Train travel in the UK is often thought of as practical: get on, find a seat, grab a quick coffee if you’re lucky. But rail journeys can be so much more than that. On certain routes, the train itself becomes part of the experience offering everything from silver-service dinners to hearty regional flavours served against a backdrop of rolling hills and coastlines.
So whether you’re commuting, planning a weekend away, or just fancy making the journey a little more indulgent, here’s a look at some of the best dining experiences on UK trains and how to get there for less.
Save on tickets, splurge on dinner.
Our journey planner finds the cheapest fares, leaving you more to spend onboard
Image credit: Tony | Raileasy
GWR Pullman Dining: A Taste of Elegance
The Great Western Railway Pullman Dining service is perhaps the crown jewel of UK onboard catering. Think crisp white tablecloths, attentive service, and a menu featuring British classics with a modern twist. Many dishes are sourced from suppliers along the GWR network, giving you a real sense of place while you travel.
Routes: Primarily offered on select services between London Paddington and the South West/South Wales.
Menu highlights: Fillet of beef, West Country fish dishes, and indulgent desserts.
💡 Travel Tip: Seats in the Pullman Dining section can be reserved, and while meals are an additional cost, they’re worth every penny if you want to turn your train journey into a special occasion. Use our journey planner to secure the cheapest train fare, so you can justify splashing out on the food instead.
Image credit: Tony | Raileasy
LNER Dining: Fine Food at High Speed
If you’re travelling the East Coast Main Line, LNER makes sure the journey is just as memorable as the destination. Their First Class Dine menu changes seasonally, with full English breakfasts in the morning, fresh sandwiches at lunch, and multi-course dinners in the evening. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are often included in First Class fares.
Routes: London King’s Cross to Edinburgh, York, Newcastle, Leeds, and beyond.
Menu highlights: Breakfast fry-ups, vegetarian curries, seasonal desserts.
💡 Travel Tip: Advance First Class tickets can sometimes be only slightly more expensive than Standard tickets, especially off-peak. With Raileasy, you’ll automatically see if split-ticketing makes that upgrade more affordable.
Image credit: Divyansh Jain | Unsplash
Transport for Wales: Warmth on Scenic Journeys
While Transport for Wales (TfW) doesn’t offer silver-service meals, its catering is all about comfort. On longer-distance routes (such as Cardiff to Holyhead or Manchester to South Wales), you’ll usually find hot drinks, sandwiches, and regional snacks - perfect for enjoying the stunning views through Snowdonia or along the Welsh coast.
Most services are covered by a standard trolley with light refreshments, but on select Premier Service trains between Holyhead, Cardiff and Manchester, passengers can enjoy freshly prepared hot meals served at their seat, a rare treat on UK regional routes.
Routes: Cardiff – Holyhead, Swansea – Manchester, and other longer intercity journeys.
Menu highlights: Locally sourced snacks, hot pasties, Welsh cakes (when available).
💡 Travel Tip: Grab a window seat, the Cambrian Coast and Conwy Valley lines are some of the most scenic in Britain, and a hot chocolate in hand only makes them better.
Image credit: Tony | Raileasy
ScotRail & the Caledonian Sleeper: Highland Flavours
No roundup of onboard dining would be complete without mentioning Scotland’s railways.
- ScotRail: While most ScotRail services focus on short hops, their longer-distance trains (like the Highland routes) often stock local treats and hot food.
- Caledonian Sleeper: This is where things really shine. The Sleeper’s Club Car offers hearty dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties, Scottish salmon, and a well-curated whisky list. Dining here feels less like public transport and more like stepping into a cosy Highland lounge. In order to use the Club Car experience you do need to book a room on the sleeper. It is not possible to book a room with ourselves, however you can room a room only supplement if you have purchased a ticket with us.
💡 Travel Tip: Book your Caledonian Sleeper tickets in advance, not just to secure a bed, but also to guarantee access to the Club Car. With our journey planner, you’ll always see the cheapest available fares.
Image credit: Tony | Raileasy
Ready to dine on the move?
Let our journey planner do the hard work from split tickets to Railcard discounts, it finds the cheapest fares automatically. More savings on travel means more to spend on a Pullman steak or a Caledonian whisky.
Other Honourable Mentions
Not every train offers a full dining car, but plenty of operators are upping their game:
- Avanti West Coast – At-seat ordering in Standard Premium and First, with fresh hot meals.
- CrossCountry – Snacks and drinks available on longer routes, especially handy if you’re heading cross-country where stations may not have many options.
- Greater Anglia & Chiltern Railways – Regional services with handy trolley services, making sure you don’t go hungry on the move.
Why Dining by Train Feels Different
Part of the magic of eating onboard is the experience itself. Watching the countryside fly by while you tuck into a warm meal or sip a glass of wine feels worlds away from grabbing a service-station snack on the motorway. It’s a slower, more enjoyable way to travel and one that often surprises first-time passengers.
Better still, with the right planning, you don’t have to spend a fortune.
How to Save on Train Journeys (So You Can Splurge on Dinner)
🍴 While the catering might feel like a luxury, the ticket price doesn’t have to. With our journey planner you’ll:
- See split-ticketing savings automatically.
- Compare off-peak and advance fares with ease.
- Add a Railcard discount in just a click.
That means more budget left over for a Pullman steak, a Caledonian whisky, or just an extra round of Welsh cakes.
Save Even More with a Railcard
Travelling off-peak is already cheaper, but you can cut costs even further with a Railcard. You’ll save 1/3 on adult fares and 60% on kids’ fares — and it works across most train operators. Click here to find out more and start enjoying bigger savings on every journey.
Ready to Dine on the Move?
From the elegance of the GWR Pullman to the Highland charm of the Caledonian Sleeper, train dining in the UK offers a journey that’s just as exciting as the destination. Next time you travel, consider booking onto a service with catering, it could transform your trip.
👉 Use our journey planner to find the best fares, and let the dining car (or at least a hot pasty) be part of the adventure.
Contact Us
Confused by fares? Unsure about your route? Stuck wondering if you booked the right ticket? Don’t worry we’ll help you get back on track.
👉 Contact us here and we’ll make sure you’re on track for a smoother journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GWR Pullman Dining?
A premium, bookable dining experience on select GWR services between London Paddington and the South West/South Wales.
Does LNER serve food in First Class?
Yes. LNER’s menu varies by time of day and is often included with First Class fares.
Can I use a Railcard for journeys with catering services?
Yes. Railcards apply to almost all train fares, including journeys with catering services — saving you up to a third on tickets.
Do I need to book in advance for Pullman Dining on GWR?
Yes, reservations are recommended for Pullman Dining as seating is limited. You’ll also need a valid train ticket for that service — our journey planner can help you find the cheapest fare.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options onboard UK trains?
Most operators now include vegetarian and vegan choices on their menus, particularly LNER, GWR, and Avanti. The Caledonian Sleeper and TfW also offer regional veggie options.
Which UK trains have full dining services?
Full dining services are available on select routes, including GWR Pullman, LNER First Class, and the Caledonian Sleeper Club Car. Other operators offer snacks, drinks, or at-seat ordering.
Is food included in a First Class ticket?
On some operators, like LNER and Avanti West Coast, meals and drinks are included in First Class tickets. Others, like GWR Pullman, charge separately for dining.
Can I save with split tickets?
Often. Use our journey planner to see automatic split-ticketing options and compare fares — it’s one of the easiest ways to cut the cost of your trip.