Inside the revamped Caledonian Sleeper train, with double beds and Rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper all sleep 2 people only. More information on how we process your information can be found in our Privacy Policy. It would hardly be the first time that ATOC/RDG have been behind the curve when it comes to accurate information. Sleeper seat - Caledonian Sleeper, Fort William Traveller Reviews It will be operated by an arm . - My 10 key tips for being a sustainable traveller, -Monthly newsletter featuring all the latest blog postsand news. It wasnt an issue with the facilities. 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 ). This includes the onboard showers and lounge facilities as well as enjoying the unique sleeper berth experience. 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. No spam, just awesome sustainable travel content! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 5. We found the bed to be plenty big for our needs and the included shower and toilet is a real bonus. Where does the Caledonian Sleeper train go? To what extent will state-ownership under Scottish Rail Holdings bring about a change in business objectives and pricing? You can upgrade or change your room type on the Caledonian Sleeper Flexible Ticket up until two days before your trip. These cookies do not store any personal information. It meant waiting on the station concourse (which isnt the nicest!) Water was warm and plentiful when we tried the shower, and overall it was a good experience. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised Over the coming months Serco [], We have partnered with Visit Inverness Loch Ness to offer you the chance to win a fantastic family city break to the stunning landscapes of the Highlands to find the Loch Ness monster! elegant furnishings and onboard Wi-Fi throughout. Staff Travel - Caledonian Sleeper | RailUK Forums 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. Our classic cabin was functional and perfectly adequate; and certainly more comfortable than economy class flying. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. Travelling by Caledonian Sleeper, the lucky winner will be based in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, for two nights with a [], Guest Service Centre Our Guest Service Centre is here to help our guests every step of the way and weve extended the opening times of our Social Media and Live Chat team to be on hand when you need them. Staff Travel News - BTPF Our ride started at London Euston Station and ended at Glasgow Centra. 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. For breakfast, we try to have everything packed ready so we could enjoy the breakfast, just finishing in time to arrive at our destination. Home to many a lively ceilidh where the celebrated local malt is the toast of the guests Fort William is an idyllic escape from the rat race. 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. The fact that you can board and alight for up to 1h before / after avoids any rushes, there isn't any of the hassle of airport security or queues. On both occasions, I stayed in a Classic Room. Call the guest centre for further information regarding further assisting the dogs comforts. 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. Sleeper trains run nightly from Sunday to Friday. I had never ridden on any form of sleeper transport, so it was a first for me in many ways. Here is my honest review of riding the Caledonian Sleeper in a Classic Room. I havent included a menu here as it changes frequently depending on the season! LS23 6AD Study notes, videos, interactive activities and more! 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. You had to go single file and good luck if you had large luggage items with you! If you are travelling Southbound, the train will only board from around 11pm onwards. NETHERLANDS Railways (NS) says lower passenger numbers due to changing working patterns and a shortage of staff led to an operating loss of 304m in 2022, down from a loss of 952m the year before. 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. 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. The line technically has two routes the Highlander and the Lowlander with the train splitting into sections depending on where its going. KOVERED Eden Backpack Review: The Best Travel Carry-On? Also improved is the WIFI throughout the train and greater accessibility arrangements that increases inclusivity for all. The Caledonian Sleeper, the night train between London and Scotland, was in 2014 in need of a fresh start. 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. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/online-prv-on-cal-sleeper.175891/. If the Caledonian Double is out of reach, the Club Room is also a great choice. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised by Scottish I have subscribed. 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". 27 Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need For Your Packing List. When you book your tickets, youll only be asked about where youre departing from and the station you want to arrive at. I still use the sleeping mask today its pretty good quality, to be honest! The Caledonian Sleeper Train was relaunched in 2019 to feature elegant furnishings and onboard Wi-Fi throughout. For that, youll need to book a Club or a Double. I cant really comment on the seats as I travelled in the Classic Room. The three sections terminate at Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. OUR VIEW We have not taken any journeys on the Comfort Seats on the new improved services, but I did quite a few years ago on the older trains. Looking for more Scotland travel tips? While space isnt one of its strongest points, the trains beds are comfy and have cosy Glencraft mattresses. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. Franchise Update. It was a bit of a scramble making sure we had packed everything up hint, dont unpack all your belongings in the tiny room! 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. Sleeper Train - the perfect way to arrive refreshed and ready for The decision to terminate this agreement was announced by the government in October last year. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? NOTE: Northbound travellers between London Euston and Fort William have to change seats at Edinburgh Waverley train station from one train to another. magical journey through the English countryside on the Caledonian The Caledonian Sleeper is a sleeper train service linking London with cities in Scotland. Caledonian Sleeper to be nationalised. Unsubscribe at any time. They are not allowed to come to the Club Car with you while you eat. Some of the UK's best destinations are connected by the Caledonian Sleeper. 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. He enjoys doing landscape and astrophotography while on the road. It was painfully early and there were no pretty views to enjoy. Caledonian Sleeper First Class Review: Is The Club Room Worth It? This is a handy feature if youre booking as a group. With everything in place for a relaxed Caledonian Sleeper - reservations online - Train Travel Forum A creative scene like no other, Glasgow is famous for the arts, live music, and comedy. 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. Caledonian Sleeper | ScotRail This news item applies only to non-safeguarded staff who entered rail service after 31 March 1996 and hold the Rail Staff Leisure Card. He argued 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-focussed train operation like no-one else, while also enabling Scottish ministers to be in complete control of the contract". View the latest recommended public transport travel guidelines from the UK Government and Scottish Government. I justify it by seeing it as one nights accommodation and transport rolled into one. Sorry to hear that. 