Could Scotland’s Caledonian Sleeper train soon be on track for Europe?

Expansion plans for Scotland’s Caledonian Sleeper service are gathering steam with a working group looking at the possibility of a direct rail link with mainland Europe.

An announcement issued on 4 August said that representatives from Transport Scotland, Scottish Rail Holdings and Caledonian Sleeper are spearheading efforts to assess the “technical and commercial viability of extending the sleeper service into the continent”, as well as the potential challenges involved.

Stephen Flynn, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, said that there is a commitment to explore the potential of a direct Caledonian Sleeper service to mainland Europe.

“The establishment of this working group marks an important first step in delivering that commitment and will help ensure the feasibility study is informed by the expertise of our rail partners,” he said.

“This is an early-stage exercise and the study will focus on understanding the practical, technical and commercial considerations involved. The findings will provide an evidence base to inform any future decisions.”

Onboard Scotland’s sleeper service

Running between London Euston and various destinations in Scotland, the Caledonian Sleeper is just one of two sleeper train services in the UK. The other is the Night Riviera, which goes between London Paddington and Penzance in Cornwall.

Caledonian Sleeper operates five routes northbound and southbound six nights a week. Routes to Scotland terminate at either Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley via the lowland route, or Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen via the highland route.

The journey from London Euston to Glasgow Central is around 7 hours and 45 minutes, while to Aberdeen it’s 10 hours and 35 minutes and 12 hours 45 minutes to Fort William.

In total, it operates 40 sleeper coaches, each equipped with six club ensuite rooms with twin bunk beds, private bathroom and shower, with breakfast included in the fare. There are also four classic rooms with twin bunk beds. Fares start from £270 (€314.95) for a Club Solo room and £210 (€244.98) for Classic Solo.

Its fleet also includes 11 Club Cars that have seating for up to 30 diners. The coach features a galley for dining with seven booths, including designated space for wheelchair users.

Before boarding, travellers can unwind at Caledonian Sleeper Guest Lounges at London Euston, Fort William and Inverness. Guests can freshen up in the showers and have a snack before departure and after arriving at their stop.

The Caledonian Sleeper is also pet friendly, welcoming travellers’ four-legged companions onboard. Considerations can also be made for travellers with animals that are not cats or dogs. No more than two pets can join a guest. A cleaning fee of £30 (€34.99) also applies per room each journey.

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