overnight train trips to scotland

The Man in Seat 61

London to Scotland by

Caledonian sleeper.

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Every night except Saturday night, Caledonian Sleeper trains link London with towns & cities all over Scotland, arriving in time for breakfast.  It's the most civilised, romantic, time-effective & environmentally-friendly way between central London and the heart of Scotland, for a weekend in the Highlands or business meeting in London.  Brand new carriages entered service in 2019, see photos of what the sleeper is like or watch the Video guide .  Last updated January 2024.

Sleeper times northbound

* = The Highland sleeper in fact stops at Edinburgh, where the three portions divide, but it's an unadvertised service stop.

Always check train times for your dates of travel at either www.sleeper.scot or www.nationalrail.co.uk .   Weekend engineering work can affect times at weekends, so please double-check when you book.

There are no sleeper trains on Saturday nights.

The shading highlights the different portions of the train, the London-Inverness, London-Aberdeen & London-Fort William portions of the Highland sleeper and the London-Glasgow & London-Edinburgh portions of the Lowland sleeper.

You can remain in your sleeper until 08:00 on arrival at Edinburgh & Glasgow.

Sleeper times southbound

* = The Highland sleeper in fact stops at Edinburgh, where the three portions are combined, but it's an unadvertised service stop.

No sleeper trains run on Saturday nights.

The shading simply highlights the different portions of each train.

You can board your sleeper from 20:00 (19:45 on Sundays) onwards at Inverness, from 23:00 (22:30 Sundays) at Edinburgh and from 22:00 at Glasgow.

How the sleeper works:  2 trains, 5 portions

Two lengthy 16-car Caledonian Sleeper trains leave London for Scotland every night except Saturday nights and 24, 25, 31 December.  The Highland sleeper has 3 portions which split around 04:30 at a service stop at Edinburgh into a portion for Stirling, Perth, Aviemore & Inverness, another for Dundee & Aberdeen, and another for Fort William.  The Lowland sleeper has 2 portions which split at Carstairs, one for Edinburgh & another for Glasgow.  The Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness & Aberdeen portions each consist of up to six sleeping-cars, one club car and one seats/baggage car with bike spaces.  The London-Fort William portion consists of just two sleeping-cars, but you can use the Aberdeen club car in the evening and another club car & a seats/baggage car are added at Edinburgh for the morning part of the journey to Fort William.  Seats passengers between London & Ft William must switch cars at Edinburgh.

How much does it cost?

A return is two one-ways .  So you can mix & match a sleeper train one-way and a daytime train back.

Fares are dynamic like air fares , they vary according to demand.  Check prices for your date at www.sleeper.scot .

These trains are sold per room, like a hotel .  If you pay for a twin, the price covers 2 people.  If travelling solo, you must book a single.

Club & Caledonian Double fares include breakfast .  In Classic rooms, breakfast is available at extra cost.

Fixed ticket = no refunds, no changes to travel plans.

Flexi upgrade = fully refundable before 12:00 on the day before the sleeper leaves.

If there are 3 or 4 of you , you can book 3 or 4 people in Classic rooms & select two adjacent 2-berth rooms with inter-connecting door .

To get the cheapest prices , book as far ahead as you can, because prices rise as departure approaches.  You're more likely to find the cheapest fares mid-week rather than on busy Friday or Sunday nights.  And obviously, May or June is busier than February or November.  Cheaper fares are more plentiful on the lowland routes (Edinburgh/Glasgow) than highland routes (Inverness/Aberdeen).

Children under 5 go free, although they don't get their own berth.  Cots can't be provided as there's insufficient room, but a lightweight travel cot like this fits on the floor for babies up to 18 months.  A 2 or 3-year old can sleep quite comfortably head-to-toe with an adult in the lower berth, if you can get the little so-and-so to sleep when he's so excited about being on a sleeper train, of course.  If you want them to have their own bed, add them to the booking as a 5-15 year old and pay the relevant room rate.

Children under 16 get a reduction on the fare when included in the booking, for example 2 adults in a Classic twin room start at £170, 1 adult & 1 child in the same Classic twin room starts at £140.

Railcard holders

A 16-25 railcard, Senior railcard or Forces railcard gives a 34% discount on single-berth sleepers & seats, but not on 2-berth sleepers (even if both passengers have a railcard!).  A Family & Friends or Two Together railcard will give a discount on seats, not on any sort of sleeper.

You can of course buy an any permitted route Off-Peak ticket for your journey with 34%  railcard discount, this is valid on any operator including Caledonian Sleepers.  Then you must add the sleeper room supplement booked separately at www.sleeper.scot - although you'll need to check if this saves money over buying one of Caledonian Sleeper's own berth-inclusive fares without any railcard discount.

If you have an existing ticket, Rail Rover, BritRail, Interrail or Eurail pass

If you have a BritRail pass , an All-Line Rail Rover , an Interrail or Eurail pass or simply a normal Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak or Anytime ticket between London & Scotland, you can travel in a sleeper by paying the room supplement.  You can do this online at www.sleeper.scot .

How much is the sleeper room supplement?

If you have a standard class ticket or railpass, £145 for one person gives sole occupancy of a Classic room or £165 for two people gives dual occupancy of a Classic room.  You cannot use a Club room with a standard class pass or ticket.

If you have a first class ticket or railpass, £195 for one person gives sole occupancy of a Club room or £225 for two people gives dual occupancy of a Club room.

How to book a sleeper with an Interrail, Eurail, BritRail Rail Rover or existing open ticket

Go to www.sleeper.scot and tick the Room Supplement Only box.

Use this to make a sleeper reservation to go with any pre-existing ticket including BritRail passes, All-Line Rail Rovers, Interrail, Eurail, and ordinary daytime Super Off-Peak, Off-Peak or Anytime tickets for the journey in question.

Alternatively, call the new Caledonian Sleepers Guest Services Centre on +44 141 555 0888 , lines open 08:30-18:00 Monday-Friday, 08:30-14:30 Saturday, 14:30-18:00 Sunday.  Sleeper b ookings now open a full year ahead.

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How to buy tickets

You simply print your own ticket or show it on your phone.  www.sleeper.scot  can also add add dogs or a bike to your booking.

To book by phone , call Caledonian Sleeper Guest Services on 0330 060 0500 , open 08:30-18:00 Monday-Friday, 08:30-14:30 Saturday, 14:30-18:00 Sunday.  From outside the UK, call +44 141 555 0888 .

What's the Caledonian Sleeper like?

These all-new sleeper trains entered service on the London-Edinburgh/Glasgow sleeper on 28 April 2019 and on the Highland sleeper on 9 October 2019.

The Glasgow, Edinburgh & Inverness portions usually each consist of 5 regular sleeping-cars, 1 accessible sleeping car, 1 club car & 1 seats car.

The London-Aberdeen portion usually consists of 1 regular sleeping-car, 1 accessible sleeping car, 1 club car & 1 seats car.

The London-Fort William portion usually consists of 3 regular sleeping-cars and 1 accessible sleeping car, there is no direct club car or seats car in the Fort William portion.  Between London and a service stop in Edinburgh sleeper passengers use the London-Aberdeen club car, another club car is attached between Edinburgh & Fort William.  Seated passengers use the London-Aberdeen seats car between London & Edinburgh, another seats car is attached between Edinburgh & Fort William.

The sleeping-cars

The new Caledonian Sleeper trains offer three types of room: Classic, Club & Caledonian Double.  In addition, there are two types of wheelchair-accessible room: Accessible Classic & Accessible Double.  All come with key-card lock , soap, towels, power sockets, USB ports & free WiFi.  Each type of room is described below.

Sleeping-car layout, regular type:   Most sleeping-cars are of this type.  They have 6 Club rooms (numbered 1 to 6) and 4 Classic rooms (numbered 7 to 10).

Tip:   Pick a room in the centre of the car for the smoothest & quietest ride.   Larger image .

Sleeping-car layout, accessible type:   There is one accessible-type sleeping-car in each portion.  This has one Accessible Double room (room 1), two Caledonian Double rooms (rooms 4 & 5), two Classic rooms (rooms 2 & 3) and one Accessible Classic room (room 6).  Larger image .

Classic rooms

Classic rooms are compact rooms with an upper and lower bed and washbasin which can be booked for single or double occupancy (the upper bed is now always folded out and locked in place even when booked as a solo).  They're identical to the Club rooms in every respect, size, decor and facilities, but without the en suite toilet & shower unit, so see the Club photos below.  Soap & towels are provided, as is an eye mask and ear plugs if you really feel you need them.  There are two 3-pin plug sockets & 3 USB ports, there's free WiFi, and the room has an electronic key-card lock so you can lock it when you go to the toilet or club car.  There's a toilet at the end of the corridor, but no shower.

The beds are 190cm long and approx 63cm wide.  There's luggage space under the bottom bed, in a recess 31cm high by 122cm wide by 54cm deep.

Breakfast is not included with a Classic room, but you can order breakfast items at extra cost on an order form and hang it on the outside of you room door on departure.  They will be served at the time you specify in your compartment or in the club car.

There is an interconnecting door between Classic rooms 7 & 8 and rooms 9 & 10 in each standard sleeping-car which can be opened if your group books both rooms, ideal for families or groups of friends.

Club rooms are compact rooms with an upper and lower bed, washbasin, toilet & shower.  They can be booked for single or double occupancy, although the upper bed is now always folded out and locked in place even when booked as a solo.  Soap & towels are provided, as is an eye mask and ear plugs if you really feel you need them.  There are two 3-pin plug sockets & 3 USB ports, there's free WiFi, and the room has an electronic key-card lock so you can lock it when you go to the club car.  Club rooms are identical to Classic rooms apart from the en suite toilet/shower, but there are no interconnecting doors between Club rooms.

With a Club room you get access to the station lounges in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen & Fort William.

Breakfast is included with a Club room, you tick the breakfast items you want on an order form and hang it on the outside of you room door on departure.  You can ask for breakfast to be served at a time you specify either in your compartment or the club car, but the better breakfast options such as the full Scottish breakfast are only served in the club car.

Caledonian Double rooms

Caledonian Double rooms can be booked for single or double occupancy, they have a double bed and en suite toilet & shower.  There is normally just one sleeping-car with 2 Caledonian Double rooms in each portion of the train, so these popular rooms sell out fast.

There's a washbasin with soap & towels, 2 power sockets & 3 USB ports & free WiFi.  The room has an electronic key-card lock for when you go to the club car.

With a Caledonian Double room you get access to the station lounges in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen & Fort William.

Breakfast is included with a Caledonian Double room, you tick the breakfast items you want on an order form and hang it on the outside of you room door on departure.  You can ask for breakfast to be served at a time you specify either in your compartment or the club car, but the better breakfast options such as the full Scottish breakfast are only served in the club car.

The bed is 190cm long.  There's luggage space underneath the bed, in a recess 31cm high by 122cm wide and more than 54cm deep.

The club car

All passengers with sleeping berths can use the club car.  Officially, access to the club car may be limited to passengers in Club & Caledonian Double rooms at busy times, but in practice this is relatively unusual.  Passengers travelling in the seats are not allowed in the club car.

The club car features bays of seats around tables plus a row of individual swivel stools at a bar.  A steward takes orders and serves food & drink from a fully-equipped galley at the end of the car.

The Caledonian Sleeper sets out to showcase the best of Scottish food & drink.  The surprisingly extensive menu includes several starters such as soup or smoked salmon, several main courses such as lamb casserole or haggis tatties 'n neeps, and desserts such as cheesecake or the Scottish cheeseboard.  The wine list includes red, white and rosé wine in small, half or full bottles, prosecco, port & champagne.  The whisky list includes as many as 14 different types of Scottish whisky, most of which are single malts.  Sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, tea & coffee are served.  You can find sample menus with prices at www.sleeper.scot .

The Man in Seat 61 says "It doesn't get any more civilised than this.  Speeding north with haggis, tatties 'n neeps and maybe a dram or two of a single malt in the club car, retiring to your private sleeper and waking up in the highlands of Scotland as deer bound away from the train.  Top tip, leave your luggage in your compartment and go and grab a seat in the club car before the train leaves.  On busy nights especially Fridays & Sundays the club car is very popular and if you wait you might find all seats taken.  Finding a seat for breakfast in the morning isn't usually a problem, and the big windows give you the best view of the highland scenery over you bacon and scrambled egg..."

