Friendly and helpful, they let you know all the details of your . Serco received the current franchise in an 800m agreement, under which it was responsible for operating the service from 2015 to 2030. There are no 4 or 6 person rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. JavaScript is disabled. It may not display this or other websites correctly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My mission is to show you why sustainable travel is empowering, fulfilling and affordable. Arguably, the most important part of the review. Trackside you're greeted by a member of staff, and they're delightful. How long does the Caledonian Sleeper train take? For the same reasons, the Flexible tickets was also not an option. Planned engineering works throughout February and March please check our service alterations page. 27 Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need For Your Packing List. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. All cabins now come with essential amenities to make your trip as comfortable as possible, including a 'sleep kit' with Scottish toiletries. It has been announced today that the Caledonian Sleeper service will move into public hands. If I had to sit then I would book the LNER or Lumo trains and get there much quicker and for a cheaper price. You book rooms like you would in a hotel. 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 . We had to make sure we were in the right section of the train as it was going to split at Edinburgh. Where does the Caledonian Sleeper train go? Lowlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. I would still bring flip-flops or wear shoes if youre getting up in the middle of the night! Do you have to share a room on the Caledonian Sleeper. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. That means you dont have to go far from your room or worry about spaces filling up. The Club Car wasnt open for breakfast during my journey which was a shame as it would have made the experience more enjoyable. To get from London to Glasgow is either a 7-8 hour car journey (depending on traffic), a flight away, or a 4 and a half day train journey. 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. It does not apply to safeguarded employees issued with the Staff Travel Card, or Network Rail employees issued . Good choice! Complimentary sleep kit (ear plugs, mask). 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. That all depends on where youre going. Become part of the Little Lost Travel community and get: - a FREE quick guide to sustainable travel, - Monthly newsletter featuring the latest blog posts. The Silver City with the Golden Sands, also known as the Granite City, Aberdeen has established itself as a dining and entertainment destination. On our trip we opted for the nachos and sliders. 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.. 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. I would rather have a bed than a seat even if I were travelling alone. I had never ridden on any form of sleeper transport, so it was a first for me in many ways. In this Caledonian Sleeper review, I share what its really like to travel on this iconic train. MINISTERS have confirmed they are to nationalise the key Caledonian Sleeper service which operates overnight . Opted for sleeper seat based on price and with view to gaining most time from our few days in London. Complimentary sleep kit, including Scottish toiletry items. You will not have to change trains while riding the Caledonian Sleeper. 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. The train is quiet (electric, I think). Narrow was a theme that carried right through to our room. 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. Traveling overnight saves the cost of a hotel. 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. If the Caledonian Double is out of reach, the Club Room is also a great choice. I have subscribed. 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. Ticket code. Single journey ticket purchases, you buy 2 tickets for a return journey. Transport Scotland. The best room on the Caledonian Sleeper is the Caledonian Double. While more expensive than other sleepers in Europe and the USA, it is the most updated experience you can get on a train and is worth the price. Try to get there at least an hour before departure to board the train as smoothly as possible! Now, I understand why that might be the case for the trains that depart Edinburgh or . 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). Luton Dart: the most expensive train in Britain opens for business, Search to resume in morning after tug capsizes on River Clyde, HS2rail line could be further delayed to cut costs, says boss, Scotlands drug death epidemic may have peaked, data suggests, Reliability of UK trains fell to new lows in December, official figures show, Edinburgh school accused of discrimination by ex-spy is cleared, UKrail firms ordered to stop abusing train cancellations loophole, Firefighter in critical condition after blaze at Jenners building in Edinburgh, Rail industry and RMT resume talks amid hopes of end to strikes, Rescuers search for man missing off coast of Scotland. The feedback from other travellers is that the double room (s) get booked up quickly as the demand is always high. OUR VIEW All the on-board hosts we have ever come across have been extremely helpful and knowledgeable not just about the train and the facilities but have excellent train route knowledge about what to see on the way. For a return, the price is simply two singles. Since the start of []. Available for Classic, Club rooms and Caledonian Double rooms. One of which is the Caledonian Sleeper. To book customer Assistance Needs to be booked prior to 6 hours before the train leaves its starting point station. Prize winners will receive a welcome bottle of champagne upon arrival and enjoy a return trip in either a Caledonian Double or Club room [], Caledonian Sleeper has entered into a partnership with North Coast 500, voted one of the worlds top coastal touring routes. These cookies do not store any personal information. The Glencraft mattresses were nice and firm too. The Caledonian Sleeper is to be taken into public hands in June, transport minister has told MSPs. Thank you for subscribing to updates from Caledonian Sleeper well keep in touch with you via our e-newsletter! Booth seating options and swivel chair options available. 