Onboard The Trains
All trains have standard class accommodation with comfortable seating appropriate to the length of journey. Short distance trains have higher density seating. Longer distance trains have more spacious seating with airline style seats and groups of seats around tables. Many services also have first class accommodations. This features more space and comfort together with usually other benefits such as complementary drinks. Most longer distance regional trains have a trolley service of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Sandwiches and confectionery is sold throughout the journey. These services are marked in the timetables with a symbol. Intercity services still have a buffet car with a more extensive range of drinks and food. You can even purchase light meals. Many have high quality fresh food and the prices tend to be reasonable. The busiest services have full dining service in restaurant cars. The meals again are very good although quite pricey. Luggage Passengers can take up to three items of personal luggage free of charge. This includes two items of large luggage (such as a suitcase) and one smaller item. Excess luggage and larger items (such as skis) may be carried subject to available space at an extra charge. Many trains (even long distance) no longer have luggage cars but space is available inside the coaches. The main exceptions to this rule are most of the Intercity operators and sleepers. Gatwick Express has ample luggage space for all items including bulky items which may be carried free of charge. Look for the luggage coach at the end of the train. Wi-Fi Internet access Thanks to UK rail operators investment in Wi Fi internet access, you can now read your emails, surf the web or connect to your companies Virtual Private Network, all while you travel by train! Trains which currently provide Wi Fi Internet access are those of the Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) and Southern's Brighton Express. GNER trains with Wi Fi: The service has a charge in standard class and is offered free in first class. Southern Railway trains with Wi Fi:
On overnight trains seating is usually of first class type for greater comfort. Although these are sold as standard class so there is no supplement to pay. Sleeper services also have the option of taking a berth in a sleeping car. Standard class sleeper cabins have two berths. If you are travelling alone you may be sharing with someone else. Refreshments are served in the cabin in the morning. First class cabins are single berth and passengers have the use of a lounge car. UK trains do not have showers as you are never more than one night on board. However many stations have shower facilities for which a small charge is made.
Catering Services