Avanti West Coast
UK's West Coast Main Line operator connecting London with Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and 50+ stations via Pendolino tilting trains and the new Evero fleet
200 km/h (125 mph)
Free WiFi on all trains in all classes
Wheelchair spaces on all trains, Passenger Assist service, GoodMaps digital wayfinding, WhatsApp Travel Companion support
Domestic UK only (England, Wales, Scotland) -- connections to Eurostar at London
About Avanti
Avanti West Coast operates intercity rail services on the UK's West Coast Main Line, connecting London Euston with major cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh and over 50 stations across England, Wales and Scotland. A joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, Avanti took over the franchise from Virgin Trains in December 2019 and currently operates over 2,000 trains per week.
The fleet consists of 56 Pendolino tilting trains and 23 new Evero trains built by Hitachi. The iconic Pendolinos, originally introduced in 2002, completed a ยฃ117 million refurbishment programme in 2024 with new seats, wireless chargers, and improved luggage space. The Evero fleet, a ยฃ350 million investment entering service in 2024, includes both fully electric and bi-mode trains that can operate on non-electrified routes to Chester and North Wales.
Avanti offers three classes of travel: Standard, Standard Premium, and First Class. Standard Premium provides First Class seating comfort without the at-seat meal service, while First Class includes complimentary food and drink, dedicated hosts, and access to lounges at major stations. Free WiFi and power sockets are available across all classes on every train.
Train Types
Pendolino (Class 390)
Up to 200 km/h
Iconic tilting electric trains operating at up to 200 km/h on the West Coast Main Line. The fleet of 56 trains features electromechanical tilting technology for comfortable high-speed travel on curved track. Following a major ยฃ117 million refurbishment completed in 2024, Pendolinos offer refreshed interiors with new seats, wireless charging, improved lighting, and additional luggage space. Available in 9-car and 11-car configurations with up to 600+ seats.
Key features: Electromechanical tilting, ยฃ117M refurbishment, 9 or 11-car configurations
Evero (Class 805/807)
Up to 200 km/h
Brand new Hitachi-built trains introduced in June 2024, representing a ยฃ350 million investment in sustainable rail travel. The fleet of 23 trains includes 13 bi-mode units (Class 805) that can switch between electric and diesel power, and 10 fully electric units (Class 807). Evero trains offer more legroom, quieter cabins, USB and plug charging at every seat, and enhanced luggage space. Bi-mode capability allows direct services to destinations without overhead electrification.
Key features: Bi-mode electric/diesel capability, Hitachi-built, quieter cabins
Travel Classes
Standard
- โ2+2 seating with reclining seats
- โFree WiFi on all services
- โPower sockets at window seats
- โOverhead and end-of-carriage luggage storage
- โOnboard shop for hot and cold food and drinks
- โAir conditioning throughout
Standard Premium
- โ2+1 seating with extra legroom
- โGuaranteed table at every seat
- โPower sockets at every seat
- โFree WiFi
- โUpgrades from around ยฃ18 one way
- โBookable online or on board from the Train Manager
First Class
- โ2+1 seating with generous legroom
- โComplimentary food and drink including alcohol
- โDedicated at-seat service from a personal host
- โFirst Class lounge access at 6 major stations
- โFree WiFi and power sockets at every seat
- โAll Standard and Standard Premium amenities included
Popular Avanti Routes on EuroTrain
Luggage Policy
Up to 3 items per passenger, each not exceeding 30 x 70 x 90 cm. No extra fees. Two smaller cases recommended over one large due to narrow internal doors on Pendolino trains.
Bikes can be carried on Avanti West Coast services with a free reservation. Space is limited so book early. Folding bikes can be carried without reservation.
Source: Carrier website
Booking Tips
Book 12 Weeks Ahead for Best Prices
Advance tickets open 12 weeks before departure and offer savings of up to 80% compared to walk-up fares -- book early for the best prices.
Try Standard Premium
Standard Premium offers First Class seating comfort from around ยฃ18 extra -- a great middle ground between Standard and First Class.
Use a Railcard for a Third Off
Railcards save at least a third on most fares including First Class -- check eligibility for 16-25, 26-30, Two Together, Family, or Senior railcards.
Connecting to Europe via Eurostar
For connections to Europe, London Euston is a short tube ride from London St Pancras International for Eurostar services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
Frequently Asked Questions about Avanti
The fastest Avanti West Coast trains from London Euston reach Manchester Piccadilly in around 2 hours 5 minutes. Services run up to 3 times per hour on weekdays.
Three classes: Standard with comfortable seating and free WiFi, Standard Premium with upgraded 2+1 seating and guaranteed tables, and First Class with complimentary food and drink, at-seat service, and lounge access.
Standard Premium is a mid-tier class offering First Class seating comfort without the complimentary catering or lounge access. Upgrades start from around ยฃ18 one way and can be purchased online or on board from the Train Manager.
Yes, free WiFi is available on all Avanti West Coast trains across Standard, Standard Premium and First Class.
You can bring up to 3 items, with each not exceeding 30 x 70 x 90 cm. Overhead racks, end-of-carriage storage areas, and under-seat space are available. Two smaller cases are recommended over one large one.
Yes. Avanti West Coast services are available through EuroTrain. Search your route and available Avanti trains will appear in the results.
Pendolinos are Italian-designed tilting electric trains that form the backbone of Avanti West Coast services. Built by Alstom with Fiat tilting technology, they travel at up to 125 mph (200 km/h) and tilt through curves for a smoother ride.
Yes. Regular services run from London Euston to Glasgow Central (around 4h 30m) and Edinburgh Waverley (around 4h 20m), with hourly or better frequency.
Yes. All trains have wheelchair spaces in both Standard and First Class. The Passenger Assist service provides help with boarding, and GoodMaps digital wayfinding is available at managed stations.
London Euston (Avanti) and London St Pancras International (Eurostar) are connected by the Northern and Victoria tube lines -- the journey takes about 10 minutes. Allow at least 1 hour for the connection including Eurostar check-in.
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