Planned engineering works throughout February and March please check our service alterations page. Sorry to hear that. Arguably, the most important part of the review. Its only available to guests staying in rooms though. Much of the reason youll be riding on this train is to experience the train, and this is the longest route which will give you the most time on board. Did I sleep? That all depends on where youre going. 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. Image: Andrew Smith. If you are sending us cards or passes by post, we strongly suggest you use Signed-For Delivery. The Aberdeen train stops at Montrose, Stonehaven, Leuchars and Dundee. The Caledonian Sleeper, the night train between London and Scotland, was in 2014 in need of a fresh start. We thoroughly enjoy travelling in the Scottish Highlands eating an excellent Scottish breakfast with a lovely cup of tea. From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH), an arms length company owned by the Scottish government. However, Gilruth added that the decision to bring the service into public hands would not be a permanent one, saying she and officials would continue to monitor market conditions. 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. 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. Train Accessibility Guides Provides the information relating to the features on board the train designed to help everyone. I had arranged my travel through Byway Travel who handled all the bookings for me. The three sections terminate at Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. 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. This is our favourite route we prefer to travel on when possible for various reasons read on to find out what these are! The seats are part reclining with a slide forward for the seat cushion section. 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. Please read: Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised by Scottish ministers, More here from the BBC: Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. 5. From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by an arms length company owned by the Scottish government. Arrive refreshed at your destination of choice following your overnight journey. From outside the UK, call us on: +44 20 7841 8274. Rail Passenger Rights Service Quality Report. 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". These tickets must be valid between stations served by Caledonian Sleeper for part . Yes, you can take up to two pets with you (including dogs and cats) but it will cost you extra. If you book a room with 2 passengers, you wont be sharing a room with anyone else. So, did the sleeper train live up to my expectations? JavaScript is disabled. Each route and destination are as follows, also showing the principal train station stops along the route. She added: "Rather, the decision that I had to take on rebasing was a question of the terms of the rebase offer and that, in the government's view, these terms did not represent the best value for money.". You book rooms like you would in a hotel. In a statement to Parliament, Scotland Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said: Having stated in October that the existing Caledonian Sleeper franchise would come to an end in June 2023, I want to give rail staff and passengers as much certainty as I can about the future. If youre wondering about WIFI, yes there was but it wasnt particularly fast when we tried to watch a film. Reviewed 5 February 2018 via mobile. Though we have travelled on this service on numerous occasions this was our first time travelling on the new and updated sleeper service in January 2020. Click for further information and to book your Caledonian Sleeper Train tickets. Sleeper trains run between London Euston and Scotland in both directions ( The Caledonian Sleeper ), and between London Paddington and Cornwall in both directions ( Great Western Railway's Night Riviera Sleeper ). OUR VIEW We have never stayed in one of these rooms. Although Caledonian Sleeper staff are not participating in the strike action it does have a significant impact on the overnight Sleeper services. Then three individual trains then travel onwards to Fort William, Aberdeen and. I was worried wed be stuck there for ages but luckily, the train staff checked our tickets pretty quickly. Like most trains, smoking is not permitted on the Caledonian Sleeper in any area. On both occasions, I stayed in a Classic Room. Admittedly, Im not the best sleeper so no, I didnt. The service, which has been operating in various forms since 1873, runs overnight trains between Scotland and London. You are able to smoke at the station before you board, and when you get off, but there arent many opportunities to smoke while riding. Click to book your Caledonian Sleeper train tickets. National Rail tickets can be accepted between stations served by the sleeper services with a reservation made via the Guest service Centre telephone line. And the full restriction (which didn't seem relevant to the original question) says. It wasnt an issue with the facilities. The Caledonian Sleeper is to be taken into public hands in June, transport minister has told MSPs. A senior union source said . If the Caledonian Double is out of reach, the Club Room is also a great choice. 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! The other one is the Night Riviera Sleeper from London to Penzance! If I did the Caledonian Sleeper again I would only book a one-way ticket to the Scottish Highlands. Access priority is given to the Caledonian Double and Club Room guests. The inspector told us to walk down the platform to our carriage where a colleague would check us in, and give us keycards for the room and a menu for our breakfast orders. + Free Scotland packing list for ALL SEASONS, + 5-step guide to planning a trip of a lifetime, + Monthly newsletter with helpful travel tips. Then, retire to your comfortable cabin for a night on the rails. bbc.co.uk - The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. There is a Lowlander route between London and Glasgow and Edinburgh, and a Highlander route to Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. UK Telephone number. Image credit: Richard Clinnick. Mr Simpson also said Ms Gilruth had given no idea of how much the nationalisation would cost, or how Scottish taxpayers would receive value for money from the move. Privacy PolicyTerms of Use & CopyrightDisclosure & Disclaimer, Directory Boston Spa, While Ive mentioned a few times that the train is a little cramped, Im aware that its making do with whats available. 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. Email: [email protected], Your email address will not be published. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. 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. 