Guide to the Caledonian Sleeper Train [Review + tips]

Considering a trip on the Caledonian Sleeper? Good choice! Our guide contains our review of the service plus practical tips and advice to make the most of your trip on one of the most popular train journeys in the world.

There is no better way to travel!  Train lovers like us always prefer rail travel to other modes of transport, not just for the considerable advantages, but also for the environmental benefits.

Sleeper travel is even better!

• Travelling overnight saves on hotel costs. It is amazing to fall asleep in one country/state and wake up in another, enjoying the views along the way!  The contrast in scenery can be incredible!

• Saves time on a tight travel schedule, travelling while you sleep and waking up refreshed and ready for the next adventure.

• Sleeper train travel provides fantastic travel memories and stories to tell with some of the best train journeys of the world incorporating overnight travel.

• It is amazing fun!

In this article, discover one of the most popular sleeper train journeys in the world – the Caledonian Sleeper service from London to Scotland (and vice versa). You will find essential tips to make the most of your journey, plus a first-hand review of our own experiences using this service multiple times.

Planning to explore more of Britain by rail? This journey is part of our complete guide to the best UK train journeys.

If you are considering booking the Caledonian Sleeper for your next journey from London to Scotland, you will find everything you need to know in our article.

➡️ Click for further information and to book your Caledonian Sleeper Train tickets

What is the Caledonian Sleeper

The Caledonian Sleeper is the name of the service that runs between England and Scotland 6 days a week. 

This service runs on the West Coast Main railway line from London Euston to 5 Scottish locations on the Northbound services, with Southbound services running in the opposite direction. The UK’s other sleeper train runs from London Paddington to Cornwall: read our Night Riviera Sleeper review.

The word Caledonian comes from the Latin word for “the land in the north,” Caledonia, the name the Romans used to describe Scotland.

This post reviews our most recent northbound Highlander Caledonian Sleeper journey between London Euston and Fort William, where we share not only our experience in ‘Our View’ but also details of alternative train routes, travel classes, accommodation types, costs, and more.

This is our favourite route, and we prefer to travel it when possible for various reasons… read on to find out what they are!

Though we have travelled on this service many times, this was our first time on the new, updated sleeper service in January 2020.  Having travelled on sleeper services around the world, we think this is one of the best, and Lonely Planet also agreed in 2016.

The newer, more modern services feature more hotel-style cabins, or berths, with lighter/brighter accommodation.  Wi-Fi is also improved throughout the train, along with better accessibility arrangements that increase inclusivity for all.

➡️ Click for further information and to book your Caledonian Sleeper Train tickets

The Caledonian Sleeper – Route information

Caledonian Sleeper – Station and Stops

The sleeper service offers Highlander and Lowlander train options for passengers to choose from, travelling either Northbound from London Euston or Southbound from Scotland. 

Each route and destination is as follows, also showing the principal train station stops along the route.

South Bound Caledonian Sleepers

• Highlander Route – Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from: –
  • Fort William – Station stops include Dumbarton, Helensburgh Upper, and all listed West Highland Line stations.
  • Aberdeen – Station stops include Kirkcaldy, Leuchars (station stop for St. Andrews), Dundee, Carnoustie and Arbroath.
  • Inverness – Station stops include Stirling, Gleneagles, Perth, Pitlochry, and Aviemore.

• Lowlander Route – Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central.
  • Edinburgh Waverley– Station stops include Watford Junction and Carlisle and Carstairs.
  • Glasgow Central – Station stops include Watford Junction, Carlisle, Carstairs and Motherwell.

North Bound Caledonian Sleepers

• Highlander Route – Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into sections at Edinburgh Waverley railway station (in the middle of the night).  Then three individual trains travel onwards to Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness.
  • Principal train station stops – As per South Bound Services (in reverse).

• Lowlander Route – Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into two separate trains at Carstairs (a station south and between Glasgow and Edinburgh) and then travelling onwards to Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central.
  • Principal train station stops – As per South Bound Services (in reverse).

