- How do seating plans work on UK Trains?
- Avanti West Coast seating plan
- Grand Central seating plan
- GWR seating plan
- LNER seating plan
- CrossCountry seating plan
- Hull Trains seating plan
- TransPennine Express seating plan
Booking a UK train ticket and wondering where your seat is located? Whether you're selecting a seat in advance or checking your coach layout on the day, this guide links to detailed seating plans for major UK rail operators. Learn what each carriage includes, how to find your seat quickly, and what kind of experience to expect in both Standard and First Class.
From window vs aisle seats to bike storage, tables, plug sockets and quiet zones, this guide is designed to help you decode your ticket and find the best place to sit.
Photo by R~P~M
How do seating plans work on UK Trains?
Most long-distance UK trains offer reservable seating — meaning your ticket may include:
- A carriage letter (e.g. Coach B)
- A seat number (e.g. Seat 43)
- A class designation (Standard or First Class)
Some services have open seating with no assigned places, while others let you reserve specific spots based on preferences like table seating, quiet carriages, or wheelchair space.
Know who you’re riding with? Click below for operator-specific seating layouts to understand the train configuration, find your seat easily, and spot key features before boarding.
Avanti West Coast seating plan
Travelling on Avanti's Pendolino or Evero trains? This guide breaks down First and Standard Class layouts, explains Coach U vs Coach A, and shows where to find bike spaces, power sockets, and First Class tables.
Grand Central seating plan
Grand Central trains between London and the North East use older but spacious rolling stock. Discover First Class carriage positions, the difference in 5- and 10-coach Adelante trains, and which coaches offer accessible seating or table bays.
GWR seating plan
GWR's Intercity Express Trains (IETs) serve London, the South West and South Wales. This guide explains Class 80x vs 38x layouts and where to find quiet coaches across the wide range of train types.
LNER seating plan
LNER’s Azuma trains feature modern layouts, plenty of sockets, and reversible seats. Find out where your coach fits in, how First Class differs, and what to expect from the Electric train seat layouts, too.
CrossCountry seating plan
CrossCountry Voyagers have a compact layout with limited space. This guide helps you locate bike storage, Coach D or F, and the best seats if you want a quiet ride or access to plug points.
Hull Trains seating plan
Hull Trains uses Paragon trains with a mix of First and Standard Class in a single formation. Find out how many coaches there are, where First Class is located, and how to sit near luggage racks or toilets.
TransPennine Express seating plan
TransPennine Express trains cover routes across the North. See how Nova 1 and Nova 2 trains are arranged, where to find cycle space, quiet zones, and which seats offer the most legroom.