Is this Europe’s WORST First Class? - SJ InterCity Review

[@Obeythebeard]

True story from when the X40 units were new: In first class, coffee was included and on the X40 the coffee was available in vending machines on the lower level in the one of the carriages since there was no kiosk or bistro. I once rode the train in first class when traveling for work. When the train attendant had inspected my ticket he asked me if I would like a token for the vending machine so that I could have my included coffee. He then quickly added, in a somewhat resigned way, "Well, the machines never work and the one on this unit is no exception. You are still entitled to a token though. Maybe one day you will get your coffee, who knows?!?". 😄 The vending machines of that make and model never became generally operational and were later removed. I still haven't gotten that coffee and where the token is I do not know...

[@izzieb]

The amount of padding on those seats is something we can only dream of now in Britain. Ironing boards are all that we seem to specify for trains now 😅.

[@lukasweidinger6839]

even in first class, alas, I travelled with LNER from Inverness to Edinburgh this summer and thought it was a joke. Plus there was no Full English, just a bacon roll, What a bummer

[@RobinPalmerTV]

@@lukasweidinger6839 I think that level of train catering in first is here to stay sadly. The seats in first are dreadful too.

[@knownothing5518]

@@lukasweidinger6839 LNER First Class is really shite tbh. There are some decent First Class services left in the UK, but quality (even in Standard/2nd Class) is being eroded everywhere.

[@Newbyte]

The X40 is being refurbished in Uleåborg right now. These refurbishments include making first class actually different from second class.

[@wavelen9454]

Oulu, Finland😁

[@Newbyte]

@@wavelen9454 Both are correct.

[@emilbt7588]

yeah, they have replaced all the seats in the train and removed the table seats in first class, opting for a just a 2+2 layout. other than that there are no meaningful differences.

[@Adawck]

@@wavelen9454Dream on, we all know Finland is rightfully Swedish soil🫠

[@JockeWahlberg]

There'll be 5cm more legroom in 1st class, big difference! ​@@emilbt7588

[@JBS319]

Gävle has one of the strangest Christmas traditions in the world. Every year the town makes a giant goat out of straw, and every year the townspeople try to set it on fire (and usually succeed). The town does not want their goat set on fire, so they've tried to take countermeasures. As of 12/19/24 this year's goat is still standing. It remains to be seen how much longer it survives.

[@nk-i-sumpan]

As usual, I really appreciate your effort into pronouncing the Swedish names, and you do it really well.

[@justpf]

Well he still failed with Linköping :p

[@Bag_monkey]

Overall perfect pronunciation of all Swedish names. Pleasantly surprised.

[@FritiofRunmarker]

As an Inter city, the X40 is the most hated train in Sweden. It’s designed to operate as a regional train, not long distance.

[@Jule_bule]

Yea, it was used for the same services as mälartåg before mälartåg came

[@SimonBauer7]

Germany did the same bs with an upgraded regional train as an intercity train.

[@BLACKSTA361]

​@@SimonBauer7Yeah but Germany actually have high speed rail. The IC2 Züge prolly not even make 10% of the National Fleet

[@rolandbol7350]

I'm a volunteer at Upsala Lenna Jernväg. You're welcome for a visit, but we only have 3rd class seating.

[@BigPaul62]

The seats look soft and comfortable, like an old Volvo 240GL, rather than the rock hard planks we have on British trains.

[@HesterClapp]

If you think this is the worst first class in Europe, come to the UK and take the Great Northern train from London to King's Lynn. A journey of similar length, but even with a first class ticket you still have to sit on an ironing board all the way. If you travel at peak time, you might even end up on a borrowed Thameslink train that doesn't even have a carpet

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Oh my god, those 387s are so bad! At least you get a piece of cloth on the headrest too... 😅

[@markgr1nyer]

Those 1st Klasse stickers are expensive ya know ;)

[@rolandbol7350]

Well, due to the miracles of SJ's dynamic pricing, I once booked 1st class on this train because it was cheaper than 2nd class. They may have fixed that now ...

