Caledonian Sleeper 2023. There are no 4 or 6 person rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This was generally very uncomfortable and I did not sleep at all! I was able to pay by card. When you book your tickets, youll only be asked about where youre departing from and the station you want to arrive at. It was painfully early and there were no pretty views to enjoy. The move confirms widespread expectation in the rail industry that the service would be . This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? Our classic cabin was functional and perfectly adequate; and certainly more comfortable than economy class flying. The only downside is you dont have much space in your room and theres nowhere else to go. I still use the sleeping mask today its pretty good quality, to be honest! Read about our approach to external linking. Sleeper train travel provides fantastic travel memories and stories to tell with some of the, Highlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from: . This week, we take a trip aboard the Caledonian Sleeper "Highlander" service from Inverness to London Euston to see if the problems with the new rolling stoc. Caledonian Double and Club car rooms come with a private shower on the Caledonian Sleeper. The one big downside was the lack of an ensuite bathroom which you can get if you choose the Club Room. Unsubscribe at any time. Book your trip Note Check when making a booking if travelling alone if a single person supplement fee is applicable. It had been due to run from 2015 to 2030. Family room and accessible room options for wheelchair users are available. Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of . The train is quiet (electric, I think). Try to get there at least an hour before departure to board the train as smoothly as possible! However, the food is overpriced. The Club car is available to all guests using berth sleeping accommodation only. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to . Although it was nice to have hot food, it was expensive and a little on the basic side. Trackside you're greeted by a member of staff, and they're delightful. For breakfast, we try to have everything packed ready so we could enjoy the breakfast, just finishing in time to arrive at our destination. If you were delayed by 30 or more minutes, you may be entitled to compensation, Find out the latest Caledonian Sleeper timetable alterations. Highlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness. Click to book your Caledonian Sleeper train tickets. While space isnt one of its strongest points, the trains beds are comfy and have cosy Glencraft mattresses. I justify it by seeing it as one nights accommodation and transport rolled into one. The capital of the UK and one of the worlds most spectacular cities, London needs little introduction and gives you access to business, entertainment and leisure on a grand scale. Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; Yes the on board staff know that your ticket class must match your travel facilities. Room supplements are available for Solo or Shared room occupancy in Club and Classic accommodation. A creative scene like no other, Glasgow is famous for the arts, live music, and comedy. Check terms and conditions regarding breakfast or room type. Serco said that on-board staff had received full pay during the pandemic, despite working reduced hours. For the Caledonian Sleeper, its not necessarily because of the price rather availability. The RMT said it would give the Scottish government "an opportunity to ensure this sustainable, low carbon route between Scotland and London can be run for passengers' interests, not private profit". Arrive refreshed at your destination of choice following your overnight journey. Scotland's Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth has confirmed that Caledonian Sleeper services will be taken over by the Scottish Government once Serco's current franchise expires on 25 June 2023. It was a good while before we found our carriage, but eventually, we bundled through the door and looked for our room. Dedicated wheelchair space in each Seated Coach Priority for wheelchair spaces is given to reservations in advance. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This is our favourite route we prefer to travel on when possible for various reasons read on to find out what these are! Then, retire to your comfortable cabin for a night on the rails. I havent included a menu here as it changes frequently depending on the season! Our train was due to depart from London Euston at 21:15 so we got there an hour before. Essential resources. Since 2015 we have partnered with ARRAN Sense of Scotland to supply our guests with bath and shower gels, shampoo, conditioner, handwashes and body lotions. The offer is available for customers holding a valid Caledonian Sleeper ticket. Mull Accommodation: 11 Best Places To Stay In 2023, 10 Best Fort William Day Trips: Hikes, Castles And Epic Train Journeys. He enjoys doing landscape and astrophotography while on the road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. NOTE The Club car can get a little crowded so you may have to wait for a table. The line technically has two routes - the Highlander and the Lowlander with the train splitting into sections depending on where it's going. Dogs and cats are allowed in the sleeper rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. Friendly and helpful, they let you know all the details of your . Read more: 10 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh For The Ultimate Travel Itinerary. Rail Staff Travel, PO Box 72071, London EC1P 1JD. There is no better way to travel! Watching the sunrise over the passing hills was one of the highlights of my trip. Privacy PolicyTerms of Use & CopyrightDisclosure & Disclaimer, Directory On longer routes to Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen, you can expect to board 45 minutes before departure. Luxury Double bed and not two separate bunk type beds. Sorry to hear that. Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UKs most wonderful destinations. And the full restriction (which didn't seem relevant to the original question) says. I would again recommend bringing your own breakfast rather than paying for this one. Ive been to two booking offices but to be honest they didnt fill me with great confidence that they knew what they were doing. Ministers nationalise cross-border train service after Serco stripped of franchise. The food was delicious, but it was expensive and the portions were a little on the small side. Caledonian Sleeper is a gateway to a world of possibilities with our overnight rail service bringing you the flavours of Scotland and comfort travelling between London and Scotland. This follows the announcement on 5 October 2022 of the Scottish Governments decision to terminate Sercos Franchise Agreement on 25 June 2023. To mark our new trains and a new era in rail travel, we commissioned a series of posters to commemorate the long history of the service. 2023 Little Lost Travel. Over the coming months Serco [], We have partnered with Visit Inverness Loch Ness to offer you the chance to win a fantastic family city break to the stunning landscapes of the Highlands to find the Loch Ness monster! Available for single or shared occupancy. Caledonian Sleeper is the collective name for overnight sleeper train services between London and Scotland, in the United Kingdom.It is one of only two currently operating sleeper services on the railway in the United Kingdom, the other being the Night Riviera which runs between London and Penzance.. A sleeper service has been run along the West Coast Main Line since 24 February 1873. Hailed as one of the worlds greatest train journeys by Lonely Planet, the Caledonian Sleeper offers a greener way to travel too. Breakfast was a limited offering, and we thought the evening meals were good, but the portions were smaller than at a restaurant. 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. You are able to smoke at the station before you board, and when you get off, but there arent many opportunities to smoke while riding. For other queries, you should find the information on our website, or you can e-mail us . Scroll down to the FAQ section to learn more about routes, popular stops and how long it takes to travel to each one! Inspired by the destinations we serve across the UK, the six posters are designed to celebrate the heritage of Caledonian Sleeper while also looking to the future. The Scottish government announced last year an offer to rebase the Serco contract did not represent value for money. Scottish Conservative transport spokesperson Graham Simpson criticised the decision and said: The minister agreed that the sleeper has surpassed any other train company in the UK in its recovery from the pandemic and was thriving and a world class service. Times may differ on return and from weekdays to weekends. I recommend doing the trip at least once. I have subscribed. All of the trains go directly to their destinations without the need for changes so you can sleep while the train is moving. The 800m agreement, signed in 2015, had been due to run until 2030 . We thoroughly enjoy travelling in the Scottish Highlands eating an excellent Scottish breakfast with a lovely cup of tea. Sleeper Train - the perfect way to arrive refreshed and ready for To get from London to Glasgow is either a 7-8 hour car journey (depending on traffic), a flight away, or a 4 and a half day train journey. There are a few on the train, each catering to wherever the section of the train is going. Train Accessibility Guides Provides the information relating to the features on board the train designed to help everyone. I had a small tub of porridge and my partner had a sausage bap all packaged up in a paper bag. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. The Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands from this summer, the Scottish Government has announced. 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. I was so excited to book the Caledonian Sleeper up to Fort William for my trip to the Scottish Highlands. Includes reservation costs and accommodation. Departing London Euston, the Highlander train splits into three at Edinburgh Waverley in the wee small hours of the morning. SUS should be used for Standard Class facility holders, FUS should be used for First Class facility holders. Yes. