Caledonian Sleeper Review: Is This Train Worth The Hype?

I’ve always loved the idea of a sleeper train; the world slipping by your window overnight as you dream, then waking up in a brand new place, with the whole day ahead to explore.

So, when I was planning a trip from London to Fort William in Scotland, it was the perfect opportunity to try out the Caledonian Sleeper. Described as one of the world’s greatest railway journeys by Lonely Planet, my expectations were high.

In this Caledonian Sleeper review, I share what it’s really like to ride this train after taking it twice with my partner, from London to Fort William and from Edinburgh back to London.

On both occasions, I stayed in a Classic Room, the sleeper train’s entry-level room type. This review focuses on comfort, sleep quality, value for money and whether rooms are worth the upgrade from the seat.

Keep reading to find out whether the train is worthy of its accolade, who it’s best for and why I don’t always recommend taking it.

I’ll just say, it might not be suitable for you if you want the quickest and cheapest way to get from A to B, but if you’re looking for a novelty, once-in-a-lifetime experience, then it’s definitely worth considering.

What is the Caledonian Sleeper? 

The Caledonian Sleeper is a sleeper train that connects England with Scotland, giving you the chance to travel overnight while saving the daytime for sightseeing.

A sleeper train has been operating this route since 1873, but the CS brand first launched in 1996 and has since become an icon of the UK railway.

The line technically has two routes – the Highlander and the Lowlander, with the train splitting into sections depending on where it’s going. 

The sleeper train travels from London to Scotland every night except Saturday and gets you to your destination in time for breakfast. 

Currently, it’s one of only two sleeper trains in the UK. The other one is the Night Riviera Sleeper from London to Penzance! 

In 2023, the Caledonian Sleeper transferred into public ownership, but the prices certainly don’t reflect that, in my opinion!

Caledonian Sleeper accommodation types 

The sleeper train to Scotland has different accommodation types to suit a range of budgets and travel styles. These are: 

• Seated Coach
• Classic Room 
• Club Room En-Suite
• Caledonian Double En-Suite

Here’s a table of what’s included with each accommodation type. Each one offers a different experience; choose carefully:

Editor’s tip: All rooms are available for shared or single occupancy. Family rooms and accessible rooms for wheelchair users are available. 

What else is on the Caledonian Sleeper? 

Aside from rooms and seats, the sleeper train has shared toilets. For those staying in rooms, there are Club Cars, a lounge car that serves drinks and hot food.

Priority access to the Club Cars is given to Club and Double Room guests, but Classic Room guests are also permitted.

The Club Car isn’t always open, though. If you board the train at 23:00 in Edinburgh, for example, there’s a strong chance it will be closed until breakfast time.

Off the train, Club and Double Room guests also have first-class lounge access at the station while they wait to board the train. 

However, I can’t comment on it as I had booked a Classic Room and the lounge was closed anyway…

Where does the Caledonian Sleeper train go? 

The Caledonian Sleeper route goes from London right up to the Scottish Highlands. Its northernmost station is Inverness. 

Scroll down to the FAQ section to learn more about routes, popular stops and how long it takes to travel to each one!

Caledonian Sleeper price list 

In 2026, these are the typical ticket price starting points. As with any UK rail service, take them with a pinch of salt as they’re subject to change. Prices are generally higher during the summer, too.

Seated Coach – from £54 (London – Edinburgh or Glasgow) or from £59 (London – north of Edinburgh or Glasgow)

Classic Room – from £210 for solo travellers or from £290 if you’re sharing (London – Edinburgh or Glasgow) or from £215 for solo travellers or from £295 if sharing (London – north of Edinburgh or Glasgow)

Club Room En-Suite – from £270 for solo travellers or from £360 if you’re sharing (London – Edinburgh or Glasgow) or from £290 for solo travellers or from £370 if sharing (London – north of Edinburgh or Glasgow)

Double Room En-Suite – from £410 for solo travellers or from £495 if sharing (London – Edinburgh or Glasgow) or from £475 for solo travellers or from £570 if sharing (London – north of Edinburgh or Glasgow)

Accessible-friendly accommodation is available at the same prices as the above room and seat types. Families can save up to 33%. The discount is automatically applied when booking.

These ticket prices are one-way fares. For a return, the price is simply two singles. The price is by the room. If there are three of you, book two cabins (rooms) adjacent to each other. If you put in three guests, it should do it automatically.

