Good news: there’s a convenient and exotic option for traveling between From London to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Highlands by train : the Caledonian Sleeper, an iconic overnight train connecting London to Scotland.
Not only do you close your eyes in London and wake up to the Scottish countryside in the early morning, but you also enjoy a comfortable trip while saving on a night’s stay at a hotel. Next, all you have to do is follow that up with a trip to Scotland that’s 100% by train:
Reservations, prices, schedules, amenities… We’ll tell you everything about this train from London to Scotland like no other
🚆 The Caledonian Sleeper at a Glance:
Is it possible to travel from London to Scotland by night train? Yes, thanks to the Caledonian Sleeper, which runs from London Euston to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, and Fort William six nights a week (no departures on Saturdays).
How much does it cost? Starting at £35 (~40 €) for a seat, and starting at £140 (~160 €) for a private sleeper cabin.
How long does the trip take? 7:30 a.m. for the Lowland route (Edinburgh/Glasgow), up to 10:00 a.m. for the Highlands.
Is it better to take the train or fly? The overnight train eliminates the need for a hotel stay, departs from and arrives in the city center, and emits about one-seventh as much CO₂ as a flight from London to Scotland.
When should I make a reservation? Tickets go on sale 12 months in advance. For a cabin, aim to book 3 to 6 months before departure.
Which destinations does the Caledonian Sleeper serve?
The train from London to Scotland The Caledonian Sleeper connects the British capital to several major Scottish cities, such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as to the more remote areas of the Highlands.
From London (accessible by train from France via the Eurostar, which arrives at St. Pancras International Station, a 10-minute walk from London Euston), it serves 5 major destinations via two roads distinct:
Lowland Route: serves the Scottish Lowlands, with a train bound for Glasgow Central and another one toward Edinburgh Waverley (The train splits into two parts along the way, near Carstairs.)
Highland Route: runs through the Scottish Highlands and splits into three sections from Edinburgh, continuing separately toward Aberdeen (via Dundee), Inverness (via Stirling, Perth, and Aviemore) and Fort William (via the famous West Highland Line).
In particular, it serves Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William, Stirling, Perth, and Aviemore. If you set your alarm for sunrise, keep in mind that the most beautiful scenery can be seen along the Highland Road, especially around Fort William!
What are the Caledonian Sleeper's schedules?
The London–Scotland overnight train runs almost year-round, with fixed schedules depending on the destination.
The Caledonian Sleeper is in service every night, Sunday through Friday, in both directions between London and Scotland (no departures on Saturday evenings), for a total of six nights a week. Of course, it’s best to check the schedules during holidays (and sometimes no traffic (December 24–25 and December 31) or engineering work, but the days and times are generally always the same:
From London (to Scotland):
Lowland Route: London Euston (Departure at 11:45 p.m.) - Edinburgh / Glasgow (arrival 7:20 a.m.)
Highland Route: London Euston (Departure at 9:15 p.m.) - Aberdeen (7:50 a.m.) / Inverness (8:45 a.m.) / Fort William (10 a.m.)
From Scotland (to London):
Lowland Route: Edinburgh (11:40 p.m. – 11:15 p.m. on Sundays) / Glasgow (arrival 11:30 p.m.) - London Euston (between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.)
Highland Route: - Aberdeen (9:00 p.m.) / Inverness (8:45 p.m.) / Fort William (7:50 p.m.) /Edinburgh (12:00 a.m.) - London Euston (Departure at 9:15 p.m.)
Please note: Boarding at London Euston is usually possible without any before departure on the train, which is great for settling in at your own pace! On the Lowland route, you can usually board the train as early as 10:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m. at Euston, and on the Highland route around 8:30 p.m. Similarly, in Edinburgh and Glasgow, you can board the train a little before departure, which allows you to go to bed as soon as the train pulls into the station.
How comfortable is the Caledonian Sleeper, and what are the cabins like on board?
On board the Caledonian Sleeper, you'll find four main options :
Reclining Seat (Comfort Seat)
This is the most economical option: a wide, reclining seat equipped with a power outlet and USB port, a tray table, a reading light, a light blanket, and a sleep kit (eye mask, earplugs). In a car seat, the lights remain dimmed all night, and comfort is basic since you sleep in a seated position, but this is the ideal option if you’re on a tight budget or booking last minute when no sleeper berths are available.