Caledonian Sleeper – Boarding Times and Timetable

South Bound Caledonian Sleepers

• Highlander Route – Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness 

	From Inverness	From Fort William	From Aberdeen
	Monday to Friday	Sunday	Monday to Friday	Sunday	Monday to Friday	Sunday
Room Available From	2000	1945	1920	1830	2115	2100
Departure Time	2045	2026	1950	1900	2143	2143
Arrival Time Euston	0749	0749	0749	0749	0749	0749
Vacate Train by	0800	0800	0800	0800	0800	0800

• Lowlander Route – Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central.

	From Edinburgh	From Glasgow Central
	Monday to Friday	Sunday	Monday to Friday	Sunday
Room Available From	2300	2230	2200	2200
Departure Time	2340	2315	2340	2315
Arrival Time Euston	0707	0707	0707	0707
Vacate Train by	0730	0730	0730	0730

North Bound Caledonian Sleepers

• Highlander Route – Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into sections at Edinburgh Waverley railway station (in the middle of the night).  Then three individual trains travel onwards to Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness.

	Monday to Friday	Sunday	Fort William	Inverness	Aberdeen
Room Available From	2030	2015	–	–	–
Departure Time From Euston	2115	2100	–	–	–
Arrival Time (Mon to Sun)	–	–	0957	0842	0740
Vacate Train by	–	–	0958	0845	0745

• Lowlander Route – Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into two separate trains at Carstairs (a station south and between Glasgow and Edinburgh) and then two trains travelling onwards to Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central.

	Monday to Friday	Sunday	Glasgow Central	Edinburgh Waverley
Room Available From.	2230	2230	–	–
Departure time from Euston	2350	2330	–	–
Arrival Time	–	–	0722	0722
Vacate Train by	–	–	0800	0800

• NOTE – Check your booking for timetable changes due to unforeseen circumstances, i.e., weather, unplanned engineering works, safety, public holidays, or winter months. 
• Always check departure and arrival times prior to travel, the week or day before. 

➡️ Click to book your Caledonian Sleeper train tickets

Caledonian Sleeper – Options for sleeping or seating

You can choose from different accommodation options for each journey, depending on your preferences and budget. The class of travel choice is highlighted for each option and our experienced opinion is expressed in ‘Our View’ for the options we have tried out.

Comfort Seats (sometimes referred to as sleeper seats)

• The cheapest option available for passengers who buy a valid train ticket through any regular ticket outlet.
• Passengers required to call the ‘Guest Service Centre’ to make a reservation, this is no extra cost for Seated accommodation only.  The telephone number is a UK telephone number: 0330 060 0500.
• The seating configuration is the same as conventional UK First Class seating carriages, with 2-1 seats in an airline-type setup.
• The seats partially recline, with a slide-forward seat cushion section.
• Facilities include:
  • A Drop-down footrest.
  • Tray table, drop-down.
  • Lockable storage for peace of mind.
  • Seat-specific reading light.
  • WIFI
  • Multiple at-seat charging points or sockets.
  • Complimentary sleep kit (ear plugs, mask)
  • Call button for at-seat service for food and drink (menu provided at the seat).
• NOTE: Northbound travellers between London Euston and Fort William have to change seats at Edinburgh Waverley train station from one train to another.

OUR VIEW – We haven’t taken any journeys on the Comfort Seats on the new, improved services, but I did quite a few years ago on the older trains.  This was generally very uncomfortable, and I did not sleep at all! There was no WIFI, no charging sockets, and the lighting was terrible.  The new service looks 100% improved.

Caledonian Double (Room)

• Luxury Double bed and not two separate bunk-type beds.
• Breakfast is included.
• Facilities include:
  • Priority train boarding.
  • En-suite toilet and shower.
  • In-room wash basin.
  • Complimentary sleep kit, including Scottish toiletry items.
  • Priority Club Car Access
  • WIFI
  • Electrical charging points.
  • Room Service.
  • Key card door access.
  • Berth Temperature control.
  • Lights dimmer control.