[@IHadz]

Compared to what we have in Hungary, this is luxury

[@freesourcandy]

Because it's slightly more expensive but with the same quality, the first class should be less crowded, so I think it's good considering the lounge as well.

[@JoseMoreira-vo8cu]

Yes please for the Malartarg trains

[@ajdavies27]

The worst first class anywhere must surely be that on Southern trains out of London to the south coast where the seats are exactly the same and some are not even behind a divider from standard class. It is also MUCH more expensive than standard, unlike this example.

[@ThobiasTutorials]

Have you considered trying Inlandsbanan? it's a tourist train during the summer going north through the inland of Sweden instead of on the coast.

[@peterkapunkt6783]

Is it Banana themed?

[@markoobid2005]

Well, from a perspective of a 2nd class passenger, these units are great for travelling any distance length! Very comfortable, and with those amazing panoramic windows.

[@cashawX10]

To be fair, the first class cost is normally that that different to standard class, plus you get free coffee and snacks from a table at the front of the carriage. Often less screaming kids and Children, so I normally book it.

[@joakimu86]

The regional train (also double decker) from Kiel to Hamburg is 41.10 euros (410 Swedish) for a 1st class ticket. Those trains have less space, are less comfortable, and it's a shorter distance. So no, the X40 from Gävle to Stockholm can't be the worst. But it's weird to have a 1st class identical to 2nd class, I agree.

[@avmz111]

In my opinion the first class on the 445 series in Schleswig-Holstein (used on RE services between Kiel and Hamburg) is much better then the one shown in the video.

[@57thorns]

Yes, it is only "bad" compared to the excellent second class that is on the bottom (worse views) and costs practically the same.

[@HotFriedChickenAt3am]

Love the vids Superalbs!

[@chenseanxy]

My first experience with SJ, did this exact trip in reverse, in the dead of winter when everyone has their massive coats, gloves and beanies. Was not fun trying to squeeze into a table seat on the upper floor. Made sure I had an X2000 service on the way back.

[@neurofrank9967]

This is a somewhat upgraded version of a standard French commuter train. In France and Luxembourg, these are used on trips of up to two hours. I’m really disappointed SJ use them on Inter City services. A 2+2 layout in first class is an absolute no-go as far as I am concerned.

[@avgeekinfotainment7776]

00:10:40 Are you kidding about the luggage space? Compared to anything else im Europe, these overhead racks are by far the largest in any upper deck of the continents double deckers! You have these massive panorama windows AND still can fit an on board style trolley up there! Even our well loved IC2000 sets here in Switzerland provide not more than a ridiculously tiny fraction of that space, not even fitting a small backpack... While I agree, that the first class offering is sub par by a big margin, the crappy interior is not the trainsets fault. I really like the X40's overall design, one could have done so much more with it.

[@midnight_styx]

Fun fact: the X40 is derived from the SNCF's Z 24500/26500.

[@The99x99]

thats why it look like our 2nng!

[@midnight_styx]

@@The99x99 Techniquement le chaudron (ou la carrosserie) est la même, a part la face avant.

[@danielroach5415]

Whilst the first class does leave a lot to be desired, it certainly looks comfortable enough for a 1 1/2 hour journey , and I'd rather ride this than the GWR effort for a 4-5 hour journey!

[@ChevoApocalypse]

As a worker onboard. Its a kinda embaressing product. However they are beeing renovated atm. Atleast the 3 cars. The FIRST one is back and its said to be more different than this. And more space. Havent been onboard yet. Fingers crossed

[@dennismatthews6660]

Appreciate your honesty in the reviews.

