TransPennine Express seating plan: Where am I sitting?

Sam Stevenson

Published: Apr 16, 2025

Updated: Oct 16, 2026

TransPennine Express seating plan: Where am I sitting?

Finding the latest TransPennine Express Seating Plan can be tricky, so we've made it easy! Read our full guide on how to pick the right spot to board the train. We've studied the First TransPennine Express Seating Plan, and we know how each of their different types of trains differ in terms of seating. Keep reading to get all the info. The TransPennine Express Seating Plan applies to all of their trains operating across the north of England and into Scotland.

There are three different models of train, so the TransPennine Express Seat Layout is going to differ depending on the journey you're making. The different trains are the Class 185, the Nova 1 and the Nova 2. The Class 185 has a yellow front, whereas the Nova 1 is black and blue with vertical headlights, and the Nova 2 is black and blue with horizontal headlights.

TransPennine Express Class 185 Seating Plan

See the TransPennine Express Seat Layout for Class 185 trains here.

The Class 185 train can be used in either 3 or 6-coach layout, depending on route and demand. The bigger train is just two 3-coach trains coupled together. The following coaches will be the same: A/E, B/F and C/G.

Standard seating can be found in coaches A, B and half of C.
First Class seating can be found in half of coach C.
Wheelchair Space can be found in Coach C.
A Toilet with baby change facilities can be found in Coach C. It is accessible.
Bike Spaces can be found in Coach A.
Luggage Space can be found at the centre of Coaches A, B and C. The usual underseat and overhead storage for smaller bags is available.
The TransPennine Express Seating Plan provides for 154 Standard Class and 15 First Class seats on these trains.

TransPennine Express Nova 1 Seating Plan

See the TransPennine Express Seat Layout for Nova 1 trains here.

The 5-coach Nova 1 trains operate various services across the north of England and on to Edinburgh.

Standard seating can be found in Coaches A to D.
First Class seating can be found in Coach E.
Wheelchair Space can be found in Coach E.
Toilets with baby change facilities are in every coach except Coach B. The toilets in Coaches A and E are accessible.
Bike Spaces can be found in Coaches B and D.
Luggage Space can be found at both ends of Coaches B, C and D, as well as at the rear of Coach A. There is underseat and overhead storage for small luggage.
The TransPennine Seating Plan means there are 318 Standard Class and 24 First Class seats on the Nova 1.

TransPennine Express Nova 2 Seating Plan

See the TransPennine Express Seat Layout for Nova 2 trains here.

Nova 2 trains have 5 coaches and travel between the North West and Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Standard seating can be found in Coaches A to D.
First Class seating can be found in Coach E.
Wheelchair Space can be found in Coach E.
Toilets can be found in Coaches A, C and E. The toilet in Coach E is accessible and has baby change facilities.
Bike Spaces can be found in Coach A.
Luggage Space can be found at both ends of all coaches. These trains have underseat and overhead storage, too.
The TransPennine Seating Plan gives 264 Standard Class and 24 First Class seats on this model.

How to find your seats on TransPennine trains

If you're searching out the First TransPennine Express Seating Plan to help you find where you'll be sitting on your forthcoming journey, then we have good news for you! It's really easy to find your seat. Check your ticket and you should see a seat number, like 'C22'. The letter indicates the coach that you're travelling in, and the number shows which seat to sit in within that coach.

The TransPennine Express seating plan is different on each type of train, but the operator has made a really cool virtual walkthrough available for each of its trains!

As with all British trains, coach numbers will be shown clearly near each door, which makes it easier to get on the train via the door nearest your seat. The modern Nova 1 and Nova 2 models display their coach numbers on electronic signs near the door, so they're super easy to find.

As for reservations, each seat on Nova trains has a light and digital sign showing whether the seat is occupied. The light is either green (unreserved) or red (reserved). If it's red, the sign will show you the stations between which the seat is reserved. If it's green, anyone can sit there! Meanwhile, the Class 185 trains have paper signs at the top of each seat to explain whether or not the seat is reserved.