OUR VIEW – We have never stayed in one of these rooms. Other travellers say the double room(s) book up quickly because demand is always high.  Book early if this is what you want.

Club Room (A hotel Experience)

• Twin bunk- beds.
• Breakfast included.
• Facilities include:
  • In room wash basin.
  • En-suite toilet and shower.
  • Complimentary sleep kit, including Scottish toiletry items.
  • Priority Club Car Access
  • WIFI
  • Electrical charging points.
  • Station Lounge access. (see later section).
  • Room Service.
  • Room Key card access.
  • Berth Temperature control.
  • Lights dimmer control.
  • Priority train boarding.
  • Available for single or shared occupancy.

OUR VIEW – This is the type of room we prefer and generally settle on, it seems to tick the boxes for us in facilities, availability, as well as the cost value for money.

Note – Check when making a booking if travelling alone if a single person supplement fee is applicable.

Classic Room (the new Standard)

• Twin bunk beds.
• Breakfast is NOT included but can be purchased.
• Facilities include:
  • In-room wash basin.
  • Complimentary sleep kit, including Scottish toiletry items.
  • Interconnecting door options.
  • Priority Club Car Access
  • WIFI
  • Room Key card access.
  • Electrical charging points.
  • Berth Temperature control.
  • Lights dimmer control.
  • Available for single or shared occupancy.

OUR VIEW – The classic berth type we used in the past because of our budget, but we now prefer the Club option if possible, mainly for the en-suite toilet, which we think is worth paying a little more for. 

Club Car – Food and Drink Lounge

The new Club Car option is a designated coach to buy food and drink on the go in a modern, light and friendly setting. The Club car is available to all guests in berth sleeping accommodation. Comfort seat passengers can choose at-seat service.

• Facilities include:
  • Seasonal Scottish food, ranging from snacks to full dinners and breakfasts.
  • Drinks menu including Scottish drinks such as whisky.
  • Menu in each berth.
  • Reasonably priced.
  • Access priority is given to the Caledonian Double and Club Room guests.
  • Booth seating options and swivel chair options available.
  • WIFI.
  • Electrical charging points.

OUR VIEW – We enjoyed sitting and having a drink in the evenings and also having breakfast in one of the booths depending on availability. We thoroughly enjoy travelling in the Scottish Highlands and having an excellent Scottish breakfast with a lovely cup of tea. 

NOTE – The Club car can get a little crowded, so you may have to wait for a table.  For breakfast, we try to have everything packed ready, so we could enjoy the breakfast, just finishing in time to arrive at our destination.

Caledonian Sleeper Tickets and Passes

All Caledonian Sleeper tickets need to be valid on the ARRIVAL date of your end destination station, not necessarily on the date you leave the starting point train station. 

If using a BritRail Pass or Interrail Pass (that includes Great Britain), check that the dates on your travel pass are still valid for your journey before travelling.

National Rail tickets can be accepted between stations served by the sleeper services with a reservation made via the Guest service Centre telephone line. 

Passengers required to book accommodation already holding a National Rail ticket or any of the above valid travel passes will be required to book through the service centre and pay a Room Supplement.

Room supplements are available for Solo or Shared room occupancy in Club and Classic accommodation.

Any doubts call the Caledonian Service Centre – (UK Telephone number) 0330 060 0500 for further information or to check terms and conditions of purchase.

There are 2 types of purchased sleeper tickets available for all services for general ticket sales; the Flexipass is for group purchases.

• Fixed Advance – These are the best-value tickets if you are certain of your travel date and don’t anticipate any changes.   No changes are allowed; refunds or any upgrades are not permitted.
  • Available for Classic and Club rooms.
  • Includes reservation costs and accommodation.
  • Can be purchased 12 months in advance.
  • Single journey ticket purchases, you buy 2 tickets for a return journey.

• Flexible – These tickets are fully refundable, with no administration fee, if a request is made by 12 noon, 2 days before the original planned destination arrival time. After this time, no refunds will be available.
  • Available for Classic, Club rooms and Caledonian Double rooms.
  • Includes reservation costs and accommodation.
  • Can be purchased 12 months in advance.
  • Single journey ticket purchases: you buy 2 tickets for a return journey.