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. They are not allowed to come to the Club Car with you while you eat. However, the food is overpriced. We were keen to try the cheeseboard, but it was sold out sadly! The Club car is available to all guests using berth sleeping accommodation only. VAT reg no 816865400. I took the overnight Caledonian sleeper service from Edinburgh south to London Euston on 25th February, travelling in a Club Solo Room. Friday 4, Sunday 6 and Tuesday 8 November Some services will arrive at the destination later than usual with services to Aberdeen / Inverness / Fort William . 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. Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; 38.75 each is the cheapest tier for that journey so is probably correct. Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. Unlike some countries, they do not expect a financial tip at the end of the service. More information on how we process your information can be found in our Privacy Policy. I suggest bringing your own if you want to keep costs down. Northbound from London Euston, the Lowlander Route takes the Caledonian Sleeper to Carstairs where it splits off and travels to Edinburgh Waverly and Glasgow Central. It was impossible for two people to be in there wearing backpacks though! 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. First launched in 1996, it has become an icon the world over and a symbol of train travel at its best. Trackside you're greeted by a member of staff, and they're delightful. So, is the Caledonian Sleeper worth it? However, they may travel in the seated accommodation on the legs of the journey between Fort William and Edinburgh and vice versa, and Kingussie and Inverness where the sleeper train forms a day service (reservations are not required). If you are getting on the train at the starting point, you can occupy your cabin . 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. With everything in place for a relaxed Available for single or shared occupancy. The train starts boarding around 8:30. Now, I think you should be aware of the 'full' experience prior to booking this means of travel-. Itll mostly be dark outside for your whole trip, so dont judge based on scenery, or lack thereof. There are options to choose from for your accommodation for each journey depending on your preferences and budget. Includes reservation costs and accommodation. In fact, we arrived at the leisurely time of 9:57 am, so it wasnt really an early start! Principal trains station stops As per South Bound Services (in reverse). I normally need quiet and stillness. elegant furnishings and onboard Wi-Fi throughout. 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. Given all that, there can be no conclusion other than that this is an ideological decision. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/online-prv-on-cal-sleeper.175891/. The word Caledonian is taken from the Latin word which generally refers to the land in the north, Caledonia, the name the Romans used to describe Scotland. Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Graham Simpson said the service had seen its highest revenue since the start of the franchise over the past year, with passenger numbers back to pre-Covid levels and guest and employee satisfaction all going up. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In this Caledonian Sleeper review, I share what its really like to travel on this iconic train. Departing London Euston, the Highlander train splits into three at Edinburgh Waverley in the wee small hours of the morning. For more information, visit myPrivacy Policy. We did get a free tea, juice and a biscuit though! When was the online feature removed? Also improved is the WIFI throughout the train and greater accessibility arrangements that increases inclusivity for all. The service was initially operated by steam locomotives, and the journey took around 12 hours. Highlands-London service will be run by state-owned company after operator Serco loses contract seven years early. The wall opposite the bed had a locked door which led to the neighbouring room. Our guide contains our review of the service plus practical tips and advice to make the most of your trip on one of the most popular train journeys in the world. The new service looks 100% improved. We found the bed to be plenty big for our needs and the included shower and toilet is a real bonus. You will not need to bring your own towels to utilize the shower facilities while riding. But rail unions welcomed the transport minister's announcement. All of the trains go directly to their destinations without the need for changes so you can sleep while the train is moving. On board Host service See below under Boarding the train. Breakfast was a limited offering, and we thought the evening meals were good, but the portions were smaller than at a restaurant. Serco had unsuccessfully attempted to renegotiate its Caledonian Sleeper contract last year. Times may differ on return and from weekdays to weekends. 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 Lowlander train dissects at Carstairs and the two halves continue . The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail service when its contract expires in June. Its northernmost station is Inverness. for about 20 minutes before we heard the announcement called. Alternatively, you can use a valid National Rail ticket provided you also have a reservation to travel on the Caledonian Sleeper. Then three individual trains then travel onwards to Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness. As a gateway to the Highlands, Inverness has matured to become one of the UKs most spectacular cities. If you were delayed by 30 or more minutes, you may be entitled to compensation, Find out the latest Caledonian Sleeper timetable alterations. There is no question that from March 2018 onwards the 1st class designation no longer applies. 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. This is good news but I wouldn't get your hopes up for ticket prices to reduce much from where they are now. The sleeper is very much a loss maker and I think the subsidy is still around 100 per passenger with the higher fares. Considering a trip on the Caledonian Sleeper? Do you have to share a room on the Caledonian Sleeper. Where does the Caledonian Sleeper train go? 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 rail service to be nationalised by Scottish ministers, Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. Multiple at seat charging point or socket. Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by the Scottish Government from the expiry of the current Caledonian Sleeper franchise on 25 June 2023.. March 2, 2023. Over recent months we have reported the numerous issues with Caledonian Sleeper and its new CAF rolling stock. The Flexipass was not an option for us with only one journey planned at that time. dram of malt whisky in the Club Car. 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. 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. 