Priority access to the Club Cars is given to Club and Double Room guests. 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. Scottish Government to Take Ownership of Caledonian Sleeper Services The Caledonian Sleeper is a sleeper train service linking London with cities in Scotland. 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. National Rail Enquiries - Caledonian Sleeper - Staff Travel Tickets Dont worry, if you book a Classic Room for yourself, you wont have to share it with another solo traveller! I would still bring flip-flops or wear shoes if youre getting up in the middle of the night! Where does the Caledonian Sleeper train go? In my opinion, yes it is. For a return, the price is simply two singles. That year, it also unveiled a new fleet of trains, which the company said would "transform" the service. Rather than a train getting you from A to B, this sleeper train is part of the experience of travel. 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. 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. The seats are part reclining with a slide forward for the seat cushion section. On a trip to Fort William from London itll take 13 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your journey. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper all sleep 2 people only. 2023 BBC. In fact, we arrived at the leisurely time of 9:57 am, so it wasnt really an early start! This includes the onboard showers and lounge facilities as well as enjoying the unique sleeper berth experience. 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). This news item applies only to non-safeguarded staff who entered rail service after 31 March 1996 and hold the Rail Staff Leisure Card. In a statement to MSPs, Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said an arm's length company of the government would take over the franchise on 25 June. It really depends on your personal preferences and what accommodation type you choose. Our ride started at London Euston Station and ended at Glasgow Centra. The train is quiet (electric, I think). You should not have any concerns over safety on the Caledonian Sleeper. Guest Service Centre All travel information, regarding planning, booking tickets, berths and all questions regarding accessibility can be provided to help guests to make their own choices. Admittedly, Im not the best sleeper so no, I didnt. 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. I can relax now! The capital of the UK and one of the worlds most spectacular cities, London needs little introduction and gives you access to business, entertainment and leisure on a grand scale. 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). 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. Jenny Gilruth said nothing about how this world class service can be improved under the Scottish government.". RMTs general secretary, Mick Lynch, said the Scottish government had done the right thing, while Aslefs Scottish organiser, Kevin Lindsay, said Sercos control of the service had been an abject failure. Starting from London Euston and heading north, the route to Fort William is the best Caledonian Sleeper route. Rail Staff Travel - Rail Delivery Group 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. Rob is one of the most published photographers in the world, having published over 1 million images in the last 20 years. Ive been to two booking offices but to be honest they didnt fill me with great confidence that they knew what they were doing. Water was warm and plentiful when we tried the shower, and overall it was a good experience. Want to stay informed about the latest developments with Caledonian Sleeper? Heres everything you need to know about booking and travelling on the Caledonian Sleeper. 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. Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UKs most wonderful destinations. Theres an option to add a bike when you book your ticket. 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. The feedback from other travellers is that the double room (s) get booked up quickly as the demand is always high. magical journey through the English countryside on the Caledonian Read more: 10 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh For The Ultimate Travel Itinerary. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. It would hardly be the first time that ATOC/RDG have been behind the curve when it comes to accurate information. The Scottish Government has announced it will take over providing Caledonian Sleeper services following the expiry of the current franchise on 25 June this year. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? JavaScript is disabled. They write: "Britrail / Inter-Rail / Eurail / FIP Coupons will need to be valid on the date you arrive in your destination but not necessarily on the date you join the train for departures before midnight.". Train Accessibility Guides Provides the information relating to the features on board the train designed to help everyone. So, book it if youre interested in the experience of sleeper train travel from England to Scotland. The Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands from this summer, the Scottish . You are using an out of date browser. The Caledonian Sleeper train is the name of the service that runs on the train route between England and Scotland 6 days a week. This week, we take a trip aboard the Caledonian Sleeper "Highlander" service from Inverness to London Euston to see if the problems with the new rolling stoc. 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. 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". Rob is married to Allie and together they have been traveling the world for the past 5 years. Receive the latest tours, offers, and inspirational travel content right in your inbox. Read about our approach to external linking. Theres something special about closing your eyes in one location and waking up to views of another world, ready to start an adventure. 