Wheelchair-accessible rooms

There's normally one accessible sleeping-car in each portion of each Caledonian Sleeper train, featuring two different types of accessible room.  At one end of the car there's an Accessible Classic room (room 6) with upper & lower bunks and adjacent wheelchair-accessible toilet.  At the other end of the car there's an Accessible Double room (room 1) with a double bed and adjacent wheelchair-accessible toilet.

Both rooms have extra-wide access doors which open at the touch of a button.  The rooms have power sockets, USB ports, free WiFi and washbasin, soap & towels as other sleepers.  There are no accessible showers on the train, but there's an accessible shower in the Caledonian Sleeper lounge on platform 1 at London Euston which you can use before or after your journey, some other lounges also have accessible showers, see www.sleeper.scot for details.

The accessible sleeping-car is always marshalled next to the club car in the Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness & Aberdeen portions, with the Accessible Double room at the end nearest the club car.  That gives the Accessible Double room easy access to the wheelchair spaces in the club car via a wide wheelchair-friendly gangway.  The Accessible Classic room is at the other end of the sleeping-car from the club car, along a corridor that's (unavoidably) too narrow for wheelchairs, but food from the club car menu can be ordered from your room and brought to you by the steward. 

On the London to Ft William portion going northbound, neither of the accessible rooms has wheelchair access to the club car in the evening.  However, the accessible twin room has direct club car access to the club car in the morning.  On the Ft William to London portion going southbound, the accessible twin room has direct club car access in the evening, but neither of the accessible rooms has wheelchair access to the club car in the morning.  But food can be ordered & served in your room.

If you've book an accessible classic room and need the upper bed & ladder folded away for access reasons, contact Caledonian Sleeper Guest Services in advance.

Passengers in both types of accessible room can use all station lounges , on the same basis as Club and Caledonian Double passengers before departure or on arrival.

The beds are 190cm long.  There's luggage space underneath the bottom bed, in an area 31cm high by 122cm wide at least 54cm deep.

Seats are the economy way to travel.  Each seat has a drop-down table, power socket & USB port.  The seats recline by about 20 degrees, but not further than that.  Lights remain on at full brightness all night 'for safety reasons', they are not dimmed.  There's a large area for bicycles & baggage at one end of the seats car, with shutters that are closed during the journey.  Each seat also has its own secure locker for valuables with a combination lock, just below the overhead rack.  The car also has wheelchair spaces.

Video guide : Caledonian Sleeper

Luggage , bikes, dogs & pets, station lounges & dinner before boarding.

Dinner in London before boarding?

The Caledonian Sleeper lounge at London Euston sells light meals, including haggis, tatties n neeps, and tea, coffee & soft drinks are complimentary.  However, you'll find plenty of food outlets inside and outside the station, including a pub and Nandos just outside.  If you fancy a curry before boarding your sleeper to Scotland, I heartily recommend the Great Nepalese ( www.greatnepalese.com ), an inexpensive but award-winning Nepalese restaurant located at 48 Eversholt Street, just down the side of Euston station, exit station and do a 180 degree turn to your left, but not open Sundays.  Or you can eat on the train, the club car serves a good hot plate of haggis, tatties and neeps.

London Euston sleeper lounge :  Above left, entrance on platform 1.  Above right, reception.

London Euston :  Above left, the food & drink area.  Above right, a shower.  One shower is wheelchair-accessible.

Inverness :  The Caledonian Sleeper lounge at Inverness for Club & Caledonian Double passengers.  It's across the road from the station, the arrow shows the location as seen when standing outside the main entrance to Inverness station.  Complimentary tea, coffee, water & soft drinks are available.  Alternatively, the building on the left is the Highland Hotel, where all sleeper passengers can wait in the bar or lounge for the price of a drink or two.

Fort William : The Caledonian Sleeper lounge for Club & Caledonian Double passengers, in the passageway between the ticket hall and main station entrance.  Complimentary tea, coffee, water & soft drinks are available.  Alternatively, all sleeper passengers can wait in the bar of the Alexandra Hotel across the road from the station for the price of a drink or two.

WiFi, power outlets , showers, connecting doors...

All sleeper compartments have a hotel-style key card, so you can lock it when you go to the club car or (if you've a classic room) to the toilet.

When you board, your room will be unlocked.  You'll find the plain white key-card inside a dark green Caledonian Sleeper cover sitting on the sink or the bed.  At this stage the door lock is inactive, you can open & close the door freely without a key. 

How to activate your room key:  To activate the lock, tap the key card on the outside keypad until a green LED appears, remove it, then tap the keypad again until a red LED light appears.  Check the handle.  The room should now be locked and the key programmed.  Your room door will now lock securely each time you close it and you will need the key to unlock it.

Power outlets

In the new trains all sleeper compartments have two 3-pin UK plug sockets and three USB ports.

The new trains have free WiFi in all cars.  There is good 3G or 4G mobile reception along most of the routes.

CPAP machines

The new trains have 3-pin power sockets which in theory can be used for CPAP machines used by people with breathing problems such as sleep apnoea.  However, this is not a land-based electrical supply - power is supplied from the locomotive, it may occasionally cut out for a moment then resume, and will cut out for longer periods when (for example) the locomotive is detached during splitting or joining portions at Carstairs or Edinburgh.

There are en suite showers in the Club and Caledonian Double rooms on the new trains, but not in Classic or Accessible rooms.

Several major stations have shower facilities.  On arrival by sleeper at London Euston you can take a shower in the Avanti West Coast first class lounge on the first floor, free of charge for Club and Caledonian Double passengers, £5 for Classic room passengers if you ask for a token from your Caledonian sleeper host on board the train.  The Avanti West Coast staff at the lounge reception desk will lend you a towel and the shower cubicles are provided with gel and shampoo.

There are shower facilities at Edinburgh Waverley (check if these are open, they may not be), Glasgow Central, Aberdeen & Ft William, free of charge for 1st class passengers, £5 for standard class passengers.

Inter-connecting doors between sleeper compartments

There are interconnecting doors between pairs of adjacent Classic rooms (7 & 8, 9 & 10 in a regular sleeping-car, 2 & 3 in the accessible type), ideal for families or small groups.  There are no interconnecting doors between Club or Caledonian Double rooms as with the bed on one side and the toilet/shower units on the other there is nowhere to put a connecting door.

Compensation if there's a delay

Under their Guest's Charter, Caledonian Sleepers will refund you 50% of what you paid for the one-way journey if the train arrives 30 to 59 minutes late, 100% of the fare if it's 60 to 119 minutes late.  See www.sleeper.scot for full details.

The Best Train in Britain :   See the Deerstalker page & watch the video

The Man in Seat 61 says:   "All of the highland routes offer great scenery on the Scottish part of the journey when it's light, but the London-Fort William route is special, taking you onto the fabulous West Highland Line , voted World's Most Scenic Train Ride more than once.  This is the Best Train in Britain, the train they call the Deerstalker ...   See the Deerstalker page for more information, photos & watch the video

Scotland to Paris or Brussels

Dinner in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness, then lunch in central Paris next day, no airports, airlines or flights required!  Just take the Caledonian Sleeper train from anywhere in Scotland up to London Euston, it's just 10 minutes walk along the road to St Pancras then Eurostar will whisk you to central Paris or Brussels in 2 hours or so.

Edinburgh, Glasgow ► Paris, Brussels

Highlands ► paris & brussels, paris, brussels ► edinburgh, glasgow, paris & brussels ► highlands.

Sleeper from Scotland to London from around £70 return in a reclining seat or from £150 return with a bed;  Eurostar from London to Paris or Brussels from £72 return.

Scotland to Amsterdam

There are two good options for travel from Scotland to Amsterdam.  Option 1, take the Caledonian sleeper to London and Eurostar to Brussels as shown here, then the hourly InterCity train from Brussels to Amsterdam in around 3 hours, see this section on the UK-Netherlands page .  Or take a train from Scotland to Newcastle and the overnight DFDS Seaways cruise ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, see this section on the UK-Netherlands page .

Short breaks to Scotland by sleeper

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  Byway offer trips to Scotland & the highlands as a package, including travel by sleeper train and hotels when in Scotland, starting from London or any other British railway station.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

Railbookers:   Train travel specialist Railbookers arranges short breaks & longer tours from London to Edinburgh & the Highlands, and several packages include the Caledonian Sleeper.  Railbookers can arrange trips for almost any date you like, trips can be customised to your own requirements with additional stops or extra nights.  Download brochure (UK edition) .

- City break to Edinburgh by Caledonian Sleeper.

- London - Caledonian Sleeper - Edinburgh - York - London.

- London - Edinburgh - Fort William - Jacobite steam train to Mallaig - Caledonian Sleeper back to London.

- London - Caledonian Sleeper - Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh - Isle of Skye - London.

- London - Caledonian Sleeper - Inverness - Loch Ness & Glen Urquhart - Edinburgh - London.

Call to arrange, Railbookers have offices in the UK, North America & Australia:

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk , download brochure .

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au .,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ..

Hotels in Scotland or London

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Caledonian Sleeper Holidays

Journey into the heart of Scotland overnight aboard the famous Caledonian Sleeper Train. Say goodbye to queuing and wake up feeling refreshed to the stunning sights of Scotland on a Caledonian Sleeper holiday. 

Bringing you the flavours of Scotland, comfortable cabins and a choice of destinations, the Caledonian Sleeper cabins are a unique and enjoyable way to travel from London to Scotland. 

Ready to experience The Caledonian Sleeper, Scotland? Enquire today!

WAKE UP TO A UNIQUE WAY OF TRAVELLING

The Club Car, available to guests staying in Club rooms, is the perfect place to relax with a late-night drink and enjoy some Scottish produce. Breakfast is also served in the Club Car, or you can choose to have breakfast delivered to your room.

With a choice of 3 room types, The Caledonian Sleeper Train offers guests a range of experiences for your overnight travel from London to Scotland. All cabins provide an excellent sleeping experience thanks to the Glencraft luxury mattresses used. 

The Caledonian Sleeper cabins come with various features and facilities to make your journey comfortable: 

• In-room washbasin
• Complimentary toiletries
• Charging points
• Room Service
• Keycard entry
• Temperature control
• Dimmable lights

Guests staying in Club Rooms benefit from Station Lounge and Priority Club Car access. En-suite with toilet and shower and breakfast is included. 

The new popular Double Rooms feature a spacious double bed for added comfort. However, these cabins are limited, so book the Caledonian Sleeper train in advance. 

Speak to our expert team and start planning your Caledonian Sleeper holiday!

• 2 nights accommodation in Fort William
• 2 nights accommodation in Glasgow
• 2 nights accommodation in Edinburgh
• Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour from Inverness
• Roundtrip journey on the Jacobite Steam Train (Apr-Oct only)
• Sightseeing tour to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond including a Whisky Tasting
• Entrance to Edinburgh Castle
• Rail travel in standard class throughout

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A guide to the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Scotland

Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2024

A guide to travelling on the Caledonian Sleeper, the overnight train journey from London to Scotland, with everything you need to know, from routes and costs to on-board facilities and accommodation.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

There’s something romantic about a sleeper train. Being rocked to sleep then woken by your butler knocking on the door with a steaming cup of tea… or there was on the 1930s Orient Express anyway, but is there still any romance to a night on the rails today?

The Caledonian Sleeper is one of just two overnight trains in the UK (the other is the Night Riviera Sleeper from London to Cornwall), whisking travellers from London Euston to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William and other Scottish destinations.

There’s been a sleeper service from London to Scotland since 1873. But the current service has been running since 1996, with smart new upgraded carriages brought into service in 2019. I’ve tried out the Caledonian Sleeper at two ends of the spectrum – a shared bunk room on the old trains and an en-suite room with double bed on the new trains.

It’s a great way to travel while you sleep, waking up in time to see the sun rise over the Scottish Highlands. And it also produces less carbon emissions than flying so is more environmentally friendly. So if you fancy an overnight train trip from London to Scotland, this Caledonian Sleeper review tells you everything you need to know.

Travelling to Scotland on board the Caledonian Sleeper train

Where can you travel to on the Caledonian Sleeper?

The Caledonian Sleeper connects London to Scotland and vice versa, running every night of the week apart from Saturdays (except the nights of 24, 25 and 31 December). Although the Caledonian Sleeper sounds like it’s one train, there are actually a few different options so you can reach various destinations around Scotland while you sleep.

