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TPE Nova 1 (UK)
The train operator TransPennine Express (TPE) uses these smart new trains on this route:
- Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Victoria - Leeds - York - Darlington - Durham - Newcastle
They are from the same 'family' of trains as the LNER Azuma and Great Western IEP trains.
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At a Glance
Travel Pass Supplement
Rail Pass Reservation Fees
Reservations
Available
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
Accessing the train
Wheelchair Spaces
Bikes Allowed
Train Specification
Attributes of the train
Has a Conductor
Country
Which country these trains operate in.
Great Britain
Travel Passes
Eurail
InterRail
On Board
First
Perks
WiFi
A complimentary WiFi portal is available throughout this train.
Power Socket (UK)
The power sockets on this train are compatible with the standard 3-point plugs as typically used in the UK.
At Seat Catering
According to the time of day of travel, passengers will be able to choose from a menu of catering options, which will then be served at their seats.
In contrast to Standard Class, the First Class seating saloon on a Nova 1 train;
- is arranged 2+1 across the aisle instead of 2+2
- has a table at every seat
- has a plug socket at every seat
- more leg room
- has USB plug sockets
Standard
Perks
WiFi
A complimentary WiFi portal is available throughout this train.
Power Socket (UK)
The power sockets on this train are compatible with the standard 3-point plugs as typically used in the UK.
Trolley Service:
A catering trolley with hot and cold drinks and snacks should be taken through the train at some point during its journey.
The luggage racks are just inside the doors of the seating saloon, so the advice is to make use of them, should space be available, then make your way to your seats.
Though the luggage storage space for larger items isn't particularly generous in the standard class seating saloon, so the advice from TPExpress is to seek out the station staff before boarding as larger items can be stored elsewhere on the train if need be.
Good to know info
ShowMeTheJourney has anticipated what questions are most often asked about travelling on TPE's Nova 1 trains and answered them below.
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How fast does the train travel?
These trains can travel at up to 125mph / 200kmh, when travelling between York and Newcastle, but between Liverpool and York they typically travel at a maximum speed of 100mph /160kmh.
Are seats allocated when booking tickets?
Seats are automatically allocated when booking Advance tickets - When booking other types of ticket seats will be allocated when booking up to just 15 mins prior to departure.
Though when booking after this 15 min limit, seats can't be allocated.
Can specific seats be selected from a seating plan?
No, you will need to accept the seats you have been allocated.
Though when booking you will be given options to select preferences, which are:
- window or aisle
- airline style or at a table
Note that is not possible to request forward facing seats.
Do Eurail / InterRail Pass users need to make reservations?
No, but opting to reserve does not incur additional charges.
What catering is available on the train?
These trains do not have a bar/bistro cars, but a catering trolley should be taken through the Standard Class coaches which offers a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches - the Express menu.
Complimentary catering is available as on demand at-seat service in First Class, the Express Plus Nova menu will be available.
Though the catering hours in both Standard and First Class are are between 0700-1830 Monday to Friday and 0900-1830 on Saturday and Sunday.
Are power sockets available?
Yes at every seat in First Class and at every pair of seats in Standard Class.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, a complimentary service is available.
Is a Quiet Coach available?
TPE trains don't offer this service.
What is the luggage policy?
There are no specific restrictions on these trains.
Are wheelchair spaces available?
Yes, spaces for two wheelchairs is available in the First Class coach.
On TP EXpress trains, Assisted Travel can be booked up until two hours before departure, the dedicated team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
Can non-folding bicycles be taken on board?
These trains have dedicated bike spaces, but they must be reserved a minimum of 15 minutes prior to boarding.
As only a maximum of four spaces are available, booking as soon as possible is recommended.
You can either add a bike reservation when booking on the TransPennine website, or
- Visit the booking office
- Tweet to @TPEAssist
- WhatsApp on 07812 223 336
Can dogs be taken on board?
Yes, up to two dogs can be taken on board without any need to book a ticket(s) for them.
Travel summary:
If you have a reservation your seat will be in a specific coach, but the stations that these trains use don't have systems of zones on the platforms, so that you'll know where to wait for easy boarding.
Instead the departure info on the platform will show which coach is at the front of the train and which is at the rear; and these trains only have five coaches/carriages so working out where to wait shouldn't be too problematic.
The coach numbers are on the info panel on the sides of the trains, which also show the station calls.
There is also an easy to miss, fairly small sign by each set of doors, which show the seat numbers closest to that door.
If you will travelling Standard Class, taking note of this and using the appropriate door will make boarding so much easier.
Your seat numbers will be on your ticket(s) so have it to hand, the seat numbers are on the strip above the windows.
Boarding without a seat reservation:
Whether you will be travelling First or Standard class, when you enter the seating saloon, look for the green lights on the info strip above the windows.
The green lights indicate unreserved seats, so they show which seats are theoretically available, but the light will remain green if another traveller without a seat reservation has already occupied the seat(s).
If all of these green-lit seats are taken, look at the info displayed by the orange lights, they are used to indicate that a seat has only been reserved for a part of the journey, so it may be available between your stations.
A red-light indicates that a seat has been reserved for the entire journey, but if it still unoccupied after departure, the traveller who has booked it may not have boarded; and if that is the case you can sit in it.
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