Should I travel in first class for my next train journey?

Sometimes, the journey is just as important as the destination and to really enjoy a journey, you want to treat yourself to a first class experience. While first class plane travel can be prohibitively expensive, however, first class train tickets are not as expensive as you might think (particularly if you book in advance) and can offer you a much more comfortable experience.

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, first class provides you with a more spacious environment where you can take time out and relax. It’s something everyone should experience at least once for the following reasons: -

Increased leg room and seat width

One of the most uncomfortable things about train travel is the lack of space for your legs and feet. This is something first class rectifies almost as standard. In first class, there is often at least a few extra inches of space for first-class travellers on both the seat width and leg room. This might not sound like a lot on paper but in practice it can turn a bad trip into a good one. Trust us. Some trains also configure the aisles and tables to make them slightly wider.

Peace and quiet

Most people on first-class train carriages are travelling for business, so they are less into small talk. You’ll also very rarely find loud and obnoxious children or drunk people ruining your chill time in a first-class cabin. Because of the price of these point-to-point tickets, the carriages are also often less crowded. Which can allow you to soak up the peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Sit with a nice book and just switch off from the world for a few hours. You certainly can’t do that while driving!

Amenities

If you’re always finding yourself running out of charge for your phone or laptop then fear not as most first-class seats now have plug points for each passenger. There are also more generous lug-gage racks, and, increasingly, free Wi-Fi! Many first-class carriages in high-speed trains across Eu-rope also offer some kind of on-board meal served at your seat, sometimes at no extra cost. Cer-tainly, a step above the dining cars you’ll find in most economy cabins.

First class lounges

Finally, your first-class experience might even begin before getting on the train itself. Depending on the carrier, your first class pass might give you access to first-class lounges on the day of your de-parture. These can include free food, drinks, newspapers, comfortable reclining seats, baggage stor-age, and, of course, complimentary Wi-Fi. These first class train lounges might even have their own bars, so you’ll be able to relax with a cocktail or a nice craft beer before your trip begins.