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. Geoffrey Morrison. These are available at the following stations. 16-25, Disabled, Disabled Child, Friends & Family, HM Forces, Senior, Two Together and Veteran are accepted. Boston Spa, Do you have to share a room on the Caledonian Sleeper. The Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands from this summer, the Scottish Government has announced. Scottish Government Take Over Running Of Iconic Caledonian Sleeper A cleaning fee of 30 pounds is charged per room and you are allowed to bring 2 pets with you on your trip. Then, retire to your This is our favourite route we prefer to travel on when possible for various reasons read on to find out what these are! Like all trains, its recommended that you buy your tickets as far in advance as possible. The feedback from other travellers is that the double room (s) get booked up quickly as the demand is always high. 2023 BBC. From outside the UK, call us on: +44 20 7841 8274. Can you take bikes on the Caledonian Sleeper? 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. With Caledonian Sleeper, you get to say goodnight to queuing, and wake up to something different while you travel between Scotland and London. You will not need to bring your own towels to utilize the shower facilities while riding. The advice would be book early if this is what you want. Caledonian Sleeper to be nationalised in June - transport minister 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 Caledonian Sleeper is very safe! For full information, please see my disclaimer here. UK Telephone number. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year in what has been hailed as a huge win for the unions. Trackside you're greeted by a member of staff, and they're delightful. The Club Car wasnt open for breakfast during my journey which was a shame as it would have made the experience more enjoyable. By submitting your email you will be subscribed to my monthly newsletter. Required fields are marked *. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to run the service seven years early. Yes, you can take up to two pets with you (including dogs and cats) but it will cost you extra. for about 20 minutes before we heard the announcement called. However, the food is overpriced. It does not apply to safeguarded employees issued with the Staff Travel Card, or Network Rail employees issued . The RMT Union has announced new national strike action for 5, 6, 7 and 9 November. John Whitehurst, managing director of Serco's transport business, said 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". This post is a review of our most recent experience using the northbound Highlander Caledonian Sleeper between London Euston and Fort William where we share not only our experience of the journey in Our View but also details alternative available train routes, travel classes, accommodation types, costs and much more. Here, you can discover the best ecolodges in the world, sustainable destination guides and so much more! It is an incredible way to experience a trip to Scotland from London. 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. The move follows widespread expectation in the rail industry that the . New opening hours Monday-Friday 24 hours Saturday Midnight to 1600 Sunday 1200- [], We have teamed up with Mackies of Scotland to grant one lucky winner and their plus one an unforgettable railway experience aboard the Caledonian Sleeper and a years supply of chocolate. Comfort Seats on the Caledonian Sleeper are very nice and provide a comfortable ride to your destination. Caledonian Sleeper to be brought back under public control I was worried wed be stuck there for ages but luckily, the train staff checked our tickets pretty quickly. Mull Accommodation: 11 Best Places To Stay In 2023, 10 Best Fort William Day Trips: Hikes, Castles And Epic Train Journeys. Lowlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. How long is the Caledonian Sleeper from Glasgow to London? 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. Is it worth upgrading or downgrading from the Classic Room? The Scottish government announced last year an offer to rebase the Serco contract did not represent value for money. 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. 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. Have your films downloaded before you travel. West Yorkshire, Please read: Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised by Scottish ministers, More here from the BBC: Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. Review of Caledonian Sleeper. You also dont have access to the Club Car if you choose the seats! To enjoy the discount, simply visit a ScotRail booking office and show your Caledonian Sleeper paper or e-ticket to get 20% off your Off-Peak ticket. Caledonian Sleeper - Wikipedia Caledonian Sleeper: Ministers nationalise cross-border train service Confused? - A sustainable travel guide featuring tips on where to stay, getting around and planning an ethical itinerary! It was a good while before we found our carriage, but eventually, we bundled through the door and looked for our room. Good choice! On longer routes to Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen, you can expect to board 45 minutes before departure. Check terms and conditions regarding breakfast or room type. We thoroughly enjoy travelling in the Scottish Highlands eating an excellent Scottish breakfast with a lovely cup of tea. The train is certainly comfortable for a train. + Free Scotland packing list for ALL SEASONS, + 5-step guide to planning a trip of a lifetime, + Monthly newsletter with helpful travel tips. 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! The new Club car option is a designated coach to buy food and drink on the go in a modern, light and friendly setting. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Over the years, the service has been upgraded and modernized, and today the journey takes around 8 hours. Will be great if no longer STD or 1st designated berths, GWR did this several years ago, Solo cabins with PRIV rate is great ! What science tells us about the afterlife. 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. Overall weight with guest and luggage does not exceed 300kg. 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. The sleeper trains entry-level guest rooms. Theyre often considered a more romantic way to travel, offering luxury, glamour and leisure. National Rail tickets can be accepted between stations served by the sleeper services with a reservation made via the Guest service Centre telephone line. I would like to receive periodic email communications about Caledonian Sleepers' services, news updates and promotions. Since Serco took over the Caledonian Sleeper, the operation has encountered a series of . This London to Scotland sleeper train is more about the experience than the destination. This was generally very uncomfortable and I did not sleep at all! The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail service when its contract expires in June. These include train failure . RMT wins public ownership for Caledonian Sleeper Rail union, RMT warmly welcomed today's decision by the Scottish government to take Caledonian Sleeper into An important and useful applied example of nationalisation here. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Mercifully it was a bit cleaner as youre sharing with other people in your carriage rather than the whole train. Inspired by the destinations we serve across the UK, the six posters are designed to celebrate the heritage of Caledonian Sleeper while also looking to the future. I had arranged my travel through Byway Travel who handled all the bookings for me. The service, which has been operating in various forms since 1873, runs overnight trains between Scotland and London. The staff and security work hard to ensure passengers are safe and comfortable during their entire trip.