If you are unsure about travelling around Britain by train our Guide to Train Travel ebook contains everything you need to know (including 10 itineraries), Click to book your Caledonian Sleeper train ticket, Visiting the London Eye (Best Tips, Tickets & Tours). For a return, the price is simply two singles. It would hardly be the first time that ATOC/RDG have been behind the curve when it comes to accurate information. On shorter routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Caledonian Sleeper ride is so short at around 8 hours that youll hardly experience the train during waking hours. While more expensive than other sleepers in Europe and the USA, it is the most updated experience you can get on a train and is worth the price. Rob is married to Allie and together they have been traveling the world for the past 5 years. Room supplements are available for Solo or Shared room occupancy in Club and Classic accommodation. Breakfast is NOT included but can be purchased. For those staying in rooms, there are Club Cars, a lounge car which serves drinks and hot food. Helping older and disabled passengers Summary leaflets provides key/vital information for journey planning and booking/arranging assistance. 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. I would like to make it very clear that the Caledonian Sleeper staff will transfer to the Scottish government-owned entity, with their terms and conditions protected.. Its northernmost station is Inverness. The service was initially operated by steam locomotives, and the journey took around 12 hours. I would still bring flip-flops or wear shoes if youre getting up in the middle of the night! The line technically has two routes - the Highlander and the Lowlander with the train splitting into sections depending on where it's going. magical journey through the English countryside on the Caledonian What science tells us about the afterlife. The Caledonian Sleeper route goes from London right up to the Scottish Highlands. The problem for me was the subtle movement and the noise of the train. The decision to end Serco's contract came after the company tried to renegotiate the deal through a "rebase clause", to put the loss-making service on "a more sustainable financial footing". The Lowlander train dissects at Carstairs and the two halves continue . If you are sending us cards or passes by post, we strongly suggest you use Signed-For Delivery. From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH), an arms length company owned by the Scottish government. Read more: Get My Complete Scotland Travel Guide. The Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands from this summer, the Scottish Government has announced. Yes, you can take up to two pets with you (including dogs and cats) but it will cost you extra. On both occasions, I stayed in a Classic Room. Arriving in London on the return was less fun though. The 800m agreement, signed in 2015, had been due to run until 2030 . Tel: +44 0844 800 0085. Privacy PolicyTerms of Use & CopyrightDisclosure & Disclaimer, Directory The only downside is you dont have much space in your room and theres nowhere else to go. This means theyre available for single occupancy as well as sharing. Check out these posts! Ticket name. I can relax now! Serco received the current franchise in an 800m agreement, under which it was responsible for operating the service from 2015 to 2030. Single journey ticket purchases, you buy 2 tickets for a return journey. I had arranged my travel through Byway Travel who handled all the bookings for me. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. So, book it if youre interested in the experience of sleeper train travel from England to Scotland. The class of travel choice is highlighted for each option and our experienced opinion is expressed in Our View for the options we have tried out. Receive the latest tours, offers, and inspirational travel content right in your inbox. 2023 Little Lost Travel. And the full restriction (which didn't seem relevant to the original question) says. Currently, its one of only two sleeper trains in the UK. Comfort Seats on the Caledonian Sleeper are very nice and provide a comfortable ride to your destination. If I had to sit then I would book the LNER or Lumo trains and get there much quicker and for a cheaper price. Its a great spot to have dinner or get a change of scene from the rooms. Trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow are available to board up to 1 hour and 40 minutes before departure. If youre wondering about WIFI, yes there was but it wasnt particularly fast when we tried to watch a film. Towels are provided in sleeper car rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. Off the train, Club and Double Room guests also have first class lounge access at the station while they wait to board the train. It has been announced today that the Caledonian Sleeper service will move into public hands. 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. New opening hours Monday-Friday 24 hours Saturday Midnight to 1600 Sunday 1200- [], We have teamed up with Mackies of Scotland to grant one lucky winner and their plus one an unforgettable railway experience aboard the Caledonian Sleeper and a years supply of chocolate. Posted by Francesca Brooking | No-Fly Holidays, Scotland | 0. Then three individual trains then travel onwards to Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness. Ministers nationalise cross-border train service after Serco stripped of franchise. Scottish Conservative transport spokesperson Graham Simpson said Caledonian Sleeper had offered a world class service under Serco. Complimentary sleep kit, including Scottish toiletry items. 2023-03-02 16:22. in News. It was impossible for two people to be in there wearing backpacks though! An important and useful applied example of nationalisation here. Some of the UKs best destinations are connected by the Caledonian Sleeper. A top tip is to ask the first host you can and ask them to direct you to the correct host who will have your name and booking on a list. Did I sleep? 