Read about our approach to external linking. Finally the review! I would rather have a bed than a seat even if I were travelling alone. Then three individual trains then travel onwards to Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness. Can you use a railcard on the Caledonian Sleeper? That year, it also unveiled a new fleet of trains, which the company said would "transform" the service. 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. The Scottish government has announced . 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.". Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of Scotland's most rural stations to London, will be operated by an arm's-length company owned by the Scottish Government from June 25. Serco had unsuccessfully attempted to renegotiate its Caledonian Sleeper contract last year. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/online-prv-on-cal-sleeper.175891/. Scottish Conservative transport spokesperson Graham Simpson criticised the decision and said: The minister agreed that the sleeper has surpassed any other train company in the UK in its recovery from the pandemic and was thriving and a world class service. RMT Announcement on strike dates during March and April please check our service alterations page. It is amazing to fall asleep in one country/state and wake up in another and enjoy the views along the way! . RMT wins public ownership for Caledonian Sleeper Rail union, RMT warmly welcomed today's decision by the Scottish government to take Caledonian Sleeper into Thanks for the link. Theyre often considered a more romantic way to travel, offering luxury, glamour and leisure. Rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper all sleep 2 people only. However the booking system is changing next year. Unlike some countries, they do not expect a financial tip at the end of the service. The Scottish Government will operate the Caledonian Sleeper service from the end of June. The food was delicious, but it was expensive and the portions were a little on the small side. 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. When you book your tickets, youll only be asked about where youre departing from and the station you want to arrive at. The service between Inverness and London takes 11 hours to travel 444 miles. Will be great if no longer STD or 1st designated berths, GWR did this several years ago, Solo cabins with PRIV rate is great ! Can you take dogs on the Caledonian Sleeper? In the UK, there are two sleeper trains. The sleeper train technically has two routes: Northbound from London Euston, the train splits into three at Edinburgh Waverley and each section travels to Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William with stops along the way, for example. The Caledonian Sleeper accessible travel policy (2021) includes information for: One item of hand luggage and up to two items of luggage no bigger than 30cm x 70cm x 90cm is permitted as space is of a premium onboard the train. The problem for me was the subtle movement and the noise of the train. The sleeper service will be the second rail operation to be taken into state hands in Scotland in recent times. Narrow was a theme that carried right through to our room. Family room and accessible room options for wheelchair users are available. There are 2 types or categories of purchased sleeper tickets available for all services for general ticket sales, the Flexipass is for a collective purchase: (information from the Caledonian Sleeper Homepage 13/12/2021). 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These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Hello, the trains that go long distances are almost always, I love your website an YouTube videos. 16-25, Disabled, Disabled Child, Friends & Family, HM Forces, Senior, Two Together and Veteran are accepted. You book rooms like you would in a hotel. VAT reg no 816865400. The Classic Room suited our needs perfectly at a reasonably decent price point. If you are getting on the train at the starting point, you can occupy your cabin . Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; 38.75 each is the cheapest tier for that journey so is probably correct. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. First launched in 1996, it has become an icon the world over and a symbol of train travel at its best. 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 service was initially operated by steam locomotives, and the journey took around 12 hours. Each route and destination are as follows, also showing the principal train station stops along the route. The price is by the room. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The sleeper trains entry-level guest rooms. After dropping our bags off in the room, we went to get a seat in the Club Car. It would have been much better, cheaper and quicker to get the LNER for the return journey. The Caledonian Sleeper site is contradicting my understanding of night trains and Eurail passes. The Lowlander train dissects at Carstairs and the two halves continue . Since Serco took over the Caledonian Sleeper, the operation has encountered a series of . Although Caledonian Sleeper staff are not participating in the strike action it does have a significant impact on the overnight Sleeper services. You should not have any concerns over safety on the Caledonian Sleeper. There are several reasons why the Caledonian Sleeper service may make a loss: High Operating Costs: Operating an overnight train service requires significant staffing and maintenance costs, including train crews, station staff, and maintenance teams. Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH), an arms length company owned by the Scottish government. I was fortunate enough to ride it twice with my partner from London to Fort William and from Edinburgh back to London. You also dont have access to the Club Car if you choose the seats! This is good news but I wouldn't get your hopes up for ticket prices to reduce much from where they are now. The Club Car has a range of different seating types from booths to small tables. With Caledonian Sleeper, you get to say goodnight to queuing, and wake up to something different while you travel between Scotland and London. The Caledonian Sleeper Route information, Caledonian Sleeper Boarding Times and Timetable, Caledonian Sleeper Options for sleeping or seating, Comfort Seats (sometimes referred to as sleeper seats), Click for further information and to book your Caledonian Sleeper Train tickets, Best of Britain by train (14 day itinerary), How to travel on the Harry Potter train in Scotland, Guide to the 9 main train stations in London, Guide to overnight sleeper train travel (tips), Podcast Episode 5 Guide to the Caledonian Sleeper Train, 13 Tips to save money on rail travel in the UK. If we were riding this train though, and were not going to get a room, wed probably opt for one of the day trains from London, which would be faster and cheaper than riding in the Comfort Seats. For that, youll need to book a Club or a Double. Before we could board, we had to join a queue which was absolutely huge. Considering a trip on the Caledonian Sleeper? Receive the latest tours, offers, and inspirational travel content right in your inbox. We rode the Caledonian Sleeper Train in a Caledonian double bed from London to Glasgow. Your email address will not be published. For other queries, you should find the information on our website, or you can e-mail us . On board Host service See below under Boarding the train. Always check departure and arrival times prior to travel, the week or day before. 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. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. I would recommend getting there in good time to guarantee a seat as its not huge. Theres secure storage space for up to six bikes in the Seated Carriage. The Scottish Government will provide the services from June 25, 2023 after it decided to axe the current operator Serco's . The Scottish Government has decided to end the contract that Serco has to run the iconic albeit loss-making Caledonian Sleeper service which connects Highland stations with London. (see later section). Want free and helpful Scotland travel tips? Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of . Even if you know the number of the coach your seat/berth is in sometimes it is still not the easiest thing to find. You are using an out of date browser. That's a pain when options for buying these tickets are so limited and it isn't the first time such difficulties have been highlighted. We started off with a sandwich platter (four sandwich quarters), mac n cheese and a vegetable soup with crusty bread. 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. The Club Car isnt always open though. Review of Caledonian Sleeper. Jenny Gilruth said nothing about how this world class service can be improved under the Scottish government.. We found the bed to be plenty big for our needs and the included shower and toilet is a real bonus. Then, retire to your Required fields are marked *. The Caledonian Sleeper Train was relaunched in 2019 to feature elegant furnishings and onboard Wi-Fi throughout. 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 . He said that the award would have allowed Scotland to benefit from the expertise of our Serco transport senior management team who understand this complex and unique hospitality-focused train operation like no one else, while also enabling Scottish ministers to be in complete control of the contract. Rather than a train getting you from A to B, this sleeper train is part of the experience of travel. Email: francesca@littlelosttravel.com, Your email address will not be published. It meant waiting on the station concourse (which isnt the nicest!) journey, you could enjoy ever-changing views and indulge in a wee We had to make sure we were in the right section of the train as it was going to split at Edinburgh. Wheelchairs/Scooters. How early can you board the Caledonian Sleeper? Departing London Euston, the Highlander train splits into three at Edinburgh Waverley in the wee small hours of the morning. With over 35 years experience exploring the UK we are here to help you plan your travels to (and around) the UK. Our latest 2023 vacation brochure is now available. 27 Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need For Your Packing List. The Fort William train stops at Helensburgh Upper, Rannoch, Corrour and Crianlarich. 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. Like most trains, smoking is not permitted on the Caledonian Sleeper in any area. Rail Staff taking children have two options they can travel in a 75% discounted adult fare or use free or a 2.00 inter-available . Read more: 10 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh For The Ultimate Travel Itinerary. He added: "The minister agreed that the sleeper has surpassed any other train company in the UK in its recovery from the pandemic and was thriving and a world class service. Caledonian Sleeper - Staff Travel Tickets. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I just wanted to check when booking the Caledonian Sleeper, the classic twin berth room booking also includes your journey fare? West Yorkshire, Complimentary sleep kit, including Scottish toiletry items. You are using an out of date browser. Whether you are travelling to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen or Fort William, travel in comfort and enjoy a friendly and relaxed . Mull Accommodation: 11 Best Places To Stay In 2023, 10 Best Fort William Day Trips: Hikes, Castles And Epic Train Journeys. The wall opposite the bed had a locked door which led to the neighbouring room. 2 March 2023. 