Caledonian Sleeper, overnight trains

There are no longer any overnight trains wholly within Scotland, they ended decades ago .....


However, there are overnight trains operated by Serco - the Caledonian Sleeper train that operate as follows, for travel to/from England.


Normally, subject to any engineering works, the trains operate Sunday to Friday nights, in both directions, and exclude 24/25/26/31 December, and 1st January.


- Aberdeen, and principal stations to Inverkeithing, the train will pick up, then drop off at Preston, Crewe, and London Euston. 


- Fort William, and most stations on the West Highland Line as far as Dalmuir -  the train will pick up, then drop off at Preston, Crewe, and London Euston.  Seated customers only can alight at Glasgow  or Edinburgh Waverley, where local day tickets can be used as for Scotrail services.   This train is known as "The Deer Stalker"


- Inverness and main stations to Falkirk via Pitlochry, Perth, Gleneagles - pickup, and drop off next morning at Preston, Crewe, and London Euston 


- Glasgow Central , Motherwell, Carstairs and Carlisle pickup, then drop off at Watford Junction and London Euston the next morning. 


- Edinburgh Waverley, Carstairs and Carlisle pickup, then drop off at Watford Junction and London Euston the next morning. 


**  The carriages are some of the oldest still in operation on the Highland Sleepers.  Brand new modern rolling stock, some cabins with double beds, and showers - operate from Spring 2019 - The Lowland Sleeper starting/commencing at Edinburgh and Glasgow to London Euston.   The Highland sleeper will receive the new carriages later in 2019.


***  If you have a Britrail pass, or Inter-rail pass, you can use the seated carriage with your pass by filling in a box, dated for the day you ARRIVE your destination, not the day you leave.   Seat reservations are mandatory on these trains due to very limited space.   You can pay a berth/cabin surcharge if you would like a bed.


**** You can not use the sleeper train for wholly within Scotland journeys - except between Edinburgh and Fort William and vv, and also between Kingussie and Inverness is also allowed.  These "day" train sectors  are also valid on the Spirit of Scotland pass. (Or Highland rail pass between Glasgow and Fort William, or Aviemore to Inverness)

There has been a book written about the Sleeper Train in 2018 - a fascinating read !

Currently the sleeping compartments have 2 thin bunk beds - only one of these is used if you buy a dedicated single cabin surcharge.  A light basic breakfast can be bought onboard, as can light meals and snacks and drinks in the lounge car.   There are USB charging points in your cabin, and a few traditional British 3 pin sockets in the lounge car usually.  Sleeping car attendants are available throughout the journey.   There are currently no showers, and the toilets are at the end of each carriage.  There is a washbasin in each cabin.   There are no keys - you can only lock the cabin once inside, or have the attendant lock it from the outside.   You can usually board the train about 30-45 minutes prior to departure.