✅ Check ticket prices on the Caledonian Sleeper website by clicking here!

My Caledonian Sleeper review 

Here is my honest review of riding the Caledonian Sleeper in a Classic Room, including what I loved, what I didn’t and who I think it’s actually for.

I was so excited to book the Caledonian Sleeper up to Fort William for my trip to the Scottish Highlands. I had never ridden on any form of sleeper transport, so it was a first for me in many ways. 

I chose Fort William, as it’s one of the most well-connected places in Scotland for train travel. It’s on the West Highland Line, and buses can also take you to Skye, Inverness and Oban (to catch the ferry to the Isle of Mull).

So, did the sleeper train live up to my expectations? Read and find out! 

Boarding the train

Our train was due to depart from London Euston at 21:15, so we got there an hour before. It meant waiting on the station concourse for about 20 minutes before we heard the announcement. We snuck up to one of the station bars to pass the time.

Before we could board, we had to join a huge queue. I was worried we’d be stuck there for ages, but luckily, the train staff checked our tickets pretty quickly. 

But then came the tricky bit. 

We had to make sure we were in the right section of the train as it was going to split at Edinburgh. 

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. 

The train was long. It was a good while before we found our carriage, but eventually, we bundled through the door and looked for our room. 

It was a good thing we found a carriage from the platform rather than walking through the train, as the corridor was very narrow. 

You had to go single file – and good luck if you had large luggage items with you!

The Classic Room 

Narrow was a theme that carried right through to our room. Inside the compartment was a bunk bed, a sink and a hand towel in the far end with a window above it and a small table that could be pulled out. 

The back of the door had a floor-to-ceiling mirror, which gave the illusion of more space in the room. 

The wall opposite the bed had a locked door which led to the neighbouring room. This is a handy feature if you’re booking as a group. 

Although small and simple, the room was clean and comfy enough for a night. Two people couldn’t be in there wearing backpacks, though!

The facilities 

One thing missing from the Classic Room is an en-suite bathroom. The toilet was a couple of doors down from us and pretty similar to your typical plane or train facilities. 

Mercifully, it was a bit cleaner as you’re sharing with other people in your carriage rather than the whole train. I would still bring flip-flops or wear shoes if you’re getting up in the middle of the night! 

There were no showers, though. For that, you’ll need to book a Club or a Double. 

Inside the room, there were handy control panels above each bunk which had a USB charging port, a reading light, a thermostat, a room light and a dimmer. 

There wasn’t a standard plug, so if you want to use electronics like laptops on the train, make sure you bring a lead or power bank with you. 

If you’re wondering about WIFI, yes, there was, but it wasn’t particularly fast when we tried to watch a film. Have your films downloaded before you travel. 

The Club Car 

After dropping our bags off in the room, we went to get a seat in the Club Car. There are a few on the train, each catering to wherever the section of the train is going. That means you don’t have to go far from your room or worry about spaces filling up. 

I would recommend getting there in good time to guarantee a seat, as it’s not huge. Club and Double Room guests are meant to get priority over Classic, but we were still allowed in. 

We started with a sandwich platter (four sandwich quarters), mac ‘n’ cheese and a vegetable soup with crusty bread. The food was delicious, but it was expensive, and the portions were a little on the small side. 

I haven’t included a menu here as it changes frequently depending on the season!

We were keen to try the cheeseboard, but it was sold out, sadly! So instead, we had a couple of Scotch whiskies to toast our Scottish adventure. Not a bad compromise. 

As we wined (or whiskied, in this case) and dined, the train slid out of Euston station and sped northbound. 

If I’m being honest about the food and if you’re on a budget, I recommend bringing your own, such as snacks and sandwiches, rather than eating in the Club Car. 

The only downside is you don’t have much space in your room, and there’s nowhere else to go. 

✅ Find out more about the experience & facilities on board the Caledonian Sleeper here!

The sleep

Arguably, the most important part of the review. Did I sleep? Admittedly, I’m not the best sleeper, so no, I didn’t. It wasn’t an issue with the facilities. The bed was comfortable and cosy. The Glencraft mattresses were nice and firm, too. 

I was able to fit in the bunk bed perfectly, but my partner, who is over 6ft, wasn’t able to stretch his legs out. It’s a similar theme in the Club and Double Rooms. In the Dining Car, I overheard a lady laughing about her poor husband being too tall for the bed in the Double.

