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Travel Info & Tips A Highly Useful Guide to Britain's TOCs (Train Operating Companies)
A Highly Useful Guide to Britain's TOCs (Train Operating Companies)

A Highly Useful Guide to Britain's TOCs (Train Operating Companies)

Check which on board facilities are provided by each company, so that you'll know what will be available on your journey

| about 1 year ago
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In England, Scotland and Wales different train operating companies (often known as TOCs) provide the train services.
So when making a journey you will either have to travel on the trains provided by a specific company, or less usually, you can choose between different train operators.
These companies (TOCs) manage crucial aspects of making a train journey such as whether catering and seat reservations will or won't be available.

So to avoid the need to have to check what services you'll be able to access, by looking up multiple pages on their respective websites, ShowMeTheJourney has produced the quick and easy summaries you'll find below.
If you're not sure which TOC will be managing the trains on the route you will be taking then ShowMeTheJourney can help with that too.

Or if you do know, you can click on the name of the TOC on the Content menu and go directly to the relevant info.
Though summaries haven't been produced for three networks of local railways, Merseryrail in Liverpool, Overground in inner London and West Midlands Railway in Birmingham.

Avanti West Coast:

Website/Tickets: avantiwestcoast.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/help-and-support/coronavirus-travel-information
Avanti West Coast is the name of the name of the company, which has taken over the routes formerly operated by Virgin West Coast - so all trains no longer carry the Virgin branding seen below - but some have yet to appear in the new Avanti colour scheme.
An Avanti West Coast train in its new branding
Seat Reservations: Offered on all departures
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are offered on all routes and may be available on some departures up to an hour before the departure time.
Bikes On Board: Spaces for non-folding bikes must be reserved ahead of travel - more info is available here.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available in both Standard and First Class on all departures - more info is available here.
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering Standard Class: A bar service offers both hot/cold food and drinks, plus an at seat catering service of drinks, sandwiches and snacks is also available on most departures.
On-Board Catering First Class: Complimentary food and drink is served to First Class travellers at their seats.
On Mon-Fridays on early morning departures breakfast is available, but later in the mornings the brunch menu is served.
A lunch menu with no hot food options is available in the middle of the day, while a more extensive choice with multiple hot food options is available in the late afternoon and evenings.
The Weekend menu is similar to what’s available from the Standard Class catering trolley, but with the key difference being that what you are offered in First Class will be complimentary.

Notes:

  • On most Saturday and Sundays departures travellers using Standard Class tickets, can take up available seats in First Class and pay a 'Weekend First' supplement of £10-30 to the train conductor.
  • If you will be travelling with children aged 5 - 15, Avanti West Coast sells Family Tickets, which can be cheaper than booking separate Adult and Child tickets - find out more.

Routes:
(timetables are available here)

(1) London Euston - Manchester Piccadilly (typically 3 x trains per hour)
operated by Pendolino trains (pictured above)

(2) London Euston - Coventry - Birmingham New Street (typically 3 x trains per hour)
mostly operated by Pendolino trains, but Super Voyager trains are used on some departures
1 x train per hour has its journey extended to Wolverhampton - Crewe - Preston - Lancaster - Oxenholme Lake District or Penrith North Lakes - Carlisle - Glasgow or Edinburgh

(3) London Euston - Crewe - Liverpool Lime Street (typically 1 x train per hour)
operated by Pendolino trains

(4) London Euston - Preston - Lancaster - Oxenholme Lake District or Penrith North Lakes - Carlisle - Glasgow (typically 1 x train per hour)
operated by Pendolino trains

(5) London Euston - Crewe - Chester (typically 1 x train per hour)
operated by Super Voyager trains
multiple departures per day travel beyond Chester to Chester - Rhyl - Llandudno Junction - Bangor - Holyhead

(6) London Euston - Crewe - Preston - Blackpool (Mon Fri = 4 x trains per day, Sat = 2 x trains)
operated by Pendolino trains or Super Voyager trains

(7) London Euston - Coventry - Birmingham New Street - Wolverhampton - Telford - Shrewsbury (2 - 3 x trains per day)
operated by Super Voyager trains

C2C:

Website/Tickets: c2c-online.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/media-centre/latest-news/coronavirus/
A train operated by C2C
Seat Reservations: Not available
Discounted ticket availability: 'Super Off-Peak' ticket deals are available if you book Day Return tickets online a minimum of three days ahead of the travel date.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available on all departures - find out more.
Bikes On Board: Non-folding bikes can be taken on departures outside peak business hours, more information is available here
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering: Not available
Notes:
(1) C2C does not offer a First Class service on its trains, though some trains which it is using temporarily do have First Class seating.
(2) If you will be making a return journey outside peak business hours, Off-Peak day return tickets can be cheaper than single tickets, more information is available here.
(3) Children can travel with Adults for just £2 on any journey at weekends and during school holidays.

Main Route:
London Fenchurch Street* - Leigh-on-Sea - Southend-on-Sea - Shoeburyness
*At weekends trains also depart from London Liverpool Street.

The timetable can be download from here.