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. To enjoy the discount, simply visit a ScotRail booking office and show your Caledonian Sleeper paper or e-ticket to get 20% off your Off-Peak ticket. An experience which harks back to a bygone time, we enjoy a Having travelled on sleeper service around the world we think this is one of the best, and the Lonely Planet also agreed in 2016. Then three individual trains then travel onwards to Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness. More information on how we process your information can be found in our Privacy Policy. The price is by the room. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Priority access to the Club Cars is given to Club and Double Room guests. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to run the service seven years early. Customer assist is not compulsory but is recommended for peace of mind. If you show up having not eaten since lunch, just understand you may need to order a few different things. The fastest the Caledonian Sleeper can get to its destination is the route to Glasgow which takes 7.5 hours and the longest route, to Fort William, is almost 13 hours. We had to make sure we were in the right section of the train as it was going to split at Edinburgh. Serco received the current franchise in an 800m agreement, under which it was responsible for operating the service from 2015 to 2030. 5 Of The Best Cycling Routes In Scotland For Epic Views, Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season, 9 Best Scotland Small Group Tours You Need To Book (2022), Isle of Skye 2 Day Itinerary: Amazing Things To Do, 12 BEST Day Hikes In Scotland You Need To Experience, The Best Cyprus Itinerary for a Long Weekend (Or More!). Will be great if no longer STD or 1st designated berths, GWR did this several years ago, Solo cabins with PRIV rate is great ! The RMT Union has announced new national strike action for 5, 6, 7 and 9 November. An important and useful applied example of nationalisation here. I just wanted to check when booking the Caledonian Sleeper, the classic twin berth room booking also includes your journey fare? Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of Scotland's most rural stations to London, will be operated by an arm's-length company owned by the Scottish Government from June 25. He added: "Most importantly, this would have allowed the Scottish government to compare the price of such an award with that of their arm's length operator of last resort company.". Over the years, the service has been upgraded and modernized, and today the journey takes around 8 hours. If you try and book two weeks before you travel, theres a very good chance your ideal accommodation wont be available. For that, youll need to book a Club or a Double. But Gilruth insisted the decision to terminate the contract seven years early and take the service under the Scottish governments control should not be seen as a reflection on the firms operation of the service. The Scottish Government has announced it will take over providing Caledonian Sleeper services following the expiry of the current franchise on 25 June this year. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My mission is to show you why sustainable travel is empowering, fulfilling and affordable. Transport Scotland. 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. 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.. Check out these posts! One thing which made it 100% worth the sleepless night was the dawn light breaking as we sped through the Scottish Highlands. Comfort Seats on the Caledonian Sleeper are very nice and provide a comfortable ride to your destination. Receive the latest tours, offers, and inspirational travel content right in your inbox. 27 Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need For Your Packing List. Luton Dart: the most expensive train in Britain opens for business, Search to resume in morning after tug capsizes on River Clyde, HS2rail line could be further delayed to cut costs, says boss, Scotlands drug death epidemic may have peaked, data suggests, Reliability of UK trains fell to new lows in December, official figures show, Edinburgh school accused of discrimination by ex-spy is cleared, UKrail firms ordered to stop abusing train cancellations loophole, Firefighter in critical condition after blaze at Jenners building in Edinburgh, Rail industry and RMT resume talks amid hopes of end to strikes, Rescuers search for man missing off coast of Scotland. Arriving in London on the return was less fun though. Accessibility Enquiries Call UK Telephone. The decision to terminate this agreement was announced by the government in October last year. In fact, we arrived at the leisurely time of 9:57 am, so it wasnt really an early start! Single journey ticket purchases, you buy 2 tickets for a return journey. However, they may travel in the seated accommodation on the legs of the journey between Fort William and Edinburgh and vice versa, and Kingussie and Inverness where the sleeper train forms a day service (reservations are not required). Southbound, the train departs from both Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverly. 