Fair warning, if you’re tall and like to stretch out, you might want to consider this before spending £400 on a bed that’s too short!

I made use of a pair of earplugs and an eye mask that came sealed in a sleep kit on the bed. I still use the sleeping mask today – it’s pretty good quality, to be honest.

The problem for me was the movement and noise of the train. I normally need quiet and stillness. 

One thing which made it 100% worth the sleepless night was the dawn light breaking as we sped through the Scottish Highlands. It was utterly magical and brought home the romanticism of train travel for me. 

Travelling up to Fort William, we got to enjoy views of the West Highland Line. It’s one of the most beautiful railways in Scotland, and it was glorious in the morning light. A big highlight was pulling up at Corrour, the UK’s most remote train station.

Arriving in London on the return journey was less fun, though. It was painfully early, and there were no pretty views to enjoy. It was also the middle of rush hour, which I wouldn’t wish on anyone, let alone if you’re sleep-deprived.

The breakfast

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. 

It’s worth noting that Club and Double get a free cooked breakfast, but the Classic room and seats have to pay extra. We did get free tea, juice and a biscuit though!

Breakfast was delivered to our rooms early the next morning – about an hour before we were due to arrive in Fort William. 

I had a small tub of porridge, and my partner had a sausage bap all packaged up in a paper bag. I was able to pay by card. 

Although it was nice to have hot food, it was expensive and a little on the basic side. I would again recommend bringing your breakfast rather than paying for this one. 

The Club Car wasn’t open for breakfast during my journey, which was a shame as it would have made the experience more enjoyable. 

The arrival 

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. 

It was a bit of a scramble making sure we had packed everything up – hint, don’t unpack all your belongings in the tiny room –  but we made it to Fort William in one piece. 

We arrived at the leisurely time of 9:57 am, so it wasn’t an early start! 

Is it worth upgrading or downgrading from the Classic Room? The Classic Room suited our needs perfectly at a reasonably decent price point. 

The one big downside was the lack of an en-suite bathroom, which you can get if you choose the Club Room. That being said, I don’t think I would upgrade unless it were for a special occasion. 

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! However, it’s still pretty cramped if you’re on the tall side.

Would I downgrade to the Seated Coach? In all honesty, no. Not if I was just travelling from London to Edinburgh. I would book the LNER or Lumo trains and get there much quicker and for a lower price. 

This London to Scotland sleeper train is more about the experience than the destination. In an ideal world, I would rather have a bed than a seat, even if I were travelling alone. 

However, none of the cabins are economical for solo travellers. The price of a Classic Room for a solo traveller is £210 compared to £290 split between two people (£145 each).

While I would much prefer a bed, for budget’s sake, Seated Coach is still a convenient option if you’re travelling north of Edinburgh by yourself. In fact, I did just that on a solo trip to Inverness in April.

Read my Caledonian Sleeper seat review to compare both accommodation options.

Pros and cons of the Caledonian Sleeper  

Caledonian Sleeper train FAQ 

Here’s everything you need to know about booking and travelling on the Caledonian Sleeper.

Is the Caledonian Sleeper comfortable? 

It depends on your personal preferences and what accommodation type you choose. The train is certainly comfortable – for a train. 

While space isn’t one of its strongest points, the train’s beds are comfy and have cosy Glencraft mattresses.

While I’ve mentioned a few times that the train is a little cramped, I’m aware that it’s making do with what’s available. The train can’t be wider than it has to operate on standard train tracks. 

The Club Car has a range of different seating types, from booths to small tables. It’s a great spot to have dinner or get a change of scene from the rooms. It’s only available to guests staying in rooms, though. 

How early can you board the Caledonian Sleeper? 

Rooms/seats are available 30-45 minutes before departure. That’s the absolute minimum time you’ll want to get there, though. 

Try to get there at least an hour before departure to board the train as smoothly as possible!

How long does the Caledonian Sleeper train take? 

That all depends on where you’re going. Here’s how long it takes for some of its most popular destinations if you’re travelling from London. Times may differ on return and from weekdays to weekends. 

London to Edinburgh – approx 8-9 hours 

London to Glasgow – approx 7-8 hours 

London to Aberdeen – approx 10 hours 

London to Fort William – approx 13 hours 

London to Inverness – approx 11 hours

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!

Read more: 17 Best Towns to Visit in Scotland Without a Car

What is the route of the Caledonian Sleeper? 