This is the basic option for sleeping in a reclining seat: a private cabin with two bunk beds (190-cm-long beds with bedding provided), a small sink with running water (for washing in the evening and in the morning), a mirror, and a place to store your belongings (secure storage locker, coat hooks, etc.). If you're traveling solo, you'll usually occupy one of the berths (the other remains empty or is assigned to another passenger of the same sex if you choose the "shared" fare). If you are solo, the top bunk is folded down to provide more space. The restrooms are shared on the upper level of the car. Here's a little tip if you're traveling with family or friends—up to 4 people: book two adjacent Classic cabins with a connecting door!
An upgraded sleeper cab, additionally equipped with a private bathroom (shower + toilet)! The bed configuration is the same as in the Classic room (two bunk beds, but this time with high-end bedding for a better night’s sleep), but the space includes a small private bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink. It’s ideal if you want more privacy and comfort (no need to step out into the hallway to shower in the morning). You’ll also enjoy Included Services : the priority access to the Club Car dining car and to the lounges at train stations (lounge areas), as well as a free breakfast (served in the cabin or in the dining car).
Caledonian Double Cabin
The ultimate experience on the Caledonian Sleeper: a premium cabin with double bed 140 cm wide (two-person, bottom bunk, no bunk beds) with real bedding, and of course a private bathroom (shower + toilet) in the cabin—just like at a hotel! This is the most expensive option but also the most comfortable, often favored by couples looking for a romantic experience. Passengers enjoy the same benefits as Club Class: breakfast included, lounge access, and priority boarding Club Car.
There are also booths accessible to people with disabilities (An accessible compartment with an adapted bed and bathroom is available on every train; please request it when making your reservation.)
Travelers with young children can book a family cabin (a low bed + space for a small child's bed).
It is possible to traveling with your bike On board the Sleeper: there are designated areas, but you have to Reserve a bike space in advance because they are limited (free service, reservations via the website or by email)!
All cabins—whether Classic, Club, or Double—are equipped with outlets, by individual lamps, by temperature controls, and ferment locked with a hotel-style magnetic key card.
On the train, a bar/restaurant car (Club Car) It is open in the evening and early in the morning: you can enjoy a drink, dinner, or breakfast there in a cozy atmosphere. Passengers in standard seats can also go there to stretch their legs or grab a bite to eat (depending on how busy it is, priority is given to suite guests).
In short, the train is designed like a “rolling hotel”, with staff on hand to welcome you, wake you up if needed before arrival, and ensure your comfort throughout the trip.
Small tip If you're traveling in a passenger seat on Highland Road, make yourself comfortable left side from the train heading north: this is the side that offers the most beautiful views at sunrise.
Caledonian Double Cabin - Highland Route (double occupancy): starting at £470 (≈550 €) for 2 people
Please note: The price may seem high in Club Class, but compared to a flight-and-hotel package, it can actually be very competitive!
How and when should you book your train tickets?
Online at the Caledonian Sleeper official website (www.sleeper.scot). The website makes it easy to choose your date, destination, and preferred sleeping arrangement, and to pay by credit card. It's the easiest way to book your ticket for train from London to Scotland.
By phone at +44 141 555 0888.
At British train stations.
Tickets are usually available up to 12 months before departure. As usual, the sooner you start, the cheaper your tickets will be. We therefore strongly recommend that you book as soon as tickets go on sale for the period you’re interested in, especially if you’re hoping to get a private cabin. Cabin seats (especially Deluxe/Double cabins, of which there are very few) can sell out very quickly during peak periods like summer and long weekends!
How can I save money?
Anticipate if possible: ideally, reserve at least 3 to 6 months in advance to view the rates Advance the best deals (note: tickets Advance are non-exchangeable and non-refundable). The tickets Flexible (exchangeable up to 2 days before the event) are more expensive: only buy them if you need flexibility.
Midweek Trip : Nights from Sunday through Thursday are generally less in demand than Friday nights. If your schedule allows, avoid Friday night through Saturday morning (often the most popular time).
Traveling Outside the Tourist Season : The Caledonian Sleeper is busiest in the summer (tourists, hikers) and around the end-of-year holidays. If you travel in the fall or winter (excluding the Christmas season), it’s easier to find special offers or sales one-time!