Chiltern Railways:

Website/Tickets: chilternrailways.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/coronavirusA Clubman train operated by Chiltern Railways

Seat Reservations: Not available
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are available on longer-distance routes including London <> Birmingham and London <> Oxford.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available on all departures - find out more.
Bikes On Board: Non-folding bikes can't be taken on most departures at peak business hours, but can be taken on most other trains, more information is available here
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering: Not available - except when using the 'Silver Service' as per the note below
Notes:
(1) Chiltern Railway does not offer First Class, but on some longer-distance departures an enhanced 'Silver Service' is available which includes complimentary hot/cold drinks - more information is available here.
(2) If you buy an Advance Ticket it will be only be valid on the departure you select when booking, but you won't have assigned seat(s).

Long Distance Routes:
(timetables are available here)

(1) London Marylebone - High Wycombe - Banbury - Leamington Spa - Warwick - Birmingham (up to 2 x trains per hour)
(Clubman and Mark 3 trains)

(2) London Marylebone - High Wycombe - Bicester Village - Oxford (up to 2 x trains per hour)
(Clubman trains with 1 x departure per day being a Mark 3 train)

(3) London Marylebone - High Wycombe - Banbury - Leamington Spa - Warwick - Stratford-upon-Avon (up to 3 x direct trains per day) (Clubman trains)

The route map is available here..

CrossCountry:

Website/Tickets: crosscountrytrains.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/coronavirus
A Voyager train operated by Cross Country
Seat Reservations: Offered on all departures
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are available on all routes
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available on all departures, though data usage is restricted, so that for example, it's not possible to access digital TV channels using the on board Wi-Fi - find out more.
Bikes On Board: Advance reservation recommended, more information is available here
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering:

  • Intercity 125 trains - A bar service with hot and cold food options is usually available, plus an at seat catering service of hot/cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches.
  • Voyager and Turbostar trains - An at seat catering service of hot/cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches is available on most departures, more information is available here.
    First Class benefits:
  • Turbostar trains - Complimentary hot drinks and non-alcoholic cold drinks and snacks (and sandwiches if travelling for more than 50 minutes)
  • Intercity 125 and Voyager trains - Complimentary hot drinks and non-alcoholic cold drinks and snacks (and sandwiches and/or hot food options will be offered, if travelling for more than 90 minutes)
    Notes: At weekends Standard Class ticket holders can upgrade their journey by taking up unreserved seats in First Class by paying a supplement to the train conductor.
    The cost for doing so depends on the length of the journey, but prices start at £5.

Routes:
(all routes usually have 1 x train per hour during the day - timetables are available here)

(1) (Penzance) - Plymouth – Exeter – BristolBirmingham – Derby – Sheffield – LeedsYork – Durham – NewcastleEdinburghGlasgow by Intercity 125 and Voyager trains)

(2) Southampton – Winchester – Reading* – OxfordBirmingham – Derby – Sheffield – York – Durham – Newcastle (by Voyager trains)

(3) Bournemouth - Southampton – Winchester – Reading* – Oxford – Coventry - BirminghamManchester by Voyager trains)

(4) Exeter - Taunton - BristolBirmingham*Manchester (by Voyager trains)

(5) CardiffBirmingham – Derby* – Nottingham (by Turbostar trains)

(6) Birmingham – Leicester – Peterborough – Cambridge – Stansted Airport (by Turbostar trains)

*Trains reverse direction at these station calls on these specific routes.

The route map is available here.

EMR (East Midlands Railway):

Website/Tickets: eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/covid-19
A Meridian Train operated by East Midlands Trains
Seat Reservations: Offered on all long-distance routes
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets and Super Off Peak tickets are available on the routes to and from London and for longer-distance journeys on the Norwich <> Liverpool route.
Wi-Fi: Available on the trains to and from London, complimentary in First Class, but there is a £3 access charge in Standard Class.
Bikes On Board: Advance reservation for non-folding bicycles is required, at no additional charge, on all services to/from London and on the Norwich <> Liverpool route, more information is available here
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering Standard Class:
An at seat catering service of hot/cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches should be available on services to/from London and between Liverpool and Nottingham on the Norwich<> Liverpool route
A bar counter service is also available on some departures to and from London.
On-Board Catering First Class:
On trains to and from London complimentary drinks and snacks are available in First Class, but on some morning Monday - Friday departures a complimentary hot breakfast is also available.
Also on the trains to/from London, First Class ticket holders can also order and pay for additional items from the on-board cafe and have these delivered to their seats.
Notes: East Midlands Trains has just been rebranded to a new company named 'EMR''.

