Kings X to Doncaster in First Class - best operator?

[nathanclass323]

I'm going to be travelling from KGX to DON first class in October and I was just wondering whether Grand Central, East Coast or First Hull Trains would offer the best journey in first class (ie; perks of travelling in their first class) considering I've only ever done this journey on EC.

Apologies if this thread is in the wrong section - mods, feel free to move it.

I appreciate my wording isn't great but I'm too tired to really think much!

 

[yorkie]

Depends what you mean by 'perks' and what time you are travelling?

 

[nathanclass323]

1) Extras such as complimentary drinks, large amounts of legroom etc.

2)I'll get into STP at 1029 and would like to leave KGX ASAP afterwards.

 

[HST Power]

1) Extras such as complimentary drinks, large amounts of legroom etc.

2)I'll get into STP at 1029 and would like to leave KGX ASAP afterwards.

With East Coast...

1) You can reserve yourself a single seat which has good legroom, as well as the additional benefit of some space between yourself and other customers. Complimentary runs with tea and coffee should be frequent, as well as the odd run with the cold drinks trolley, offering things like coke, orange juice etc..

2) After 1029 trains will run the All Day Menu. Trains to Doncaster are at 1030 (doubt you can make that one), 1035, 1105 and 1108. In order to specify the exact offering you will receieve you need to specify a date and then go here.

 

[nathanclass323]

With East Coast...

1) You can reserve yourself a single seat which has good legroom, as well as the additional benefit of some space between yourself and other customers. Complimentary runs with tea and coffee should be frequent, as well as the odd run with the cold drinks trolley, offering things like coke, orange juice etc..

2) After 1029 trains will run the All Day Menu. Trains to Doncaster are at 1030 (doubt you can make that one), 1035, 1105 and 1108. In order to specify the exact offering you will receieve you need to specify a date and then go here.

Thank you for that. Sounds good!

 

[Max]

Is this on a weekday or weekend? That makes quite a difference.

 

[nathanclass323]

Weekday. It's a Friday.

 

[Urban Gateline]

Weekday. It's a Friday.

East Coast are by far the best for that time (I think by now I am biased as I've had so many good First Class trips with them!)

You should get Sandwiches/Cake/Crisps at that time of morning, plus from midday they start serving Alcohol, sometimes it's worth defering to a slightly later service so you can get more drink trolley runs of Alcohol if you're that way inclined

As others also mentioned above, the individual seats are very comfy and if you book on the EC site you can collect EC reward points for your booking as well as choose the best available seat from the seat selector!

 

[nathanclass323]

East Coast are by far the best for that time (I think by now I am biased as I've had so many good First Class trips with them!)

You should get Sandwiches/Cake/Crisps at that time of morning, plus from midday they start serving Alcohol, sometimes it's worth defering to a slightly later service so you can get more drink trolley runs of Alcohol if you're that way inclined

As others also mentioned above, the individual seats are very comfy and if you book on the EC site you can collect EC reward points for your booking as well as choose the best available seat from the seat selector!

Okay, thank you

 

[Max]

I think it's subjective really. Hull Trains provide a pretty decent offering during the day, including a number of hot choices that East Coast don't provide during the daytime (see here and choose 'First Class Menu'). You do have to pay for alcohol, but if you're not fussed about that then it may be worth a look. Also, I personally find the seats on 180s, particularly in First, far more comfortable than the Mallard mk3s and mk4s.

 

[YorkshireRider]

But you will have to hang around until 1148 for the Hull Trains service, then there's a fair chance it will be cancelled. Grand Central run a non stop service to Doncaster at 1048 if speed is your main priority, but you will only get tea, coffee, water and biscuits free on there.

 

[Max]

But you will have to hang around until 1148 for the Hull Trains service, then there's a fair chance it will be cancelled.

Where's your source for that? East Coast had the worst PPM of all TOCs in the last period (84.6% in case anybody is interested) so I wouldn't exactly be confident of a smooth journey.

 

[bb21]

I agree with Max that Hull Trains imo have the best First Class offerings during the day. East Coast breakfast offerings are arguably better, but not by much.

Grand Central on the other hand are rubbish in First Class.

 

[nathanclass323]

Okay then, thank you! Gonna be getting an FC ALR so while I'm planning, I might need more help with my choice of operator. Wasn't sure because I've never travelled with GC or FHT before so again, thank you

 

[HST Power]

Come to think of it, do Grand Central actually offer any meals or sandwiches, or is it just the tea and coffee deal? I have never travelled with them.

 

[yorkie]

If your aim is the maximum speed, take the 1048 Grand Central (you'll get a tea/coffee).

If your aim is to maximise the food intake, take 1148 Hull Trains (at that time of day) after a visit to the 1st Class lounges at St Pancras and King's Cross.

For a compromise, take the 1105 East Coast. And at least you'll get a real train

 

[AndrewP]

My personal preference is Hull trains but East Coast are generally very good too. GC are cheap and generally reliable but its a bit basic.

 

[HST Power]

So Hull Trains are the new leaders for offering First Class travel?

I must book myself some tickets then!

 

[YorkshireRider]

Where's your source for that? East Coast had the worst PPM of all TOCs in the last period (84.6% in case anybody is interested) so I wouldn't exactly be confident of a smooth journey.

As soon as something goes wrong with one of their 180s and it out of action for a few days, their emergency timetable will always exclude the 1148. What was Hull Trains PPM in same period? Given they only run a few services between Hull and London it should be in the mid 90s.

 

[yorkie]

Performance of the 1148 can be seen here. It's not performed as well as East Coast departures around that time.

 

[Max]

As soon as something goes wrong with one of their 180s and it out of action for a few days, their emergency timetable will always exclude the 1148. What was Hull Trains PPM in same period? Given they only run a few services between Hull and London it should be in the mid 90s.

Sadly ATOC don't publish the figures for open access TOCs, but the 180s have been considerably more reliable recently since their overhaul. If the 1148 is cancelled due to a 180 failing this is likely to be done in advance, and the OP can just travel on East Coast anyway!

 

[nathanclass323]

...and the OP can just travel on East Coast anyway!

I think I will end up on East Coast due to the fact they are more regular than GC and FHT