Liverpool St to Norwich - First Class available ? Worth it ?

[sinizter]

Are there proper first class carriages available from Liverpool St to Norwich (1830 train) ? And is it worth it ? There are some trains where the first class part of the carriage is very similar to the standard class. I am hoping for the proper ones with a table, with a plug point, free tea/coffee.

When I have taken the same train previously, it has been a mad stampeded to get to the train ... So, considering getting a first class ticket on the return leg, from London to Norwich.

[Ultuous]

Incase you don't get a more qualified reply!...

I tend to only take that train down to London for club nights, and thus we don't tend to feel 'worthy' of first class (even when it's offered for a pittance), as it wouldn't be fair to impose our pre-party banter on people who've paid for a more relaxing experience!

Having said that, whenever I've seen the FC carriage it has looked like the real-deal!

[baldy1926]

Used it a couple of times last time was £1 cheaper than standard and there was 2 of us in the carriage!

[mattdaniels]

Looks like its proper first class, not sure about the catering at seat as it just mentions a buffet car.

http://www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/...

[sinizter]

Thanks. It also mentions that I can upgrade from Standard Fare to First by paying an excess fare.

I might not purchase a ticket now and just get one on the train if I need to.

[mattdaniels]

sinizter said:

Thanks. It also mentions that I can upgrade from Standard Fare to First by paying an excess fare.

I might not purchase a ticket now and just get one on the train if I need to.

You always need a ticket.
Plus there are often some good deals if you buy in advance.

[sinizter]

mattdaniels said:

You always need a ticket.
Plus there are often some good deals if you buy in advance.

No intention of fare dodging. I will have a standard fare return ticket.

If I can get a seat, will just go with that ... If too crowded, upgrade on the train.

No deals this close to travel. Going to London today, returning tomorrow.

[HOGEPH]

sinizter said:

Are there proper first class carriages available from Liverpool St to Norwich (1830 train) ?

An 1830 train, earlier.

[JakesterUK]

I stand to be corrected, but I don't think you can buy a ticket on the train anymore.

[rpguk]

It's not a route I use often, but last time it was a proper intercity with separate first class carriages. The old big comfy seats and a muted interior.

However it was quite tired and no power/wifi at the tables. The catering was the same (non-complementary) snack trolley as the rest of the train - I don't think there were newspapers either.

Edited by rpguk on Tuesday 8th May 09:35

[Ultuous]

JakesterUK said:

I stand to be corrected, but I don't think you can buy a ticket on the train anymore.

As the OP has already stated, it's the upgrade he's looking to buy (which is often promoted during this service), not the base ticket!

[sinizter]

Upgrade both ways, at the ticket office - £14.00

I have got the upgrade for the return trip - and only when I was getting it at Liverpool St, did they tell me that the upgrade is for both ways and printed two upgrade tickets (obviously can only use it one way now).

It is a fking bargain.

I will report back tomorrow evening after my first First Class train travel in over 4 years.

[sinizter]

Nice seats, whole table to myself
Air con
Free wifi
Free coffee x1

Definitely worth it and something I will be doing the next time I need to go to London on the train.

I just need to work out if this upgrade price is for a one day thing, which the ticket makes it look like, or whether it is valid for both journeys even if done on different days.

[Ultuous]

Thanks for the feedback - I have considered upgrading from time to time! (Normally when confronted by tts of various types in the carriage!)

It's certainly possible to get it for around that tariff on different days - we've been offered it for 6-7 quid each way before; not sure if that was a promotion or not though, but they do seem to need to push First Class on that route!

[sinizter]

we've been offered it for 6-7 quid each way before; not sure if that was a promotion
[/quote]

Weekend and bank holiday price for an upgrade.

The website does say it is possible to upgrade on paying the difference - but the lowest first class price I could get for a single was £94 and return £158 on trainline.