Keep the discounts in mind : British rail discounts (16-25 Railcard, Senior Railcard, Two Together, etc.) are accepted on the Caledonian Sleeper! Typically, they offer a 34% discount on the price of a Classic seat or cabin for single occupancy. Similarly, if you’re traveling as a couple in a cabin, the price per person is much more affordable than traveling alone (which is why it’s a good idea to travel with someone to split the cost of a comfortable cabin). If you’re taking multiple trips or traveling as a couple or in a group, investing in a British railcard can quickly pay off!
Keep an eye on the deals : Sometimes, the company offers special deals (discounted last-minute fares, seasonal promotions, etc.). It might be worth following the Caledonian Sleeper’s official social media accounts or signing up for its newsletters.
The children of less than 5 years travel for free t (without a bed of their own, they share one with a parent). The Ages 5–15 generally benefit from discounted rates (approximately 75% of the adult fare for the sleeper section).
Can you take the Caledonian Sleeper with an Interrail pass?
If you have a valid Interrail or Eurail pass in the United Kingdom, you can buy a ticket for the Caledonian Sleeper: the pass covers that portion of the trip, but you’ll need to pay a sleeper reservation fee (which varies by class) and reserve your seat in advance.
In comparison, a Daytime train from London to Edinburgh takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes, but does not allow you to travel overnight. The Caledonian Sleeper therefore offers an attractive alternative for making the most of your travel time.
If you're still on the fence about flying, here's some information to help you make up your own mind:
In terms of cost and time, flying often seems like a good deal (about €100 one way) and faster (a 1-hour-20-minute flight). But once you factor in baggage fees, airport shuttles, check-in procedures, and a night’s stay at a hotel, the total cost and door-to-door travel time (about 5 hours) are comparable to those of the Sleeper (≈8 hours door-to-door, including an overnight stay)! The overnight train saves you a night’s lodging and lets you take advantage of attractive rates for early booking or when traveling as a pair in a cabin.
In terms of comfort and experience, the Caledonian Sleeper offers a real bed or a reclining seat in a quiet car, the freedom to move around, and a friendly dining car, whereas a plane confines you to a cramped seat, security checks, and limited service on a short-haul flight. Traveling by night train also means enjoying the Scottish countryside at dawn and a retro atmosphere that’s an integral part of the experience!
Side accessibility, the Caledonian Sleeper departs and arrives downtown (London Euston, Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central…), without having to add a shuttle to your trip. When traveling by plane, you often start and end at airports located on the outskirts of the city, with an hour or more spent on transfers and security checks, which adds costs, stress, and unproductive travel time.
Finally, with regard to the environmental impact, the night train is unbeatable since it emits about 6 to 7 times less CO₂ than a domestic flight from London to Scotland (≃150 kg vs. ≃850 kg round-trip per person) and eliminates the need for a night in a hotel, further reducing CO₂ emissions by about 20 kilograms.
No, the train runs 6 nights a week: from Sunday evening to Friday evening. There are no departures on Saturday evenings in either direction. Service is suspended on December 24–25 and December 31.
Can you travel with a pet?
Yes, pets are allowed in the cabin (Classic, Club, or Double), up to two per passenger, for a cleaning fee of £30 (~€35). They are not permitted in the coach or the Club Car. Please note: Eurostar does not allow pets, which complicates travel between Paris and Scotland.
Can I bring my bike on board?
Yes, there are designated bike spaces on board, but space is limited and must be reserved in advance—free of charge—via the official website sleeper.scot or by emailing customer service.
Is the Interrail Pass valid on the Caledonian Sleeper?
Yes, a valid Interrail or Eurail pass for the UK covers the journey, but a sleeper reservation fee is required (the amount varies by class). Reservations must be made in advance, as seating is limited.
What should you do if you're running late?
If your train is delayed by 30 minutes or more, you can claim compensation through the Delay Repay scheme on the official sleeper.scot website. Keep your ticket and note the actual arrival time.
What time can we board in London?
You can board well before departure: around 10:30 p.m. at Euston for the Lowland route (departure at 11:45 p.m.) and as early as 8:30 p.m. for the Highland route (departure at 9:15 p.m.). It’s a great way to settle in comfortably before departure!
Is there a dining car on board?
Yes, the Club Car is open in the evenings and in the mornings. Passengers in Club or Double cabins have priority access and breakfast included. Passengers in Classic seats or cabins may also visit depending on how busy it is, or order a meal directly from their seats.
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.