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. I was so excited to book the Caledonian Sleeper up to Fort William for my trip to the Scottish Highlands. From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by an arms length company owned by the Scottish government. Receive the latest tours, offers, and inspirational travel content right in your inbox. Rail Passenger Rights Service Quality Report. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. There is no better way to travel! 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. I cant really comment on the seats as I travelled in the Classic Room. I suggest bringing your own if you want to keep costs down. The Scottish Government will provide the services from June 25, 2023 after it decided to axe the current operator Serco's . It meant waiting on the station concourse (which isnt the nicest!) 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. To facilitate a smooth transfer of power, Serco will coordinate with the Scottish Government in the coming months. The Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands from this summer, the Scottish Government has announced. The new Club car option is a designated coach to buy food and drink on the go in a modern, light and friendly setting. The Caledonian Sleeper site is contradicting my understanding of night trains and Eurail passes. The staff and security work hard to ensure passengers are safe and comfortable during their entire trip. Transport minister for Scotland Jenny Gilruth said Caledonian Sleeper staff would have their current terms and conditions protected by the state-owned company. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I normally need quiet and stillness. 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". - My 10 key tips for being a sustainable traveller, -Monthly newsletter featuring all the latest blog postsand news. Breakfast is included on the Caledonian Sleeper, but evening snacks and meals must be purchased from the Club Car. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Confused? They must remain on the floor and not sleep in the beds. I want to give rail staff and . For breakfast, we try to have everything packed ready so we could enjoy the breakfast, just finishing in time to arrive at our destination. Two Responsible Travellers Share Their Top Sustainable 11 Easy International Recipes to Try at Home. 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. dram of malt whisky in the Club Car. So instead, we had a couple of Scotch whiskies to toast our Scottish adventure. 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. With Caledonian Sleeper, you get to say goodnight to queuing, and wake up to something different while you travel between Scotland and London. If it isnt clear no you dont need to change trains if youre travelling past Edinburgh or Glasgow (e.g. You are using an out of date browser. Company Reg no: 04489574. Although Caledonian Sleeper staff are not participating in the strike action it does have a significant impact on the overnight Sleeper services. So, book it if youre interested in the experience of sleeper train travel from England to Scotland. I just wanted to check when booking the Caledonian Sleeper, the classic twin berth room booking also includes your journey fare? From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH), an arm's length company owned by the Scottish government. I made use of a pair of earplugs and an eye mask that came sealed in a sleep kit on the bed. RMT Announcement on strike dates during March and April please check our service alterations page. All of the trains go directly to their destinations without the need for changes so you can sleep while the train is moving. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Caledonian Sleeper passengers arrive "too early". If youre wondering about WIFI, yes there was but it wasnt particularly fast when we tried to watch a film. Our train was due to depart from London Euston at 21:15 so we got there an hour before. Over recent months we have reported the numerous issues with Caledonian Sleeper and its new CAF rolling stock. 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 . The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail service when its contract expires in June. View the latest recommended public transport travel guidelines from the UK Government and Scottish Government. 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). Available for single or shared occupancy. The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail We were surprised to know that we could board the Caledonian Sleeper quite early before our train departed. Then three individual trains then travel onwards to Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness. The Caledonian Sleeper is an expensive train to ride, and the high cost is justified by luxury feel and updated train cars. From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH), an arms length company owned by the Scottish government. Yes well, some. No spam, just awesome travel content. Yes, you can take up to two pets with you (including dogs and cats) but it will cost you extra. More information on how we process your information can be found in our Privacy Policy. The Fort William train stops at Helensburgh Upper, Rannoch, Corrour and Crianlarich. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. Theres secure storage space for up to six bikes in the Seated Carriage. 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 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. 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". Essential resources. 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). 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 are getting on the train at the starting point, you can occupy your cabin . The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to run the service seven years early. 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. Whether you are travelling to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen or Fort William, travel in comfort and enjoy a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. bbc.co.uk - The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. Breakfast was delivered to our rooms early the next morning about an hour before we were due to arrive in Fort William. Strictly speaking, it is two services. 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. Reviewed 5 February 2018 via mobile. The Club car is available to all guests using berth sleeping accommodation only. These tickets must be valid between stations served by Caledonian Sleeper for part . Requested to be no bigger than 70cm wide, 120cm long. The routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh are too short to fully enjoy.