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Make a seat reservation
Reserve a seat or bike space for your Flexible ticket
If your ticket doesn't have a seat reservation, like an Off-Peak, Anytime or Season ticket, you can make one before you board so that you have the most comfortable journey.
Standalone seat reservations are available 12 weeks before your journey date, even if you purchased your Flexible ticket earlier.
Be Seat Sure
Seat Sure is exactly what it sounds like. You can travel comfortably and with confidence knowing you have a seat.
You'll have a better train experience if you've reserved a seat. No reservable seats left? Travel at another time to secure a seat.
Quick and easy
Secure your seat up to 5 minutes before departure. Our quick tool lets you go from seatless to Seat Sure in seconds or reserve on the go with our LNER App.
You're in control
Flexible ticket? You can cancel your seat, make a new reservation on a different train or even change to your favourite spot in your account.
Unreserved seating
There is limited unreserved seating in coach C (Standard) and coaches E or M (First Class) available on a first-come, first-served basis. Stay updated with live journey info by sharing your mobile number with LNER Assistant.
FAQs
How do I make a seat reservation?
How do I make a seat reservation?
If you booked directly with us, you can check your seat reservation by logging into My Account.
If your ticket doesn’t include a seat reservation, for example Season tickets, you can reserve a seat using our seat reservation tool.
To do this, you’ll need to:
Enter the date and time of your journey
Provide your LNER booking reference
You’ll find your booking reference in your confirmation email. Once entered, you’ll be able to reserve your seat.
I have a season ticket, how do I reserve a seat?
I have a season ticket, how do I reserve a seat?
You can reserve a seat in the same way, or if you'd like to reserve seats for multiple days at a time, email customers@lner.co.uk with the date and times you'd like to travel.
You can make a reservation up to 5 minutes before a trains' scheduled departure, even if you haven't bought your ticket directly from LNER.
You can make a reservation on our website or by using the LNER App.
How do I cancel my seat reservation?
How do I cancel my seat reservation?
How do I cancel my seat reservation?
If you no longer need your seat reservation, you can easily cancel it in My Account.
Visit My Account
Select My Bookings
Click Manage your booking
Select Cancel your seats
To confirm the cancellation click Yes, I need to cancel these seats
You will then receive an email from us confirming the cancellation.
Do I need to book a seat reservation for my child if they are under five?
Do I need to book a seat reservation for my child if they are under five?
Children under five do not need a ticket to travel. However, if you wish to ensure they have a seat during their journey, a child discounted ticket may be purchased and you can make a seat reservation.
Do pass holders need to reserve seats?
Do pass holders need to reserve seats?
A reservation is highly recommended for pass holders, but not necessary.
A free seat reservation can be made in advance or up to five minutes before a train’s scheduled departure and can be cancelled should your plans change.
You can make a reservation on our website or by using the LNER App or in our stations.
Are there any unreserved seats?
Are there any unreserved seats?
Coach C in Standard Class and Coaches E and M in First class offer unreserved seats. These seats are available to passengers on a first-come first-served basis. If you wish to find a seat, please make your way to one of these coaches.
For those that do not get a seat there is space to stand. If you would like a seat we suggest you arrive in good time.
Can I download my seat or bike reservation to my phone?
Can I download my seat or bike reservation to my phone?
When you make a seat or bike reservation using our reservation tool on our app or website, you can choose to download your reservation to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, as a PDF, or within the LNER App. This way, you can keep your reservations within your travel tickets, making them easier to find.
How can I distinguish between my travel ticket and reservation?
How can I distinguish between my travel ticket and reservation?
The new reservations have a green background to differentiate them from travel tickets. Seat reservations have a seat icon, and bike reservations have a bicycle icon.
Will the barcode on the reservation open the ticket gates?
Will the barcode on the reservation open the ticket gates?
No, the barcode on the new reservation format will not open ticket gates. You will need to use your travel ticket to open the ticket barriers.
