I'm considering splurging for a first class train from Gatwick to southern Cornwall on my arrival day. What is the price difference? What is the difference in comfort? And, is first class available on all routes?

Tickets and prices can be obtained and purchased from www.thetrainline.com. An APEX ticket for first class is not that much more expensive than standard class - as an example, from Cardiff to London costs &pound;109 open standard or about &pound;55 with restrictions. A standard APEX (which must be bought at least 7 days in advance and is subject to availablity) costs &pound;21. A first class APEX costs &pound;49.50. Be aware that there are restrictions such as travel must be after 10am or something and you cant come home during the rush hour on a Friday (there may be many more - just check online).<BR>As for comfort - bigger seats, less crowd and a free buffet service (better class of stale sandwiches!).

It's a fairly long journey, so you might do well to pamper yourself. However, do not just buy one at the ticket counter on the day as it will coast a lot of money! <BR>Go to www.thetrainline.com and search out a phone number. Ring them and discuss your needs. (It is better to talk to a real person than try to work your way through the fiendishly complicated ticketing system.) <BR>Remember, Apex-style tickets are restricted, and if your plane is late, then your ticket might not be valid. <BR>Perhaps you would be better to enquire about the cheapest 2nd class on-the-day ticket and buy that when here, rather than book ahead and run the risk of missing it. <BR>A return is often cheaper than a single (single=one way, return=round trip) so even if you are not coming back that way, check out the price difference and make up a return journey. (Don't let them know that as they are not supposed to sell tickets that way.)If you do end up buying here, make sure you ask the clerk about all restrictions. You might save a few pounds by waiting till after a certain time, or by not travelling back on a Friday. Tell them when you plan to return. <BR>If you do book ahead, you will have to collect it from the station or from a special machine. Make sure you keep all print outs and PINs!

Your most likely route is Gatwick to Reading then Reading to Cornwall. Both trains have first class as well as second. First class seats are wider and deeper than second class, and your are less likely to have children for company (if that bothers you), but equally likely to have oafs with mobile phones. On weekdays trains leave Reading hourly on the hour for Plymouth and usually for Cornwall: they have buffet cars and the 0810 and 1400 have restaurant cars.<BR><BR>Ben Haines, London<BR>

Thanks for the helpful information!!!

Hi <BR>Forget first class its an expensive waste of money, come to think of it all uk trains are an expensive waste of money, your better off driving, and staying along the route there are some lovely places en route<BR><BR>Rich