The first thing to know is that there are two different sleeper routes – Lowland and Highland . The Lowland Caledonian Sleeper runs from London Euston and splits en route at Carstairs, with one half travelling to Edinburgh and the other to Glasgow .

The Highland Caledonian Sleeper also runs from London Euston but leaves earlier as it heads further north. The train is divided into three sections and splits when it gets to Edinburgh – one section goes north to Stirling, Perth, Aviemore and Inverness , another goes east to Dundee and Aberdeen, and the third goes west to Fort William .

So which should you choose? I’ve travelled on both the Lowland and Highland routes and the Lowland is a good way to make the most of your time by travelling overnight, but as you leave late at night and arrive early the next day you don’t see much on the way.

The Highland gives you chance to see more of Scotland’s beautiful landscapes, either in the morning if you’re travelling to Scotland or in the evening if you’re going to London. The route to Fort William in particular – known as The Deerstalker – is stunning, running along the scenic West Highland Line past lochs, moors and mountains.

How long does the Caledonian Sleeper take?

The Lowland Sleeper takes 7.5 hours to reach Glasgow and Edinburgh. It leaves London Euston at 11.50pm (11.28pm on Sundays) and arrives into Glasgow and Edinburgh around 7.20am. Euston at midnight isn’t the most glamorous place (I was kept company by a mouse feasting on café crumbs!) but you can board the train from 10.30pm.

The Highland Sleeper leaves London Euston at 9.15pm (8.59pm on Sundays), though you can start boarding around 45 minutes before departure – and Club/Caledonian Double passengers can also use Euston’s Avanti First Class lounge for up to two hours before then. The journey takes 8–12 hours depending on your destination.

If you’re heading to Stirling, Perth or Dundee you get in very early in the morning (5am–6am). But other arrival times are more reasonable – getting into Aberdeen at 7.40am, Aviemore at 7.45am, Inverness at 8.42am and Fort William at 9.57am. And in reverse, trains leave Scotland between 7pm–midnight and arrive into London at 7.49am.

One thing to be aware of when you’re planning your trip is that the Caledonian Sleeper (particularly the Highland route) is prone to delays. So allow extra time if you’re booking activities or onward travel on the day you arrive. (And if you are delayed you can reclaim 50% of your fare if it’s 30–59 minutes late or 100% if it’s over 60 minutes late).

What are the classes of travel on the Caledonian Sleeper?

Instead of the usual First Class/Standard Class carriages you find on most trains in the UK , there are four different classes of travel on board the Caledonian Sleeper. The most basic are the seats and the next three are various different sleeper cabins.

Seats are the cheapest option. They come with lockable storage, drop-down tables, wifi, a light and charging point, and there are toilets at the end of the carriage. The seats do recline slightly (though not a lot) and there are shutters on the windows. The lights stay on all night, but you’re given a sleep kit with eye mask and ear plugs.

Next up are the Classic rooms. These compact cabins are available for double or single occupancy. They have upper and lower bunk beds (if you’re on your own the top bunk is folded up against the wall), which are 190cm long and 63cm wide. And if you’re travelling with a group you can book two Classic rooms with interconnecting doors.

Each cabin has a sink and towels and soap are provided. There are also power sockets, USB ports and dimmable lights. And the door locks with an electronic hotel-style keycard. Shared toilets are available at the end of the corridor. Breakfast isn’t included in Classic rooms but you can order it to be delivered to your room at an extra cost.

Then the Club rooms have a similar layout, again with upper and lower berths. But these also have a tiny en-suite bathroom with a private toilet and shower and complimentary toiletry kits. Breakfast is included, which you can have either in your room or in the lounge bar, and you get room service and priority seating in the lounge bar.

Finally the most expensive option is the Caledonian Double rooms. These have a 190cm-long double bed – a bit of a novelty on a train! – and an en-suite bathroom with toilet and shower. And they come with the same extra perks as the Club rooms.

There are also accessible double and twin rooms with wheelchair-accessible en-suite toilets.

How much does the Caledonian Sleeper cost, and how do I book?

Prices for the Caledonian Sleeper vary depending on demand, similar to airlines. If you want to bag the cheapest prices, book well in advance, travel off season and avoid Friday and Sunday nights. The Lowland sleeper tends to be cheaper than the Highland, and the Fort William route is usually the most expensive as it only has two sleeper cars.

Sleeper cabins are priced per room and can be booked for either single or double occupancy. So they’re better value if there are two of you sharing (when I travelled in a bunk room before the upgrade you could share with someone of the same gender if you were travelling solo, but that option’s no longer available unfortunately).

A basic seat starts from £35/$41 on the Lowland Sleeper or £40/$47 on the Highland. And a Classic room from £140/$165 for single occupancy or £170/$200 for two people.

A Club room starts from £205/$241 for single occupancy or £250/$294 for two. And the Caledonian Double starts from £335/$393 single or £395/$464 for two on the Lowland route and £395/$464 single or £470/$552 for two on the Highland route.

So it’s not exactly a cheap way to travel, but when you factor in saving a night’s accommodation it’s not so bad. It’s also a unique experience to leave London, have dinner and drinks on board, fall asleep and wake up surrounded by Highland scenery.

You can book directly * on the Caledonian Sleeper website, and either print out your ticket or show it on your phone. Unlike most UK train tickets which go on sale three months in advance, Caledonian Sleeper tickets can be booked up to a year in advance.

There’s a choice of Fixed Advance tickets, which cover a specific service and can’t be changed or refunded. Or Flexible tickets, which cost more but mean you can change the date for free up to two days before you travel.

There are discounts for children under 16 and under 5s go free (though they don’t get their own bed). If you have a 16-25, Senior or Forces Railcard * you can save a third on seats and single occupancy Classic rooms only, not twin or en-suite rooms.

And if you’re travelling around the UK on an InterRail / Eurail or BritRail pass, you just pay a sleeper supplement on top of the pass – bookable on the Caledonian Sleeper website.

What do you do with your luggage?

Officially you can bring two bags no bigger than 30cm x 70cm x 90cm plus hand luggage. But there’s not a huge amount of space on board so pack as lightly as possible. If you’re in a seat there’s a luggage area at the end of the carriage and overhead racks.

If you’re in a sleeper cabin there’s space for luggage under the bottom bed. It’s around 31cm high x 122cm wide x 54cm deep, so won’t fit large suitcases (and the corridors are narrow so it’d be a squeeze to get them down there), but any bigger suitcases can be left in the guard’s van – you need to contact Guest Services in advance though.

And if you’re travelling with a bike there’s an area to store them in the seats section. It’s free to bring bikes but you do need to reserve a space in advance as there’s limited room.

The sleeper cabins are quite compact – particularly if there are two of you – so it’s a good idea to have a separate bag with essentials for the night or put them somewhere easy to get to. Cabins have soap and towels (plus shampoo and body wash in Club/Caledonian Double rooms). You’re also given bottled water as the tap water isn’t drinkable.

Arriving by sleeper means getting to your destination early, so what do you do with your bags? You can often drop luggage off at your hotel, or there are luggage lockers at bigger stations like Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow and Inverness. You can also use a service like Stasher to find somewhere you can pay to leave your bags for a few hours.

Can you get food and drink on board the Caledonian Sleeper?

There’s usually a lounge for each section of the train. Though if you’re in the middle of the train it’s not obvious which way you should go to get to the correct one (we ended up spending half an hour waiting in the wrong one as they’re not labelled!).

Sleeper cabins passengers can use the lounge car on both Lowland and Highland services, though those in Club/Caledonian Double rooms get priority at busy times. And seat passengers can get food delivered. Lounges can get very busy when the train is full so it’s advisable to drop your bags in your cabin and head straight there to bag a table.

The revamped dining cars are light and bright, with bays of seats around tables on one side and individual stools along a bar on the other side. Each lounge has a steward who takes food and drink orders and a galley kitchen. You can take drinks back to your cabin and there’s usually room service so you can have drinks and snacks delivered.

The menu focuses on Scottish produce, with a good selection of local whisky and gin as well as beers, wines (by 187ml, half or full bottles) and spirits. You can get snacks and sandwiches plus main meals – with a bigger menu on the Highland route. Ours included haggis, neeps and tatties, braised beef and butternut squash risotto.

Well that’s the theory… things were a bit more chaotic on my last trip. Staff shortages and lack of information meant once we finally got a seat we were told there was no food. Eventually our steward found someone to help and we managed to get a cheeseboard and bottle of wine at 10.30pm, but it wasn’t quite the leisurely dinner we’d hoped for.

Breakfast is also served in the lounge or you can have it in your room. In Club/Caledonian Double rooms breakfast is included – with options from a full Scottish to porridge. And other passengers can buy breakfast. If you’re heading to Scotland you get the best views around breakfast so it’s worth heading to the lounge with its bigger windows.

What’s it like travelling on the Caledonian Sleeper?

Each section of the train usually consists of carriage of seats, six sleeper carriage (one of which is accessible) and a lounge car, though the Fort William section only has two sleeper cars. Once the train is ready to board you can check into your cabin. The carriages have a narrow corridor down one side and cabins with beds running widthways.

In the past I’ve stayed in bunk rooms, but for my last trip we splashed out on a stay in the Caledonian Double. The room is compact but the bed is a good size and it’s well-designed with storage below the bed, charging points above the bed with a shelf for phones and water bottles, and hooks for clothes. Just don’t both try to move around at the same time!

There’s a sink in the bedroom area and a separate en-suite. It comes with a toilet with a fold-up seat which you can put down if you want to use the shower (which is wet-room style so don’t leave anything out if you don’t it to get wet). You’re given a bag of towels and a washbag of toiletries (shampoo, body wash and pillow spray), plus water and chocolates.

But how easy is it to sleep on the Caledonian Sleeper? Well not too bad. The beds are comfortable but ear plugs (which are provided) are useful as it can be noisy and you do feel the motion of the train. Once we reached the Highlands and it slowed down we slept better, waking up around 7.30am to watch the scenery out of the window.

The breakfast views were the best part of the journey – travelling along the banks of Loch Lomond, past the UK’s most remote station at Corrour and across the wilds of Rannoch Moor. Our lounge steward gave us a 10-minute warning before we were due to arrive so we could collect up our belongings and we arrived into Fort William right on time.

Is the Caledonian Sleeper for you?

If you want the journey to be part of the experience, then I’d definitely recommend the Caledonian Sleeper. Sleeping on a train is a bit of novelty and it does feel like a mini travel adventure. It makes the most of your travel time and is also a lower-carbon, eco-friendly way to travel – plus you get some gorgeous views on the Highland route.

It can be quite expensive though, so if you’re on a budget it might not be the best option. If you do want to save money then you can book a seat using a Railcard, and bring your own food and drink. But it’s a much more comfortable trip if you can book a cabin.

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Anna Pigott

Tuesday 30th of August 2022

I’d love to do this journey! A uni friend used to take the sleeper home to Inverness at weekends, it sounded fantastic. Great to get tips on how to make the most of it!

Lucy Dodsworth

Wednesday 31st of August 2022

What a great way to commute to uni! I really enjoyed the trip – might try out one of the other routes next time.

• - Service on Board
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• - General Information
• - Edinburgh Hotels
• - Taste of the Highlands 2 Night Tour
• - Taste of the Highlands with Tom Kitchin 2 Night Tour
• - Western Scenic Wonders 3 Night Tour
• - Essence of Scotland 3 Night Tour
• - An Epicurean Highland Adventure 3 Night Tour
• - Wild Scotland 3 Night Tour
• - Scotlands Classic Splendours 4 Night Tour
• - Scotch Malt Whisky Trail 4 Night Tour
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• - Grand Taste of the Highlands - Westbound 5 Night Tour
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Belmond Royal Scotsman

Welcome aboard the belmond royal scotsman, a luxury train in scotland that is your impeccable host for a spectacular journey into the beautiful scottish highlands. this is travel the way it was meant to be: luxurious, leisurely and full of discovery., video: belmond royal scotsman.

A journey on Belmond Royal Scotsman (sister train of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express) is regarded as one of the great travel experiences. You'll be taken into the heart of Scottish history on an exclusive round trip where you'll enjoy exquisite hospitality in castles, distilleries and great country houses. So sit back, relax and let the staff of the Belmond Royal Scotsman look after your every need.

Your journey on board this luxury Scottish train offers exclusive visits to romantic castles, distilleries and private homes. Feast on gastronomic delights, prepared on board using the freshest local ingredients and accompanied by fine wines, served in one of the two Dining Cars.

