First class train travel: a guide

First class on trains carries a certain image: wide seats, a quiet carriage, meals or drinks served at your seat, and extra comfort as the countryside glides by. Sometimes you’ll get the full package; other times it’s more about space and peace. Either way, choosing to upgrade to first class can transform a train journey into a more enjoyable part of a slow travel trip (when you know what to expect).

Across Europe and the UK, the standard of first class is as varied as the journeys themselves. It can add extra comfort to your trip, but what that means in practice depends on the operator, the route and even the time of day.

Read on to find out more about first class train travel: what’s included, which countries offer what, and if it’s worth it.

For more exclusive insights into slow travel journeys, overland travel inspiration and insider tips, subscribe to our newsletter.

Sara Hobbs

Food in Eurostar Plus.

What does first class mean?

At its core, first class usually means fewer seats per carriage, more legroom, and quieter surroundings than standard. Beyond that, different services vary with what they offer:

• First class: wider seats, more space, sometimes a complimentary drink, snack, or light meal.

• Business class: available in certain countries like Italy. This can sit alongside or above first class, with newer trains, more legroom, or small compartments for four to six people.

• Eurostar Plus: wider seats, a light meal and drink at your seat.

• Eurostar Premier: hot meals, champagne, lounge access, fast-track boarding.

Tip: Always check individual operator websites to see what’s included, as catering and lounge access vary by route, ticket type, and even time of day.

Francesco Labita

First class train travel by country

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the best places to upgrade. First class is spacious, usually quiet, and on local trains you can ride the same scenic routes as the Glacier or Bernina Express without paying tourist-train premiums.

What you get

• Larger, quieter coaches with panoramic windows on many routes.

• Food and drink not included; bistro purchases or at-seat ordering available.

• Lounges exist but usually only with flexible first-class tickets (not passes).

• Reservations rarely required except on named tourist trains.

Is it worth it? Yes, especially with an Interrail first class pass. A cost-effective way to enjoy premium scenic travel.

Check SBB’s website for more information about first class.

Mark Smith/The Man in Seat 61

SBB Intercity first class carriage, Switzerland.

Austria

First class in Austria is about comfort and convenience, with the added bonus of station lounges in major cities like Vienna and Innsbruck.

What you get

• Extra legroom, roomy seats, power sockets.

• At-seat service from the bistro menu (paid, not complimentary).

• ÖBB lounges included at major stations.

• Reservations recommended on popular routes but not compulsory.

Is it worth it? Often yes, particularly if you’ll use the lounges or value at-seat service.

Check ÖBB’s website for more information about first class.

Mark Smith/The Man in Seat 61

Railjet first class carriage, Austria.

Germany

In Germany, the main advantage of first class is practicality: quieter coaches and, with flexible tickets, included seat reservations.

What you get

• Wider seats, quieter environment on ICE/IC trains.

• Restaurant/bistro car with food at extra cost; at-seat service available.

• DB lounges in big cities, but only with flexible first-class tickets (not passes).

• Flexpreis fares include a seat reservation; discounted fares usually don’t.

Is it worth it? Sometimes. Best value at busy times or with flexible fares; otherwise mostly about extra space.

Check DB’s website for more information about first class.

Mark Smith/The Man in Seat 61

ICE first class carriage, Germany.

Italy

Trains in Italy offers a range of upgraded classes depending on the operator, giving travellers a real choice. Business often strikes the best balance, while Executive is much more luxurious.

What you get

• Frecciarossa Premium: leather seats, extra legroom, welcome drink/snack.

• Frecciarossa Business: Premium perks plus quieter coaches (Business Quiet), glass dividers, private 4-seat compartments on some trains (Salottinos), and a snack box with Illy coffee.

• Frecciarossa Executive: Business perks plus wide rotating armchairs, gourmet meals, lounge access.

• EuroCity: extra space only, no catering.

• Regional services: limited differences, sometimes no first class at all.

• Reservations compulsory on all long-distance trains.

Is it worth it? Yes, but choose carefully. With Interrail, Premium is included in first class passes. For point-to-point tickets, Business gives the best value.