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. Caledonian Sleeper: 16 Things You Need To Know Before Riding, Edinburgh Waverley Station: A Complete Guide, Caledonian Sleeper Train: Caledonian Double Review, What Its Like In A Caledonian Sleeper Club Room, Kuranda Scenic Railway: 12 Things You Need To Know Before Riding, Spirit Of The Outback: 10 Things You Need To Know Before Riding, The Indian Pacific Train In Australia: 12 Things You Need To Know Before Riding, The Ghan: 11 Things You Need To Know Before Riding This Australian Train, 20 Must Have Items For Your Next Amtrak Trip. Itll mostly be dark outside for your whole trip, so dont judge based on scenery, or lack thereof. London to Scotland sleeper service tipped for renationalisation, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. We have a love for train travel and enjoy exploring the UK by train. It will be the second rail operation to be taken into state hands in Scotland, after ScotRail returned to public ownership last April. Study notes, videos, interactive activities and more! The decision to terminate this agreement was announced by the government in October last year. Water was warm and plentiful when we tried the shower, and overall it was a good experience. Depending on whether you are travelling on the north or southbound Highlander or Lowlander Caledonian Sleeper service from the start of the service or joining the train en-route, you may want to take advantage of the station lounge facilities. 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. RMT Announcement on strike dates during March and April please check our service alterations page. Unsubscribe at any time. Watching the sunrise over the passing hills was one of the highlights of my trip. Staff travel holders are not permitted to travel in the overnight seated accommodation on these services. Southbound, the train starts in thirds from Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William and heads down towards Edinburgh. On a trip to Fort William from London itll take 13 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your journey. The Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands from this summer, the Scottish Government has announced. The Club Car isnt always open though. OUR VIEW We enjoyed sitting have a drink in the evenings and also having breakfast in one of the booths depending on availability. The Caledonian Sleeper is a sleeper train service linking London with cities in Scotland. Arguably, the most important part of the review. The routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh are too short to fully enjoy. Caledonian Double and Club car rooms come with a private shower on the Caledonian Sleeper. The Caledonian Sleeper offers an excellent alternative, take the train late at night, get 7 hours of sleep and wake up refreshed and in the centre of Glasgow, all before 7:30 in the morning so you can make . Trackside you're greeted by a member of staff, and they're delightful. If you show up having not eaten since lunch, just understand you may need to order a few different things. Now it is possible to reserve sleeper berths and pay the supplement only at the Caledonian Sleeper website. Yes. On our trip we opted for the nachos and sliders. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to run the service seven years early. Can you take bikes on the Caledonian Sleeper? March 2, 2023. Caledonian Sleeper Train, London: See 178 reviews, articles, and 116 photos of Caledonian Sleeper Train, ranked No.2,587 on Tripadvisor among 2,587 attractions in London. West Yorkshire, "Given all that, there can be no conclusion other than that this is an ideological decision. Click for further information and to book your Caledonian Sleeper Train tickets. Jenny Gilruth said nothing about how this world class service can be improved under the Scottish government.". Considering a trip on the Caledonian Sleeper? 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. I havent included a menu here as it changes frequently depending on the season! Planned engineering works throughout February and March please check our service alterations page. Our guide contains our review of the service plus practical tips and advice to make the most of your trip on one of the most popular train journeys in the world. Overall weight with guest and luggage does not exceed 300kg. This is good news but I wouldn't get your hopes up for ticket prices to reduce much from where they are now. For other queries, you should find the information on our website, or you can e-mail us . Can you take dogs on the Caledonian Sleeper? Overall was better than expected after reading reviews and we both managed to get enough sleep to allow us to do some sightseeing before checking into hotel room - however . Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of Scotland's most rural stations to London, will be operated by an arms-length company owned by the Scottish Government from June 25. If you try and book two weeks before you travel, theres a very good chance your ideal accommodation wont be available. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. We thoroughly enjoy travelling in the Scottish Highlands eating an excellent Scottish breakfast with a lovely cup of tea. All in all a very easy, and fun way to travel from Edinburgh to London and you arrive smack bang in the middle of London so no transfers required in from Heathrow either . Whether you are travelling to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen or Fort William, travel in comfort and enjoy a friendly and relaxed . The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to . However, the food is overpriced. but we made it to Fort William in one piece. Not a bad compromise. Two Responsible Travellers Share Their Top Sustainable 11 Easy International Recipes to Try at Home. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to run the service seven years early. I want to give rail staff and . Can you use a railcard on the Caledonian Sleeper? You should not have any concerns over safety on the Caledonian Sleeper. 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 dont need to worry about which half of the train is going where, as the staff will do that for you when you board. Take advantage of this, as the train ride isnt very long. Over the years, the service has been upgraded and modernized, and today the journey takes around 8 hours. 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. Caledonian Sleeper does not have any service specific restrictions. Serco said that on-board staff had received full pay during the pandemic, despite working reduced hours. 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! RST Ref: 90-007-002 Rail Staff Travel Restrictions Summer 2022 v2 Page 11 Caledonian Sleeper Please note the restrictions that apply to ALL operators' services detailed on pages 6 and 7 above in addition to the information below. I should add that I didnt actually book the tickets myself. Family room and accessible room options for wheelchair users are available. Theyre often considered a more romantic way to travel, offering luxury, glamour and leisure. 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: . Our ride started at London Euston Station and ended at Glasgow Centra. As we wined (or whiskied, in this case) and dined, the train slid out of Euston station and sped northbound. The Classic Room suited our needs perfectly at a reasonably decent price point. Each route and destination are as follows, also showing the principal train station stops along the route. He writes extensively and is a contributor and presenter on CPD conferences in the UK and overseas. 27 Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need For Your Packing List. This is our favourite route we prefer to travel on when possible for various reasons read on to find out what these are! However, I cant comment on it as A) I booked a Classic Room, and B) the lounge was closed anyway. Though we have travelled on this service on numerous occasions this was our first time travelling on the new and updated sleeper service in January 2020. Arrive refreshed at your destination of choice following your overnight journey. All cabins now come with essential amenities to make your trip as comfortable as possible, including a 'sleep kit' with Scottish toiletries. Until recently, holders of BritRail passes and all-line Rail Rovers had to reserve and pay for sleeper berths by telephone, or in person at a rail station, as the reservations system only sold reservations complete with a travel ticket. It is important to check that if using a Britrail Passor Inter-Rail/ Eurail (that includes Great Britain) that you check the dates are still valid on your travel pass for your journey before travelling. Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UK's most wonderful destinations. Franchise Update. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service will be nationalised after Scottish ministers moved to terminate the operating companys franchise agreement seven years early. A writer with a passion for travel and the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From this date, the Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by Scottish Rail Holdings, an arm's length company owned . Rail Staff Travel, PO Box 72071, London EC1P 1JD. Jenny Gilruth said nothing about how this world class service can be improved under the Scottish government.. The service, which has been operating in various forms since 1873, runs overnight trains between Scotland and London. Baggage Assist Guest consideration is requested for the size/weight/and quantity in relation to available space on the train and being safe for staff to manually handle. We were keen to try the cheeseboard, but it was sold out sadly! Friendly and helpful, they let you know all the details of your . If there are three of you, book two berths adjacent to each other. Rail Staff taking children have two options they can travel in a 75% discounted adult fare or use free or a 2.00 inter-available . The routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh are too short to fully enjoy. Priority access to the Club Cars is given to Club and Double Room guests. The Fort William train stops at Helensburgh Upper, Rannoch, Corrour and Crianlarich. Always check departure and arrival times prior to travel, the week or day before. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It was painfully early and there were no pretty views to enjoy. Read more: 10 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh For The Ultimate Travel Itinerary. How early can you board the Caledonian Sleeper? Thats the absolute minimum time youll want to get there though. The Scottish Government will operate the Caledonian Sleeper service from the end of June. It meant waiting on the station concourse (which isnt the nicest!) For the Caledonian Sleeper, its not necessarily because of the price rather availability. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union, which represents many Sleeper staff, renewed its call for nationalisation on Friday after the impending statement was announced. In the UK, there are two sleeper trains. I would again recommend bringing your own breakfast rather than paying for this one. It would have been much better, cheaper and quicker to get the LNER for the return journey. They are not allowed to come to the Club Car with you while you eat. The Caledonian Sleeper train is one of the nicest overnight trains in the world and is worth the money it costs to ride. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The sleeper train travels from London to Scotland every night except Saturday and gets you to your destination in time for breakfast. 