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. Available for Classic, Club rooms and Caledonian Double rooms. Sleeper trains - Travel guide at Wikivoyage If the Caledonian Double is out of reach, the Club Room is also a great choice. The Scottish government has announced . 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. Image credit: Richard Clinnick. elegant furnishings and onboard Wi-Fi throughout. Also improved is the WIFI throughout the train and greater accessibility arrangements that increases inclusivity for all. We took on the task with the vision of upgrading the . The sleeper train travels from London to Scotland every night except Saturday and gets you to your destination in time for breakfast. Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UK's most wonderful destinations. Whether you are travelling to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen or Fort William, travel in comfort and enjoy a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Caledonian Sleeper to be brought back under public control The Caledonian Sleeper is very safe! Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised by Scottish 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. Even if you know the number of the coach your seat/berth is in sometimes it is still not the easiest thing to find. I want to give rail staff and . How long does the Caledonian Sleeper train take? Home to many a lively ceilidh where the celebrated local malt is the toast of the guests Fort William is an idyllic escape from the rat race. Disappointing that it's been withdrawn as opposed to tightening up on the misuse from those that don't hold travel facilities. For breakfast, we try to have everything packed ready so we could enjoy the breakfast, just finishing in time to arrive at our destination. Caledonian Sleeper Review: Is This Train Worth The Hype? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Departing London Euston, the Highlander train splits into three at Edinburgh Waverley in the wee small hours of the morning. Email: francesca@littlelosttravel.com, Your email address will not be published. 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. Image: Andrew Smith. It was painfully early and there were no pretty views to enjoy. There wasnt a standard plug so if you want to use your electronics on the train, make sure you bring a lead or power bank with you. The shower is integrated into the bathroom, so youll flip the toilet seat cover down and it then doubles as a bench for the shower. 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 . The seating configuration is the same as conventional UK First class seating carriages with 2 -1 seats in an airline type set up. Room supplements are available for Solo or Shared room occupancy in Club and Classic accommodation. If you are on a Fixed Advance ticket, no refunds, changes, or upgrades are allowed. Can you book a room on the sleeper train as a solo traveller? However, Ive heard that even those rooms are a bit cramped (I overheard a tall man complain about it in the Club Car). bbc.co.uk - The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. Arriving in London on the return was less fun though. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The wall opposite the bed had a locked door which led to the neighbouring room. The Caledonian Sleeper site is contradicting my understanding of night trains and Eurail passes. Read more about them here. Lowlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into two separate trains at Carstairs (a station south and between Glasgow and Edinburgh) and then travelling onwards to Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. Please read: Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised by Scottish ministers, More here from the BBC: Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. While Ive mentioned a few times that the train is a little cramped, Im aware that its making do with whats available. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Essential resources. National Rail Enquiries - Caledonian Sleeper An important and useful applied example of nationalisation here. I recommend doing the trip at least once. Check terms and conditions regarding breakfast or room type. The loss was offset by a final 274m "availability" payment from the government . The other one is the Night Riviera Sleeper from London to Penzance! A senior union source said . Click for further information and to book your Caledonian Sleeper Train tickets. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised | Flipboard dram of malt whisky in the Club Car. You will not need to bring your own towels to utilize the shower facilities while riding. That being said, I dont think I would upgrade unless it were for a special occasion. This follows the announcement on 5 October 2022 of the Scottish Governments decision to terminate Sercos Franchise Agreement on 25 June 2023. Caledonian Sleeper train review: My verdict. When was the online feature removed? But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. comfortable cabin for a night on the rails. If you want to experience an upgraded luxury feel to your sleeper car accommodations, the Caledonian Sleeper is not to be missed on your next trip to Scotland. 2002-2023 Tutor2u Limited. JavaScript is disabled. Editors tip: These are one-way fares. 