[@pontush9471]

Thanks for another great video! So the X40s are about to get a good refurbishment removing a lot of the wooden tables in between and with a new exterior look. Getting them in line with the completely renewed X2000 aesthetics. SJ also ordered new regional trains from Spanish CAF. Very much looking forward to those. Getting the same livery design colours of an anthracite grey front with lighter grey parts covering the rest of the train. Being a language person myself, I love the way you go the extra length pronouncing all foreign place names in their respective language. I find that very endearing and respectful.🥰

[@davidmartensson273]

About the plastic, most plastic bags in Sweden are from renewable bio sources like sugar cane or similar, not fossil, and since we also burn most garbage for heat and do not use much in the way of landfills, the plastic usually never enters the nature making it quite on par with paper bags, and plastic holds wet garbage much better. And these bags are easier to collect when emptying than garbage bins,

[@Luzgar]

1:23 What is happening to that screen ? Did you replace what it displayed ?

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Well spotted! So basically, the flickering from this screen was so bad that the clip was unusable, so I captured a screenshot, and then tried to layer it on top of the original screen. I thought I did quite well, but it seems at least one person noticed my little edits. :)

[@lordrindfleisch1584]

I don't really understand why this train was chosen for intercity services. What is the point of making it a double decker?

[@EElgar1857]

Love your videos! 😁I certainly see your point about the 1st Klasse, but in peak tourist season, I think it would be well worth it to spend the small extra amount to have a quieter, less-crowded journey.

[@przemys4466]

First class on the Dutch NS SLT trains (so, not the intercities) has almost exactly the same layout as second class: 2+2 with the same amount of padding, but has foldable wooden armrests and funny little LEDs on the bagage railing for a slightly more prestige look I assume. And the colour of the seats is red. The difference is that you're almost always guaranteed to have a seat there as opposed to second class.

[@walterfillingham]

The ScotRail First Class on a class 170/178 combo train from Inverness to Edinburgh or Glasgow is really a very poor product. If you’re lucky you might get a coffee or a sandwich on a 4 hour journey, basically you just get a quieter bit of a carriage to sit in. Again you’re lucky to get a class 43 HST. LNER from Inverness to Edinburgh First Class is actually cheaper than ScotRail and the hot meals, snacks and drinks offered to you are superb and makes a nice day out in Edinburgh and is extremely popular with people living in Inverness going to Edinburgh for the day. By comparison ScotRail First Class is largely empty, so annoying as could have such potential if done properly

[@osasunaitor]

I recently travelled this line in a regional ScotRail train, wow the scenery over the Highlands is gorgeous!! It's really underrated I think. About ScotRail, I do agree that the service is not optimal. The trains are okay, but too many delays and cancellations make them unreliable

[@walterfillingham]

@ yes the scenery is great, but you can go through the same scenery using LNER First Class instead which includes fresh cooked hot meals, snacks and drinks which is a much nicer experience

[@w.n2425]

Fun Fact: This line was opened in November of 1927, meaning its almost 100 Years old. The reason why this railway line is so young is because the Swedish Government didn’t want to build any Railway lines on its coast for Military reasons and because the government believed that Boats could compensate this. Nowadays, it can technically handle High speed Trains.

[@olasola1013]

The majority of SJ Intercity outside this one route are operated with comfortable loco-hauled trains that also include catering on a similar level to that of the SJ 3000/X55.

[@ReyOfLight]

Cries in Västra Stambanan 😅 We have the X40 plague here, unless going by X2000 or VR (formerly MTRX)

[@olasola1013]

@ It’s suffering if you want to go to either end’s city from a place between Hallsberg and Göteborg not served by VR or SJ’s X2000, but you just have to get to Skövde, Herrljunga or any place served by VR and change to either from there. As such, you aren’t riding it for *too* long

[@tijsbeek8590]

Well, in the Netherlands first class is literally the same as second class in some trains (SNG, SLT, FLIRT), but you mostly pay for having a seat for when its busy. Our IC trains actually have useful first class, but our sprinters have only a few seats per train & literally no benefits.

