First Class or Second Class? What is the difference between First and Standard Class in Britain? First Class has larger seats, more space both for you and your baggage. While 2nd class is general seating with a luggage rack above.

First Class carriages are usually less crowded and have picture windows. On many routes First Class offer extras, including free tea and coffee. Some routes even offer free snacks and newspapers. 

Certain long haul routes have table or buffet service meal too. It is normally very good and comparable to airline 'first class'. Second/Standard class will have a food trolly service with a selected menu to choose from such as sandwiches, soft drinks etc.

Most commuter routes radiating from the big cities have First Class accommodation. Here the benefit is space on busy rush hour trains.

First Class is always at the London end of the platform (i.e. no long walk at the London terminal!)

Do all trains have First Class? No. However, all principle routes have First Class accommodation. Some rural routes, like in Scotland, offer Standard Class accommodation only. First Class rail Pass prices do reflect the fact that not all trains have First class.