Considered to be the world's most luxurious train, you will be joined by a maximum of just 35 other guests as you explore the magnificent scenery in Scotland, visiting places unseen by most visitors.

Unwind in one of the most unique spas that Scotland has to offer, on board Belmond Royal Scotsman. Two serene treatment rooms provide a haven of peace, while an exceptional menu of all-natural therapies work to rejuvenate body and mind. Simply sit back, relax and let the therapists indulge you as the beautiful scenery glides by.

Fine Dining

Dining on board this luxury train in Scotland is an exquisite experience. The fixed menus reflect the seasonal changes and are consistently regarded as the best in any hotel in the world. The extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany lunch and dinners, and a fine range of liqueurs and malt whiskies are offered. The choice of a full Scottish cooked breakfast or a Continental breakfast is available every morning.

Both Dining Cars are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany panelling and luxurious fabrics. Victory provides 16 elegant settings grouped in twos and fours, while Raven has larger tables for six or eight. This offers you the chance to make new friends with your fellow guests or simply enjoy the company of the one you're with.

After dinner, relax with a rare scotch malt whisky in the stunning Edwardian Observation Car as a local Highlander regales you with stories of life in Scotland in centuries gone by. Then, retire to your mahogany-adorned State Cabin, with private facilities, for a peaceful night's sleep as the train slips quietly into a siding where it stables for the night.

You'll taste some great whiskys on board

Drinks await as you re-board the train

A local Highlander regales stories in the Bar Car

There are a variety of rail journeys available on the Belmond Royal Scotsman, from one to seven nights in duration. You'll travel through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. Travelling at a leisurely pace, so you miss none of the splendour outside your window, you'll wind your way through beautiful glens, around stunning lochs and along mile after mile of unspoilt coastline. Of course, there are stops along the way; a chance to experience Scotland at first hand, with hospitality at a number of exclusive destinations.

"When it comes to sheer glamour, no ride on rails compares with a trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman"

This luxurious Scottish train is exclusive and intimate accommodating a maximum of only 36 guests in wonderful State Cabins, all with private facilities. Once on board, you'll find a level of hospitality and personal service that's all too rare in the modern world. From the moment you arrive, to the time when you, sadly, have to leave, you'll want for nothing. Except, perhaps, a chance to do it all again.

All prices are per person and are fully inclusive of accommodation, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment and off-train visits, as well as the services of your on board host; there solely to make your journey more enjoyable.

Treat yourself to a memorable luxury train journey in Scotland aboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman and experience the very best of this wonderful country in world-class luxury.

Cuisine On Board Belmond Royal Scotsman

The belmond royal scotsman's restaurant has gained rightful acclaim as one of the finest in britain - moving or still. here, the fruits of scotland's famous natural larder - salmon, shellfish, game and aberdeen angus beef - are all used with verve and imagination by our award winning chef..

Dining on the Belmond Royal Scotsman is an exquisite experience. Our fixed menus reflect the many seasonal changes and are consistently regarded as amongst the very finest in Britain.

The train's chefs create dishes to exacting standards despite the restricted space. Dining on board the beautifully decorated, mahogany-panelled dining room is an experience to savour with meals prepared with local ingredients, such as Scottish smoked salmon, and served with wine for all tastes.

Our extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany lunch and dinner, and we offer a fine range of liqueurs and malt whiskies. The choice of a full Scottish cooked breakfast or a continental breakfast is available every morning.

Both Dining Cars are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany panelling and luxurious fabrics. Victory provides sixteen elegant settings grouped in twos and fours, while Raven has larger tables for six or eight. This offers you the chance to make new friends with your fellow guests or simply enjoy the company of the one you're with.

Superb dining on board

Max, the Head Steward

Great local produce served

Formal and informal dinners.

There are formal and informal dinners aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, usually on alternate nights. For the formal dinners we encourage a tuxedo or kilt for gentleman and a cocktail dress or similar evening wear for ladies. For the informal dinners a jacket and tie is the norm for gentlemen, except at times of unusually hot weather.

With its game-rich glens, lush pastures cropped by Aberdeen Angus cattle and rivers home to wild salmon, it's not surprising that Scotland is known for flavoursome, quality cuisine. Not only is the country's beef exceptional, but the choice of other tasty meats includes grouse, pheasant and venison, all of which speak of mountains and forests where creatures roam free. The jagged coastline, with its islands and inlets, shelters a wealth of seafood including scallops, oysters, crabs and other shellfish, while further inland are the lochs and burns where trout and other freshwater fish swim. All of these are brought to table with local specialities from the fields – oatcakes, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) – and followed up with delectable desserts that include delicious Dundee fruit cake and melt-in-the-mouth shortbreads.

There's nothing quite like a hearty Highland breakfast, especially when it's served aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman train. Succulent kippers, potato scones and a steaming bowl of porridge get the day off to a warming start. Admire the picturesque surroundings as you take lunch. A bowl of lightly steamed mussels by a romantic harbour or vegetable-rich Scotch broth in a cosy inn are the perfect preparation for a whisky-tasting session or exploring an ancient castle with the laird. Aboard the train, a lunch might start with lightly seared salmon, in preparation for the wicked sticky toffee pudding to come. Dishes are served as the train passes the dramatic landscapes that supply them: fields of barley, open seas with fishing boats, streams tumbling down from misty mountains.

As evening falls, the train's grand formal dinner is a highlight of any journey. Guests are invited to dress the part and are welcomed to the bar and dining cars where they can enjoy an aperitif. Once seated at softly lit tables, the menu might begin with a warm pigeon salad accompanied by blackcurrant dressing, continue with spiced roast halibut and conclude with vanilla apple mousse. For while the ingredients of Scottish cooking are wholesome, fresh-from-the-fields produce, the ways in which they are prepared are as innovative as one would expect of a nation long accustomed to welcoming visitors to its shores.

Sample Menus

Chicken and langoustines salad with baby squash and queen scallops ~~~~ bitter chocolate tart with kumquat marmalade, seared scallops with sauce vierge ~~~~ roast loin of lamb with wild mushrooms and truffle risotto ~~~~ iced hazelnut parfait with raspberry coulis ~~~~.

There is a fixed menu for each meal, but do request an alternative if the posted menu does not suit you. Special diets can be arranged with the Chef on board - just advise us in advance.

Belmond Royal Scotsman - General Information

Check-in procedure.

All tours depart from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Check-in is at least 40 minutes prior to departure at The Balmoral Hotel , after which your Host and Crew members will escort you and your luggage onto the train.

All Inclusive Prices

These offer outstanding value and include luxury twin or single state cabin accommodation with en suite bathroom, all meals, wines, all alcoholic and other beverages, visits and entertainment.

Special Diets

These can be arranged with the Chef on board - just advise us in advance. There is a fixed menu for each meal, but do request an alternative if the posted menu does not suit you. Please advise us at the time of booking of any allergies which we need to be aware of.

For daytime excursions and relaxing on board, we recommend casual, comfortable clothing. In the evening we recommend a jacket and tie for informal dinners and black tie/tuxedo or kilt for formal dinners (see journey itinerary for details).

Cabins on the train have limited space, therefore we recommend each guest travels with one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Twin State Cabins have storage space under each bed measuring 71cm x 23cm. If necessary, facilities are available at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh for luggage storage during your journey. If you are staying at another hotel, please ask the Hotel Manager. Prior to boarding, please attach a Belmond Royal Scotsman luggage label to each piece of your luggage.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement that all clients read the Booking Conditions . Travel insurance is essential for ensuring peace of mind. You can arrange travel insurance online here .

Children and Pets

For safety reasons, pets are not permitted on the train. Children under 12 years of age may be permitted on the train - please contact us for details.

Electricity

There are electrical outlets in all cabins. Electricity in the UK runs on 220/240 volts. You may wish to bring an adapter for electrical appliances.

Wheelchair Access

Guests with restricted mobility, or those confined to a wheelchair are asked to contact us to discuss the suitability of a journey aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman.

In accordance with Scottish Law, smoking is not permitted on board the train at any time.

Service On Board the Belmond Royal Scotsman

The secret of the belmond royal scotsman's success is the service guests receive. so attentive is it that all you have to do is simply arrive, unpack and relax. everything else is taken care of. you can even leave your wallet or purse tucked safely away, as all meals, drinks, entertainment and excursions are included., pure relaxation; natural splendour.

On the Belmond Royal Scotsman, you'll find total relaxation is achieved with remarkable ease. The Observation Car is an Edwardian masterpiece of refined, relaxed elegance. Here, you can relax on a large sofa or comfortable armchair, and take in the ever-changing scenery outside your window.

If you'd like to get even closer to Scotland's natural beauty, the verandah at the rear of the train is an exhilarating spot to catch the air as it swishes gently past.

The Spa Car adds another unexpected level of extravagance. Unwind in one of the most unique spas that Scotland has to offer, where two serene treatment rooms provide a haven of peace. Relax with an indulgent massage, facial or manicure as the Scottish Highlands' rugged scenery passes gently by.

Your Own Haven of Luxury

The Belmond Royal Scotsman is often described as the finest country house hotel, on wheels. It's an accolade that you'll happily agree with as you turn in for the night.

The Sleeping Cars provide fourteen twin, two double and four single State Cabins, beautifully fitted out in rich marquetry, each providing a comfortable and intimate area to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Scotland.

Each cabin has its own private bathroom with shower, wash-basin and toilet, constant hot water, high quality toiletries and fresh fluffy white towels every day. Other facilities include:

• Dressing table
• Full-length wardrobe
• Individually controlled heating
• Cooling ceiling fans
• Opening windows
• Cabin service call button

Each bed is furnished with a foam pillow, a hypoallergenic duvet and quilted cotton bed covers.

With the train stabled at night in a quiet siding or station, you are assured a good night's sleep.

"Plush beds and opulent bathrooms are the order of the day"

From the moment the piper welcomes you aboard in Edinburgh, to the moment you return to this historic city, you'll be in the very best of hands, on the very best of trains. With a variety of individual tours to enjoy, it won't be long before you're planning your next trip aboard the most luxurious train in the world.

Royal Scotsman Grand Suite

Grand Suite Bathroom

Royal Scotsman Twin Cabin

Grand suites.

Joining the rake from May 2024, two exceptional new Grand Suites will complement the existing Twin and Double cabins.

The Grand Suites aboard Royal Scotsman signal the start of a new age of indulgent Highland adventure. The spacious interiors are rich in references to Scottish culture and reflect the passing landscapes. Patterns echo Edwardian elegance as Pictish stones, dark woods and local stones sit side by side with rich and sophisticated tweeds. Decorative elements in carved pewter adorn the lamps and tables. The design of the furniture and lighting is directly inspired by the Scottish islands. Together, the design elements conjure a sense of enrapturing myth and cinematic drama, while fostering the feel of a private club where members join together in a convivial spirit.

Download Grand Suites Brochure

Itineraries

General information, service on board.

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5 Scenic Trains for Exploring Scotland's Dramatic Highlands, Sparkling Lochs, and Coastal Towns

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The best train rides in Scotland will have you witnessing the drama of the Scottish Highlands, exploring charming castles, and chasing some of the world's best whisky. You’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United Kingdom. Imagine chugging past glittering lochs, breathtaking glens, and vast moors, all while enjoying a meal in a stately dining car or relaxing in a plush cabin. 

Around the world, train journeys are experiencing a great revival , with travelers realizing they’re a scenic, eco-friendly, and affordable mode of transportation. In Scotland, riders can also snag a  discounted rail pass from  ScotRail , which can save a third off the price of an already inexpensive journey. 

And if you would rather have your train tour planned for you, there are a growing number of companies that will book and curate a rail-based adventure in Scotland for you or a group, like  Vacations by Rail .

The most difficult part of your Scottish train travels will be selecting which of these spectacular lines you want to take. Here are five of the best train rides in Scotland—plus, where to stay and what to do along the way.

The West Highland Line takes passengers from Glasgow to either Oban or Mallaig, both picturesque coastal towns in Scotland.

The West Highland Line

Arguably one of the most visually stunning  parts of Scotland , the Highlands are filled with dramatic peaks and valleys, craggy hilltops, and glassy lochs. The West Highland Line starts in Glasgow and runs more than 180 miles to either Oban or Mallaig, two tiny picturesque fishing ports that are resort towns in their own right, as well as departure points for travel onward to the surrounding Scottish Isles. 