Long-Distance Routes:
(timetables are available here)

(1) London St Pancras International - Leicester - Derby - Chesterfield - Sheffield - a few trains travel beyond Sheffield to Leeds
(up to 2 x trains per hour by Intercity 125 and Meridian Trains)

(2) London St Pancras International - Leicester - Loughborough - Nottingham
(up to 2 x trains per hour by Intercity 125 and Meridian Trains)

(3) Norwich - Peterborough - Nottingham - Sheffield - Manchester - Liverpool
(1 x train per hour by Express Sprinter train, these trains are Standard Class only)

Other Regional Routes:
These trains are Standard Class only
(4) Leicester - Loughborough - Nottingham - Lincoln (up to 1 x train per hour)
(5) Derby - Matlock Bath - Matlock
(6) Derby - Uttoxeter - Stoke-on Trent - Crewe

The EMR route map is available here

Grand Central:

Website/Tickets: grandcentralrail.com
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.grandcentralrail.com/updates
A Grand Central train on the London to Sunderland route
Seat Reservations: Offered on all departures
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are offered on both routes
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available on all departures - find out more.
Bikes On Board: Up to three non-folding bicycles can be conveyed on each departure - more information is available here
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering: A bar service offering hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks is available to both Standard Class and First class travellers.
A catering attendant will also serve First Class travellers at their seats with complimentary drinks and snacks, and paid for items can also be ordered from the bar menu.
Notes: At weekends you can board into First Class with a Standard Class ticket and pay a supplement for the journey to the conductor, the cost depends on the length of the journey and is priced from £15.

Routes: (timetables are available here)

(1) London King's Cross - Wakefield - Halifax - Bradford
(2) London King's Cross - York - Hartlepool - Sunderland.

Great Northern:

Website/Tickets: greatnorthernrail.com
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.greatnorthernrail.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/coronavirus-information
Trains operated by Great Northern
Seat Reservations: Not available
Discounted ticket availability: You won't save money by booking in advance on Great Northern services, but you can save money according to the time of day you will be travelling - see the notes below
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available on all departures on the London <> King's Lynn via Cambridge route, but look out for the coaches which have a Wi-Fi symbol by the doors - find out more.
Bikes On Board: Non-folding bikes can still be taken on board most departures, but restrictions can apply at business hours on Mon-Fridays (national holidays excepted)
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering: Not available
Notes: If you will be making a day trip on a Great Northern train you can save money if you book a Day Return ticket.
The greatest savings can be made if you can travel when Super Off-Peak tickets will be available - they are offered on all departures at weekends.
More information for using Super Off-Peak tickets on Mondays -Fridays is available here.

Main Route:
(the timetable is available here)
London King's Cross - Cambridge - Ely -King's Lynn.

GWR (Great Western Railway):

Website/Tickets: gwr.com
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.gwr.com/safety
An Intercity Express Train has arrived at Paddington station in London

Seat Reservations: Offered on all departures by the Intercity Express trains, so are available on the longer-distance routes listed below.
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are offered on the longer-distance routes listed below up until 18:00 (6pm) on the day before travel.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available in both First and Standard Class on all long-distance departures and on most trains which travel through Bristol.
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
Bikes On Board: Advance reservation for non-folding bicycles is required, at no additional charge, on all longer-distance routes - the new Intercity Express trains are equipped with bike racks.
There are variations in how space for non-folding bicycles can be accommodated on the regional routes, advance reservation is generally available when travelling longer distances - more information is available here.

On-Board Catering: An at-seat catering service should be available throughout the train* on the longer-distance routes with First Class travellers receiving complimentary light meals - more information is available here
*It won't be available in Standard Class when trains are exceptionally busy.

The bar counter service is no longer available on the long-distance routes.

An at seat trolley service of drinks, snacks and sandwiches is available on the Cardiff <> Portsmouth via Bath and Salisbury route.
On-board catering is not available on the other Regional services.

Notes:
(1) Super Off-Peak tickets are available on the least busy trains on Mondays - Fridays and on most departures at weekends; though the Advance tickets will be cheaper - if they're still available for the journey you want to take.
But when making a day trip, take care to see if a Day Return ticket will be the cheapest option of all.

(2) An on-board 'Pullman car' restaurant service is available on a limited number of departures on the London <> Devon and Cornwall route and 1 x train per day on the London <> Swansea route.
First Class passengers can reserve prior to boarding, while Standard class ticket holders can ask the train conductor if Pullman Dining places are available, once you have boarded.

Longer-Distance Routes:
all operated by Intercity Express trains
timetables are available here

(1) London Paddington – Reading – Oxford – Moreton-in-Marsh - Evesham - Worcester – Hereford
(2) London Paddington – Reading – Swindon - Cardiff – Swansea - (Carmarthen)
(3) London Paddington – Reading - Swindon – BathBristol - Weston-super-Mare - (Bridgewater - Taunton)
(4) London Paddington – Reading – Taunton - Exeter – Totness - Plymouth – St Austell - Truro - Penzance
(5) London Paddington – Reading – Taunton - Exeter – Torquay - Paignton
(6) London Paddington – Reading – Swindon - Stroud - Gloucester - Cheltenham

Regional Routes serving tourist destinations:
(1) London Paddington – Slough - Maidenhead - Twyford - Reading - Didcot/Newbury
connect at Slough for Windsor, connect at Maidenhead for Marlow and connect at Twyford for Henley-on-Thames
(2) Cardiff - Newport - Bristol - Bath - Bradford-on-Avon - Westbury - Salisbury - Southampton - Portsmouth
(3) Gloucester - Bristol - Bath - Bradford-on-Avon - Westbury - Dorchester - Weymouth
(4) Great Malvern - Worcester - Cheltenham - Gloucester - Bristol - Bath - Bradford-on-Avon - Trowbridge (1 x train per day is extended to Brighton via Westbury, Southampton, Chichester and Worthing)
(5) Cardiff - Newport - Bristol - Weston-super-Mare - Bridgewater - Taunton
(6) Exmouth - Exeter - Barnstaple
(7) Exeter - Dawlish - Teignmouth - Torquay - Paignton
(8) Plymouth - Bere Alston - Gunnislake
(9) Plymouth - Liskeard - Par - St Austell -Truro - St Erth - Penzance
(10) Liskeard - Looe
(11) Par - Newquay
(12) Truro - Falmouth
(13) St Erth - St Ives

The GWR route map is available from here.