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 Caledonian Sleeper Train was relaunched in 2019 to feature 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". The routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh are too short to fully enjoy. It had been due to run from 2015 to 2030. If you are travelling Southbound, the train will only board from around 11pm onwards. Posted by Francesca Brooking | No-Fly Holidays, Scotland | 0. Serco said that on-board staff had received full pay during the pandemic, despite working reduced hours. (This is to be reduced to 2 hours from 1st April 202). In the UK, there are two sleeper trains. The Caledonian Sleeper first began operating in 1873, when the Caledonian Railway Company opened the service between Glasgow and London. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service will be nationalised after Scottish ministers moved to terminate the operating companys franchise agreement seven years early. Try to get there at least an hour before departure to board the train as smoothly as possible! Yes. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? 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. He writes extensively and is a contributor and presenter on CPD conferences in the UK and overseas. Geoffrey Morrison. The line technically has two routes - the Highlander and the Lowlander with the train splitting into sections depending on where it's going. Read more: 5 Of The Best Cycling Routes In Scotland For Epic Views. Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of . 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. The Caledonian Sleeper is very safe! 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! It was utterly magical and encapsulated the romanticism of train travel for me. The train cant be wider as it has to operate on standard train tracks. Lowlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. To what extent will state-ownership under Scottish Rail Holdings bring about a change in business objectives and pricing? 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. Caledonian Sleeper - Staff Travel Tickets. No spam, just awesome sustainable travel content! When you book your tickets, youll only be asked about where youre departing from and the station you want to arrive at. our Scottish holiday. Sadly my 26-30 railcard didnt make the cut :(. The Scottish government has announced . Book your trip The price is by the room. These are Caledonian Sleeper staff who greet guests at the train. You can buy National Rail tickets from ticket machines at stations, which can apply discounts for Disabled Persons Railcard holders. In my opinion, yes it is. For breakfast, we try to have everything packed ready so we could enjoy the breakfast, just finishing in time to arrive at our destination. 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. The move confirms widespread expectation in the rail industry that the service would be . You should not have any concerns over safety on the Caledonian Sleeper. With over 35 years experience exploring the UK we are here to help you plan your travels to (and around) the UK. The Scottish government announced last year an offer to rebase the Serco contract did not represent value for money. The seating configuration is the same as conventional UK First class seating carriages with 2 -1 seats in an airline type set up. The decision to terminate this agreement was announced by the government in October last year. Note Check when making a booking if travelling alone if a single person supplement fee is applicable. So if London's calling you this summer, wherever you're travelling from in Scotland, we'll help you get there . The contract for the overnight London to Scotland service will be removed from Serco in June. Customer assist is not compulsory but is recommended for peace of mind. Luxury Double bed and not two separate bunk type beds. Ms Gilruth said the decision not to rebase was "in no way a reflection on the quality of the product that has been developed, nor on the commitment of the staff who deliver this service every day". Speaking in a statement to Parliament today (Thursday 2 March 2023), Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth announced that from 25 June 2023, Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by an arm's length company owned and controlled by the . For the Caledonian Sleeper, its not necessarily because of the price rather availability. Want to stay informed about the latest developments with Caledonian Sleeper? The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to . There are several reasons why the Caledonian Sleeper service may make a loss: Overall, the Caledonian Sleeper service is a complex operation with high fixed costs and fluctuating demand. Southbound, the train departs from both Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverly. Rob is married to Allie and together they have been traveling the world for the past 5 years. Having travelled on sleeper service around the world we think this is one of the best, and the Lonely Planet also agreed in 2016. 5 Of The Best Cycling Routes In Scotland For Epic Views, Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season, 9 Best Scotland Small Group Tours You Need To Book (2022), Isle of Skye 2 Day Itinerary: Amazing Things To Do, 12 BEST Day Hikes In Scotland You Need To Experience, The Best Cyprus Itinerary for a Long Weekend (Or More!). To mark our new trains and a new era in rail travel, we commissioned a series of posters to commemorate the long history of the service. The one big downside was the lack of an ensuite bathroom which you can get if you choose the Club Room. Theres something special about closing your eyes in one location and waking up to views of another world, ready to start an adventure. On longer routes to Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen, you can expect to board 45 minutes before departure. Requested to be no bigger than 70cm wide, 120cm long. Its also a more leisurely, sophisticated and sustainable way to travel. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Heres how long it takes for some of its most popular destinations if youre travelling from London. Friendly and helpful, they let you know all the details of your . The train is quiet (electric, I think). The Classic Room suited our needs perfectly at a reasonably decent price point. He tweeted: 'In 15 . The back of the door at a floor-to-ceiling mirror which gave the illusion of more space in the room. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service will be nationalised after Scottish ministers moved to terminate the operating company's franchise agreement seven years early. For more information, read our privacy policy. OUR VIEW We enjoyed sitting have a drink in the evenings and also having breakfast in one of the booths depending on availability. 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). No spam, just awesome travel content. The Caledonian Sleeper route goes from London right up to the Scottish Highlands. However, I cant comment on it as A) I booked a Classic Room, and B) the lounge was closed anyway. These costs may be higher than the revenue generated by the service, especially if there are . These include train failure . Here is my honest review of riding the Caledonian Sleeper in a Classic Room. 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.