Along the way, you’ll cruise by charming towns and villages until the line splits at Crianlarich: One branch of the route heads by Loch Awe to Oban, the other towards the coastline through Highland forest and onto Fort William to the train route's final stop: the petite bustling port town of Mallaig.

Many travelers consider the Fort William to Mallaig portion as the nicest section of The West Highland route. The hills of Fort William, a town in Lochaber, set the scene for many iconic films and shows like Starz’s  Outlander . On this leg of the route, travelers can spot the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle on the right just before crossing the River Lochy, the Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies. Halfway between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy stops, there is another famous looped viaduct known as the Horseshoe Curve. On the northbound routes, sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views and on the right side on southbound trains.

For a taste of Highland hospitality, spend a night or two at the charming  Ballachulish Hotel in Glencoe along the way from Glasgow to Fort William. Pop into the Ben Nevis Distillery for a quick whisky tasting and tour. (Fort William station is only 10 minutes walk from the bottom of the tourist track up Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest peak).

Tickets for the West Highland Line start around $30.87 (£25.40) from Glasgow to Mallaig on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip.  

The Kyle Line runs through mountain ranges and past tranquil lochs

Kyle Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

The most distinctive mountain ranges in Scotland, the Torridon Peaks, loom north along the Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh. Depart from Inverness to take on even more breathtaking scenery of the Highlands. Passengers glide past sleepy coastal villages and hulking mountains towering over tranquil lochs. The Kyle line draws a wide curve from Inverness along the coast south to the shores of Loch Alsh, with views of the Isle of Skye at the line's end. 

On the less than three-hour journey to Kyle of Lochalsh from Inverness, keep an eye out for the snow-capped Ben Nevis mountain, the country's tallest mountain that sits 4,411 feet above sea level, between Muir of Ord and Dingwall stops. Then glimpse the rolling Torridon Hills to the west before the Achnashellach Forest stop. Ride the line along Loch Carron to the Plockton stop, a charming town dotted with palm trees that was used for BBC series  Hamish Macbeth and  The Wicker Man .

At the end of the line at Kyle of Lochalsh, catch a quick cab ride to tour the spectacular 13th-century Eilean Donnan castle, one of Scotland’s most widely recognizable castles that sits on a small island where three sea lochs converge. 

If returning to Inverness, travelers can stay at the 19th century  Ness Walk , a five-star property on the banks of the River Ness or  Kingsmills Hotel , a four-star luxury spa hotel that mixes contemporary design with historic period features. Make sure to grab a wee dram at  The Malt Room , Inverness’ first whisky bar, followed by  Hootananny , a ceilidh cafe for live traditional Scottish folk music (even Mumford and Sons have played here). 

Kyle Line fares start around $18.48 (£15.20) from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip. 

The Royal Scotsman is a luxurious journey that begins in Edinburgh and takes passengers up into the Scottish Highlands.

The Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train

The only true luxury train on the list, the Royal Scotsman is a sleek nine coaches, clad in Burgundy and operated by Belmond. First launched in 1985, the all-inclusive train offers exquisite accommodations reminiscent of an Edwardian country house and fine-dining cuisine. Each of the train cars are refurbished 1960s Pullman coaches. 

Tours start at the Edinburgh Waverley station, where ticket holders follow a bagpiper dressed in traditional Scottish garb from the first class lounge to the platform. Once on board, passengers can settle into plush armchairs in the observation car lounge—complete with coffee tables and a bar that serves a wide assortment of Scottish whisky —while enjoying the gorgeous scenery of the Highlands. 

Meals are cooked on board and served in mahogany-walled dining cars that feature Scottish produce, meats, and seasonal fish alongside wines, liqueurs, and malt whiskies. Private wood-paneled cabins feature beds fitted with soft Scottish wools and tartans and also include an en suite shower, toilet, desk, table, wardrobe, toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. The train also includes two spa cabins.

Itineraries range from two to seven days long and include sightseeing stopovers and overnight hotel stays. New routes are scheduled to start from April 2023 onwards, but bookings are selling out fast. Tickets start at $4,789 (£4,000) for single occupancy on Belmond’s  site or through  Vacations by Rail.  

The Far North Line connects Inverness with the northern reaches of the Highlands

The Far North Line

Take a four-hour journey on Britain’s most rural railway through hundreds of miles of peatland bogs, tiny hamlets, golf courses, quaint train stops, and salmon rivers. The single track Far North Line connects Inverness with destinations Thurso and Wick at the northern limits of the Highlands. It’s remote, rugged, and spectacularly wild.

The route is the same as the Kyle of Lochalsh line up until Dingwall, where the lines split. Passengers shimmy up the coast until the Tain stop, where the line then plunges into the lands of Sutherland and Caithness, across peat bogs and Flow Country, whilst crossing salmon fishing rivers. Flow Country is a vast wetland blanket bog and peat habitat, an important environmental landscape for preventing climate change and a proposed UNESCO  World Heritage site . 

Passengers can spot a few castles from the train route after departing Inverness: Just after the Tain stop is the glorious and exclusive Skibo Castle (formerly frequented by Andrew Carnegie) across the sea inlet Dornoch Firth, followed by the hilltop (and supposedly haunted) Carbisdale Castle after the Culrain stop. Then cruise past the thick and mysterious Balblair Wood, midway between the Rogart and Golspie stops on the shores of Loch Fleet. And if you fancy one more castle, the train will take you to the Dunrobin Castle station, where you can stop off and show your train ticket for discounted entry to the gigantic “home” (with more than 189 rooms, this castle is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses).

For a stay along the way, the  Glenmorangie House off the Tain stop is a boutique hotel set amongst breathtaking Highland scenery, near the  Glenmorangie Distillery . The award-winning  Mackays Hotel in Wick is just a three-minute walk from Wick stop, run by the same family for over 60 years. It’s welcoming, warm, and cozy.

Tickets for the Far North Line start around $14 (£17.02) from Inverness to Thurso and Wick on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip. 

The Borders Railway Line whisks passengers from Edinburgh to Tweedbank

The Borders Railway

Explore the “land of Sir Walter Scott” on The Borders Railway line, through former mining towns, wide open farmland, and lush valleys.

Departing from Edinburgh , take in the breathtaking landscapes of the rocky slopes and cliffs of Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park. You can’t miss Arthur’s Seat, a massive, grass-covered hill that is the remains of an ancient extinct volcano jutting out from the crags. Then pass through the Midlothian. Time it right and you can catch beautiful sunsets between the Gorebridge and Stow stops. Then onto the hills, lochs, farmlands, and cairns (manmade stone piles) of the Scottish Borders to Tweedbank. Tweedbank is also the stop of Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, and the historic market town of Melrose that includes the famous abbey ruins—a quick taxi or bus ride from the station. 

Despite being the longest new domestic railway to be built in over 100 years, the line only takes an hour from Edinburgh to Tweedbank.

Start or end your journey in Edinburgh with a stay at the incredible new  Virgin Hotel Edinburgh , on colorful and curved Victoria Street in the Old Town, one of the most photographed locations in the city. If looking for something along the Borders Railway line, try the  Schloss Roxburghe at Kelso, off the Galashiels stop, the penultimate station on the route. This elegant hotel is part of a historic estate in the Scottish Borders, with a championship golf course, spas, heated swimming pool, and restaurant that offers “Scottish bistronomy.”

Fares for the Borders Railway start around $14.46 (£11.90) from Edinburgh to Tweedbank on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip.

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• The Overnight Train to Scotland, Caledonian Sleeper: A Review

Greetings friends and readers! Let’s embark on a magical journey through the stunning landscapes of Scotland on board the Caledonian Sleeper train – the only overnight train to Scotland! And trust me – this isn’t your average overnight train ride. Whisk me away from the hustle and bustle of London, and transport me to the rolling hills and picturesque countryside of Scotland! And, I can do this journey in my pajamas? in a personal cabin? Where do I sign up?

I’m no stranger to sleeper trains or overnight travel, having often slingshot my way across Europe using a complex and random combination of overnight trains and buses. Of course there were also the (slightly miserable) ones in Southeast Asia, slowly bouncing along at night from Bangkok to Laos, where you felt the tug and pull of the train every time it thought it could. But that was then, this is now. So sit back, relax, and let’s chug along together on this overnight train adventure!

Welcome to the Caledonian Sleeper, your sleeper train to the Highlands.

Table of Contents

1. Introducing the Caledonian Sleeper

The Caledonian Sleeper is the only sleeper train to Scotland and is a true gem of British travel. Whether you’re heading up to Scotland for business or pleasure, the Caledonian Sleeper is both luxurious and convenient – two factors that often make the best journey. It has cozy private cabins and individual seats (something for everyone!), delicious dining options (both room service and in the club car / lounge car), and stunning views of the English and Scottish countryside.

From London Euston at night, the Caledonian Sleeper connects you to one of these great places in Scotland:

• Edinburgh Waverley
• Glasgow Central
• Inverness: includes stops in Stirling, Gleneagles, Aviemore
• Fort William
• and Aberdeen.

(accessible room shown above)

For the purposes of this post, I am writing with London as the starting point. This trip can also be done in reverse – from any of those 5 locations in Scotland, down to London in the morning.

There are a few different options for seats / accommodations on board the Caledonian Sleeper. Both seats and cabins have accessibl e options for those who may need it. Train tickets for accessible rooms and seats can now be booked online!

– How much does the Caledonian Sleeper cost?

Prices for the Caledonian Sleeper depend on the actual route you’re taking (some are longer than others) and how early you book your tickets, so with all things, planning ahead is always better!

• Comfort Seats start from 50 GBP,
• Classic Rooms from 175 GBP for Solo or 205 GBP for Shared,
• Club Rooms from 235 GBP for Solo and 290 GBP for Shared, and
• Caledonian Doubles from 345 GBP for Solo and 410 GBP for Shared.

(Hooray for pricing that doesn’t include a single supplement!)

These prices are for a one-way journey. If you want a round trip, simply book two one-ways. There are no cost savings with booking a return journey.

– Complimentary Sleep Kit and Amenities Bag (Double Only)

The complimentary Sleep Kit, which comes with all reservations, includes an eye mask and ear plugs. The additional pouch with Arran Sense of Scotland amenities (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, lip balm, anti-bacterial gel and hand cream) are included in Caledonian Double.

– Is the Caledonian Sleeper worth it?

The short answer: if you’re 2 people – definitely yes! If you’re 1 person, I still say yes – even if you want to get a cabin.

Normally, I travel between London and Glasgow on the Avanti West Coast train . On average, it costs 100 GBP one-way and takes 4.5 hours. When you take into consideration a hotel room either in Glasgow (100 GBP) or London (200+ GBP), the cost justification becomes a little easier.

• To compare, on average, the Classic Room on this route costs 210 GBP and will take between 8-10 hours. But, you’ve moved from A to B in your sleep and you can start your day in a new city!

Additionally, according to a 2021 Rail & Transit Study, taking the overnight train to Scotland instead of flying reduces the carbon footprint by almost 90% !

• the study was based on a domestic UK flight between London and Inverness, and one hotel stay;
• Total kgCO2/ep for Flight & Hotel: 288.9
• Total kgCO2/ep for Caledonian Sleeper: 33

So, taking the sleeper train is an environmentally friendly way to travel between London and Scotland!

2. The new Caledonian Sleeper Lounge at London Euston

Prior to my near-midnight departure from London Euston, guests in Caledonian Club Room and Caledonian Double Rooms are invited to relax in the new Caledonian Sleeper Lounge at London Euston. If you’re heading to Glasgow or Edinburgh, you can access the lounge starting from 20:45, basically after the passengers for the Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness train are fully boarded onto their train.

The new lounge, just opened in 2024 is located on Platform 1 , right next to where you’ll board the train. With comfortable seats, free drinks and snacks available (hot foods and alcohol available for a fee), and clean, shower facilities, what’s not to enjoy about the lounge?

For me, it had been a long day, so a shower was a must. Yes, I have a shower inside my Caledonian Double Suite, but a stationary shower is better than one where you’re balancing with the motion of the railway tracks! And boy, after a long day, there is nothing better than a shower!

Just ask the lounge attendant for a towel. The showers are equipped with Arran Sense of Scotland shampoo and body wash.

