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach the airport. A common question from passengers is whether Stansted Express First Class is still available. In this guide, we explain what happened to First Class tickets, where to find the more spacious seating, and how to make the most of your journey. For ticket bookings and live updates, you can also check the Stansted Express page on Trip.com.

Photo by Rob Candlish

Are there First Class Stansted Express tickets available?

The Stansted Express no longer sells official First Class tickets. The service was discontinued some years ago, so you cannot book a dedicated First Class seat. However, a few trains between London and Norwich still run with carriages that once operated as First Class. These areas are set up in a 2+1 seating layout, giving passengers wider seats, more legroom, and a quieter space compared with Standard Class areas.

The best part is that these seats can be used with a Standard ticket, meaning you can enjoy the extra comfort without paying more. Availability depends on how busy the train is, so boarding early is recommended.

Where can the previous ‘First Class’ seats be found?

The former First Class sections are usually located at one end of the train. Seats cannot be reserved separately, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To increase your chances of finding one of these seats, consider:

Check the number on the front of the train, as those that start with a 0 (004, for example) have First Class. 'Normal' services instead start with a 1 (104, for example).
Checking the train layout in advance to see where the former First Class carriage will stop on the platform, and waiting in the right place.
Boarding as early as possible, since trains to and from Stansted Airport can become crowded during peak times.
Booking your ticket in advance through Trip.com so you do not waste time buying at the station, leaving you free to head straight for the more spacious seating.