• Flexipass – This is a group purchase for 10 single journey tickets over any Caledonian Sleeper route, valid over 12 months for your own use, family or friends. The pass starts at the first booking, not the date of the first travel. 
  • Check terms and conditions regarding breakfast or room type. 

OUR VIEW – Using the fixed tickets suited our needs best, as our research and itinerary planning let us know exactly when and how we planned to travel, so we could manage our travel costs better throughout. For the same reasons, the Flexible tickets weren’t an option either. The Flexipass was not an option for us with only one journey planned at that time. 

Travel on the Caledonian Sleeper – FAQs

Station lounges

Depending on whether you are travelling on the northbound or southbound Highlander or Lowlander Caledonian Sleeper service from the start, or joining the train en route, you may want to use the station lounge facilities. 

These are available at the following stations.

• Guest Lounges – Euston, Fort William, Inverness.
  • Showers/Toilets available.
  • Drinks/snacks provided.
• Shared Lounges (with other train operators).
  • Edinburgh – With LNER.
  • Glasgow Central – With Avanti West Coast.
  • Aberdeen – With ScotRail.

OUR VIEW – As a rule, we do not use the station lounges too often, preferring to eat a meal before arriving at the station and spending as much time on board the train and using the onboard facilities as much as we can.  This includes the onboard showers and lounge facilities as well as enjoying the unique sleeper berth experience.

Accessible Travel

The Caledonian Sleeper accessible travel policy (2021) includes information for:

• Helping older and disabled passengers – Summary leaflets provide key/vital information for journey planning and booking/arranging assistance.
• Station Accessibility Guides – In-depth information about the train stations the sleeper train service stops at.
• Train Accessibility Guides – Provide information relating to the features on board the train designed to help everyone.

Key Points (Selected)

• Guest Service Centre – Provides all travel information, including planning, booking tickets, berths, and answers to accessibility questions, to help guests make their own choices.   UK Telephone number: 0330 060 0500.
• On board Host service – See below under Boarding the train.
• To book customer Assistance – must be booked at least 6 hours before the train leaves its starting station. (This is to be reduced to 2 hours from 1st April 202).
  • 48 hours in advance for international travel bookings is requested.
  • Customer assist is not compulsory but is recommended for peace of mind.
  • Accessibility Enquiries – Call UK Telephone 0800 904 7267 (up to 12 weeks in advance of travel).
• No Charge for Customer Assist.
• Dedicated wheelchair space in each Seated Coach – Priority for wheelchair spaces is given to reservations in advance.
• Wheelchairs/Scooters. – Requested to be no bigger than 70cm wide, 120cm long. Overall weight with guest and luggage does not exceed 300kg.
• Baggage Assist – Guest consideration is requested for size/weight/and quantity in relation to available space on the train and to ensure it is safe for staff to handle manually.
  • One hand luggage item (able to be held on the lap if required) and up to two items of luggage no bigger than 30cm x 70cm x 90cm.
• Assistance Dogs – Welcome on board.  Call the guest centre for further information regarding assisting the dog’s comfort.

Baggage Size

One item of hand luggage and up to two items of luggage no bigger than 30cm x 70cm x 90cm are permitted, as space is of a premium onboard the train.

Boarding the Train

When advised from the station electronic boards which station platform your train will be departing from the easiest way to find your correct coach is to ask one of the train hosts. These are Caledonian Sleeper staff who greet guests at the train. 

Even if you know the coach number your seat/berth is in, it is still not always easy to find.  A top tip is to ask the first host you can and have them direct you to the correct host, who will have your name and booking on a list.

OUR VIEW – All the on-board hosts we have ever come across have been extremely helpful and knowledgeable not just about the train and the facilities but have excellent train route knowledge about what to see on the way.  On top of all that they do seem very friendly. Unlike some countries, they do not expect a financial tip at the end of the service.