Buying a first-class train ticket in Britain feels increasingly extortionate – but standard-class passengers can actually access that premium experience for a modest £40 fee.
On some routes, many will find the cost of a first-class ticket isn’t justified by what is actually offered on board.
Those travelling last minute on a first-class fare from London Paddington to Plymouth may pay around £230 for a comfortable seat, a snack and a drink – a far cry from what many would expect at that price point.
However, there’s a little-known hack passengers in any carriage can utilise to enjoy a full restaurant experience in first-class surroundings.
Travellers on select Great Western Railway services who hold a standard ticket can pay £40 to upgrade to Pullman Dining – one of the few remaining dining cars on Britain’s mainline trains.
The dining experience includes table service, linen-covered tables and meals cooked by an onboard chef.
Rather than pre-packaged or reheated food, diners can enjoy fresh, seasonal food from a menu that changes each month.
A three-course meal costs £49, while a two-course option will set diners back £40.
On some Great Western Railway services who hold a standard ticket can pay £40 to upgrade to the Pullman Dining service
The experience includes table service, linen-covered tables and fresh, seasonal meals cooked by an onboard chef
Access is not limited to first-class ticket holders, giving all passengers a rare opportunity to enjoy a fine dining experience
Recent menu options have included dishes such as Thai-spiced pumpkin and coconut soup, poached hake with burnt caper butter, and chocolate and cherry delice with vanilla cream and toasted almonds, as reported by The Telegraph.
Access is not limited to first-class ticket holders, making it a rare opportunity to enjoy a fine dining experience on today’s notoriously costly rail network.
When combined with a standard ticket – which can cost as little as £74 on the London to Plymouth route – the total cost for travel and dining is nearly half the price of a first-class ticket.
However, there is one downside to the service – it’s not something passengers will stumble across on most trains.
Pullman Dining is available on just six trains a day. Services operate from London Paddington to Plymouth at 13.03 and 19.04, and to Swansea at 17.48.
In the opposite direction, dining is offered on the 12.22 from Swansea and the 13.15 and 18.16 from Plymouth.
Passengers can use the restaurant on journeys lasting more than 50 minutes, though guaranteed reservations are only available to those who book first class more than an hour before departure. Others must enquire on board – and hope there is space.
It comes as a travel expert has shared a train hack that means you’ll never pay full price again – saving you huge amounts of cash.
Recent menu options have included dishes such as Thai-spiced pumpkin and coconut soup and poached hake with burnt caper butter
There is one downside to the service – it’s not something passengers will stumble across on most trains, as it’s only available on six routes a day
Chelsea Dickenson, known as @cheapholidayexpert online, shared the tactic on her TikTok account.
In a video, she explained the trick, captioning the post: ‘This is not a drill – top tier train hack status – and you’re still in time to use this on your Christmas trains.’
The trick? Use Avanti Superfare – which matches empty seats with customers who have a bit of flexibility.
It works by customers booking a ticket for their intended date of travel, but instead of selecting a time they can only select morning, afternoon or evening.