The sleeper train technically has two routes: 

Caledonian Sleeper – Highlander Route 

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 Aberdeen train stops at Montrose, Stonehaven, Leuchars and Dundee. 

The Inverness train stops at Stirling, Gleneagles, Pitlochry, Perth and Aviemore. 

The Fort William train stops at Helensburgh Upper, Rannoch, Corrour and Crianlarich. 

Southbound, the train starts in thirds from Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William and heads down towards Edinburgh. 

Caledonian Sleeper – Lowlander Route

Northbound from London Euston, the Lowlander Route takes the Caledonian Sleeper to Birmingham International and Carstairs, where it splits off and travels to Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. 

Southbound, the train departs from both Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley. The Glasgow train stops at Motherwell before joining the Edinburgh train at Carstairs. 

The now conjoined train travels down to Carlisle, Birmingham International and Watford Junction before arriving at London Euston. 

Confused? When you book your tickets, you’ll only be asked about where you’re departing from and the station you want to arrive at. 

You don’t need to worry about which half of the train is going where, as the staff will do that for you when you board. 

If you’ve booked a sleeper cabin, you won’t need to change trains. If you’re in the Seated Coach, you may need to get off at Edinburgh and join another train.

I had that happen to me on my way to Fort William. As it was the middle of the night, it wasn’t fun! The train staff will tell you what to do, so you don’t have to figure it out yourself, luckily.

✅ Browse all of the Caledonian Sleeper’s routes & destinations here!

Can you use a railcard on the Caledonian Sleeper? 

Yes – well, some. 16-25, Disabled, Disabled Child, Friends & Family, HM Forces, Senior, Two Together and Veteran are accepted. Sadly, my 26-30 railcard didn’t make the cut :(. 

Can you take bikes on the Caledonian Sleeper? 

Yes, there’s secure storage space for up to six bikes in the Seated Carriage. There’s an option to add a bike when you book your ticket. 

Read more: 5 Of The Best Cycling Routes In Scotland For Epic Views

Can you take dogs on the Caledonian Sleeper? 

Yes, you can take up to two pets with you (including dogs and cats), but it will cost you extra. Let them know ahead of time if you’re travelling with an assistance dog. 

When should you buy your tickets? 

Like all trains, it’s recommended that you buy your tickets as far in advance as possible. For the Caledonian Sleeper, it’s not necessarily because of the price – but rather availability. 

If you try to book two weeks before you travel, there’s a very good chance your ideal accommodation won’t be available. 

Caledonian Sleeper tickets go on sale up to 12 months before you travel, so book them as early as you can!

Can you book a room on the sleeper train as a solo traveller? 

Yes. You book rooms like you would in a hotel. This means they’re available for single occupancy as well as sharing. 

Don’t worry, if you book a Classic Room for yourself, you won’t have to share it with another solo traveller!

The one big downside is that although you get a slight discount on the room overall, the cost is still much higher than if you were splitting it with someone else. A seat on the sleeper train is more budget-friendly.

Caledonian Sleeper train review: My verdict 

So, is the Caledonian Sleeper worth it? In my opinion, yes, it is. 

Rather than a train getting you from A to B, this sleeper train is part of the experience of travel. It’s also a more leisurely, sophisticated and sustainable way to travel. 

I recommend doing the trip at least once. 

But it is expensive.

I justify it by seeing it as one night’s accommodation and transport rolled into one. However, the food is overpriced. I suggest bringing your own if you want to keep costs down. 

I have done the Caledonian Sleeper again since but on the second time, I only booked a one-way ticket to the Scottish Highlands. Watching the sunrise over the passing hills was one of the highlights of my trip. 

However, arriving in London at seven in the morning was not the one. It would have been much better, cheaper and quicker to get the LNER for the return journey. 

So, click to book it here if you’re interested in the experience of sleeper train travel from England to Scotland.

Book another train if you just want to get from A to B as quickly and cheaply as possible. 

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Looking for more Scotland travel tips? Check out these posts!

• Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season
• 7 Best Scotland Small Group Tours You Need To Book
• Isle of Skye 2 Day Itinerary: Amazing Things To Do
• 12 BEST Day Hikes In Scotland You Need To Experience
• 20 Best Things To Do On The Isle Of Mull
• Caledonian Sleeper Seat Review: What Is It Really Like?
• How To Get To Glenfinnan Viaduct From Fort William

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