Transport for Wales First Class: Everything you need to know

Sarah Bowtell

Published: Apr 1, 2025

Updated: Oct 16, 2026

Transport for Wales First Class: Everything you need to know

Are you planning your next train journey and deciding whether to opt for a Transport for Wales First Class ticket? Our in-depth guide has everything you need to know about Transport for Wales (TfW) First Class, including menus and seating plans, so let’s dive in and see whether an upgrade is worth splashing the cash for.

What is included with Transport for Wales First Class?

Upgrading to First Class will generally include a number of benefits to enhance your trip but all providers are slightly different. With a Transport for Wales First Class ticket, you’ll get:

Spacious seating
Greater comfort
Complimentary biscuits and drinks on selected routes
Access to the First Class dining service for an additional fee on selected routes (see below for more information on the TfW First Class menu options)

Photo by Hugh Llewelyn

Travelling in First Class adds a sense of luxury and comfort to your journey. With TfW, First Class travel is available on selected journeys:

Between Cardiff and Holyhead (1 service each way on weekdays)
Between Cardiff and Manchester (6 services each way on both weekdays and weekends).
Between Swansea and Manchester (2 services each way on Sundays and 1 service from Swansea on Saturdays).

Transport for Wales First Class menu

As a Transport for Wales First Class customer, you’ll receive complimentary soft drinks and biscuits on selected routes. In addition, you can purchase delicious seasonal options crafted from local ingredients alongside a range of drinks from the TfW First Class menu.

If you’re travelling first thing, you can take advantage of the breakfast menu and enjoy tasty options such as a full Welsh breakfast, poached egg on toast or porridge.

Later in the day, why not treat yourself to a two- or three-course meal from the lunch or dinner menu? With a focus on seasonal, local produce, the Transport for Wales chefs are sure to delight your taste buds. Two courses start at just £24.95 per person.

There’s also a wide selection of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks available to purchase from the drinks menu. So you can sit back and soak in the stunning Welsh countryside accompanied by a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a warming cappuccino.

The Transport for Wales First Class menus described above are available on the TfW Premier Service between Cardiff and Holyhead and Cardiff and Manchester.

Can you upgrade to First Class on Transport for Wales?

If you haven’t booked your trip yet, it’s easy to arrange Transport for Wales First Class tickets through our journey planner. Simply choose the route and travel time that best suits you, click on your preferred journey, then before proceeding to the payment screen, select ‘View 1st Class & More Tickets’ to see the First Class options available.

Already bought a standard ticket but now interested in an upgrade? No problem, have a chat with the conductor on board and if there’s availability in First Class, you’ll be able to upgrade by just paying the additional fare.

Another way to upgrade once you’ve already bought your ticket is through the Seatfrog app. You’ll just need to download the app, find your journey using the train search feature and bid on a First Class upgrade. Auctions are open from 24 hours to 30 minutes before departure and bids can start at just £6. If you win your bid (or you choose the upgrade now option to upgrade right away), make sure to bring your original standard class ticket along with your Seatfrog upgrade barcode when you board the train.

Photo by Hugh Llewelyn

Transport for Wales First Class seating plan

You can find comprehensive information about the Transport for Wales fleet and the seating plans for each train in this guide. First Class can be found on the Mark 4 Coach and Class 197 trains, although there may also be some others in operation on Premier Service routes.

On the Mark 4 Coach trains (between Cardiff and Holyhead and Cardiff/Swansea and Manchester Piccadilly), you’ll usually find First Class in the middle of the train, next to the restaurant car.

On Class 197 trains, you’ll find First Class seating at one end of the train’s three carriages. Check for signage by the door or ask station staff if you’re unsure.

Does Transport for Wales have First Class lounges?

Unfortunately, there are no Transport for Wales First Class lounges at present and a TfW First Class ticket doesn’t grant access to First Class lounges run by other companies.

Is Transport for Wales First Class worth it?

That’s going to completely depend on you and your plans! We think a TfW First Class upgrade can be a great option if you’re looking for more comfortable seating during your trip. Although the complimentary refreshments included aren’t as comprehensive as some First Class services out there, the option to access the First Class dining experience could make for a luxurious add-on to your journey.

When you’re looking to upgrade, don’t forget that it’s best to book in advance for the most affordable fares and consider travelling off peak if you can.

Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to have a great journey, but if you’re looking for extra comfort and access to First Class dining, why not indulge in a Transport for Wales First Class upgrade?