Amsterdam's cultural scene: (re)discover the city with the City Card
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Published on 4/9/26
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You plan to discover the Highlands, Loch Ness and mystical castles by train ? Between the stress of driving on the left and the Scotland's superb train lines We can only understand you!
Good news: there's an option that's as practical as it is exotic for connecting London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands by train the Caledonian Sleeper an iconic night train linking London and Scotland.
Not only do you get to close your eyes in London and wake up in the Scottish countryside in the early hours of the morning, but you also get to enjoy a comfortable trip, while saving a night's hotel accommodation.
Reservations, prices, timetables, comfort... We tell you all about it. train London-Scotland like no other
Visit train London-Scotland Caledonian Sleeper links the British capital with several of Scotland's major cities, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as with the wilder regions of the Highlands.
From London (accessible by train from France via Eurostar, which arrives at St Pancras International station, a 10-minute walk from London Euston) it serves 5 main destinations via two roads distinct :
In particular, it serves Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William, Stirling, Perth and Aviemore. If you set your alarm for sunrise, the most beautiful scenery can be seen on the Highland Road, especially towards Fort William!
The London-Scotland night train runs almost all year round, with fixed timetables depending on destination.
The Caledonian Sleeper is on the move every night, Sunday to Friday There is a two-way service 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 on bank holidays (and sometimes on weekends). no traffic December 24-25 and December 31) or engineering work, but the days and times are generally the same:
Please note: Boarding at London Euston is generally possible although before departure of the train, which is great for settling in peacefully! On the Lowland route, you can usually join the train from 10:30-11pm in Euston, and on the Highland route 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.
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On board the Caledonian Sleeper, you'll find four main options :
This is the most economical option: a wide reclining chair, equipped with an electric/USB socket, a tablet and a reading light, a light blanket and a night kit (mask, earplugs). In the seat car, the lights remain dimmed all night 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.
© Tolt - Seating for the Caledonian Sleeper
This is the basic formula for sleeping in a reclining position: a private cabin with two bunk beds (190-cm-long beds with bedding provided), a small washbasin with running water (for morning and evening washing), a mirror, and space to store your belongings (safe, coat hooks...). If you travel solo If you choose the "shared" fare, you generally occupy one of the bunks (the other remains empty or is allocated to another passenger of the same sex). If you are solo The top bunk is folded away to provide more space. Toilets are shared on the floor 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!
Alexis Calvignac - Classic cabin comfort at a glance
An upgraded sleeper cab, also equipped 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 services included : l' priority access to the Club Car dining car and in-station lounges (lounge areas) and a free breakfast (served in cabin or dining car).
The ultimate Caledonian Sleeper: a premium cabin with double bed 140cm wide (double, lower, 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 option, often favored by couples in search of a romantic experience. Passengers enjoy the same benefits as in Club class: breakfast included, lounges and priority access to the Club Car.
Alexis Calvignac - Comfort in the Double Cabin!
Please note:
Tolt - Bike spaces on the train!
Tolt - The PMR cabin of the Caledonian Sleeper
And the little tip for landscape lovers If you are travelling with a seat, we advise you to take a seat in the left side of undercarriage heading north for the best sunrise views on the Highlands Road!
© Alexis Calvignac - Honestly, doesn't this restaurant car sound appealing?
Overall, the Advice on the Caledonian Sleeper have been very positive, notably for its comfort and the unique experience it offers.
The price of London-Edinburgh or London-Glasgow overnight trains depends on the level of comfort chosen and the booking period.
Rates vary by class and period, but here's what you can expect:
Please note: the price may seem onerous in Club Cabin, but compared with a plane + hotel combo, it can be very competitive!
Tickets are generally available up to 12 months before departure. As usual, the sooner you get started the less expensive your tickets. 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 during peak periods like summer, and on long weekends!
Alexis Calvignac - The kind of scenery you can look out your window at dawn
The children of less than 5 years travel free of charge t (without their own bed, they share a parent's). The 5-15 years generally benefit from discounted rates (approximately 75% of the adult fare for the berth portion).
If you have a valid Interrail or Eurail Pass in the UK, you can buy a ticket for the Caledonian Sleeper: the pass covers the portion of the journey, but you have to pay a sleeper booking supplement (which varies according to class) and book your seat in advance.
Alexis Calvignac - Beautiful scenery aboard the Caledonian Sleeper
In comparison, a London-Edinburgh daytime train takes around 4h30, but does not allow overnight travel. The Caledonian Sleeper therefore offers an interesting alternative for optimizing travel time.
If you're still on the fence about flying, here's something to help you make up your own mind:
So, would you like to give it a try?
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