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: . Scroll down to the FAQ section to learn more about routes, popular stops and how long it takes to travel to each one! A cleaning fee of 30 pounds is charged per room and you are allowed to bring 2 pets with you on your trip. What science tells us about the afterlife. The one big downside was the lack of an ensuite bathroom which you can get if you choose the Club Room. The Scottish Government has moved to nationalise the Caledonian Sleeper service after ending the contract with operator Serco seven years before its scheduled date. Therefore, the Scottish Government chose Serco Transport to procure and develop a modern, market-driven concept developed for both business and private travellers and tourists. 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. Book your trip Saves time when on a tight travel schedule, travelling whilst asleep, waking up refreshed and ready for the next adventure. 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! Mr Whitehurst also said that since Serco took over the management of the Caledonian Sleeper in 2015, it had brought about "massive improvements to every aspect of the service for our employees, our passengers and for Scotland, despite having made significant losses on the contract". Do you have to share a room on the Caledonian Sleeper. I had arranged my travel through Byway Travel who handled all the bookings for me. Ticket name. The Club Car has a range of different seating types from booths to small tables. She said: The decision will provide a stable platform for the provision of Sleeper services and it will also provide certainty for staff and, of course, the travelling public. Although it was nice to have hot food, it was expensive and a little on the basic side. There is no question that from March 2018 onwards the 1st class designation no longer applies. + Free Scotland packing list for ALL SEASONS, + 5-step guide to planning a trip of a lifetime, + Monthly newsletter with helpful travel tips. Required fields are marked *. So, did the sleeper train live up to my expectations? 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. I was so excited to book the Caledonian Sleeper up to Fort William for my trip to the Scottish Highlands. Did I sleep? Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by the Scottish Government from the expiry of the current Caledonian Sleeper franchise on 25 June 2023.. It will be operated by an arm . Station Accessibility Guides On depth information about the train stations the sleeper train service stops at. It may not display this or other websites correctly. From this date, the Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by Scottish Rail Holdings, an arm's length company owned . This website uses cookies to improve your experience. With over 35 years experience exploring the UK we are here to help you plan your travels to (and around) the UK. Staff Travel News - BTPF The new service looks 100% improved. For more information, read our privacy policy. Yes. Dont worry, we wont bombard you with emails, and you can unsubscribe at any time, but our e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date every step of the way. If there are three of you, book two berths adjacent to each other. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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! OUR VIEW Using the fixed tickets suited our needs best of all, knowing with our research and itinerary planning exactly when and how we planned to travel we could manage our travel cost better throughout. Towels are provided in sleeper car rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. A creative scene like no other, Glasgow is famous for the arts, live music, and comedy. Our accommodation allows you to arrive refreshed, Every room on board our train captures the spirit of Caledonian Sleeper, with handcrafted Glencraft mattresses for the ultimate sleep and for the first time en-suite facilities in select accommodation options. Certainly haven't seen any news articles on the RDG website to the best of my knowledge. possible, including a 'sleep kit' with Scottish toiletries. I booked it today after 3 members of staff at a booking office persevered! Highlands-London service will be run by state-owned company after operator Serco loses contract seven years early. Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of . It wasnt an issue with the facilities. I was looking at the Staff T&Cs for travel on the Sleeper, and the RDG website tells me only to book First Class (single occupancy birth and what not) only if I have the First Class entitlement. The Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands from this summer, the Scottish Government has announced. In this Caledonian Sleeper review, I share what its really like to travel on this iconic train. However, the food is overpriced. All Caledonian sleeper tickets need to be valid on the ARRIVAL date of your end destination station not necessarily on the date you leave starting point train station. 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. Caledonian Sleeper contract to end next year, Plan to tackle 'unsatisfactory' Caledonian Sleeper, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Inside the enclave surrounded by pro-Russia forces, China looks at reforms to deepen Xi's control, 'The nurses wanted me to feel guilty about my abortion, From Afghan TV fame to a US factory floor. The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail Iconic Highland train service the Caledonian Sleeper to be nationalised Yes, you can take up to two pets with you (including dogs and cats) but it will cost you extra. These costs may be higher than the revenue generated by the service, especially if there are . The food was delicious, but it was expensive and the portions were a little on the small side. With everything in place for a relaxed Traveling overnight saves the cost of a hotel. National Rail tickets can be accepted between stations served by the sleeper services with a reservation made via the Guest service Centre telephone line.