The Caledonian Sleeper: travel to Scotland by night train from London

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published yesterday

Are you planning to discover the land of Highland, Loch Ness and mystical castles by train? Between the stress of driving on the left and the superb Scottish train lines, we can only understand you! But before that, there's one more step that can be an integral part of your experience: the Caledonian Sleeper ride to Scotland from the English capital by night train. Not only do you get to close your eyes in London and wake up to the beautiful Scottish countryside in the early hours of the morning, but you also enjoy a comfortable journey to the heart of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness or Fort William, while saving a night's accommodation! Reservations, prices, timetables, comfort... We tell you all about this iconic UK train.

Itinerary: from London to the main regions of Scotland

From London (accessible by train from France via Eurostar, which arrives at St Pancras International station, 10-15 minutes by tube from London Euston), the Caledonian Sleeper serves 5 main destinations via two distinct routes:

• Lowland route: serves the lowlands of Scotland, with one train to Glasgow Central and another to Edinburgh Waverley (the train splits in two en route, on the Carstairs side).
• Highland Route: serves the Scottish highlands and splits into three sections from Edinburgh, continuing separately to Aberdeen (via Dundee), Inverness (via Stirling, Perth and Aviemore) and Fort William (via the famous West Highland Line)​.

Services include Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William, Stirling, Perth and Aviemore. If you set your alarm for sunrise, the most beautiful scenery is to be seen on the Highland route, especially towards Fort William!

Caledonian Sleeper frequency, times and days

The Caledonian Sleeper runs every night, Sunday to Friday, in both directions between London and Scotland (no Saturday night departures), for a total of six nights a week. Of course, it's best to check traffic schedules for public holidays (and sometimes no traffic on December 24-25 and December 31) or engineering works, but the days and times are generally always the same:

From London (to Scotland):

• Lowland Route: London Euston (departure 11:45pm) - Edinburgh / Glasgow (arrival 7:20am)
• Highland Route: London Euston (departure 9:15pm) - Aberdeen (7:50am) / Inverness (8:45am) / Fort William (10am)

From Scotland (to London):

• Lowland route: Edinburgh (11.40pm - 11.15pm on Sundays) / Glasgow (arrival 11.30pm) - London Euston (between 7am and 8am)
• Highland route: Aberdeen (9pm) / Inverness (8.45pm) / Fort William (7.50pm) / Edinburgh (12am) - London Euston (departure 9.15pm)

Please note: Boarding at London Euston is usually possible well before the train departs, which is great for settling in peacefully! On the Lowland route, you can usually board the train at Euston from 10:30-11pm, and on the Highland route at around 8:30pm. Similarly, in Edinburgh and Glasgow, you can board the train just before departure, so you can get to bed as soon as the train pulls into the station.

Comfort on board

On board the Caledonian Sleeper, you'll find four main options:

Comfort Seat

This is the most economical option: a wide reclining seat, equipped with an electric/USB socket, a tablet and a reading light, a light blanket and a night kit (mask, ear plugs). In the seat car, the lights are dimmed all night long and comfort remains basic since you sleep in a seated position, but it's the ideal formula if you're on a tight budget or in last-minute cases when no berths are available.

Caledonian Sleeper'seats - © Tolt

Cabin Classic

This is the basic sleeping arrangement: a private cabin with two bunk beds (190 cm long with bedding provided), a small sink with running water (for evening and morning washing), a mirror, and space for storing belongings (secure trunk, coat hooks...). If you're traveling solo, you'll generally occupy one of the bunks (the other remains empty or is allocated to another passenger of the same sex if you opt for the “shared” fare). If you're a solo traveler, the top bunk is folded down for extra space. Toilets are shared on the upper level of the car. A little tip if you're traveling with up to 4 friends or family: book two adjacent Classic cabins with connecting doors!

Cabin Club

An upgraded sleeper cabin, with a private bathroom (shower + toilet)! The bed configuration is the same as in the Classic (two bunk beds, this time with top-of-the-range bedding for a better quality of sleep), but the space includes a small private toilet with shower, WC and washbasin. Ideal if you want more privacy and comfort (no need to go out into the corridor to shower in the morning). You'll also benefit from included services: priority access to the Club Car bar car and station lounges, as well as a complimentary breakfast (served in the cabin or in the dining car).

Cabine Caledonian Double

The ultimate Caledonian Sleeper: a premium cabin with a 140cm-wide double bed (two places, at the bottom, no bunk beds) with real bedding, and of course a private bathroom (shower + WC) in the cabin, just like in a hotel! This is the most expensive but also the most comfortable formula, often favored by couples in search of a romantic experience. Passengers enjoy the same benefits as Club Class: breakfast included, lounges and priority access to the Club Car.

© Tolt - Caledonian Sleeper's cabines

Please note:

• There are also PRM-accessible cabins (an accessible cabin with adapted bed and bathroom, available on every train, to be requested when booking).
• Passengers with young children can book a family cabin (a low bed + space for a small child's bed).
• It's possible to travel with your bike on board the Sleeper: dedicated spaces are available, but you need to reserve your bike space in advance as they are limited (free service, reservation via the website or by email)!
• All cabins, whether Classic, Club or Double, are equipped with sockets, individual lamps and temperature controls, and are lockable with hotel-style magnetic cards.
• On board the train, a bar/restaurant car (Club Car) is available in the evenings and early mornings, where you can enjoy a drink, dinner or breakfast in a cosy atmosphere. Passengers in standard seats can also go there to stretch their legs or enjoy a meal (depending on how busy it is, priority is given to customers in the cabins).
• In short, the train is designed as a “hotel on wheels”, with staff on hand to welcome you, wake you up if necessary before arrival, and ensure your comfort throughout the journey.

