Ride the Sleeper Train to Scotland
Riding the rails at night is a unique way to travel. Not only can you enjoy a quieter, more spacious train but after hours train fares can be cheaper than other modes of transport. When it comes to a holiday weekend or a business trip (with a few hours for sightseeing included!) a sleeper train is just what the doctor ordered. You can enjoy a drink in the bar and relax in the lounge with a magazine before heading to bed – with the starry skies above, ready for a train-lulled, great night’s sleep as you make your way towards the magnificent Scottish Highlands.
Night trains
Sleeper trains will take you from the heart of London into the peace of the Scottish highlands, with routes from London to Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Fort William, Glasgow and the rural beauty of Inverness. There are also overnight trains from London to Penzance, or you can travel across Italy overnight, from Palermo to Milan. Other night trains travel from Vienna to Amsterdam, Hamburg and Rome or from Paris to Nice, Malmö to Berlin and from Stockholm to Narvik – if you want to expand your night-travelling horizons.
Caledonian Sleeper Train
Caledonian Sleeper trains are comfortable and offer all the modern conveniences at your finger-tips. There are six comfortable guest lounges at stations across the highlands where you can begin or end your night train journey. On board you will find a range of excellent facilities including:
- Toilet and shower facilities.
- Drinks and snacks to enjoy before you leave and during the trip.
- The Club Car, which serves a range of meals and drinks to enjoy on your journey.
- Free Wi-Fi for work or social media communication.
- Comfortable seating for socialising.
- Private seating for quiet time and a glass of wine or coffee.
- Child-friendly accommodation and facilities (children up to the age of four travel free).
- Pet-friendly approach.
Night train tickets
Tickets can be bought through your rail service operator online or through the guest service centre. You can choose from a range of night train tickets like Comfort Seats or en-suite Caledonian Double seating -depending on your preference or budget. Flexipass and Family tickets can also be bought online and help keep travel costs down. Rooms can be booked for single occupants or companion travellers. Choose from Sleeper Fixed Advance and Sleeper Flexible tickets. Night train travel is exhilarating but don’t forget to get some important things in order before you leave.
Sleeper train rooms and sleeping arrangements
Depending on the type of ticket you buy, your facilities may differ, but all night train accommodations are comfortable and of a high standard. Caledonian double rooms come with a double bed, breakfast, Wi-Fi, en suite, with shower, toilet and room service – among other advantages, like dimmable lights and Priority Club Car access. Club rooms have double-bunk beds, Wi-Fi, breakfast, en-suite with shower and toilet and Priority Club Car access while Classic rooms have twin bunk beds, breakfast for purchase, washbasins, Wi-Fi and room service. If you prefer seating, a Comfort Seat is equipped with a comfortable chair, footrest, tray tables, Wi-Fi and a dedicated food and drink menu.
To help you plan your journey, we’ve included some useful tips for booking a holiday early to save money and some useful information on how to go about choosing the right holiday parkfor a summer break.
There is no doubt that a sleeper train holiday is a quaint and special event and whizzing through the night, to arrive at your destination in the early morning is a breath taking experience – and one that we should all experience, at least once in a lifetime. Night trains can be quieter and more peaceful than day trips and provide a unique experience for first-time or more experienced travellers and may help keep your total travel package more affordable into the bargain. Fully equipped with modern conveniences and east to book online, night trains are a great option to consider for travel through Scotland and further afield.
