Flying between London and Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, or Inverness can be done without connection in less than two hours. But what’s the fun in that? If you want to make the journey as beautiful and fun as the destination, ride the Caledonian Sleeper, the London to Scotland sleeper train, instead. Yes, it takes all night, and yes, it’s more expensive than flying, but it’s also a lot more comfortable, way more relaxing, and much more scenic. Not only that, but a ride on the Caledonian Sleeper has a carbon footprint nearly 90 percent lower than making the equivalent journey by domestic flight. Also, it’ll make you feel a little like you’re riding the Hogwarts Express, and you can’t pass on that, surely.
Photo: Joe Dunckley/Shutterstock
This Sleeper Train Will Take You From London to the Wilds of Scotland in a Double Bed
- Where does the Caledonian Sleeper start and finish?
- Where does the Caledonian Sleeper stop?
- How long is the journey on the Caledonian Sleeper?
- How much does the Caledonian Sleeper cost?
- Why is Caledonian Sleeper so expensive?
- Why does the Caledonian Sleeper take so long?
- Where to stay in London to be near Euston Station
Where does the Caledonian Sleeper start and finish?
The Caledonian Sleeper does not have one starting station and one terminal station.
The Caledonian Sleeper consists of two long trains that leave London (Euston Station) six nights per week and that split along the way to serve five final destinations: Edinburgh (Waverley Station), Glasgow (Central Station), Fort William, Inverness, or Aberdeen.
The Caledonian Sleeper also runs from Edinburgh (Waverley Station), Glasgow (Central Station), Fort William, Inverness, or Aberdeen to London six nights per week. The trains leave separately from each station and join each other along the way to arrive in London in two long trains again.
The Caledonian Sleeper’s two long trains are:
- The Lowland train runs between Glasgow or Edinburgh and London with several stops along the way. The Lowland train splits and joins in the town of Carstairs.
- The Highland train that runs between Fort William, Inverness, or Aberdeen and London with several stops along the way. The Highland train splits and joins in Edinburgh.
Where does the Caledonian Sleeper stop?
Photo: Photo: Joe Dunckley/Shutterstock
The Caledonian Sleeper stops in different stations depending on where it’s going/started from:
- The train to/from Glasgow stops in: Watford Junction, Carlisle, Carstairs, and Motherwell.
- The train to/from Edinburgh stops in: Watford Junction, Carlisle, and Carstairs.
- The train to/from Aberdeen stops in: Crewe, Preston, Inverkeithing, Kirkcaldy, Leuchars, Dundee, Carnoustie, Arbroath, Montrose, and Stonehaven.
- The train to/from Inverness stops in: Crewe, Preston, Stirling, Dunblane, Gleneagles, Perth, Dunkeld & Birnam, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore, and Carrbridge.
- The train to/from Fort William stops in: Crewe, Preston, Edinburgh, Glasgow Q St Low Level, Dalmuir, Dumbarton Central, Helensburgh Upper, Garelochhead, Arrochar & Tarbet, Ardlui, Crianlarich, Upper Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, Rannoch, Corrour, Tulloch, Roy Bridge, and Spean Bridge.
- The train between London and Glasgow takes between 7.5 and 8.5 hours to reach its destination.
- The train between London and Edinburgh takes between 7.5 and 8.5 hours to reach its destination.
- The train between London and Aberdeen takes between 10 hours and 15 minutes and 11.5 hours to reach its destination.
- The train between London and Inverness takes between 11 hours and 15 minutes and 11.5 hours to reach its destination.
- The Caledonian Sleeper between London and Fort William takes between 12 and 13 hours to reach its destination.
- Seated Coach: The cheapest of the accommodations on the Caledonian Sleeper is a seat that has an adjustable headrest, an adjustable footrest, a tray table, an individual reading light, one electrical outlet, and one USB outlet. A Seated Coach ticket includes WiFi, a lockable storage area for your luggage, a sleep kit, and access to the food and drinks menu. It is not very comfortable to spend the night in such a seat, but it is economical.
- Classic Room: includes twin bunk beds, in-room sink, temperature and light control, electrical and USB outlets, and WiFi. The room is lockable from the inside and the outside. Passengers in Classic Rooms can order room service and can purchase breakfast.
