If I did the Caledonian Sleeper again I would only book a one-way ticket to the Scottish Highlands. 48 hours in advance for international travel bookings is requested. These include train failure . 214 High Street, Our phone lines are only for those without internet access. I justify it by seeing it as one nights accommodation and transport rolled into one. The Lowlander train dissects at Carstairs and the two halves continue . Highlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into sections at Edinburgh Waverley railway station (in the middle of the night). 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. In this article discover one of the most popular sleeper train journeys in the world the Caledonian Sleeper service from London to Scotland (and vice versa). The Scottish government announced last year an offer to rebase the Serco contract did not represent value for money. 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 . For a return, the price is simply two singles. Dont worry, if you book a Classic Room for yourself, you wont have to share it with another solo traveller! And the full restriction (which didn't seem relevant to the original question) says. The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail service when its contract expires in June. 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. We took on the task with the vision of upgrading the . Prize winners will receive a welcome bottle of champagne upon arrival and enjoy a return trip in either a Caledonian Double or Club room [], Caledonian Sleeper has entered into a partnership with North Coast 500, voted one of the worlds top coastal touring routes. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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). They both tasted good, and at that late hour are about all you will need. Caledonian Sleeper to be nationalised. Read more about them here. The line technically has two routes the Highlander and the Lowlander with the train splitting into sections depending on where its going. LS23 6AD Its worth noting that Club and Double get a free cooked breakfast but the Classic room and seats have to pay extra. These cookies do not store any personal information. The Scottish Government has decided to end the contract that Serco has to run the iconic albeit loss-making Caledonian Sleeper service which connects Highland stations with London. 27 Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need For Your Packing List. I booked it today after 3 members of staff at a booking office persevered! It has bunk beds and the same shower and toilet combination as the Caledonian Double. Given all that, there can be no conclusion other than that this is an ideological decision. It is amazing to fall asleep in one country/state and wake up in another and enjoy the views along the way! Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; Yes the on board staff know that your ticket class must match your travel facilities. Looking for more Scotland travel tips? Sleeper Train - the perfect way to arrive refreshed and ready for Then three individual trains then travel onwards to Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness. After dropping our bags off in the room, we went to get a seat in the Club Car. The routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh are too short to fully enjoy. Our latest 2023 vacation brochure is now available. 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. OUR VIEW This is the type of room we prefer and generally settle on, it seems to tick the boxes for us in facilities, availability, as well as the cost value for money. The Caledonian Sleeper accessible travel policy (2021) includes information for: One item of hand luggage and up to two items of luggage no bigger than 30cm x 70cm x 90cm is permitted as space is of a premium onboard the train. You will find essential tips to make the most of your journey plus a first-hand review of our own experiences using this service multiple times. You had to go single file and good luck if you had large luggage items with you! I should add that I didnt actually book the tickets myself. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. OUR VIEW We have not taken any journeys on the Comfort Seats on the new improved services, but I did quite a few years ago on the older trains. The Caledonian Sleeper train is one of the nicest overnight trains in the world and is worth the money it costs to ride. The Caledonian Sleeper is a sleeper train service linking London with cities in Scotland. I was worried wed be stuck there for ages but luckily, the train staff checked our tickets pretty quickly. Book your trip For breakfast, we try to have everything packed ready so we could enjoy the breakfast, just finishing in time to arrive at our destination. Planned engineering works throughout February and March please check our service alterations page. 2002-2023 Tutor2u Limited. Customer assist is not compulsory but is recommended for peace of mind. Its northernmost station is Inverness. One thing which made it 100% worth the sleepless night was the dawn light breaking as we sped through the Scottish Highlands. Required fields are marked *. I was able to pay by card. The wall opposite the bed had a locked door which led to the neighbouring room. It wasnt an issue with the facilities. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. There were no showers though. That all depends on where youre going. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. Image: Andrew Smith. Serco had unsuccessfully attempted to renegotiate its Caledonian Sleeper contract last year. The Inverness train stops at Stirling, Gleneagles, Pitlochry, Perth and Aviemore. Friendly and helpful, they let you know all the details of your . There are 2 types or categories of purchased sleeper tickets available for all services for general ticket sales, the Flexipass is for a collective purchase: (information from the Caledonian Sleeper Homepage 13/12/2021). . I would recommend getting there in good time to guarantee a seat as its not huge. "Soft" sleeper on the Beijing-Lhasa train.. Sleeper trains combine travelling with a place to sleep.Before the breakthrough of air travel, sleeper trains were the preferred way of travelling long distances overland.A few trains, including the "Orient Express" which used to run from Paris to Istanbul, became famous through film and literature.The rise of aviation (now cheaper than many long . Serco had its licence to operate the overnight cross-border rail link terminated early by MSPs last year after the firm attempted to renegotiate its contract. Transport Scotland. 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.. For other queries, you should find the information on our website, or you can e-mail us . Includes reservation costs and accommodation. Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. OUR VIEW We have never stayed in one of these rooms. Includes 2 adjacent berths which sleep 4 in total, Accessible twin or double from 140 (London Edinburgh or Glasgow) or from 170 (London north of Edinburgh or Glasgow). London Euston to Fort William)! Arrive refreshed at your destination of choice following your overnight journey. Call the guest centre for further information regarding further assisting the dogs comforts. Whether you are travelling to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen or Fort William, travel in comfort and enjoy a friendly and relaxed . You can upgrade or change your room type on the Caledonian Sleeper Flexible Ticket up until two days before your trip. Each route and destination are as follows, also showing the principal train station stops along the route. Good choice! In terms of the Caledonian Sleeper timetable, most trains depart at around 21:00 or 23:00 and terminate at the above stations between 07:00 and 10:00 just in time for breakfast! Over the years, the service has been upgraded and modernized, and today the journey takes around 8 hours. However, arriving in London at seven in the morning was not the one. On top of all that they do seem very friendly. The Flexipass was not an option for us with only one journey planned at that time. 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. 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. Caledonian Sleeper train review: My verdict. Arriving in London on the return was less fun though. The seating configuration is the same as conventional UK First class seating carriages with 2 -1 seats in an airline type set up. I just wanted to check when booking the Caledonian Sleeper, the classic twin berth room booking also includes your journey fare? The Classic Room suited our needs perfectly at a reasonably decent price point. The current franchise was awarded to Serco in a deal worth 800m. These ticket types should be used for making reservations for Scotrail staff and Gold Status pass holders. 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. Dedicated wheelchair space in each Seated Coach Priority for wheelchair spaces is given to reservations in advance. This service runs on the West Coast Main railway line from London Euston to 5 Scottish locations on the Northbound services with Southbound services running in the opposite direction.. I have subscribed. Inside the room, there were handy control panels above each bunk which had a USB charging port, a reading light, a thermostat, a room light and a dimmer. RMT Announcement on strike dates during March and April please check our service alterations page. These are: Heres a table of whats included with each one: Editors tip: All rooms are available for shared or single occupancy. 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 . The decision was taken when Serco attempted to renegotiate the agreement through a rebase clause, to ensure the loss-making service was on a more sustainable financial footing. Receive the latest tours, offers, and inspirational travel content right in your inbox. The Scottish Government has moved to nationalise the Caledonian Sleeper service after ending the contract with operator Serco seven years before its scheduled date. The Scottish Government will provide the services from June 25, 2023 after it decided to axe the current operator Serco's . Tel: +44 0844 800 0085. Overall weight with guest and luggage does not exceed 300kg. Our classic cabin was functional and perfectly adequate; and certainly more comfortable than economy class flying. Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth made the announcement this week that services will be provided by an arm's length company owned . Revenue was 3.06bn in 2022, up from 2.25bn in 2021. Call button for at seat service food and drink (menu provided at the seat). I took the overnight Caledonian sleeper service from Edinburgh south to London Euston on 25th February, travelling in a Club Solo Room. It was taken after Serco tried to renegotiate this agreement using a rebase clause, which allowed the firm to put forth alternative financial arrangements before the government for the franchises remaining years. One hand luggage (able to be held by guest on the lap if required) and up to two items of luggage no bigger than 30cm x 70cm x 90cm. 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. The train is certainly comfortable for a train. The now conjoined train travels down to Carlisle and Watford Junction before arriving at London Euston. Yes. This follows the announcement on 5 October 2022 of the Scottish Government's decision to terminate Serco's Franchise Agreement on 25 . The decision to terminate this agreement was announced by the government in October last year. So if London's calling you this summer, wherever you're travelling from in Scotland, we'll help you get there . Top 10 Sustainable Glamping Sites in the UK. Yes well, some. Now, I understand why that might be the case for the trains that depart Edinburgh or . You also dont have access to the Club Car if you choose the seats! By submitting your email you will be subscribed to my monthly newsletter. (This is to be reduced to 2 hours from 1st April 202). That year, it also unveiled a new fleet of trains, which the company said would "transform" the service. On a trip to Fort William from London itll take 13 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your journey. So, did the sleeper train live up to my expectations? Rail Staff Travel, PO Box 72071, London EC1P 1JD. On longer routes to Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen, you can expect to board 45 minutes before departure. The Caledonian Sleeper is one of the most luxurious sleeper car trains in Europe. Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UK's most wonderful destinations. The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail service when its contract expires in June. of stunning coastal scenery, the North Coast 500 (NC500) naturally follows the rugged coastal edges of the North Highlands one of Scotlands best-kept [], We have been looking at ways to make our service more sustainable and we are constantly working with our partners to help reduce our carbon footprint. Did I sleep? Access priority is given to the Caledonian Double and Club Room guests. There are no 4 or 6 person rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My mission is to show you why sustainable travel is empowering, fulfilling and affordable. 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. Rail Passenger Rights Service Quality Report. I was so excited to book the Caledonian Sleeper up to Fort William for my trip to the Scottish Highlands. Our train was due to depart from London Euston at 21:15 so we got there an hour before. It may not display this or other websites correctly. JavaScript is disabled. The Club Car isnt always open though. Any doubts call the Caledonian Service Centre (UK Telephone number) 0330 060 0500 for further information or to check terms and conditions of purchase. Requested to be no bigger than 70cm wide, 120cm long. 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: . If that were the case, I would skip the Club Room and go for the Caledonian Double upgrade from a bunk to a double bed! Southbound, the train starts in thirds from Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William and heads down towards Edinburgh. our Scottish holiday. It was impossible for two people to be in there wearing backpacks though! Can you take bikes on the Caledonian Sleeper? He said that the award would have allowed Scotland to benefit from the expertise of our Serco transport senior management team who understand this complex and unique hospitality-focused train operation like no one else, while also enabling Scottish ministers to be in complete control of the contract. Lowlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. If you try and book two weeks before you travel, theres a very good chance your ideal accommodation wont be available. Highlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into sections at Edinburgh Waverley railway station (in the middle of the night). I can relax now! Cheapest option available for passengers by buying a valid train ticket through any regular ticket outline/outline. I still use the sleeping mask today its pretty good quality, to be honest! What science tells us about the afterlife. Includes 2 adjacent berths which sleep 4 in total, Family Deal Club from 250 (London Edinburgh or Glasgow) or from 275 (London north of Edinburgh or Glasgow). However, Ive heard that even those rooms are a bit cramped (I overheard a tall man complain about it in the Club Car). A writer with a passion for travel and the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. Family room and accessible room options for wheelchair users are available. 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 . Water was warm and plentiful when we tried the shower, and overall it was a good experience. Sleeper trains hearken back to a golden age of rail travel which blossomed in Europe during the 1920s. Read about our approach to external linking. Whether it is for business or leisure, allow yourself to unwind from the stress of everyday life as you dream all night, in comfort and wake up at your destination refreshed. Towels are provided in sleeper car rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. First launched in 1996, it has become an icon the world over and a symbol of train travel at its best. The word Caledonian is taken from the Latin word which generally refers to the . My Honest nuud Deodorant Review: Does It Really Work? The one big downside was the lack of an ensuite bathroom which you can get if you choose the Club Room. We had to make sure we were in the right section of the train as it was going to split at Edinburgh. The Caledonian Sleeper Train was relaunched in 2019 to feature Its a great spot to have dinner or get a change of scene from the rooms. Here is my honest review of riding the Caledonian Sleeper in a Classic Room. This was generally very uncomfortable and I did not sleep at all! Heres how long it takes for some of its most popular destinations if youre travelling from London. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. One of which is the Caledonian Sleeper. SUS should be used for Standard Class facility holders, FUS should be used for First Class facility holders. Helping older and disabled passengers Summary leaflets provides key/vital information for journey planning and booking/arranging assistance. A new fleet of trains was introduced in 2019, Caledonian Sleeper contract to end seven years early, Serco agrees Caledonian Sleeper improvement plan, Harry: I always felt different to rest of family, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, Mbappe breaks PSG goal record in win over Nantes, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78, Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty. Complimentary sleep kit (ear plugs, mask). The sleeper train to Scotland has different accommodation types to suit a range of budgets and travel styles. That being said, I dont think I would upgrade unless it were for a special occasion. Caledonian Sleeper tickets go on sale up to 12 months before you travel so book them as early as you can! What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? National Rail (NR) Priv Discount on Oyster for holders of the Rail Staff Leisure Card - Update. It will be operated by an arms length company owned by the Scottish government from 25 June, transport minister Jenny Gilruth told MSPs in Holyrood on Thursday. It would hardly be the first time that ATOC/RDG have been behind the curve when it comes to accurate information. Will be great if no longer STD or 1st designated berths, GWR did this several years ago, Solo cabins with PRIV rate is great ! https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/online-prv-on-cal-sleeper.175891/. The train cant be wider as it has to operate on standard train tracks. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. How long does the Caledonian Sleeper train take? 16-25, Disabled, Disabled Child, Friends & Family, HM Forces, Senior, Two Together and Veteran are accepted. Please read: Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised by Scottish ministers, More here from the BBC: Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. NOTE: Northbound travellers between London Euston and Fort William have to change seats at Edinburgh Waverley train station from one train to another. 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! The staff travel restriction for Winter 2017/18 don't mention any changes to berth/seat types - as you would expect, they do specifically say: The current 1st class only option of single use of a cabin will be the only option available to solo travellers so keeping this as 1st Class would mean that only couples could travel Std. JavaScript is disabled. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Itll mostly be dark outside for your whole trip, so dont judge based on scenery, or lack thereof. Caledonian Sleeper is a gateway to a world of possibilities with our overnight rail service bringing you the flavours of Scotland and comfort travelling between London and Scotland. West Yorkshire, It does not apply to safeguarded employees issued with the Staff Travel Card, or Network Rail employees issued . To book customer Assistance Needs to be booked prior to 6 hours before the train leaves its starting point station. I recommend doing the trip at least once. Here, you can discover the best ecolodges in the world, sustainable destination guides and so much more! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. March 2, 2023. Scotland's Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth has confirmed that Caledonian Sleeper services will be taken over by the Scottish Government once Serco's current franchise expires on 25 June 2023. elegant furnishings and onboard Wi-Fi throughout. OUR VIEW We enjoyed sitting have a drink in the evenings and also having breakfast in one of the booths depending on availability. In this Caledonian Sleeper review, I share what its really like to travel on this iconic train. Read more: 5 Of The Best Cycling Routes In Scotland For Epic Views. 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". However, Lindsay said he was disappointed that the Caledonian Sleeper and ScotRail franchises are not being combined, something Gilruth told MSPs she is in favour of. The train starts boarding around 8:30. It has been announced today that the Caledonian Sleeper service will move into public hands. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Want free and helpful Scotland travel tips? The sleeper service provides a Highlander and a Lowlander train service options for passengers to choose from travelling either Northbound from London Euston or Southbound from Scotland. Staff travel holders are not permitted to travel in the overnight seated accommodation on these services. In 2019, Serco put an improvement plan in place after the service was hit by strike action, technical faults and the late delivery of new trains. comfortable cabin for a night on the rails. The Caledonian Sleeper is an expensive train to ride, and the high cost is justified by luxury feel and updated train cars. On our trip we opted for the nachos and sliders. To facilitate a smooth transfer of power, Serco will coordinate with the Scottish Government in the coming months. If we were riding this train though, and were not going to get a room, wed probably opt for one of the day trains from London, which would be faster and cheaper than riding in the Comfort Seats. Passengers requiring to book accommodation already holding a national rail ticket or any of the above valid travel passes will be required to book through the service centre and pay a Room Supplement. Inspired by the destinations we serve across the UK, the six posters are designed to celebrate the heritage of Caledonian Sleeper while also looking to the future. Since 2015 we have partnered with ARRAN Sense of Scotland to supply our guests with bath and shower gels, shampoo, conditioner, handwashes and body lotions. Wheelchairs/Scooters. come with essential amenities to make your trip as comfortable as The Glasgow train stops at Motherwell before joining the Edinburgh train at Carstairs. Serco received the current franchise in an 800m agreement, under which it was responsible for operating the service from 2015 to 2030. The staff and security work hard to ensure passengers are safe and comfortable during their entire trip. Comfort seat passengers have at-seat service options. Reviewed 5 February 2018 via mobile. Sorry to hear that. Would I downgrade to the Comfort Seats? You will find inspiration, tips and resources to help you make the most of your travels whether you are a first time visitor or a UK resident wanting to see more of what England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have to offer. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.