[@TheKitchenTableGamer]

That is absurd! I was expecting a poor interior, not for it to be IDENTICAL to standard!😂😂😂

[@Rodoeht12345]

The only difference as of now, apart from the stickers are the glass wall in the middle of the 1 class compartment. The glass wall had a door as well, but was removed at some point due to it rattling too much as the X40 is really sensitive to bad track conditions

[@Londoncycleroutes]

are seat reservations included with the ticket? in Belgium on SNCB first class is always identical to second but the reason you'd buy a ticket is to guarantee a seat in a less crowded carriage, basically

[@hanes2]

as a swede I think I've only been on those double decker once. Better get on the regular X2000/X3000 fast train second quiet class.

[@rolandbol7350]

Booking on the same day is usually quite expensive. I looked at the train you took (11AM) on Jan. 8, after all the holidays. It costs 145kr in second class and 195kr in first class. The X3000 that runs 10 minutes later costs 255kr in second and 335kr in first.

[@simonstadin]

I live near Ljusdal so I've taken this train to or from Arlanda/Stockholm a fair share of times (sometimes also just from Gävle, since sometimes the train only runs between Gävle and Linköping). If it is the train I have to take, I will of course take it if I have no other choice. While I can't complain about the seats, getting to the bathroom is a bit confusing and the lack of dining onboard is a downside. There is an Intercity-labelled train passing Hudiksvall, my other local station, which actually has a dining car. It is an older model train, but it does the job :)

[@Flexflex744]

Thanks for your review! But the image shown at 6:56, is it the interface of the DB booking website? 😅

[@themazeballet]

I did my masters degree in Uppsala from 2017-2019 and did do a bit of a dance in the flooded station in 2018 haha

[@PakaBubi]

In Ireland we have similarly bad first class on class 22000. Those are DMUs used as intercity. 2+2 layout and maybe get a complimentary beverage if you lucky

[@gustavsturksteinwall4027]

3:19 yes, but you’re not really supposed to travel those 5 hours on the X40. On routes like this the X40 acts more like a supplementary service, stopping at smaller stations, to the high speed and InterCity trains. For almost the entire length of the route there are other faster and more comfortable trains operated by SJ such as the X55 shown earlier in the video as well as the loco-hauled IC-trains.

[@adrianallum4752]

I've heard the front of the X40 described as looking like a toilet seat! SJ has introduced "lugn" on their refurbished X2000 units as a midway between 1st and 2nd class (ideal to avoid noisy children, perhaps): maybe SJ should rebrand 1st class on the X40 to lugn.

[@cyndll]

Ahhh SJ, good memories from when I almost got the police called on me because I accidentally got on their train without the proper ticket because it had the exact train number and departure time as the one on my ticket but mine had been cancelled and went from another city on the same route

[@JLeman-me1xh]

Very good report. Would also complain about that little difference btw 1st ans 2nd.

[@samuellassman7668]

Trains in Sweden are so expensive. Very sad. Often cheaper to drive

[@Anonymous-zu7dh]

I just got off my internship shift of driving one of these and I see this recommendation.... The driver's cabin is not very logically arranged imo. Your theory about the converted seats for luggage space is true. From what I've heard they didn't even have luggage racks at delivery..... Rolling past the largest airport in Sweden.... But good news. They're currently getting refurbished, at least the 3 unit ones, they may or may not refurbish the 2 unit ones. The first unit has returned from Finland but I've yet to see the allegedly upgraded 1st class in photos or reality.

[@kevanhubbard9673]

I think that the majority of freight in Sweden is run by Green Cargo which is ,like SJ,state owned.In the spirit of the broken dogma of 1980's privatisation Green Cargo was split from SJ presumably with the original intent of giving both companies to a Swedish version of Sir Richard Branson.