- Club Room: includes twin bunk beds, en-suite bathroom (with toiletries) and in-room sink, temperature and light control, electrical and USB outlets, and WiFi. The room is lockable from the inside and the outside. Passengers in Classic Rooms get complimentary breakfast, and chocolates, and can order room service. Classic Rooms ticket holders get priority boarding, and have access to the lounge in the train station, as well as the Priority Club Car.
- Caledonian Double: The fanciest and the most comfortable of all the accommodations on the Caledonian Sleeper is a double en-suite room. It includes a double bed, en-suite bathroom (with toiletries) and in-room sink, temperature and light control, electrical and USB outlets, and WiFi. The room is lockable from the inside and the outside. Passengers in Caledonian Doubles get complimentary breakfast, an amenity kit, and chocolates, and can order room service. Classic Rooms ticket holders get priority boarding, and have access to the lounge in the train station, as well as the Priority Club Car.
How long is the journey on the Caledonian Sleeper?
The length of the journey on the Caledonian Sleeper depends on where it’s going/started from:
How much does the Caledonian Sleeper cost?
The price of a journey on board the Caledonian Sleeper depends on your destination, demand on your dates of travel, and the accommodation you choose, from $61 (£50) for a seat on the Lowland route to well above $490 (£400) in a double en-suite room on the Highland route.
There are four kinds of accommodations available on the Caledonian Sleeper:
Because prices vary widely, the best way to get an accurate estimate of the fare for the dates you’re wanting to travel is by checking the calendar on the Caledonian Sleeper’s booking system.
Why is Caledonian Sleeper so expensive?
Photo: Michael715/Shutterstock
Riding the Caledonian Sleeper does not have to be expensive — it all depends on the demand for your dates of travel, where you’re going, and what accommodation you choose.
Traveling in a room on the Caledonian Sleeper can be more expensive than flying, but it’s much more comfortable, with beds, in-room sinks or en-suites, and a menu of delicious food for you to choose from, no matter what class of service you booked.
Why does the Caledonian Sleeper take so long?
The Caledonian Sleeper is not a high-speed train and stops in multiple stations along the way. Depending on your destination or departure station, the Caledonian Sleeper takes between 7.5 hours and 13 hours. Take advantage of this time to sleep, eat, and take in the beautiful landscape from the window.
Where to stay in London to be near Euston Station
For places to stay in Scotland, check out Matador‘s list of the finest hotels in Glasgow close to the best city attractions, the top Airbnbs in Edinburgh in the Old City, New City, and Circus Lane, or the 8 best hotels in Edinburgh close To the must-see sights.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Melia White House Hotel
The Melia White House is a luxurious, four-star hotel located only eight minutes on foot from Euston Station. It is close to beautiful Regent’s Park, as well as great shopping areas such as Oxford Street and Soho. The hotel, dating back to 1935, has modern and elegantly furnished rooms with private bathrooms of marble-tiled floors and black granite sinks. The hotel provides satellite TV and complimentary newspapers. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean-influenced cuisine at the all-day dining bar or enjoy cocktails and wine while snacking on tasty treats.
Kimpton — Fitzroy London
Kimpton Fitzroy London is a luxury hotel situated in a large 19th-century building that’s 11 minutes away from Euston Station on foot. Despite its historic exterior look, the hotel’s interior decor is a mix of period features and stylish, modern touches. The hotel’s rooms and suites feature Smart TV, free WiFi, a minibar, and high-end toiletries in en-suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a variety of food and drinks offerings at the three on-site bars and restaurant: Burr&Co., Fitz’s bar, and Galvin Bar and Grill. The Russell Square subway station is next to the hotel, and attractions like Oxford Street and the West End theatres are within walking distance.
Hilton London Euston
The Hilton Euston is a four-star hotel located within a magnificent Victorian building, just four minutes away on foot from Euston Station. All the rooms feature air conditioning, WiFi, TVs with on-demand movies, and luxurious marble bathrooms with free toiletries. Guests can enjoy a delicious Hilton breakfast at Mulberry’s Restaurant, and the flagship restaurant Woburn Place offers fusion cuisine for lunch and dinner. Additionally, guests can unwind and enjoy drinks and snacks at the Woburn Place Bar & Lounge. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a currency exchange service, and tickets to London attractions. The hotel is a 10-minute walk to the British Museum. 