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First Class tickets

First Class

Most Great Northern trains have First Class seats

Types of First Class ticket

Great Northern services on our long distance routes have first class accommodation. Routes with and without first class are shown below. Where first class is available, this will be clearly indicated by signage on the relevant carriages. On routes served by Thameslink trains, first class accommodation can be found at the very front of the train. The first class compartment at the rear of Thameslink trains is always declassified.

Routes with first class operate between;

  • King’s Lynn/Cambridge and London King’s Cross/St Pancras
  • Peterborough and London King’s Cross/St Pancras

Routes with standard class only operate between;

  • Stevenage/Hertford North and Moorgate
  • Welwyn Garden City and Moorgate

A number of stations are served by trains operating on different routes, some with and some without first class. We strongly recommend that you check in advance whether your planned service operates with first class or not. The easiest way to check is through our timetables pages.

If you have purchased a first class ticket, your journey is entirely on the Great Northern or Thameslink route and:

  • The first class accommodation is declassified, or
  • The first class accommodation at the front of the train is full and you are unable to find a first class seat

You can claim the appropriate difference between the standard and first class fare using our First Class claim form.

Wheelchair spaces are available within standard class accommodation only.

Book First Class now

Upgrading to First Class

If you’re travelling on a weekday you can upgrade your Standard Class ticket to First Class at the ticket office. You must do this before you board the train: our staff on the train can’t upgrade your ticket but can only sell you a new First Class ticket.

Don’t travel in First Class without a First Class ticket, even if you’re planning to buy one when you’re on the train. You might be liable to a Penalty Fare.

What if i've paid for a first class ticket and there are no seats left or a member of staff declassifies first class– what can I do?

If you have a first class ticket but there are no first class seats available on your train or first class has been declassified by our staff, you can claim a refund of the difference between the first class and the standard class ticket for the relevant part of your journey.

To claim your refund apply using our simple online form.

You need to do this within 28 days of the journey concerned.