Check Trenitalia’s website for more information about first class.

Mark Smith/The Man in Seat 61

Frecciarossa Premium carriage, Italy.

France

In France, upgrading is mostly about space and quiet. Complimentary meals are rare these days, so the appeal lies in seating comfort rather than service.

What you get

• TGV: larger seats (often 2+1 layout), quieter coaches, at-seat paid catering.

• Ouigo: no first class option.

• TER: usually just extra space (if first class is offered).

• Reservations compulsory on all TGV services; TER does not require reservations.

Is it worth it? Yes, if you want more space and comfort on long journeys.

Check SNCF’s website for more information about first class.

Mark Smith/The Man in Seat 61

TGV first class carriage, France.

Spain

First class in Spain can be generous, but meals are now route and time dependent, so the upgrade is less predictable than it once was.

What you get

• AVE Preferente: wider seats; sometimes meals/snack boxes depending on service.

• Media Distancia and regional: minimal difference from standard (if offered at all).

• Reservations compulsory on all long-distance trains.

Is it worth it? Check your route. Worthwhile on longer AVE journeys where meals are included; otherwise mainly about comfort.

Check Renfe’s website for more information about first class.

Mark Smith/The Man in Seat 61

Renfe AVE Preferente carriage, Spain.

Belgium and the Netherlands

Belgium and the Netherlands are among the best-value countries for upgrading. The price difference is small, but the benefit in space and calm is significant, especially since reservations are rarely required.

What you get

• Quieter, more spacious carriages with better chance of a seat.

• No included food; same café services for all passengers.

• Hop-on, hop-off flexibility without reservations on local services.

Is it worth it? Yes. Particularly during busy commuter periods when standard class can feel crowded.

Check SNCB's website for Belgium, or NS.nl for the Netherlands, for more information about first class.

Mark Smith/The Man in Seat 61

SNCB first class carriage, Belgium.

UK

The UK is a mixed picture for upgrades. On high-speed intercity routes, like LNER services on the East Coast Main Line from London to Edinburgh, first class is a major step up with meals, drinks and lounges. On regional lines, it’s often minimal if it’s offered at all.

What you get

• High-speed intercity (LNER, Avanti, GWR): complimentary at-seat meals and drinks (hot dishes on LNER, lighter food on Avanti and GWR), lounge access at major stations, spacious seating layouts.

• Regional (e.g. ScotRail): often just wider seats, little or no catering.

• Caledonian Sleeper: en-suite cabins (Club En-Suite or Caledonian Double), lounge access and dining priority.

• Seat reservations are necessary on most UK high-speed, tourist and sleeper services.

Is it worth it? Yes on high-speed intercity journeys with rail passes. On regional routes, the difference rarely justifies the cost. If you have an Interrail pass, you may have some journeys with first class, and some without, if you're travelling on a mixture of high-speed and regional routes.

Check LNER, GWR and Avanti West Coast’s websites for more information about first class on those services.

Mark Smith/The Man in Seat 61

LNER first class carriage, UK.

Eurostar

Eurostar stands apart from national rail, with a clear three-tier structure. For passholders, Eurostar Plus is the included option, while Eurostar Premier offers a bit more luxury but at a steep price.

What you get

• Eurostar Standard: seat only, café bar access.

• Eurostar Plus: wider seat and a light cold meal with drink at your seat (this is the class booked with Interrail passes).

• Eurostar Premier: hot meals, champagne, lounge access, and fast-track boarding (not available with passes).

• Seat reservations are always necessary.

Is it worth it? Eurostar Plus is a worthwhile upgrade for Interrail passholders, giving you a quieter carriage and a light meal at your seat. Eurostar Premier delivers the full first class experience with dining, champagne and lounges, but it comes at a steep cost and isn’t accessible on rail passes.

Check the Eurostar website for more information about classes, and to check the menu in advance.

Mark Smith/The Man in Seat 61

Eurostar Plus seating.

Read more about the art of slow travel, six of the best scenic trains in Europe, and what to expect on a sleeper train.