[@espencarlsen]

I guess sitting at the upper deck is part of this being called a first class + the access to the lounge in Stockholm. Just like with Norwegian long distance buses sitting in the front upstairs costs a little more.

[@daapz]

VR in Finland has done the same thing in their Ekstra class in some trains. They try to upsell the so called 1st class by having "free" water bottles and coffee.

[@joelthorstensson2772]

Ljusdal mentioned! My hometown!

[@rezaalan3991]

Great trip. I don't know how to say it, same seating like 2nd class, just a little different price between both class, and only got accessing lounge when you departing from Capital City, definitely not worth it. As always great pronunciation of every Swedish word.

[@Nathan-hk5xp]

Would definitely like to see the Stadler ER1 that Malartag uses. Surely, Sweden, with some of the largest loading gauge clearances in Europe, there has to be enough room for slightly larger baggage racks, right?

[@winterbliss4459]

come to the UK and go on either Thameslink (Horsham - Peterborough) or Gatwick Express (London Victoria - Brighton) first class. all the seats have horrible padding, there’s no catering, and the first class has zero difference to standard class

[@MrBrianYoutube]

This is basically the only train that I have gone on in Sweden, and I live in Sweden and usually just go by train when I go to Stockholm.

[@57thorns]

It is a cheap long range regional train. If you care at all about your ticket cost, you either take this one or "Snälltåget" (which is not SJ).

[@Adawck]

You forgot the glass wall in the middle of the saloon in 1 class. And we do have a perfect suiting name for these trains here in Sweden. The Berlin Wall😅

[@klopplegend4520]

Hey Albs. You should try the new Line from Amsterdam which goes directly to München

[@datis9411]

For the Train Information in Tierp he used the DB (German) Train App

[@TheWestAnglian]

The station at Arlanda Airport is really confusing as it only has a direct link to terminal 4. If you require the other terminals (2 and 3) you have to walk a very long way around and in my case I had to walk through the Arlanda express platforms to get to terminal 2 to get my BA flight and the signage is really confusing at times Apart from that I’ve been to Stockholm and Upsalla and I loved being there even as a British tourist

[@The99x99]

how 200kmh is impressive? i mean thats like a ter 200 service its cool but most train can do the same too

[@mdhazeldine]

Albie's working the YT algorithm again I see. This clearly is nowhere near the worst 1st class in Europe. If the 2nd class wasn't so nice, nobody would be complaining. The fact that these use TGV seats says that they should be pretty good long journeys (even if they look like a commuter train). The problem is mainly one of marketing/positioning. Although at least they are compensating for it by making the price fairly similar. For me, I think the main advantage of paying the little bit extra (aside from the lounge access) would be the possibility of a less busy carriage. Ultimately I agree with your conclusion though. They ought to differentiate the products a bit more.

[@JBobjork]

I just had to look at what train you were reffering to to say "Yes."

[@keithlivingstone2525]

That must be some sort of car show going on outside the station.

[@nuucha]

Those seats look exactly like the ones you get on Portuguese Alfa Pendulars

[@MirzaAhmed89]

Was the straw goat still up in Gavle?

[@NerdX151]

Oh boy, you should have experienced the time when DB used their BR 612s as ICE replacements 😅

[@bm15]

Will you be doing any vids in the near future on Serbia? I would recommend the Belgrade-Nis route as probably the slowest regional train in the Balkans

[@57thorns]

At sek 30 extra it was worth it when I took a corresponding trip. First class on other trains was 100 sek or more extra if anything was included. It is after all just a commuter train put to work on just a bit too long a journey, Also, you get the better views.

[@57thorns]

I would say that you get exactly what you pay for,

[@stevewareing8525]

Excellent video though I thought you were a little Koi about the fish pond. 🤔.

[@garthcox4307]

The Swedish equivalent of the voyager?