Greater Anglia (inc The Stansted Express):

Website/Tickets: greateranglia.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/service-disruptions/covid19-travel-advice
One of Greater Anglia's newest trains as used on the London to Norwich route
Seat Reservations: (See notes below)
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are offered when booking ahead of the travel date, when travelling to and from London on the longer-distance routes listed below.
When booking tickets on the day of travel 'Super Off-Peak tickets are available at certain times when making journeys to the south of Cambridge and Manningtree - more information as to when Super Off-Peak tickets can be used is available here.
Greater Anglia also promises to always offer the cheapest possible price when travelling on its services.

Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available in both First and Standard class on all trains to and from London and is being rolled out on all routes - find out more.
Bikes On Board: Advance reservation for non-folding bicycles is required, at no additional charge when travelling on the London <> Norwich Intercity route.
Non-folding bicycles can also be taken on most other departures, except for those to and from London at peak business hours - more information is available here
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering: A bar car is available on trains used on the London <> Norwich Intercity route, complimentary drinks and snacks are available to First Class ticket holders on Mondays to Fridays, when showing a ticket to the bar attendant.
Notes:
(1) Seat reservations are only available on the London <> Norwich Intercity route.
On the two other longer-distance routes listed below, Advance Tickets will be only be valid on the departure you select when booking, but you won't have assigned seat(s)
(2) On Off-Peak trains, up to 4 children aged 5 -15 can travel with a fare paying adult for only £2 per child on any journey by Greater Anglia trains.

Longer-Distance Routes:
(timetables are available here)

(1) London Liverpool Street - Colchester - Ipswich - Norwich
(up to 2 x trains per hour on this 'Intercity' route)
(2) London Liverpool Street - Audley End - Cambridge
(up to 2 x trains per hour)
(3) London Liverpool Street - Colchester - Wivenhoe - Clacton/Walton-on-the Naze

Other Routes:

(4) London Liverpool Street - Stansted Airport (the Stansted Express)
(up to 4 x trains per hour)
(5) London Liverpool Street - Southend-on-Sea
(6) Cambridge - Newmarket - Bury St Edmunds - Ipswich
(7) Cambridge - Ely - Thetford - Wymondham - Norwich
(8) Ipswich - Lowestoft
(9) Ipswich - Bury St Edmunds - Ely - March - Peterborough
(10) Norwich - Great Yarmouth
(11) Norwich - Lowestoft
(12) Norwich - Cromer - Sheringham
(13) Cambridge - Stansted Airport

(14) London Liverpool Street - Harwich International (the Dutch Flyer service which connects with ferries to and from The Netherlands)

Hull Trains:

Route: London - Hull (- Beverley) the timetable is available here
Website/Tickets: hulltrains.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/travel-information/coronavirus
Seat Reservations: Offered on all departures
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are offered
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available in both First and Standard class on all trains.
Bikes On Board: Bike spaces must be reserved prior to boarding, either at a station or by calling 0345 071 0222.
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering Standard Class: A bar service offering hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and hot food is available to both Standard Class and First Class travellers.
On-Board Catering First Class: Travel in First Class and you will be offered complimentary food and drink including hot breakfasts and a choice of hot evening meals.

LNER:

Website/Tickets: lner.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.lner.co.uk/travel-information/coronavirus-travel-information/
An Azuma train operated by LNER
Seat Reservations: Offered on all departures
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets and Super Off-Peak tickets are offered on all routes.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available in both Standard and First Class on all departures - find out more.
Bikes On Board: Spaces for non-folding bikes must be reserved ahead of travel by calling the LNER support team on 03457 225 111.
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering Standard Class: A bar service offers both hot/cold food and drinks, plus an at seat catering service of drinks, sandwiches and snacks is also available on most departures.
On-Board Catering First Class: Complimentary food and drink is served to First Class travellers at their seats.
On the majority of Mon-Friday departures breakfast is served until 11:00 and then after 11:00 the ‘Rest Of The Day menu will be available, including a choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
On some business hour departures from London on Mon-Friday, the even more superior Chef’s Signature menu is served.
The Weekend menu is similar to what’s available from the Standard Class catering trolley, but with the key difference being that what you are offered in First Class will be complimentary.

Notes: On most Saturday and Sundays departures, travellers using Standard Class tickets can occupy available seats in First Class and pay a 'Weekend First' supplement of £25-35 to the train conductor.

