Aboard the Caledonian Sleeper | railtour travel blog
There’s something magical about night trains. As the world outside settles down for the night, a journey begins that feels more like a little adventure than an ordinary journey.
The Caledonian Sleeper, Britain’s most famous night train, connects London with Scotland’s most beautiful regions overnight. As you travel in comfort in your sleeper carriage, spectacular landscapes roll past you. A comfortable and sustainable alternative to flying, and ideal for anyone looking for a special travel experience right from the start of their holiday.
I travelled overnight across Britain on the Caledonian Sleeper, from the stunning landscapes of Scotland to the bustling streets of London. In this post, I’ll share my personal impressions and tips on one of the most relaxing ways to travel to Scotland.
Enchanting destinations in Great Britain
The Caledonian Sleeper takes travellers from bustling cities to the remote landscapes of the Highlands and breathtaking coastal scenery. Instead of spending a night in a hotel, passengers travel in comfort whilst they sleep and wake up the next morning in the heart of the Scottish countryside.
Cities along the route include London, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh and Dundee. Coastal towns such as Arbroath, Fort William and Stonehaven, as well as towns in the Highlands such as Dalwhinnie and Aviemore, and many more, are also destinations served by the Caledonian Sleeper.
A journey that becomes an experience
My journey on the Caledonian Sleeper began in Edinburgh. The night train to London Euston departs at around 11.30 pm, although passengers can board about an hour before departure. This leaves plenty of time to settle into your cabin and get ready for a relaxing night’s sleep. I booked a Classic Room for the journey to London.
After a pleasant night on board, the train arrived at London Euston the next morning at around 7 am. The early arrival is ideal for heading straight to your hotel or making the most of the day for sightseeing, business meetings or other activities. Overall, I found the journey to be very comfortable and peaceful. I particularly remember the friendly and helpful staff, who were always on hand to assist with any queries, thereby contributing to a pleasant travel experience.
That's why traveling by night train is worthwhile
- Enjoy your own private compartment
- Save money on a hotel stay
- Save time and travel whilst you sleep
- Wake up right in the heart of your destination
- Your luggage is included in the ticket price
- Travelling by train is environmentally friendly
A wide range of room categories
The Caledonian Sleeper offers a range of room categories to suit different needs. You can choose from the Caledonian Double En-suite, the Club En-suite Room and the Classic Room. Depending on the category, the compartments feature a double bed or bunk beds, and some have their own shower and toilet. Breakfast and lounge access are included in certain categories.
Those looking for a particularly budget-friendly journey can opt for a seat reservation in the comfortable seating carriage. These feature an adjustable headrest, power sockets, USB ports and a personal reading light. Accessible cabins are also available.
More than just a train journey
The Caledonian Sleeper is far more than just a night train: it combines travel, accommodation and a travel experience, taking passengers in comfort straight to the heart of Scotland.
Highlights include the Club Car with its bar and restaurant, which offers a selection of Scottish food and drink. Travellers can also make use of the guest lounges at London Euston, Fort William and Inverness to start or end their journey in style. The night train is also suitable for families, cyclists and travellers with pets. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, breakfast, room service, lounge access and modern sleeping compartments, some with en-suite shower and toilet. This makes the journey on the Caledonian Sleeper an experience in itself.