[@FritiofRunmarker]

As swedish I have to agree on that comparison. I rode a voyager once from Penzance to Birmingham. The only diffrence is that you don’t hear a diesel engine on the X40. Both trains are fine on shorter journeys, but thats it

[@TheOldalf]

So i go by the same train model to work once per week to go down to my clients office. Its identical isch to 2nd class but usually when i go the price difference is around 10-15 sek but that tiny increase in price on my route for no better seats mean i get an almost completely empty place to myself which provides a nice quiete area to work in

[@f.g.9466]

I'm really confused by this video. A journey of that length in the UK would cost the double (and I mean it very literally) and the seating would be much less comfortable.

[@Ryuuranger]

The first Class seat that would cost $43 Canadian and 2nd Class is $39 Canadian

[@nk-i-sumpan]

It's so kind of you to sacrifice yourself with this underwhelming train experience. That being said, I think the X40 is acceptable in 2nd class, but the 1st class is indeed just a way to squeeze more money out of the unsuspecting travellers. SJ should just stop offering 1st class on these trains.

[@olasola1013]

The one benefit is being less crowded...except for the fact that it serves on some of Sweden's busiest (passenger-wise) stretches of railways. Also, they're refurbishing the 3-car sets, which will hopefully include a better first class

[@devvratvm]

malartag (idk the spelling ) trains look much modern and the double decker train from SJ looks like an egg from the front and why does the train have 2-3 cars and not more? also pls do a video on the maalartag trains;)

[@Nanonic001]

No Gavlebocken? For shame!

[@andrewpepper8031]

Still pretty good compared with Hitachi rubbish in the UK.

[@gabrielarrhenius6252]

Do know, if it isn't full most do not care about the seating on the X40

[@BsBsBock]

Swedistan is nice

[@Ollie123-bs6sf]

I don’t understand your complaints, as you have almost none. Price difference between 1st And 2nd is almost non existing, so why complain there is no difference in service And seating. Package space looks large enough and better than TGV.

[@S_Paoli]

what's the point of naming it the "central station" if it's the ONLY station in town?

[@andybushi6418]

2 or 3 carriages for intercity services seems like a crime

[@NerdX151]

Has always been quite normal in Scandinavia though.

[@xr6lad]

See an issue already. They prefer you to buy online? I can see the Swedes are elderly or those less financial well off friendly. Not every has Internet access or can afford it.

[@physiocrat7143]

There is absolutely no need for 2 or 3-car double deck trains in Sweden. Uncomfortable track bashers. The first class in the X3000 and X31 can be worse. They are right over some very rough riding bogies. The front end shape is vaguely reminiscent of the A4 Pacifics. The upper decks would be good for growing tomatoes.

[@yui4779]

Can you do a journey to Basel in 2025 in time for Eurovision

[@teotik8071]

I've expected a slower speed on second class to justify the higher price of the first class if eveything else is just the same. 🤔

[@Abnerbandanovotempoinscrito1mi]

Boa viagem cara show gostei 4:36

[@zraphy-veo5551]

Arson timeee~

[@KuriRebane]

The train looks like Humpty-Dumpty

[@scopestacker9787]

31,30€ should be expensive for 182km 1st? definitely not

[@maoschanz4665]

the 1st class ticket is buying you the privilege to travel with upper class people: the poor are in 2nd class, if you dislike them it's always worth it to buy 1st class tickets

[@tonys1636]

Sweden is heading towards a classless society so these are pre-empting this move. Those prices are cheap compared to UK and IE ones and Sweden is an expensive country. At least on a train one can get up and walk around to avoid getting a DVT.

[@peterhedberg9528]

Does this means 2nd class is the best in Europe.

[@UserDefaultEurope]

No Finnish wood sauna on that train? That is just so ignorant little brother behaviour of Sweden again, to make people sit clothed in room temperature. What next? People not sharing their birthday Surströmning sandwiches with fellow passengers? Not raking trackside forests clean in the autumn?

[@betweenlakes]

They really pronounce "station" like that? Good lord