💡Expert tips on showering in the Euston Guest Lounge:

• I always travel with a pair of flip-flops, and I’m glad I had them with me! There was no bath mat available yet.
• There are also no hair dryers yet, so either ask for an extra towel in the beginning or use your bath towel to towel dry your hair.
• There is a heated towel rack in the cubicle.
• While there is room in the shower cubicle for my small luggage and backpack, I continuously had to maneuver around to grab things out of my luggage that I needed. Smartly pack your bag in advance to accommodate this!

The Euston Guest Lounge is brand new in 2024, and it was already a relaxing way to start my journey. I didn’t opt for a pre-boarding meal, but I spotted a few folks enjoying the haggis, neeps and tatties. It looked great!

For more details on lounge access:

• Euston Guest Lounge
• Other stations

3. Boarding the Caledonian Sleeper

If you’re in the lounge, an announcement will be made when its time to board. But if you’re not in the lounge, the sign boards in London Euston station will let you know when boarding begins. The Caledonian Sleeper departs from Platform 1, which is on the very right end of the station.

The carriages are in order depending on where /when you depart the train. There are train attendants along the way to show you the way, and to check you in once you arrive at the right carriage. They’ll tell you that your room (if you had one) is unlocked and the key is found inside it.

And while it’s not mandatory by any means, might I suggest plopping down on your bed for an obligatory comfy selfie as you settle in and relax for your overnight train journey ahead!

4. Food and Drink options on the luxury sleeper train to Scotland

Honestly, who would I be if I didn’t devote a mini section to the food and drink?

The food and drinks available on the Caledonian Sleeper differ depending on which route you’re taking – Edinburgh and Glasgow routes enjoy the Lowlander menu, whereas Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William guests will have the Highlander menu. I took a quick peak at both of them, and don’t worry – no matter if you’re traveling the Lowlander or Highlander route, whisky, haggis, and Irn Bru are on both menus, so rest assured – you can try all 3 and become an Honorary Scot!

Traveling on the Caledonian Sleeper during the summer time means that sunrise is earlier, and you’ll get incredible views while you enjoy your breakfast.

If you’re in the Caledonian Double (first class) or the Club Room, breakfast is included in your ticket, which can be eaten in the Club Car or served in your room. Note the final breakfast service times at the bottom. For most destinations, you’ll need to be served before 7 am (except Fort William and Inverness), so if you’re not an early bird, set an alarm so you won’t miss breakfast! Hang your breakfast order on the door within 30 minutes after departure.

There is also an in-seat / room service dining menu available for Classic Room and Seated Coach travelers.

– Limited Edition Caledonian Sleeper Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Annandale Distillery

2023 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Caledonian Sleeper train, and boy are they celebrating in style! In collaboration with Annandale Distillery, a Lowland scotch whisky distillery in Dumfries and Galloway, Caledonian Sleeper has just released an exclusive Caledonian Sleeper Whisky on a limited run of 200 bottles. Matured for 8 years in an American oak ex-bourbon cask, this single cask whisky is bottled at 50% ABV.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caledonian Sleeper (@caledoniansleeper)

According to the press release, the Caledonian Sleeper whisky,

“offers hints of creamy sweet toffee combined with the crisp flavours of ripe granny smith apples and conference pears.” -Annandale Distillery

Commemorate your trip by purchasing a 5cl bottle (with exclusive Caledonian Sleeper labeling) to enjoy as a nightcap or a future souvenir.

Sales of the Caledonian Sleeper limited release single cask whisky will benefit Railway Children, an international charity working with street children, and a bottle will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting Give a Dog a Bone, a Scottish loneliness and animal charity.

To find out more about the Caledonian Sleeper whisky and to book your journey,

Annandale Distillery can be reached on the Caledonian Sleeper via Carlisle, on the London to Glasgow line. After a few hours for the sun to rise and the day to get started, bus 79 from Carlisle Station takes you to Annan. And, after a 25 minute walk north, you’ll arrive at Annandale Distillery.

5. Caledonian Sleeper First Class Review – my true life experience

I am writing this section at 05:30 from an empty Club Car, as the train sits at Edinburgh Waverley station waiting for our Edinburgh passengers to alight. It’s my first trip on the Caledonian Sleeper

The train normally departs London Euston past 23:00 but there were some planned engineering works on the tracks, so our departure time was earlier than normal. By the time I fell asleep around 22:30, we hadn’t really left the greater London area yet. We chugged along for a bit and then stopped for quite some time. I don’t know why, but I was waiting for the excitement of a moving train before going to bed. Sometimes we can be a bit silly, I guess.

I read online that the Club Car can get rowdy and busy at night, and due to limited seating, you should hurry up and rush there to grab a table. Passengers staying in a room have access to the Club Car, with those in Caledonian Doubles having priority access. And as soon as I got settled in my cabin, I went down to the Club Car. Over the next hour, only a handful of people used the Club Car – a lady was dining, two gentlemen were having a drink, and another gentleman was sitting reading on his iPad. Maybe I just boarded a train full of introverts, which is fine by me.

So now that I’ve done the Club Car, it’s time for me to shower and head to bed. Towels are provided in a big pouch hanging on the door.

Although it’s small, I’m grateful for the en-suite bathroom and shower. I didn’t expect the shower pressure to be anything to write home about, and it definitely isn’t. For people thinking about washing their hair, think twice. The water pressure on my train was definitely not strong enough to rinse shampoo out of your hair.

The toilet basin has a big wooden cover with a handle, so you really only lift up the cover when using the toilet. There is a little nook inside that stores the toilet paper, so nothing gets wet when you shower.

Be careful, the lock on the door latch juts out, and maybe I bumped into it while showering.

Regardless of if you have a toilet and shower in your cabin, all cabins include a sink and basin for brushing your teeth and washing your face.

In the cabin itself, the bed made up the majority of the room. My luggage went under the bed, which left me with a small standing area / walkway between the door and the sink. For me, a somewhat clumsy but petite person, I bumped and knocked myself along the walls as I changed into my pajamas.

I dimmed the lights and began to settle in bed, but I quickly got up to grab the eye mask from the complimentary sleep kit and put it on. Various emergency buttons emit light in the cabin, and this gal enjoys complete darkness in sleep.

When my alarm woke me at 04:00 (don’t ask), I had slept better than any overnight journey in memory. Although I remember feeling the train moving in my sleep, it didn’t feel disruptive but rather a gentle lulling. And that brings me to now, 05:30 am, in the Club Car enjoying my bacon roll breakfast by myself.

Don’t let my simple bacon roll with its tongue sticking out dissuade you from choosing a simpler breakfast versus the full Scottish. Sometimes a bacon roll with a smidge of brown sauce is all I need to start my day in Scotland right!

After my breakfast roll, there was plenty of time to hang out in my cabin as we made the final leg of the journey between Edinburgh and Glasgow. The majority of the journey was completed under the cover of night. As dawn was about to break, I opened the window blinds for some light and some views. By then, the countryside was already in the distance, and I was left with urban views to finish off the evening’s journey.

6. Parting Thoughts on my overnight train to Scotland

All in all, I was happier with this train ride than I thought I would be! I’ll be honest that I had been eyeing this overnight train for a long time, but each time I’d see the 2-300+ GBP price tag per room, it would stop me in my tracks. But in reality, I never spent the time to think about how much money I would save with one less hotel night in Glasgow/London. So in the end, for a solo traveler, it isn’t too bad!

The double bed was very luxurious for the train, when you’d normally only have a bunk bed. I don’t think I need the first class Caledonian Double every time, but for my first time, it was a nice splurge.

However, I do think you need to set your expectations for what a “luxury overnight train” should be. In a different time and place, luxury train travel would include caviar, afternoon tea services, and glamour that oozes affluence and class like James Bond. While the Caledonian Sleeper isn’t all that, it’s still very nice and a wonderfully comfortable journey!

Since my first time on the Caledonian Sleeper, I’ve have used this overnight train service a number of times, in both the Club Room (bunk beds) and the Double Room. While the Double Room is definitely more luxurious with the big bed and no second bunk hanging over you, the Club Room is still a very comfortable overnight train experience.

While I’ve heard people complain about the top bunk being hard to access with a moving train, I just have to remind folks that this is indeed a moving train. People with mobility issues should not attempt to mess around with the top bunk, as the train’s motions on the train tracks aren’t guaranteed to be seemless. Think of it as turbulence on the rails, and something you need to be careful of.

Similarly, that also means the train rocks and sways as you sleep as well. Light sleepers may be bothered by this, and while this is still a comfortable journey, it’s definitely not the same as sleeping in your own bed. I just want to manage expectations, because the Caledonian Sleeper is a truly fantastic overnight train.

Also, for those wanting to take advantage of the stunning views of the countryside, be aware that outside of summer months, the nights are dark and long. If you’re only traveling between London and Glasgow / Edinburgh (the Lowlands), expect to arrive in Scotland still under the cover of night. If you’re headed all the way up to the Highlands, you may catch a glimpse of a gorgeous sunrise before you disembark.

Taking the train in the summer with the increased daylight hours really only make the journey more stunning, especially those traveling on the Highland lines up north. You’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful highland landscape with your morning coffee and breakfast.

Whether you opt for a simple seat, a Classic Room (bunk beds, no toilet/shower), a Club Room (bunk beds, with en-suite), or a Double Room (big bed, with en-suite facilities), there is something for everyone’s budget and sensibilities.

And with that, my Caledonian Sleeper review comes to a close. And I bid you adieu!

I hope you found my review of Caledonian Sleeper to be helpful. It truly is the best (and only) sleeper train to the Highlands from London. I’ve included some itinerary suggestions and a detailed frequently asked questions below in case my write up didn’t touch upon some of your questions.

To book the amazing Caledonian Sleeper, visit www.sleeper.scot .

7. Ideas for your Scottish adventure?

Now that you’ve decided on taking the sleeper train to Scotland, let’s plan your Scottish adventure!

• First things first – if you’re traveling to Scotland as an Outlander fan, look no further. I’ve written all about the Outlander filming locations you can visit , with public transpo directions or tours you can take. Step through the stones to Lallybroch or Castle Leoch during your trip!
• visiting Holyrood Palace , the Scottish home of the British monarch,
• get introduced to Scottish food on a delicious food tour ;
• enjoy the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland.
• take a tour of the Water of Leith and Dean Village (shown above).
• Be sure to immerse yourself in some whisky, with a visit to Glengoyne Distillery ! You’ll be surprised how quickly you got out of the city and into highland heaven!
• Take a day trip to Oban (seafood capital of Scotland) and Glencoe on a Highland lochs and castles tour !
• Need a hotel recommendation for Inverness? How about staying at Ness Walk , a 5 ⭐️ luxury hotel that recently won the Most Romantic Hotel in the UK❣️ I’ll be designing a foodie itinerary for Inverness in collaboration with Ness Walk, so stay tuned for that!
• Balmoral (and the Cairngorms National Park) is one of my favorite places to go and unwind;
• set out on the North Coast 500 for some spectacular scenery!
• go further afield with a day trip to Orkney !
• Use the Scottish Islands Passport for ideas and to help plan your adventure!
• Last but not least recommendation: here is a carefully curated list of the best seafood in Scotland .

8. FAQ for the Caledonian Sleeper

• Is this the only overnight train in the UK? No, aside from the Caledonian Sleeper, the Night Riviera Sleeper runs overnight train services between London and Cornwall .
• If you have larger items, let the on-board teams know and they can store it separately.
• There is space under the bed for your suitcases. If you are staying in the Club Room or Caledonian Double, do not put your luggage in the en-suite bathroom , because if it falls it can block the door from opening.
• How much is the Caledonian Sleeper family ticket ? Family ticket prices depend on how many rooms are required per family, but there will always be a guaranteed bed for all travelers, including children. A quick check showed 2 adults, 2 children in 2 classic rooms, booked as a family ticket cost 450 GBP. But as noted above, prices vary depending on a number of factors. There are a handful of inter-connected rooms available for families.
• Is there a first class on the Caledonian Sleeper? Caledonian Double ticket-holders are considered in first class, which is why they have a big bed, receive the extra amenity kit and have priority seating in the Club Car.
• Is there lounge access before boarding? The guest lounge, similar to an airline’s first class lounge, is a good way to relax before your journey. Different stations have different lounge specs (some include showers, others share lounge space with other train lines, access to some depend on your ticket type). Get more information on the lounge and your access.
• Can I bring furry friends on board? Up to 2 pets can join you on board if you’ve reserved a room. Sorry, for those who booked seats only, your furry friend can’t join you. There is no ticket cost for your furry friend, but there will be an additional 30 GBP cleaning fee per room.
• Can I bring my bicycle on board? Yes you can! Bicycles don’t cost extra, but you will need to reserve a space for it during your booking. (whoops, forgot to? Don’t worry – just contact Guest Services and they will add the bicycle reservation to your booking).
• Technical stuff : Yes, there is Wi-Fi on board, but there are some sections of limited service. In each room and at the comfort seats, there are power outlets (and USB-A ports) for charging small devices.
• Shower, if I don’t have the en-suite: For those traveling in seated coach or class rooms (and do not have an en-suite shower), you can purchase Shower Tokens on board to access showers in Fort William, London Euston, and Inverness after you arrive. Towels come included!
• Left Luggage facilities : If you need to dump your luggage before or after your trip, there are left luggage facilities at London Euston, Glasgow Central, Glasgow Queen Street, Edinburgh Waverley, Inverness and Fort William for a fee.
• Railcard discounts? Certain National Railcard holders may receive discounts on their fare, depending on a few factors. Read up on the Railcard Discounts offered on Caledonian Sleeper .