© Tolt - Bike places in the train !

And a little tip for landscape lovers: if you're traveling with a seat, we recommend you take a seat on the left-hand side of the northbound train for the best sunrise views of the Highland route!

How much does it cost?

Fares vary according to class and period, but here's what you can expect:

• Reclining seat: from £35 (€40) on Lowland route, £40 (€46) on Highland route
• Classic cabin (sleeper) single: from £140 (≈160 €)
• Classic cabin (sleeper) double: from £170 (≈195 €) for 2 people
• Cabin Club solo (bunk + bathroom): from £205 (≈235 €)
• Cabin Club double (bunk + bathroom): from £250 (≈290 €) for 2 people
• Cabin Caledonian Double - Lowland route solo: from £335 (≈390 €)
• Cabin Caledonian Double - Lowland route double: from £335 (≈390 €) from £395 (≈460 €) for 2 people
• Cabin Caledonian Double - Highland route solo : from £395 (≈460 €)
• Cabin Caledonian Double - Highland route double: from £470 (≈550 €) for 2 pers

Please note: the price may seem expensive in Cabin Club, but compared to a plane + hotel combo, it can be very competitive!

Where to book your train tickets?

• The easiest way is to book online on the official Caledonian Sleeper website (www.sleeper.scot). The site makes it easy to choose your date, destination and sleeping option, and to pay by card
• By telephone on +44 141 555 0888.
• At British railway stations.

When can you book your tickets?

Tickets are generally available up to 12 months before departure. As usual, the earlier you book, the cheaper your tickets will be. We therefore strongly recommend that you book as soon as sales open for the period you're interested in, especially if you're aiming for a private cabin. Cabin seats (especially Deluxe/Double cabins, which are in short supply) can go very quickly for peak periods like summer, and long weekends!

How can you save money?

• Plan ahead if possible: ideally, book at least 3 to 6 months in advance to take advantage of the lowest Advance fares (note that Advance tickets are non-exchangeable/non-refundable). Flexible tickets (exchangeable up to D-2) are more expensive: take them only if you need flexibility.
• Mid-week travel: Sunday to Thursday nights are generally less popular than Friday nights. If your schedule allows it, avoid Friday and Saturday nights (often the most popular).
• Travel outside the tourist season: the Caledonian Sleeper is busiest in summer (tourists, hikers) and around the festive season. If you travel in autumn or winter (excluding the Christmas period), you'll find it easier to find special offers or one-off sales!
• Don't forget discounts: British rail discounts (Railcards 16-25, Senior, Two Together, etc.) are accepted on the Caledonian Sleeper! Typically, they offer -34% off the price of a seat or Classic cabin in single occupancy. Likewise, if you travel in a two-person cabin, the price per person is much more attractive than on your own (hence the idea of traveling accompanied to share the cost of a comfortable cabin). If you're taking several trips as a couple or in a group, investing in a British railcard can quickly pay off!
• Keep an eye out for special offers: sometimes the company offers special deals (reduced rates on last-minute seats, seasonal promotions...). It may be worth following the official Caledonian Sleeper accounts or newsletters.

© Tolt

Are there special rates for children?

Children under 5 years of age travel free of charge (they share a parent's bed, but don't have their own). Children aged 5-15 generally benefit from reduced fares (around 75% of the adult fare for the sleeper section).

Can I take the Caledonian Sleeper with Interrail?

If you have a valid Interrail or Eurail Pass in the UK, you can also use the Caledonian Sleeper: the pass covers the transport portion, but you have to pay a sleeper booking supplement (variable according to class) and book your place in advance.

Caledonian Sleeper VS plane: who wins the match?

If you're on the fence about flying, here's what you need to make up your own mind:

• In terms of cost and time, flying often seems attractive (around €100 one-way) and quicker (1h20 flight). But once you've added the cost of luggage, shuttles to the airport, formalities and an overnight stay in a hotel, the overall price and door-to-door time (around 5 h) come close to that of the Sleeper (≈8 h door-to-door, including overnight stay)! The night train saves you a night's accommodation and lets you take advantage of attractive early-booking or duo rates for cabins.
• In terms of comfort and experience, the Caledonian Sleeper offers a real bed or a reclining seat in a quiet carriage, the possibility of moving around freely and a friendly bar car, whereas the plane imposes a cramped seat, controls and little service on a short-haul flight. Travelling by night train also means enjoying Scotland's landscapes at dawn, and a retro atmosphere that's an integral part of the experience!
• In terms of accessibility, the Caledonian Sleeper leaves from and arrives at city centers (London Euston, Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central...), with no need to add a shuttle to your journey. By plane, you often start and finish at outlying airports, with an hour or more of transfers and checks, adding cost, stress and unproductive travel time.
• Finally, when it comes to ecological impact, the night train is unbeatable, emitting around 6 to 7 times less CO₂ than a domestic flight from London to Scotland (≃150 kg vs ≃850 kg AR per person) and doing away with the night's hotel stay, saving another 20 or so kilos of CO₂.

So, ready to give it a try?

To find out more:

• Europe's most comfortable night trains (spoiler: the Caledonian Sleeper is one of them!)
• Our favorite tours to discover Scotland by train (7, 10 and 15-day loops from France)
• Scotland's most beautiful train journeys