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. Ticket code. Thats the absolute minimum time youll want to get there though. Click to book your Caledonian Sleeper train tickets. The staff and security work hard to ensure passengers are safe and comfortable during their entire trip. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Dedicated wheelchair space in each Seated Coach Priority for wheelchair spaces is given to reservations in advance. Boston Spa, On longer routes to Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen, you can expect to board 45 minutes before departure. magical journey through the English countryside on the Caledonian I have subscribed. This news item applies only to non-safeguarded staff who entered rail service after 31 March 1996 and hold the Rail Staff Leisure Card. I should add that I didnt actually book the tickets myself. Cheapest option available for passengers by buying a valid train ticket through any regular ticket outline/outline. That all depends on where youre going. Yes well, some. Now, I think you should be aware of the 'full' experience prior to booking this means of travel-. So, is the Caledonian Sleeper worth it? If you book a room with 2 passengers, you wont be sharing a room with anyone else. Read and find out! The train is certainly comfortable for a train. Theres something special about closing your eyes in one location and waking up to views of another world, ready to start an adventure. With the Sleeper franchise ending on 25 June 2023, we have carefully assessed the options for successor arrangements by the current legislative framework and our Franchising Policy Statement.. Luxury Double bed and not two separate bunk type beds. Arriving in London on the return was less fun though. In this Caledonian Sleeper review, I share what its really like to travel on this iconic train. All rights reserved. Disappointing that it's been withdrawn as opposed to tightening up on the misuse from those that don't hold travel facilities. 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. JavaScript is disabled. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to run the service seven years early. That means you dont have to go far from your room or worry about spaces filling up. Ive been to two booking offices but to be honest they didnt fill me with great confidence that they knew what they were doing. Franchise Update. The decision to terminate this agreement was announced by the government in October last year. It was a good thing we found a carriage from the platform rather than walking through the train as the corridor was very narrow. Ticket name. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It was impossible for two people to be in there wearing backpacks though! Serco said that on-board staff had received full pay during the pandemic, despite working reduced hours. 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. Two Responsible Travellers Share Their Top Sustainable 11 Easy International Recipes to Try at Home. Although small and simple, the room was clean and comfy enough for a night. Book your trip Where does the Caledonian Sleeper train go? 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. Editors tip: These are one-way fares. 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. Would I downgrade to the Comfort Seats? Those wishing to arrange assistance onto Sleepers should call the Caledonian Sleeper Assisted Travel helpline on 0330 0600 500 or Assisted Travel Typetalk 01463 231 951 (for customers with hearing impairments). The Caledonian Sleeper is one of the most luxurious sleeper car trains in Europe. No spam, just awesome sustainable travel content! 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. 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. Arguably, the most important part of the review. I was able to pay by card. This is our favourite route we prefer to travel on when possible for various reasons read on to find out what these are! Last April, ScotRail officially returned to public ownership for the first time in 25 years, after previous operator Abellio had its franchise ended early amid criticism of the quality of the service. I took the overnight Caledonian sleeper service from Edinburgh south to London Euston on 25th February, travelling in a Club Solo Room. If you board the train at 23:00 in Edinburgh, for example, theres a strong chance it will be closed. Some of the UKs best destinations are connected by the Caledonian Sleeper. The three sections terminate at Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. "I would like to make it very clear that the Caledonian Sleeper staff will transfer to the . The Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands from this summer, the Scottish Government has announced. Includes reservation costs and accommodation. The Caledonian Sleeper is to be taken into public ownership later this summer, the transport secretary has announced. Admittedly, Im not the best sleeper so no, I didnt. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. As a gateway to the Highlands, Inverness has matured to become one of the UKs most spectacular cities. I suggest bringing your own if you want to keep costs down. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What is the route of the Caledonian Sleeper? These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Club and Double Room guests are meant to get priority over Classic but we were still allowed in. Bringing together more than 500 miles (516 miles, to be exact!) It really depends on your personal preferences and what accommodation type you choose. It is an incredible way to experience a trip to Scotland from London. Itll mostly be dark outside for your whole trip, so dont judge based on scenery, or lack thereof. dram of malt whisky in the Club Car. John Whitehurst, managing director of Sercos transport business, told BBC News that the company was disappointed that the Scottish government did not ensure value for money by examining the possibility of a direct contract award to Serco. There was no WIFI, no charging sockets and the lighting was terrible. This is a handy feature if youre booking as a group. The move confirms widespread expectation in the rail industry that the service would be . What science tells us about the afterlife. Times may differ on return and from weekdays to weekends. Multiple at seat charging point or socket. Do you know this baby? Helping older and disabled passengers Summary leaflets provides key/vital information for journey planning and booking/arranging assistance. The now conjoined train travels down to Carlisle and Watford Junction before arriving at London Euston. bbc.co.uk - The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. Description. 