Routes:
(timetables are available here)

(1) London King's Cross - Peterborough - York - Darlington - Durham - Newcastle - Berwick upon Tweed - Edinburgh (up to 3 x trains per hour)
operated by a mix of the new Azuma trains and older Intercity 225 trains still being used on a few departures

(2) London King's Cross - York - Darlington - Newcastle - Berwick upon Tweed - Edinburgh - Kirkcaldy - Leuchars (for St Andrews) - Dundee - Aberdeen (3 x trains per day)
operated by the new Azuma trains

(3) London King's Cross - York - Darlington - Newcastle - Berwick upon Tweed - Edinburgh - Stirling - Perth - Pitlochry - Kingussie - Aviemore - Inverness ( 1 x train per day, Stirling has 2 x trains per day)
operated by Azuma trains.

(4) London King's Cross - Peterborough - Wakefield - Leeds (up to 2 x trains per hour)
operated mainly by the new Azuma trains - but Intercity 225 trains are still used on some departures.
Some trains continue beyond Leeds to serve Bradford, Harrogate and Skipton via Keighley

(5) London King's Cross - Hull (1 x train per day)
operated by Azuma trains

The route map is available here.

LNWR (London North Western Railway):

Website/Tickets: londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/coronavirus-travel-advice
A train operated by London NorthWestern Railway
Seat Reservations: Offered on all departures (see the Notes below)
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets available on all routes - more information is available here.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available in both Standard and First Class on all departures - find out more.
Bikes On Board: Up to two non-folding bicycles can be conveyed on most departures, but trains arriving in London between 07:00 and 10:00 and departing between 16:00 and 19:00 on Mon-Fri (except national holidays) are an exception - more information is available here.
Assisted Travel: More information is available here.
On-Board Catering: Not available
Notes:

  • The trains used by London NorthWestern Railway don't have a facility to indicate whether a seat has been reserved or not, but your ticket will be the proof that you do have an assigned seat(s)
  • Family Travelcards are available on any train to London at weekends and those which are scheduled to arrive in the capital after 10:00 on Mon-Fri, children aged 5-15 travelling with adults pay the equivalent of only £1 - more information is available here.

Routes:
timetables are available here
(1) London Euston - Northampton - Coventry - Birmingham - Wolverhampton - Stafford - Crewe - Liverpool
(2) London Euston - Rugby - Litchfield - Tamworth - Stafford - Crewe.

Northern:

Website/Tickets: northernrailway.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-informationA train operated by Northern
Seat Reservations: Not available
Discounted ticket availability: Whether Advance tickets will be available for your journey depends upon which station you will be setting off from - more information is available here.
Wi-Fi: Available on most longer-distance routes particularly in Lancashire and Yorkshire - and when it is offered it's complimentary
Bikes On Board: Up to two non-folding bicycles can be conveyed on each departure on a first-come first-served basis, subject to a train not being exceptionally busy - more information is available here
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering: Not available
Notes:

  • First Class is not offered by Northern.
  • If you buy an Advance Ticket it will be only be valid on the departure you select when booking, but you won't have assigned seat(s).
  • Northern offers 'Duo tickets' when making journeys from many of it's stations, two Adults travelling together can save 25% of the total ticket price and no Railcards are required.

Longer-Distance Routes:
timetables are available here

(1) Manchester Airport - Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Oxford Road - Bolton - Preston - Blackpool
(2) Manchester Airport - Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Oxford Road - Bolton - Preston - Lancaster - Windermere and Barrow via Grange-over-Sands
(3) Barrow - Ravenglass - Workington - Whitehaven - Carlisle
(4) Leeds - Keighley - Skipton - Appleby - Carlisle
(5) Leeds - Keighley - Skipton - Lancaster - Morecambe
(6) Newcastle - Hexham - Carlisle
(7) Leeds - Bradford - Halifax - Hebden Bridge - Rochdale - Manchester Victoria - Chester
(8) York - Leeds - Bradford - Halifax- Hebden Bridge - Burnley - Blackburn - Preston - Blackpool
(9) Middlesbrough - Battersby - Grosmont - Whitby
(10) Newcastle - Sunderland - Hartlepool - Middlesbrough
(11) Hull - Beverley - Scarborough
(12) Sheffield - Worksop - Lincoln

The route map is available here.

Scotrail:

Website/Tickets: scotrail.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/travel-guidance
Trains operated by ScotRail at Edinburgh Waverley station
Seat Reservations: Available on the Inter7City routes and the routes below marked with an * - note they are not available when travelling between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are offered on the Inter7City routes and the routes below marked with an * - find out more.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available in both Standard and First Class on 90% of trains, so should be available when travelling on the longer-distance routes listed below.
Bikes On Board: Reservations for non-folding bicycles are required in advance on the Inter7City routes and the routes below marked with an * - find out more.
If space is available bikes can be taken on board all other departures.
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering: An at seat service of drinks and snacks will be available on the Inter7City routes and most of the departures on the routes marked with an *.
Notes:
(1) On the Inter7City services at weekends you can board into First Class with a Standard Class ticket and pay a supplement for the journey to the conductor, with prices from £10 according to the length of the journey - and this facility is also available on Mondays to Fridays at a more expensive rate starting at £15.
(2) First Class is not available on routes below marked with an *
(3) On Off-Peak services at weekends, children can travel for just £1 on ScotRail's 'Kids For A Quid' offer, find out more.
(4) On routes north of Edinburgh and Glasgow that ScotRail shares with other companies, it is the dominant operator and provides most of the departures

