‘Banned’ food and drink on GTR, GWR, Northern trains and more | UK | Travel
Some train operators request that certain food and drink not be taken on board (Image: Getty)
Across the UK, numerous major train operators transport thousands of passengers daily, whether they’re commuting to work, visiting loved ones, or exploring the country on a staycation. Each operator provides different amenities – some trains feature Wi-Fi and USB charging points, whilst others don’t.
Food and beverage provision varies considerably between railway companies. Whilst some provide catering facilities, many don’t offer any onboard refreshments.
Each operator maintains its own policy on passengers bringing their own food and drink, with certain items best avoided, reports the Mirror.
According to National Rail’s official website: “Many train companies have onboard catering facilities. These can include trolley services, counter buffet services and restaurant cars. The longer the journey, the more likely that there will be food and drink available on board.”
The following train operators provide food and drink services on board:
- Avanti West Coast
- Caledonian Sleeper
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Grand Central
- GWR
- Greater Anglia
- Hull Trains
- LNER
- Lumo
- ScotRail
- TransPennine Express
- Transport for Wales
Read more: 9 exciting new train routes that are launching in 2026 – one trip cost £8,600
Read more: The UK’s 10 most dangerous train stations named – full list
However, numerous other operators don’t provide catering. The following train companies and services have no onboard refreshment facilities:
- c2c
- Chiltern Railways
- Elizabeth line
- Gatwick Express
- Great Northern
- Heathrow Express
- London Northwestern Railway
- London Overground
- Merseyrail
- Northern
- South Western Railway
- Southeastern
- Southern
- Stansted Express
- Thameslink
- West Midlands Railway
National Rail guidelines state that passengers are permitted to bring their own food aboard trains and are advised to “take care” with hot beverages. However, travellers must not “leave wrappers and other packaging behind” or “get carried away” when drinking alcohol.
Don’t bring very smelly food on your journey (Image: Getty)
In a significant warning, the passenger rail service advises people to steer clear of certain food items. It states: “Don’t bring very smelly food on your journey – leave that wedge of Stinking Bishop at home!”
Foods that smell strongly usually contain a lot of sulfur or have undergone strong fermentation. Some well-known examples include Swedish surströmming, stinky tofu, nattō, and durian. In kitchens, common offenders are cooked cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and aged cheeses.
Regarding alcoholic beverages, National Rail explains: “In general, you can bring and consume alcohol on trains, except those managed by Transport for London. But some train companies will run alcohol-free services, so check before you travel. And remember, antisocial behaviour is not permitted at any time.”
Details of trains that prohibit alcohol at certain times and on specific routes can be found below.
Some trains ban alcohol at certain hours and on specific routes (Image: Getty)
The UK’s largest train operators, measured by network size, passenger numbers and franchise scale, include Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), Great Western Railway (GWR), Northern Trains, Avanti West Coast, and ScotRail. GTR is the biggest, operating 22% of all passenger services across the UK, encompassing Thameslink, Southern, and Great Northern.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR)
GTR, which operates Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express services, doesn’t impose strict prohibitions on specific food or drink items. However, passengers are requested to refrain from consuming anything that might disturb or upset fellow travellers, and to dispose of their rubbish responsibly.
On Southern Railway trains, passengers are permitted to bring and consume their own food and beverages. Whilst commuter services typically don’t offer catering facilities, travellers may enjoy their refreshments provided they remain ‘polite to others’, ‘keep the train clean’, and ‘take their rubbish with them’.
Food and drinks are acceptable, though passengers should be ‘mindful of strong odours’. Alcoholic drinks are generally permitted, though Southern may impose restrictions on particular services, such as those operating during football matches.
For Thameslink services, as onboard catering isn’t provided, passengers are welcome to bring their own refreshments. The operator does request, however, that travellers avoid bringing ‘smelly, hot, or messy food’ that could cause disturbance to others.
Whilst alcohol is typically allowed on Thameslink, antisocial conduct won’t be tolerated, and passengers deemed intoxicated may be required to cease drinking or disembark.
It’s worth noting that whilst London-based Thameslink services permit alcohol consumption, other Transport for London (TfL) services maintain a ban. The same guidelines apply to Great Northern and Gatwick Express trains.
Avoid bringing ‘smelly, hot, or messy food’ that may disturb other passengers (Image: Getty)
Great Western Railway (GWR)
On GWR trains, passengers are permitted to bring their own food and beverages, including alcohol, although they’re advised to ‘avoid bringing food that smells really strong’. Alcohol is generally allowed, but ‘anti-social behaviour is not tolerated’, and certain services may impose restrictions.
Catering facilities are only provided on longer-distance routes operated by Intercity Express Trains. On most extended journeys, a selection of snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages are available.
However, not all local routes offer catering services, particularly those between Penzance–Exeter St Davids and Exeter St Davids–Bristol/Cardiff/Gloucester/Worcester.
Typically, a complimentary trolley service offering snacks and drinks is available at your seat on high-speed trains operating from 6am to 7.30pm. Passengers are encouraged to either take their rubbish with them or utilise the bins provided.
On some ‘dry trains’, alcohol is banned (Image: Getty)
Northern Trains
Passengers are generally allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages on Northern Rail trains, enabling them to enjoy their own snacks during the journey. However, alcohol is prohibited on some “dry trains”.
Passengers are also urged to be considerate of others by ‘not bringing strong-smelling foods’ and by ‘taking all their rubbish with them’.
The official Northern website states: “On certain trains, we don’t allow any alcohol on board. We’ve made some of our services ‘dry trains’ because of past issues with people getting rowdy and causing trouble.
“If you’re on a ‘dry train’, our staff will ask you not to drink or hide any booze during your journey. If you’re visibly drunk or try to sneak alcohol on board, you won’t be allowed to travel and could face prosecution under railway byelaws. If you’ve got alcohol with you before you board these services, you’ll need to dispose of it before the barriers, please. No exceptions here – you won’t be able to travel with it.”
Avanti West Coast (AWC)
Passengers are permitted to bring their own food and beverages aboard AWC services, though strongly-scented items should be avoided. Standard and Standard Premium travellers can purchase refreshments and snacks from the onboard retail facility, with hot meal options available.
First Class passengers receive complimentary food and beverages, subject to journey duration and time of day. Alcoholic drinks are permitted but should be consumed responsibly; however, certain services may prohibit alcohol entirely, so advance verification is recommended.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
ScotRail
Passengers may bring and enjoy their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on ScotRail services. Alcoholic drink consumption is limited, with prohibition during specific time periods.
Travellers are encouraged to avoid particularly pungent foods and dispose of their rubbish appropriately. ScotRail’s statement clarifies: “Alcohol may be consumed on our trains between 10am and 9pm. Other restrictions may apply in certain circumstances, such as large sporting events or concerts, as determined by ScotRail and the British Transport Police (BTP), on a case-by-case basis. Railway Byelaw 4 (2) states that a passenger with intoxicating liquor can be prevented from entering, or be asked to leave, the railway.”
