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
🚆 The Caledonian Sleeper in brief:
Can you travel from London to Scotland by night train? Yes, thanks to the Caledonian Sleeper, which connects 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 from £140 (~€160) for a private sleeper cabin.
How long does the trip take? 7.5 hours for the Lowland route (Edinburgh/Glasgow), up to 10 hours for the Highlands.
Is it better to take the train or the plane? The overnight train eliminates the need for a hotel stay, departs from and arrives in the city center, and emits ~7 times less CO₂ than a London–Scotland flight.
When should you book? Tickets go on sale 12 months in advance. For a cabin, aim to book 3 to 6 months before departure.
London-Scotland train: routes to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands
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 :
Lowland road: serves the Scottish lowlands, with a train to Glasgow Central and another to Edinburgh Waverley (the train splits in two en route, on the Carstairs side).
Route Highland: serves the Scottish Highlands and splits into three sections from Edinburgh, continuing separately to 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, the most beautiful scenery can be seen on the Highland Road, especially towards Fort William!
Caledonian Sleeper timetable: London-Edinburgh, Glasgow and Highlands trains
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:
Route Highland: London Euston (departure 9:15 p.m.) - Aberdeen (7h50) / Inverness (8h45) / Fort William (10h)
From Scotland (to London) :
Lowland road: Edinburgh (11.40pm - 11.15pm Sunday) / Glasgow (arrival 23h30) - London Euston (between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.)
Route Highland: - Aberdeen (21h) / Inverness (20h45) / Fort William (19h50) /Edinburgh (00h00) - London Euston (departure 9:15 p.m.)
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.
On board the Caledonian Sleeper, you'll find four main options :
Reclining seat (Comfort Seat)
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.
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
Club cabin
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).
Cabin Caledonian Double
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:
There are also cabins PRM-accessible (an accessible cabin with adapted bed and bathroom is available on every train, and must be requested when booking).
Travellers with young children can book a family cabin (one low bed + space for a crib).
It is possible to traveling by bike on board the Sleeper: dedicated areas are available, but you'll need to reserve your bike space in advance because they are limited (free service, reservation via the site or by email)!
All cabins, whether Classic, Club or Double, are equipped with plugs of individual lamps of temperature controls and close key-operated with hotel-style magnetic card.
On board the train, a car-bar/restaurant (Club Car) is open in the evenings and early mornings for a drink, dinner or breakfast in a cosy atmosphere. Passengers in standard seats can also stretch their legs or grab a bite to eat (depending on how busy it is, priority is given to cabin customers).
In short, the train is designed as a "rolling hotel with staff on hand to welcome you, wake you up if necessary before arrival, and ensure your comfort throughout the journey.
Tolt - Bike spaces on the train!
Tolt - The PMR cabin of the Caledonian Sleeper
And the little tipfor 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!
Overall, the Advice on the Caledonian Sleeper have been very positive, notably for its comfort and the unique experience it offers.
London-Scotland night train fares: how much does the Caledonian Sleeper cost?
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:
Reclining seat: from £35 (€40) on Lowland roads, £40 (€46) on Highland road
Cabin Classic (berth) solo: from £140 (≈160 €)
Classic cabin (berth) double: from £170 (≈195 €) for 2 people
Cabin Club solo (berth + bathroom): from £205 (≈235 €)
Double Club cabin (berth + bathroom): from £250 (≈290 €) for 2 people
Cabin Caledonian Double - Lowland routesolo: from £335 (≈390 €)
Cabin Caledonian Double - Lowland routedouble: from £335 (≈390 €) from £395 (≈460 €) for 2 people
Cabin Caledonian Double - Highland route solo : from £395 (≈460 €)
Cabin Caledonian Double - Highland route double : from £470 (≈550 €) for 2 people
Please note: the price may seem onerous in Club Cabin, but compared with a plane + hotel combo, it can be very competitive!
Where can you book your train tickets?
Online at official Caledonian Sleeper website (www.sleeper.scot). The site makes it easy to choose your date, destination and sleeping option, and to pay by card. It's the easiest way to book your train London-Scotland.
Call us on +44 141 555 0888.
In British stations.
When should you book your tickets?
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!
How to save money?
Anticipate if possible: ideally, reserve at least 3 to 6 months in advance to access the rates Advance (please note that tickets Advance are non-exchangeable/non-refundable). Tickets Flexible (exchangeable up to D-2) are more expensive: take them only if you need flexibility.
Mid-week trip Sunday to Thursday nights are generally less popular than Friday nights. If your schedule allows it, avoid Friday and Saturday nights (often the most popular).
Travel outside the tourist season The Caledonian Sleeper is busiest in summer (tourists, hikers) and around the festive season. If you travel in autumn or winter (excluding the Christmas period), you'll find it easier to find special offers and discounts. sales one-offs!
Think discounts British rail discounts (Railcards 16-25, Senior, Two Together, etc.) are accepted on the Caledonian Sleeper! Typically, they offer -34% off the price of a seat or Classic cabin in solo occupancy. Likewise, if you travel in a two-person cabin, the price per person is much more attractive than on your own (hence the idea of traveling accompanied to share the cost of a comfortable cabin). If you're making several trips as a couple or in a group, investing in a British railcard can quickly pay off!
Monitor offers Special offers: sometimes the company offers special offers (last-minute seat discounts, seasonal promotions, etc.). It may also be worth following the official Caledonian Sleeper accounts or newsletters.
Alexis Calvignac - The kind of scenery you can look out your window at dawn
Are there special rates for children?
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).
Can I take the Caledonian Sleeper with Interrail?
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
Caledonian Sleeper VS plane: who wins the match?
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:
In terms of cost and time In many cases, air travel seems a more attractive option (around €100 one-way) and faster (1h20 flight time). But once you've added the cost of luggage, shuttles to the airport, formalities and an overnight stay in a hotel, the overall price and door-to-door time (around 5 h) come close to those of the Sleeper (≈8 h door-to-door, including overnight stay)! The night train saves you a night's accommodation and lets you take advantage of attractive early-booking or duo rates for cabins.
In terms of comfort and experience the Caledonian Sleeper offers a real bed or a reclining seat in a quiet carriage, the ability to move around freely and a friendly dining car, while the plane imposes a cramped seat, checks and little service on a short-haul flight. Travelling by night train also means enjoying the scenery of Scotland at dawn, and a retro atmosphere that's an integral part of the experience!
Visit accessibility the Caledonian Sleeper leaves and arrives downtown (London Euston, Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central...), without having to add a shuttle to your journey. By plane, we often start and finish at outlying airports, with an hour or more of transfers and checks, adding cost, stress and unproductive travel time.
Finally, with regard to ecological impact night trains are unbeatable, emitting around 6 to 7 times less CO₂ than a domestic flight from London to Scotland (≃150 kg vs ≃850 kg AR per person) and eliminates the overnight hotel stay, avoiding another twenty kilos of additional CO₂.
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.