Inter7City Routes:
(1) Edinburgh Waverley - Edinburgh Haymarket - Kirkcaldy - Leuchars (for St Andrews) - Dundee - Arbroath - Montrose - Stonehaven - Aberdeen
(2) Glasgow Queen Street - Stirling - Perth - Dundee - Arbroath - Montrose - Stonehaven - Aberdeen
(3) Glasgow Queen Street - Stirling - Perth - Pitlochry - Kingussie - Aviemore - Inverness
(4) Edinburgh Waverley - Edinburgh Haymarket - Kirkcaldy - Perth - Pitlochry - Kingussie - Aviemore - Inverness
(5) Aberdeen - Elgin - Inverness

*ScotRail is currently transforming its Inter7City routes, refurbished trains are being introduced and replacing the 'Classic' Intercity services.

Other longer-distance routes:
(1) Glasgow Queen Street - Crianlarich - Oban*
(2) Glasgow Queen Street - Crianlarich - Fort William - Mallaig* (for Skye)
(3) Glasgow Queen Street - Falkirk - Edinburgh Haymarket - Edinburgh Waverley (4 x trains per hour)
​​​​​​(4) Glasgow Central - Ardrossan (for Arran)
(5) Glasgow Central - Wemyss Bay (for Bute)
(6) Glasgow Central - Prestwick Airport - Troon - Ayr - (Girvan - Stranraer)
(7) Glasgow Central - Kilmarnock - Dumfries - Carlisle
(8) Edinburgh Waverley - Edinburgh Haymarket - Motherwell - Glasgow Central - Prestwick Airport - Troon - Ayr
(9) Edinburgh Waverley - Edinburgh Haymarket - Stirling - Dunblane
(10) Inverness - Kyle of Lochlash* (for Skye)
(11) Inverness - Laing - Helmsdale - Thurso and Wick*.

South Western Railway:

Website/Tickets: southwesternrailway.com
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/coronavirus-travel-information​​​​​​​
Trains operated by South Western Railway at Waterloo station
Seat Reservations: Available on the long-distance routes - but see the Notes below
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are offered on the three longer-distance routes listed below.
However, when making a day trip check the prices carefully, as it's possible for a 'Super Off-Peak' day return ticket to be cheaper than booking two single Advance tickets for the outward and return journeys.
Wi-Fi: Available on around 50% of trains including most departures on the London <> Weymouth and London <> Portsmouth routes.
Bikes On Board: Non-folding bikes can be taken on board all departures at weekends, subject to space being available, but there are restrictions as to when non-folding bikes can be conveyed when Mondays to Fridays are working days - find out more.
Reservations are also required pre-boarding when travelling on the London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Salisbury - Yeovil - Axminster - Honiton - Exeter route
Assisted Travel: find out more.
On-Board Catering: An at seat catering service of drinks and snacks is available on the three longer-distance routes listed below.
Notes:
(1) If you buy an Advance Ticket it will be only be valid on the departure you select when booking, and you will have assigned/reserved seats
However, the majority of the trains used by South Western Railway don't have any seat numbers, so when boarding you can opt to travel in any available seat
And on the trains which do have seat numbers, no information is displayed to passengers as to whether seats have been reserved or not, so don't be surprised that a fellow traveller has occupied your seat.
(2) Travel on the long-distance routes on a Saturday or Sunday and you can board into First Class with a Standard Class ticket(s) and pay a 'Weekend First' supplement to the conductor - the cost depends of the length of the journey and the lowest price is £5.

Longer-Distance Routes: timetables are available here

(1) London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Winchester - Southampton Airport - Southampton - Brockenhurst (for Lymington and The New Forest) - Bournemouth - Poole - Dorchester - Weymouth
(2) London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Salisbury - Yeovil - Axminster - Honiton - Exeter
(3) London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Guilford - Havant - Portsmouth (for the Isle of Wight)

Other popular Day-Trip routes:

(1) London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Richmond - Staines - Windsor
(2) London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Richmond - Staines - Ascot - Reading
(3) London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Hampton Court
(4) London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Alton (for the Mid-Hants Railway)

The route map is available here.

Southeastern:

Website/Tickets: southeasternrailway.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/live-travel-information/travel-with-confidence​​​​​​​
Southeastern Trains guide
Seat Reservations: Not available
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are offered on all the hi-speed routes listed below until 18:00 on the day before travel.
Unconventionally Off-Peak tickets on the hi-speed routes are also cheaper when booked in advance and used on specific trains
When the cheapest Advance tickets aren't available, a Day Return Off-Peak ticket can be cheaper than booking two single Advance tickets for each direction of travel.
Wi-Fi: Available on the majority of routes, Southeastern has published a useful coverage map.
Bikes On Board: Non-folding bikes can be taken on board all departures EXCEPT on Mon-Friday* trains that depart London between 16:00 and 19:00 and those which arrive in London between 07:00 and 10:00 (*restrictions don't apply on national holidays).
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering: Not available
Notes:
(1) The cheaper Advance and Off-Peak tickets on the hi-speed routes will be train departure specific, but you won't have assigned seats, because reservations are not available.
(2) When travelling to/from destinations served by the hi-speed trains, you can only travel on those trains if you have a ticket valid for the high-speed route (via Ebbsfleet).
(3) If you won't be travelling solely within the London travel-zones, Adult ticket holders can take up to four children aged 5 -15 with them for only £1 per child, more information is available here.