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

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4 thoughts on “the overnight train to scotland, caledonian sleeper: a review”.

How nice to hear about your positive experience travelling on the sleeper. The cabin looks compact but comfortable and with good facilities, especially the good-sized bed and the en-suite. This looks like a lovely way to travel to Scotland. Also good to hear that whisky, haggis, and Irn Bru are available to prepare you for the trip across the border! And great to know that you had a great night’s sleep.

It was definitely a nice overnight train, and I slept better than in some hotels ironically! The Caledonian sleeper really does have everything to jump start your Scotland trip 🙂

While I see what you mean, it’s kind of not precisely the Orient Express, 100 years ago, the Caledonian Sleeper’s first class does have a nice touch of a bit of luxury about it, which, I think, I’d enjoy. I like that there is much more space than on those European sleeper trains where 4 people are squeezed into two bunk beds per room. When it comes to breakfast, I think I’d go for a Full Scottish, though, not just a bacon bap haha… An d of course I’d absolutely try some whisky and haggis and irn bru. Ellie & I might give the Caledonian Sleeper a shot next time we will travel Oop Norf.

There is a time and a place for cramming 4 people into those train bunks, and I’m pretty glad to have moved beyond those backpacking years to something more… calm. 🙂 I have no doubt you would go for the full Scottish (and would have loved it)!

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The Best of Scotland and Ireland

13 Days from £2,695PP

Three of the British Isles most scenic countries combine on a tour that showcases the best of these Celtic beauties. Beginning in Scotland, explore the majestic Highlands and its most incredible cities, before venturing over to Northern Ireland and the rest of the Emerald Isle, a land of incredible culture and tradition.

A Castle on the Shores of Loch Fyne

7 Days from £1080 PP

From Stonefield Castle, the base for your holiday, cruise the open waters to the Isle of Bute, visit the wild whirlpool of Corryvreckan and sample some of the UK’s finest seafood.

Castles and Wildlife of Scotland

7 days from £1,595 per person

Spot dolphins, sea eagles and red deer and visit some of Scotland’s historic castles on a holiday bookended with overnight trips on the Caledonian Sleeper Train. 

Edinburgh, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye

9 days from £1,645 per person

Starting on the Caledonian Sleeper Train, discover Edinburgh’s cultural delights before heading towards Glencoe and the rugged coastal landscapes of the Isle of Skye.

Scotland Train Tours

A wee dram of whisky, the soulful sound of bagpipes, dramatic castles, deep lochs, steam trains winding through heather-clad hills; Scotland is a destination simply bursting with unique charms. Book your Scottish escape with Great Rail Journeys today.

Majestic lochs, glens, and the fantastic Scottish Highlands all lie in wait, with spaces still left on some of our 2019 holidays. Explore unspoilt Loch Fyne, home to many a castle, and enjoy the contrast with bustling cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. Or immerse yourself in Scottish traditions at the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a precision spectacle accompanied by pipes and drums.

History Brought to Life

We all know Scotland is the place to go if you want wild open landscapes and friendly cosmopolitan cities. But it’s also the ideal destination for culture vultures looking to immerse themselves in centuries of fascinating history. From the Battle of Culloden and the Jacobite uprisings which inspired the name of the country’s most famous train, when you visit Scotland with us, you’ll discover much more than whisky, Nessie and bagpipes.

Good Times in the Highlands of Scotland

Wild and unspoilt, Scotland's landscapes are timeless. And the further north you go, the more unique the experiences. From the ancient castles and proud traditions of the Highlands, where you can see majestic animals on an expert wildlife tour at Alladale Wilderness Reserve, to the Outer Hebrides' unhurried way of life, a holiday north of the border never fails to exceed expectations.

The Joy of the Jacobite

Blending the two ingredients that create the perfect rail journey – breathtaking scenery and a nostalgic steam locomotive – the Jacobite winds through the wild and wonderful Scottish Highlands and across the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Travelling along a line that’s regularly voted one of the best in the world, experience this spectacular journey alongside a host of cultural delights on our tour of Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands.

Scotland the Wild

Discover Alladale Wilderness Reserve, an idyllic Highland retreat that awaits at the end of an unforgettable journey on the Caledonian Sleeper Train.

World-class railways, shimmering lochs, historic cities and rugged islands filled with breathtaking natural beauty; Scotland truly has it all. Discover the best of the beautiful Outer Hebrides and Highlands on a rail escape that packs so much into the price, including a journey on the iconic Jacobite.

Edinburgh, The Highlands and Islands

Explore Scotland's unspoilt and timeless landscapes. And with all your travel and accommodation taken care of, including a stay at the historic Palace Hotel in Inverness, see if you can spot Loch Ness's mythical monster, journey aboard the famous Jacobite Steam Train, and enjoy an exclusive whisky tasting as well as celebratory dinner of traditional Scottish dishes.

There’s a romance to travelling by steam rail that makes exploring the Scottish Highlands even more atmospheric. This tour takes in the real highlights of a Scottish holiday – the dramatic mountain scenery, the mysterious lochs and glens and world-famous whisky distilleries via heritage rail. Journey along the stunning West Highland Line on the Jacobite Express as you’re whisked from Edinburgh’s cultural delights to some of the UK’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Scottish Delights

Peaceful lochs and glens await in a country that’s home to some of the world's most famous railway routes. Enjoy a holiday to Scotland and experience a land of myths and legends.

A Destination that Captures the Imagination

Thousands of years of history, atmospheric, rugged Highland landscapes and some of the UK’s finest food and drink make Scotland a timeless holiday destination. When paired with some of the world’s most scenic heritage rail lines, it’s a match made in heaven. If you’re staying closer to home this year, perhaps some of our Scottish tours can tempt you?

CALL: +44 20 3640 8887

Luxury Train Journeys in Scotland

Luxury train journeys & trips across Scotland

The best way to explore Scotland’s exceptional scenery is by rail, and a Scottish luxury train journey from LuxuryTrainTickets.com is the ideal way of experiencing pure luxury while doing so. With a generous range of tours available, whether you are seeking adventure among the magical highlands or wish to simply relax and watch as the graceful countryside glides past, we have the perfect journey for you. Step aboard the Royal Scotsman and experience a palace on wheels. Nothing short of extraordinary, the Royal Scotsman is the definition of what a luxury locomotive should be; timeless, elegant, refined and ultimately unrivalled in every aspect. A famous train with a history to match, the Royal Scotsman will transverse you in style and pure comfort as you experience the highlights of the highlands. Our journeys have been designed to offer you the very best Scotland and the Royal Scotsman has to offer. Browse our offerings below, or for something truly exquisite, get in touch with our complimentary concierge service who will exceed your expectations and find you a journey of a lifetime.

Contact us, we're here to assist

Call us on 020 3640 8887 or email us below

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• Sleeper Trains

Sleeper Train to Scotland

Discover sleeper trains & arrive to the destination of your choice refreshed & ready to go after an overnight journey., sleeper trains, prepare to travel to scotland in style.

Enjoy one of the world’s most iconic train journeys and get a great night’s sleep, all for less than the price of a flight. And, it’s kinder to the environment too.

The miles between London Euston and Glasgow fly by on this trip. Arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

You can buy tickets for the Caledonian Sleeper at our stations, or visit the sleeper scot website for more details.

Caledonian Sleeper Euston Guest Lounge

The Flagship of the Caledonian Sleeper branded Guest Lounges, the Euston Lounge offers a taste of Scotland in the heart of London.

Conveniently located alongside Platform 1 at Euston Station, the lounge offers easy access for eligible arriving and departing Caledonian Sleeper Guests.

It is open from 6:30 - 10:30 in the morning and from 18:00 or 20:45 in the evening, depending on your route.

Whether you chose to drop in for a coffee and a snack when you arrive in London, to catch up on emails before your first meeting of the day, or indeed to enjoy some dinner and a whisky before boarding your overnight service from London to Scotland, the Caledonian Sleeper Euston lounge is the perfect enhancement to your travel experience.

To find out more about the Euston lounge visit the Caledonian Sleeper website .

Things to do when you get to Scotland

National museum of scotland.

Take a tour through natural history, world cultures, European art and design, science and technology. The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is packed with ancient artefacts, precious objects and breath-taking art. A great way to get your culture fix in a city with no shortage of it.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline – and a visit there never disappoints. Built on top of an extinct volcano, it serves as the backdrop of the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The perfect way to take in some of Scotland’s history during your trip.

Edinburgh Zoo

Travelling with your own pack of little monkeys? This 82-acre site is a great place to take the kids, with over 1000 rare and endangered animals including pandas, penguins, koalas and zebras. A must-see for animal lovers.

Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)

Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art is at the vanguard of the city’s art scene with a collection of modern art from some of the most exciting artists around. The striking neo-classical building has hosted exhibitions from David Hockney and Andy Warhol, as well as leading Scottish Artists like Ken Currie and John Bellany.

Overnight to Cornwall on the Night Riviera

Travel from London to the West Country, all in one night. The Great Western Railway ‘Night Riviera’ is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and out to the coast, while you sleep soundly.

Enjoy your own air conditioned, temperature-controlled berth, along with a café serving drinks and snacks for the journey. Get off to a great start with breakfast provided in the morning. There’s even a washbasin in every cabin, so you can get ready for the day ahead.

Cornwall has an excellent range of attractions. Here are just a few of our favourite spots to visit.

Things to do when you get to Cornwall

Famed for its stunning vistas and surf beaches, St Ives is one of Britain’s most loved seaside towns. The picturesque views and beautiful light have been attracting painters for centuries. To this day, art remains a huge part of the local culture, with a Tate gallery, Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture garden, and the Leach Pottery Studio.

The Eden Project

Visit the world’s largest indoor rainforest, housed within a series of stunning geodesic domes in the heart of Cornwall. From summer rock concerts to winter ice-skating, the domes are open all year round. One of them even has its own waterfall! It’s like a whole other world tucked away in England’s west coast.

The UK’s westernmost point has some of the most incredible views in the British Isles. From family-friendly carved paths over the cliffs to must-see tourist attractions, there’s no shortage of things to do for visitors of all ages. You might even get to meet some of the local wildlife, with seals, dolphins and porpoises all frequently spotted off the coast.

This picture-perfect Cornish village has a filmography most actors would be proud of, having appeared as a backdrop for British TV favourites like Poldark, Doc Martin and Nightmare Man. If you’re ready to answer the call of the great outdoors, this is the place to be. Discover gorgeous coastal walks, fishing spots, sprawling gardens and much more. It’s also a stone’s throw from one of the UK’s most popular surfing beaches – Polzeath.

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Travel from North America to Scotland

Planning a trip to Scotland from across the pond? We’re here to help you plan the ultimate vacation. Find direct flights to Scotland from the US and Canada, handy travel advice, things to do and how to get around our bonnie country via public transport links. 

Edinburgh Castle and National Galleries of Scotland

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Beinn Chuirn, Argyll

© @sassenach.photography

Make your holiday more green

Use our carbon calculator and make your trip to Scotland an eco-friendly one. Discover sustainable travel options and top tips on how to leave no trace behind. Help make Scotland a beautiful place to visit for future generations.  