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. The contract for the overnight London to Scotland service will be removed from Serco in June. No spam, just awesome travel content. We were surprised to know that we could board the Caledonian Sleeper quite early before our train departed. There are options to choose from for your accommodation for each journey depending on your preferences and budget. Caledonian Sleeper train review: My verdict. If you book a room with 2 passengers, you wont be sharing a room with anyone else. Image: Andrew Smith. Dont worry, we wont bombard you with emails, and you can unsubscribe at any time, but our e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date every step of the way. Read more about them here. It was utterly magical and encapsulated the romanticism of train travel for me. The word Caledonian is taken from the Latin word which generally refers to the land in the north, Caledonia, the name the Romans used to describe Scotland. Franchise Update. Now it is possible to reserve sleeper berths and pay the supplement only at the Caledonian Sleeper website. Our accommodation allows you to arrive refreshed, Every room on board our train captures the spirit of Caledonian Sleeper, with handcrafted Glencraft mattresses for the ultimate sleep and for the first time en-suite facilities in select accommodation options. If neither of you feel comfortable going on the top berth you should opt for the double. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. By submitting your email you will be subscribed to my monthly newsletter. The Caledonian Sleeper is very safe! This includes the onboard showers and lounge facilities as well as enjoying the unique sleeper berth experience. Thats the absolute minimum time youll want to get there though. From this date, the Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by Scottish Rail Holdings, an arm's length company owned . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Wheelchairs/Scooters. The sleeper trains entry-level guest rooms. (see later section). This post is a review of our most recent experience using the northbound Highlander Caledonian Sleeper between London Euston and Fort William where we share not only our experience of the journey in Our View but also details alternative available train routes, travel classes, accommodation types, costs and much more. Is it worth upgrading or downgrading from the Classic Room? 16-25, Disabled, Disabled Child, Friends & Family, HM Forces, Senior, Two Together and Veteran are accepted. Station Accessibility Guides On depth information about the train stations the sleeper train service stops at. With everything in place for a relaxed Water was warm and plentiful when we tried the shower, and overall it was a good experience. Although Caledonian Sleeper staff are not participating in the strike action it does have a significant impact on the overnight Sleeper services. Rob is one of the most published photographers in the world, having published over 1 million images in the last 20 years. However, Ive heard that even those rooms are a bit cramped (I overheard a tall man complain about it in the Club Car). Ticket name. Our ride started at London Euston Station and ended at Glasgow Centra. The train cant be wider as it has to operate on standard train tracks. Club and Double Room guests are meant to get priority over Classic but we were still allowed in. Its also a more leisurely, sophisticated and sustainable way to travel. Required fields are marked *. As a gateway to the Highlands, Inverness has matured to become one of the UKs most spectacular cities. Disappointing that it's been withdrawn as opposed to tightening up on the misuse from those that don't hold travel facilities. The service, which has been operating in various forms since 1873, runs overnight trains between Scotland and London. Some of the UK's best destinations are connected by the Caledonian Sleeper. The Caledonian Sleeper service is a train service operated by Serco that runs overnight between London and various destinations in Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Fort William. If you are getting on the train at the starting point, you can occupy your cabin . You can revoke your consent any time using the Revoke consent button. From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by an arms length company owned by the Scottish government. It has been announced today that the Caledonian Sleeper service will move into public hands. It would hardly be the first time that ATOC/RDG have been behind the curve when it comes to accurate information. After dropping our bags off in the room, we went to get a seat in the Club Car. If the Caledonian Double is out of reach, the Club Room is also a great choice. Itll mostly be dark outside for your whole trip, so dont judge based on scenery, or lack thereof. The newer more modern services incorporate more hotel-style cabins, or berths, as they are termed, with lighter/brighter accommodation. Geoff Riley FRSA has been teaching Economics for over thirty years. Confused? It will be operated by an arms length company owned by the Scottish government from 25 June, transport minister Jenny Gilruth told MSPs in Holyrood on Thursday. OUR VIEW We enjoyed sitting have a drink in the evenings and also having breakfast in one of the booths depending on availability. In the UK, there are two sleeper trains. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to run the service seven years early. . Boston House, Like all trains, its recommended that you buy your tickets as far in advance as possible. Even if you know the number of the coach your seat/berth is in sometimes it is still not the easiest thing to find. Principal trains station stops As per South Bound Services (in reverse). Like most trains, smoking is not permitted on the Caledonian Sleeper in any area. In 2022-20223, ticket prices start as follows: Comfort Seat from 35 (London Edinburgh or Glasgow) or from 40 (London north of Edinburgh or Glasgow), Classic Room from 140 for solo travellers or from 170 if youre sharing, Club Room from 205 for solo travellers or from 250 if youre sharing, Double Room from 335 for solo travellers or from 400 if sharing (London Edinburgh or Glasgow) or from 395 for solo travellers or from 470 if sharing (London north of Edinburgh or Glasgow), Family Deal Classic from 140 (London Edinburgh or Glasgow) or from 185 (London north of Edinburgh or Glasgow). So, did the sleeper train live up to my expectations? On our trip we opted for the nachos and sliders. In this Caledonian Sleeper review, I share what its really like to travel on this iconic train. John Whitehurst, managing director of Sercos transport business, told BBC News that the company was disappointed that the Scottish government did not ensure value for money by examining the possibility of a direct contract award to Serco. The Club Car isnt always open though. In all honesty, no. Over recent months we have reported the numerous issues with Caledonian Sleeper and its new CAF rolling stock. John Whitehurst, managing director of Serco's transport business, said the company was disappointed that the Scottish government "did not ensure value for money by examining the possibility of a direct contract award to Serco". I would rather have a bed than a seat even if I were travelling alone. These are available at the following stations. No spam, just awesome sustainable travel content! The Aberdeen train stops at Montrose, Stonehaven, Leuchars and Dundee. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/online-prv-on-cal-sleeper.175891/. These cookies do not store any personal information. These are Caledonian Sleeper staff who greet guests at the train. Jenny Gilruth said nothing about how this world class service can be improved under the Scottish government.. If there are three of you, book two berths adjacent to each other. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Finally the review! There wasnt a standard plug so if you want to use your electronics on the train, make sure you bring a lead or power bank with you. Take advantage of this, as the train ride isnt very long. Whether it is for business or leisure, allow yourself to unwind from the stress of everyday life as you dream all night, in comfort and wake up at your destination refreshed. KOVERED Eden Backpack Review: The Best Travel Carry-On? Yes, you can take up to two pets with you (including dogs and cats) but it will cost you extra. Free goodies such as sleeping masks and earplugs, Breakfast room service - complimentary if you upgrade, Free eye mask that I still use months later, More eco-friendly than flying and driving, The carriages and rooms are a bit cramped, Food is expensive and dishes are on the small side, The lounge car isnt open late so dont rely on it to eat, Its not as nice waking up extremely early in London, Could do with having entertainment on board. Review of Caledonian Sleeper. Includes 2 adjacent berths which sleep 4 in total, Family Deal Club from 250 (London Edinburgh or Glasgow) or from 275 (London north of Edinburgh or Glasgow). UK Telephone number. The Caledonian Sleeper is to be taken into public hands in June, transport minister Jenny Gilruth has confirmed to MSPs. One thing obviously missing from the Classic Room is an ensuite bathroom. If Im being honest about the food if youre on a budget I recommend bringing your own such as snacks and sandwiches rather than eating in the Club Car. The Caledonian Sleeper first began operating in 1873, when the Caledonian Railway Company opened the service between Glasgow and London. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union, which represents many Sleeper staff, renewed its call for nationalisation on Friday after the impending statement was announced. The train is certainly comfortable for a train. I was worried wed be stuck there for ages but luckily, the train staff checked our tickets pretty quickly. It is an incredible way to experience a trip to Scotland from London. Narrow was a theme that carried right through to our room. From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH), an arm's length company owned by the Scottish government. For those staying in rooms, there are Club Cars, a lounge car which serves drinks and hot food. On top of all that they do seem very friendly. 2 March 2023. On both occasions, I stayed in a Classic Room. Do you have to share a room on the Caledonian Sleeper. All cabins now Ticket code. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Southbound, the train starts in thirds from Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William and heads down towards Edinburgh.