Hi-Speed routes:
timetables are available here

(1) London St Pancras International - Stratford International - Ashford International - Folkestone Central - Dover Priory - Deal - Sandwich
(2) London St Pancras International - Stratford International - Ashford International - Canterbury West - Ramsgate - Broadstairs - Margate
(3) London St Pancras International - Stratford International - Chatham - Faversham - Whitstable - Herne Bay - Margate

First class is not available on the Javelin trains which Southeastern uses for its hi-speed services

Other longer-distance routes:
timetables are available here

(1) London Charing Cross - London Waterloo East - London Bridge - Sevenoaks - Tonbridge - Marden - Ashford International - Folkestone Central - Dover Priory
(2) London Charing Cross - London Waterloo East - London Bridge - Sevenoaks - Tonbridge - Marden - Ashford International - Canterbury West - Ramsgate
(3) London Charing Cross - London Waterloo East - London Bridge - Sevenoaks - Tonbridge - Tunbridge Wells - Battle - Hastings
(4) London Victoria - Chatham - Faversham - Whitstable - Herne Bay - Margate - Broadstairs - Ramsgate
(5) London Victoria - Chatham - Faversham - Canterbury East - Dover Priory
(6) London Victoria - Maidstone - Bearsted (for Leeds Castle) - Ashford International - Canterbury West

The route map is available from here.

Southern Railway:

Website/Tickets: southernrailway.com
Covid 19 Travel Advice:
A train operated by Southern railway
Seat Reservations: Not available
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are offered on all the longer-distance routes listed below until 18:00 on the day before travel - more information is available here.
Booking two single Advance tickets for each direction of travel, can be cheaper than booking return tickets.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available on all departures on the routes listed below, but on the shorter distance routes look out for the coaches which have a Wi-Fi symbol by the doors.
Bikes On Board: Non-folding bikes can be taken on board all departures EXCEPT on Mon-Friday* trains that depart Brighton, London and Kensington Olympia between 16:00 and 19:00 and those which arrive at those three stations between 07:00 and 10:00 (*restrictions don't apply on national holidays).
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering: Not available
Notes: If you will be booking ahead and taking a journey from a local station in South London, including those served by Southern train services, if you don't see Advance tickets available, check to see if they will be available when travelling from East Croydon station,
If they are, it can be cheaper to book the Advance ticket for the part of the journey on from East Croydon - and then buy a ticket for the journey to East Croydon on your travel date

The main longer-distance routes:
timetables are available here

(1) London Victoria - Clapham Junction - East Croydon - Gatwick Airport - Brighton
(2) London Victoria - Clapham Junction - East Croydon - Gatwick Airport - Hove - Worthing - Littlehampton
(3) London Victoria - Clapham Junction - East Croydon - Gatwick Airport - Chichester - Havant - Portsmouth and Southampton
(4) London Victoria - Clapham Junction - East Croydon - Gatwick Airport - Lewes - Eastbourne - Bexhill - Hastings
(5) London Victoria - Clapham Junction - East Croydon - East Grinstead (for the Bluebell Railway)
(6) Milton Keynes - Watford Junction - Shepherd's Bush - Kensington Olympia - Clapham Junction - East Croydon

The route map is available from here.

Website/Tickets: thameslinkrailway.com
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/coronavirus-information
A train operated by Thameslink
Seat Reservations: Not available
Discounted ticket availability: You won't save money by booking in advance on Thameslink services, but you can save money according to the time of day you will be travelling - see the notes below.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available on all departures.
Bikes On Board: Non-folding bikes can be taken on board all departures at weekends, subject to space being available, but there are restrictions as to when non-folding bikes can be conveyed when Mondays to Fridays are working days - find out more.
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering: Not available
Notes: If you will be making a day trip on a Thameslink train you can save money if you book a Day Return ticket and the greatest savings can be made if you can travel when Super Off-Peak prices are available.
If you will be travelling with children aged 5 - 15 you can save by booking Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets online, as by doing so you can purchase the child tickets for £2, more information is available here.

Main longer-Distance Routes:
timetables are available here

(1) Cambridge - London St Pancras International - London Farringdon - City Thameslink - London Blackfriars - London Bridge - Gatwick Airport - Brighton
(2) Bedford - Luton - Luton Airport Parkway - St Albans - London St Pancras International - London Farringdon - City Thameslink - London Blackfriars - London Bridge - Gatwick Airport - Brighton
(3) Peterborough - London St Pancras International - London Farringdon - City Thameslink - London Blackfriars - London Bridge - Gatwick Airport - Horsham
(4) Luton - Luton Airport Parkway - St Albans - London St Pancras International - London Farringdon - City Thameslink - London Blackfriars - London Bridge - Greenwich - Chatham - Rainham

The route map also shows the alternative Great Northern and Southern services.