Direct flights to Scotland from the US

Currently all flights from the US fly non-stop to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. Check out where you can fly from throughout the year:

Edinburgh Airport

Delta Air Lines 

• JFK (New York City) – Edinburgh – (daily) – March – December
• BOS (Boston) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October
• ATL (Atlanta) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October

Find more flight information on Delta Air Lines website

United Airlines 

• EWR (New York, Newark) – Edinburgh – year-round (daily) 
• IAD (Washington DC) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – March – October
• ORD (Chicago) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October

Book your trip to Scotland with United Airlines

JetBlue 

• JFK (New York) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – September

Check current flight schedules to Scotland with JetBlue

American Airlines

• PHL (Philadelphia) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October

Book flights via American Airlines website

Virgin Atlantic 

• MCO (Orlando) – Edinburgh – seasonal (twice weekly) – April – October

Search Virgin Atlantic flights to Scotland

Ryanair aircraft at Glasgow Prestwick Airport

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Direct flights from Canada 

Direct flights currently operate from some Canadian cities including Toronto, Calgary and Halifax to Edinburgh and Glasgow airport. Check out where you can fly from throughout the year. 

Air Canada 

• YYZ (Toronto) – Edinburgh – seasonal; May – December (operates several times per week) 

Book flights to Scotland with Air Canada

Air Transat 

• YYZ (Toronto) – Glasgow – year-round (weekly). Daily flights from May – October

Find more flight information via the Air Transat website

Toronto (YYZ) – Edinburgh – seasonal: 

• September – October – three times a week 
• April – once a week 
• Daily flights operating from the end of April to the end of August

Calgary (YYC) – Edinburgh – seasonal: 

• September to the beginning of October – four times a week
• Beginning to mid October  – three times a week 
• Mid to late October – once a week 
• Mid to late May – three times a week 
• Mid May to October – four times a week 

Halifax (YHZ) – Edinburgh – seasonal: 

• June – October – three times a week 
• Flights resume in April

Fly to Scotland with WestJet

Travelling from North America to Scotland – FAQs

It is essential you have the right travel documents before you fly to Scotland. Check out our guide on what you need to bring with you before booking your flight. 

An aerial view of the coastline on West Mainland

Do I need a visa when visiting Scotland? 

American visitors do not require a visa when entering Scotland or the rest of the UK, just a valid passport. Before landing, you’ll be asked to fill out a landing card with your name, date of birth, gender, nationality, occupation and the address of where you’ll be staying. 

For our Canadian visitors, make sure to bring a valid passport the day you travel. A visa to the UK is only required if you’re staying for more than six months. 

Do I need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)? 

Yes, if you’re travelling to Scotland from America or Canada, you’ll be eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 27 November 2024 and will be able to travel to the UK with an ETA from 8 January 2025. This will give you permission to travel to the UK which is electronically linked to your passport. Check out our guide on how to apply for the new ETA scheme. 

Find out more information on the new ETA scheme 

Sheep at Barra Airport

What travel documentation is required for my trip to Scotland? 

US and Canadian visitors must have a valid passport and an ETA from 8 January 2025 before entering Scotland or the rest of the UK. This should be valid throughout your whole trip. You will also need a visa if you’re planning to stay for over six months. 

Are there any travel restrictions to Scotland? 

Caledonian Sleeper near Dalwhinnie

© Caledonian Sleeper

How long is a flight from the US or Canada to Scotland? 

A direct flight to Scotland from the US or Canada is usually between 6-8 hours, depending on where you’re flying from. 

• New York to Edinburgh – approximately 7 hours 
• Boston to Edinburgh – approximately 6 hours 20 minutes 
• Atlanta to Edinburgh – approximately 8 hours 
• Washington DC to Edinburgh – approximately 7 hours 10 minutes 
• Chicago to Edinburgh – approximately 8 hours 
• Orlando to Edinburgh – approximately 8 hours 

I’m planning to visit London before I travel to Scotland, what direct flights or public transport options are available? 

Travel from London to Scotland has never been easier. There are many budget airlines that fly direct to Scottish cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Dundee and Aberdeen. Bus services to Scotland are operated by National Express , Megabus and FlixBus and run throughout the day, including overnight services.  

Sit back and enjoy the view on the train. Scotland’s well-connected rail network means you can get to many Scottish destinations in a matter of hours. Why not experience a night-time train ride on the Caledonian Sleeper ? Departing from London Euston every night (not Saturday) wake up in a bustling Scottish city, a magical Highland landscape or scenic coastal town. 

Find out more information on travel from London to Scotland 

Kelvingrove Park in autumn, Glasgow

I’m planning a trip to Europe first, which airlines operate flights to Scotland? 

Aer Lingus , KLM , Air France and Icelandair as well as many others, fly to many main European hubs, which can then be used for onward travel to Scotland. 

Can I travel to Scotland from the US or Canada at any time of year? Do flights only operate seasonally? 

New York and Toronto are currently the only destinations that offer year-round flights to Edinburgh or Glasgow. Other US and Canadian destinations run daily or weekly flights during peak season. This is typically from the end of April until late October. 

A family at a train station

© Scotrail

Prepare for your trip to Scotland

Ready to see what Scotland has to offer? Before you go, check out our top travel advice and information on car hire if you’re planning to explore the country.   

Edinburgh Tram

Getting around Scotland by public transport

You’ve arrived in Scotland, now the fun begins and the freedom to travel across the country. Check out Traveline Scotland’s website for more information on local bus services, rail links, ferries, tram routes in Edinburgh and the Subway in Glasgow. 

Ideas for things to do

Check out our amazing selection of tours to help you plan the ultimate trip to Scotland.   

Take an ancestral tour

Plan the holiday of a lifetime where your Scottish ancestors would have once travelled.

Castle tours

Join a castle tour for an in-depth look at some of our most interesting Scottish castles.

Whisky tours

Book a tour of a whisky distillery, or travel around Scotland visiting several whisky experiences.

Film & TV Tours

Explore a range of guided tours and trips that take you around Scotland's most popular film & TV locations.

Walking & Hiking Tours

Explore Scotland's trails and routes with an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

Train tours

Sit back and relax and watch the world go by on a train tour around Scotland.

Book a golf tour or package and play on some of Scotland's most famous golf courses.

Boat charter & wildlife cruises

See what you can spot on Scotland’s coastline with these wildlife boat tours and cruises.

Other things you might like

Airports & Flights in Scotland

Passports, visas & customs

Plan Your Holiday to Scotland

Things to See & Do in Scotland

Travel from England & Wales to Scotland

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‘Game-changing’ train seat that can be converted into lie-flat bed unveiled

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A train seat that can be converted into a lie-flat bed has been unveiled in a bid to transform rail travel.

Designers of the DreamSuite said it could boost comfort for budget passengers on overnight sleeper services and long-distance daytime journeys.

The seat is being developed by consultancy Future Travel Studio, which received £275,000 of funding from the Department for Transport and innovation agency Innovate UK last year.

The UK’s two overnight sleeper train services connect London with Scotland and the South West.

They both feature a combination of private cabins beds – which are sold at a premium price – and regular train seats, which many passengers select to save money but find difficult to sleep on.

Future Travel Studio said DreamSuite had been created as a “middle-ground option”.

What we've been trying to do is democratise this kind of product on rails. We want to make this attainable for everybody, not just business passengers and people who've got deep pockets

It claimed this could offer 60% more capacity than sleeper cabins – meaning savings could be passed on to passengers – and be more comfortable than conventional seating.

The seat can be converted from an upright position to a flat bed with a length of six feet and two inches using a mechanical system.

It features a privacy screen – enabling flexibility for solo travellers and couples – and space to hang clothes and store bags.

It has been designed to meet UK rail safety standards, and could be fitted to existing carriages.

Designer Nik Lusardi, whose previous roles include creating Virgin Atlantic’s first-class seats between 2004 and 2016, told the PA news agency: “What we’ve been trying to do is democratise this kind of product on rails.

“We want to make this attainable for everybody, not just business passengers and people who’ve got deep pockets.”

He said DreamSuite was a “game change” as his experience of UK trains was that the seats are “all a bit hard, they get uncomfortable after about half-an-hour”.

He added: “We are very passionate about sustainability.

By integrating advanced, flexible seating options into existing rolling stock, we’re helping to unlock new opportunities for both daytime and night-time rail services, while supporting the industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions

“We think there’s a bit of a tsunami coming around this kind of product.

“People are gravitating more towards train. This product makes train travel a more compelling argument.”

Alstom managing director for the UK and Ireland Nick Crossfield said: “By integrating advanced, flexible seating options into existing rolling stock, we’re helping to unlock new opportunities for both daytime and night-time rail services while supporting the industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“DreamSuite truly is a game-changer.”

Future Travel Studio said it hoped to launch a pilot programme for DreamSuite, paving the way for commercial use.

Mark Smith said it is a “product that people are familiar with” from business class air travel, which is “perceived as upmarket”.

But he expressed concern at the potential downgrade in security compared with a lockable sleeper cabin.

Mark Smith, founder of international train travel website Seat61.com, said there is potential for the design to be deployed in continental Europe but it’s unlikely to be used in the UK.

“I don’t think it will happen in the UK,” he said.

“Although there’s growing demand for sleepers, and although the Caledonian Sleeper runs fully booked (between London and Scotland) almost every night, they are maxed out for 16 vehicles, they can’t add extra cars to their trains.

“Would they bother fitting these in place of their existing seats?

“I think that would be nice, but I don’t think they’ll think that’s worthwhile.”

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‘Game-changing’ train seat that can be converted into lie-flat bed unveiled

A train seat that can be converted into a lie-flat bed has been unveiled in a bid to transform rail travel.

Designers of the DreamSuite said it could boost comfort for budget passengers on overnight sleeper services and long-distance daytime journeys.

The seat is being developed by consultancy Future Travel Studio, which received £275,000 of funding from the Department for Transport and innovation agency Innovate UK last year.

A prototype was revealed at the Derby factory of train manufacturer Alstom on Thursday.

The UK’s two overnight sleeper train services connect London with Scotland and the South West.

They both feature a combination of private cabins beds – which are sold at a premium price – and regular train seats, which many passengers select to save money but find difficult to sleep on.

Future Travel Studio said DreamSuite had been created as a “middle-ground option”.

What we've been trying to do is democratise this kind of product on rails. We want to make this attainable for everybody, not just business passengers and people who've got deep pockets

Designer Nik Lusardi

It claimed this could offer 60% more capacity than sleeper cabins – meaning savings could be passed on to passengers – and be more comfortable than conventional seating.

The seat can be converted from an upright position to a flat bed with a length of six feet and two inches using a mechanical system.

It features a privacy screen – enabling flexibility for solo travellers and couples – and space to hang clothes and store bags.

It has been designed to meet UK rail safety standards, and could be fitted to existing carriages.

Designer Nik Lusardi, whose previous roles include creating Virgin Atlantic’s first-class seats between 2004 and 2016, told the PA news agency: “What we’ve been trying to do is democratise this kind of product on rails.

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“We want to make this attainable for everybody, not just business passengers and people who’ve got deep pockets.”

He said DreamSuite was a “game change” as his experience of UK trains was that the seats are “all a bit hard, they get uncomfortable after about half-an-hour”.

He added: “We are very passionate about sustainability.

By integrating advanced, flexible seating options into existing rolling stock, we’re helping to unlock new opportunities for both daytime and night-time rail services, while supporting the industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions

Nick Crossfield, Alstom

“We think there’s a bit of a tsunami coming around this kind of product.

“ People are gravitating more towards train. This product makes train travel a more compelling argument.”

Alstom managing director for the UK and Ireland Nick Crossfield said: “By integrating advanced, flexible seating options into existing rolling stock, we’re helping to unlock new opportunities for both daytime and night-time rail services while supporting the industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“DreamSuite truly is a game-changer.”

Future Travel Studio said it hoped to launch a pilot programme for DreamSuite, paving the way for commercial use.

Mark Smith said it is a “product that people are familiar with” from business class air travel, which is “perceived as upmarket”.

But he expressed concern at the potential downgrade in security compared with a lockable sleeper cabin.

Mark Smith, founder of international train travel website Seat61.com, said there is potential for the design to be deployed in continental Europe but it’s unlikely to be used in the UK.

“I don’t think it will happen in the UK,” he said.

“Although there’s growing demand for sleepers, and although the Caledonian Sleeper runs fully booked (between London and Scotland) almost every night, they are maxed out for 16 vehicles, they can’t add extra cars to their trains.

“Would they bother fitting these in place of their existing seats?

“I think that would be nice, but I don’t think they’ll think that’s worthwhile.”

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