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. Since the start of []. However, the government did not agree to the new terms, which according to Serco were aimed at putting the service on a more sustainable financial footing. Take advantage of this, as the train ride isnt very long. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. The Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands from this summer, the Scottish Government has announced. Off the train, Club and Double Room guests also have first class lounge access at the station while they wait to board the train. The contrast in scenery can be incredible! Image credit: Richard Clinnick. Although it was nice to have hot food, it was expensive and a little on the basic side. Now, I understand why that might be the case for the trains that depart Edinburgh or . The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail service when its contract expires in June. I had a small tub of porridge and my partner had a sausage bap all packaged up in a paper bag. for about 20 minutes before we heard the announcement called. Southbound, the train starts in thirds from Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William and heads down towards Edinburgh. 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: . 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 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. NOTE Important to check booking for timetables alterations that may occur due to unforeseen circumstances, i.e., weather, unplanned engineering works etc, safety, public holidays or winter months. The RMT said it would give the Scottish government "an opportunity to ensure this sustainable, low carbon route between Scotland and London can be run for passengers' interests, not private profit". But Jim Metcalfe, a regular user of the Caledonian Sleeper service from Scotland to London, experienced a first - he woke up to discover the train hadn't actually left. Dogs and cats are allowed in the sleeper rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. The current fleet of trains, launched in the Eighties to transport people between London and Scotland overnight, has undergone a . The Silver City with the Golden Sands, also known as the Granite City, Aberdeen has established itself as a dining and entertainment destination. We were surprised to know that we could board the Caledonian Sleeper quite early before our train departed. Sleeper trains run nightly from Sunday to Friday. Caledonian Sleeper passengers arrive "too early". The bed was comfortable and cosy. The Club Car wasnt open for breakfast during my journey which was a shame as it would have made the experience more enjoyable. Reviewed 5 February 2018 via mobile. He enjoys doing landscape and astrophotography while on the road. Rail Staff Travel, PO Box 72071, London EC1P 1JD. The newer more modern services incorporate more hotel-style cabins, or berths, as they are termed, with lighter/brighter accommodation. From outside the UK, call us on: +44 20 7841 8274. 5. These costs may be higher than the revenue generated by the service, especially if there are . Can you book a room on the sleeper train as a solo traveller? You will not need to bring your own towels to utilize the shower facilities while riding. On shorter routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Caledonian Sleeper ride is so short at around 8 hours that youll hardly experience the train during waking hours. Sorry to hear that. Booth seating options and swivel chair options available. While the service provides a unique travel experience, it may struggle to generate enough revenue to cover its costs, resulting in a loss for Serco. This follows the announcement on 5 October 2022 of the Scottish Governments decision to terminate Sercos Franchise Agreement on 25 June 2023. Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UKs most wonderful destinations. A cleaning fee of 30 pounds is charged per room and you are allowed to bring 2 pets with you on your trip. Towels are provided in sleeper car rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. Station Lounge access. 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! Watching the sunrise over the passing hills was one of the highlights of my trip. It was a good while before we found our carriage, but eventually, we bundled through the door and looked for our room. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If you are considering booking the Caledonian Sleeper for your next journey from London to Scotland you will find everything you need to know in our article. The routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh are too short to fully enjoy. Is it worth upgrading or downgrading from the Classic Room? Certainly haven't seen any news articles on the RDG website to the best of my knowledge. This includes the onboard showers and lounge facilities as well as enjoying the unique sleeper berth experience. 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. Caledonian Double and Club car rooms come with a private shower on the Caledonian Sleeper. Ministers nationalise cross-border train service after Serco stripped of franchise.