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. However, Gilruth added that the decision to bring the service into public hands would not be a permanent one, saying she and officials would continue to monitor market conditions. Mr Whitehurst said then that the business had inherited an "unreliable and outdated" fleet of carriages which dated back to the 1970s. The Silver City with the Golden Sands, also known as the Granite City, Aberdeen has established itself as a dining and entertainment destination. This includes the onboard showers and lounge facilities as well as enjoying the unique sleeper berth experience. The new Club car option is a designated coach to buy food and drink on the go in a modern, light and friendly setting. No spam, just awesome travel content. About an hour before we were due to arrive, the cheery train staff member knocked on the door to make sure we were awake and ready for breakfast plus our imminent departure. 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". They both tasted good, and at that late hour are about all you will need. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The Caledonian Sleeper breakfast was arranged by ticking the items that we wanted off a paper menu after boarding and hanging it on the door outside to be picked up. Mr Simpson also said Ms Gilruth had given no idea of how much the nationalisation would cost, or how Scottish taxpayers would receive value for money from the move. Little Lost Travel is your complete guide to nature-based and sustainable travel. Company Reg no: 04489574. Email: francesca@littlelosttravel.com, Your email address will not be published. On top of all that they do seem very friendly. 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. Reviewed 5 February 2018 via mobile. It will be operated by an arm . Theres something special about closing your eyes in one location and waking up to views of another world, ready to start an adventure. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. It may not display this or other websites correctly. OUR VIEW As a rule we do not use the station lounges too often, preferring to eat a meal before arriving at the station and spending as much time on board the train and using the onboard facilities as much as we can. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/online-prv-on-cal-sleeper.175891/. This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. possible, including a 'sleep kit' with Scottish toiletries. Although Caledonian Sleeper staff are not participating in the strike action it does have a significant impact on the overnight Sleeper services. Travelling by Caledonian Sleeper, the lucky winner will be based in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, for two nights with a [], Guest Service Centre Our Guest Service Centre is here to help our guests every step of the way and weve extended the opening times of our Social Media and Live Chat team to be on hand when you need them. Saves time when on a tight travel schedule, travelling whilst asleep, waking up refreshed and ready for the next adventure. Its worth noting that Club and Double get a free cooked breakfast but the Classic room and seats have to pay extra. Even if you know the number of the coach your seat/berth is in sometimes it is still not the easiest thing to find. Inside the compartment was a bunk bed, a sink and hand towel in the far end with a window above it and a small table that could be pulled out. Before we could board, we had to join a queue which was absolutely huge. Would I downgrade to the Comfort Seats? The train is quiet (electric, I think). Departing London Euston, the Highlander train splits into three at Edinburgh Waverley in the wee small hours of the morning. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Its only available to guests staying in rooms though. You are using an out of date browser. Top 10 Sustainable Glamping Sites in the UK. 2002-2023 Tutor2u Limited. The service, which connects Highland stations with London, has been operated by Serco since March 2015 and was due to run for 15 years until 2030. However, arriving in London at seven in the morning was not the one. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service will be nationalised after Scottish ministers moved to terminate the operating company's franchise agreement seven years early. The contrast in scenery can be incredible! Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UKs most wonderful destinations. dram of malt whisky in the Club Car. Like most trains, smoking is not permitted on the Caledonian Sleeper in any area. She added: "Rather, the decision that I had to take on rebasing was a question of the terms of the rebase offer and that, in the government's view, these terms did not represent the best value for money.". The Caledonian Sleeper train is the name of the service that runs on the train route between England and Scotland 6 days a week.. - A sustainable travel guide featuring tips on where to stay, getting around and planning an ethical itinerary! Speaking in a statement to Parliament today (Thursday 2 March 2023), Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth announced that from 25 June 2023, Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by an arm's length company owned and controlled by the . The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year in what has been hailed as a huge win for the unions. The back of the door at a floor-to-ceiling mirror which gave the illusion of more space in the room. While Ive mentioned a few times that the train is a little cramped, Im aware that its making do with whats available. The Caledonian Sleeper is very safe! Rooms / seats are available 30-45 minutes before departure. For the same reasons, the Flexible tickets was also not an option. A creative scene like no other, Glasgow is famous for the arts, live music, and comedy. These are Caledonian Sleeper staff who greet guests at the train.