TransPennine Express (TPE):

Website/Tickets: tpexpress.co.uk
Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us
A new Nova 1 train
Seat Reservations: Offered on all departures - unusually TPE allows reservations to be made up to only 10 mins prior to departure, find out more
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are offered on all routes.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available in both Standard and First Class on all departures - find out more.
Bikes On Board: Spaces have to be reserved prior to boarding on all departures - more information is available here.
Assisted Travel: find out more
On-Board Catering: An at seat-catering service of drinks, snacks and sandwiches is available on all departures on the Manchester <> Glasgow and Edinburgh route and on most departures during the day on the other routes - find out more.
The catering service, when available, is complimentary when travelling First Class.

Notes:
(1) At weekends you can board into First Class with a Standard Class ticket and pay a supplement for the journey to the conductor of £10 for journeys within either England or Scotland, or £15 if you will be crossing the border.
(2) TransPennine Express has recently introduced new trains, which are operating some departures as follows:
Nova 1 trains on the Liverpool - Manchester - Leeds - York - Newcastle - Edinburgh route
Nova 2 trains on the Manchester Airport - Preston - Carlisle - Edinburgh and Glasgow routes
Nova 3 trains on the Liverpool <> Scarborough and Manchester <> Middlesbrough routes.

Routes:
Timetables are available here
All routes typically have 1 x train per hour

(1) Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Victoria - Huddersfield - Leeds - York - Scarborough
(2) Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Victoria - Huddersfield - Leeds - York - Darlington - Durham - Newcastle - Edinburgh
(3) Liverpool Lime Street - Preston - Lancaster - Oxenholme Lake District - Penrith North Lakes - Carlisle - Glasgow
(4) Manchester Airport - Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Victoria - Huddersfield - Leeds - York - Darlington - Durham - Newcastle
(5) Manchester Airport - Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Victoria - Huddersfield - Leeds - York - Middlesbrough
(6) Manchester Airport - Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Oxford Road - Preston - Lancaster - Oxenholme Lake District - Penrith North Lakes - Carlisle - Glasgow or Edinburgh
(7) Manchester Airport - Manchester Piccadilly - Sheffield - Doncaster - Grimsby - Cleethorpes
(8) Manchester Piccadilly - Huddersfield - Leeds - Hull

The route map is available from here.

TFW (Transport For Wales):

Website/Tickets: tfwrail.wales/homepage
Covid 19 Travel Advice: ​​​​​​​https://tfwrail.wales/travel-safer
A train operated by TFW Rail
Seat Reservations: Offered on all the long-distance routes listed below
Discounted ticket availability: Advance tickets are offered for long - distance journeys between England and Wales and between north and south Wales until 18:00 on the day before travel - more information is available here.
Booking two single tickets Advance tickets for each direction of travel, can be cheaper than booking return tickets.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available on all departures - find out more.
Bikes On Board: Reservations are required for non-folding bikes on some departures on the longer-distance routes listed below - find out more.
Assisted Travel: Can be booked here
On-Board Catering: An at seat-catering service of drinks, snacks and sandwiches is available at some point during the journey when travelling between
Birmingham <> Holyhead
Birmingham <> Machynlleth
Manchester <> Llanelli
Swansea <> destinations in West Wales
Manchester <> Llandudno
Cardiff <> Holyhead
Business Class passengers on the Cardiff <> Holyhead route receive a complimentary breakfast on morning departures and a three course dinner on evening departures.

Notes:
(1) A First Class service is available on the Cardiff <> Holyhead route, but on the other routes only Standard Class is available.
(2) A new livery has been applied to the exterior of most of the trains since the image above was taken.
(3) No discounts are available when booking one way tickets for any journey wholly within Wales, but Day Return tickets are usually available for out and back journeys on the same day, which aren't much more expensive than two single tickets.

Longer-distance routes:
timetables are available from here

(1) Birmingham International - Birmingham New Street - Wolverhampton - Telford - Shrewsbury - Welshpool - Machynlleth - Aberystwyth
(2) Birmingham International - Birmingham New Street - Wolverhampton - Telford - Shrewsbury - Welshpool - Machynlleth - Aberdovey - Barmouth - Porthmadog - Pwllheli
(3) Birmingham New Street- Wolverhampton - Telford - Shrewsbury - Wrexham - Chester - Rhyl - Colwyn Bay - Llandudno Junction - Bangor - Holyhead
(4) Cardiff - Newport - Hereford - Shrewsbury - Chester - Rhyl - Colwyn Bay - Llandudno Junction - Bangor - Holyhead
(5) Manchester Airport - Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Oxford Road - Chester - Rhyl - Colwyn Bay - Llandudno
(6) Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe - Shrewsbury - Hereford - Newport - Cardiff - Swansea (Llanelli - Carmarthen Haverfordwest - Milford Haven)
(7) Crewe - Shrewsbury - Llandrindod - Llanelli - Swansea - Cardiff (The Heart of Wales route)
(8) Gloucester - Chepstow - Newport - Cardiff - Swansea - Llanelli - Carmarthen - Fishguard or Milford Haven via Haverfordwest

The TFW Rail route map.

Author

Simon Harper

I wanted to share my passion for train travel and explain how anyone can take the fantastic journeys I have taken.

ShowMeTheJourney

This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.