The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of Scotland's most rural stations to London, will be operated by an arms-length company owned by the Scottish Government from June 25. A cleaning fee of 30 pounds is charged per room and you are allowed to bring 2 pets with you on your trip. Station Lounge access. The problem for me was the subtle movement and the noise of the train. Geoff Riley FRSA has been teaching Economics for over thirty years. However, the food is overpriced. The Caledonian Sleeper Train was relaunched in 2019 to feature Then three individual trains then travel onwards to Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness. 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. Some of the UK's best destinations are connected by the Caledonian Sleeper. When was the online feature removed? I still use the sleeping mask today its pretty good quality, to be honest! 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. First launched in 1996, it has become an icon the world over and a symbol of train travel at its best. Our phone lines are only for those without internet access. The Caledonian Sleeper route goes from London right up to the Scottish Highlands. Jenny Gilruth said nothing about how this world class service can be improved under the Scottish government.". Whether you are travelling to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen or Fort William, travel in comfort and enjoy a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. I justify it by seeing it as one nights accommodation and transport rolled into one. Where does the Caledonian Sleeper train go? 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. Highlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into sections at Edinburgh Waverley railway station (in the middle of the night). Includes reservation costs and accommodation. The Caledonian Sleeper is to be taken into public ownership later this summer, the transport secretary has announced. Rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper all sleep 2 people only. Complimentary sleep kit (ear plugs, mask). If you show up having not eaten since lunch, just understand you may need to order a few different things. Book your trip The advice would be book early if this is what you want. Highlands-London service will be run by state-owned company after operator Serco loses contract seven years early. There are no 4 or 6 person rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Aside from rooms and seats, the sleeper train has shared toilets. Serco received the current franchise in an . March 2, 2023. Your email address will not be published. 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". Watching the sunrise over the passing hills was one of the highlights of my trip. Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; 38.75 each is the cheapest tier for that journey so is probably correct. 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 . Assistance Dogs Welcome on board. I booked it today after 3 members of staff at a booking office persevered! Lowlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into two separate trains at Carstairs (a station south and between Glasgow and Edinburgh) and then travelling onwards to Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. Caledonian Sleeper Train: Not the luxury travel it promises - See 181 traveler reviews, 122 candid photos, and great deals for London, UK, at Tripadvisor. A writer with a passion for travel and the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. How early can you board the Caledonian Sleeper? 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. 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. She said the step would "provide stability and certainty" for passengers and staff. National Rail (NR) Priv Discount on Oyster for holders of the Rail Staff Leisure Card - Update. In a statement to MSPs, Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said an arm's length company of the government would take over the franchise on 25 June. 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. Trackside you're greeted by a member of staff, and they're delightful. Hello, the trains that go long distances are almost always, I love your website an YouTube videos. Here, you can discover the best ecolodges in the world, sustainable destination guides and so much more! Arriving in London on the return was less fun though. 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. 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 other one is the Night Riviera Sleeper from London to Penzance! 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. No spam, just awesome sustainable travel content! 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 . OUR VIEW As a rule we do not use the station lounges too often, preferring to eat a meal before arriving at the station and spending as much time on board the train and using the onboard facilities as much as we can. Our train was due to depart from London Euston at 21:15 so we got there an hour before. Do you know this baby? To book customer Assistance Needs to be booked prior to 6 hours before the train leaves its starting point station. I should add that I didnt actually book the tickets myself. - My 10 key tips for being a sustainable traveller, -Monthly newsletter featuring all the latest blog postsand news. There are options to choose from for your accommodation for each journey depending on your preferences and budget. It will be operated by an arm . Always check departure and arrival times prior to travel, the week or day before. To facilitate a smooth transfer of power, Serco will coordinate with the Scottish Government in the coming months. Theres secure storage space for up to six bikes in the Seated Carriage. Strictly speaking, it is two services. 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. This is good news but I wouldn't get your hopes up for ticket prices to reduce much from where they are now. You can upgrade or change your room type on the Caledonian Sleeper Flexible Ticket up until two days before your trip. KOVERED Eden Backpack Review: The Best Travel Carry-On? Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. 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. Room supplements are available for Solo or Shared room occupancy in Club and Classic accommodation. 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. Let them know ahead of time if youre travelling with an assistance dog. Station Accessibility Guides On depth information about the train stations the sleeper train service stops at. The seating configuration is the same as conventional UK First class seating carriages with 2 -1 seats in an airline type set up. The train was long. To what extent will state-ownership under Scottish Rail Holdings bring about a change in business objectives and pricing? How long does the Caledonian Sleeper train take? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My mission is to show you why sustainable travel is empowering, fulfilling and affordable. Other transport-related firms which have been brought into public ownership in recent years include shipbuilder Ferguson Marine in 2019 and Prestwick Airport in 2013 - both of which have proved to be controversial. Although Caledonian Sleeper staff are not participating in the strike action it does have a significant impact on the overnight Sleeper services. Can you take bikes on the Caledonian Sleeper? If you are travelling Southbound, the train will only board from around 11pm onwards. Over recent months we have reported the numerous issues with Caledonian Sleeper and its new CAF rolling stock. Given all that, there can be no conclusion other than that this is an ideological decision. It is an incredible way to experience a trip to Scotland from London. Also improved is the WIFI throughout the train and greater accessibility arrangements that increases inclusivity for all. Image: Andrew Smith. We were surprised to know that we could board the Caledonian Sleeper quite early before our train departed. Disappointing that it's been withdrawn as opposed to tightening up on the misuse from those that don't hold travel facilities. Tel: +44 0844 800 0085. Our latest 2023 vacation brochure is now available. These costs may be higher than the revenue generated by the service, especially if there are . 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". comfortable cabin for a night on the rails. Caledonian Sleeper 2023. Yes. All rights reserved. 2 March 2023. 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. I was fortunate enough to ride it twice with my partner from London to Fort William and from Edinburgh back to London. 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". Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by the Scottish Government from the expiry of the current Caledonian Sleeper franchise on 25 June 2023.. 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!). 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. Essential resources. 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. The move follows widespread expectation in the rail industry that the . For a return, the price is simply two singles. You dont need to worry about which half of the train is going where, as the staff will do that for you when you board. The Caledonian Sleeper is to be taken into public hands in June, transport minister has told MSPs. 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 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. Since Serco took over the Caledonian Sleeper, the operation has encountered a series of . The current fleet of trains, launched in the Eighties to transport people between London and Scotland overnight, has undergone a . The current franchise was awarded to Serco in a deal worth 800m. Unique in that two people can sleep on the same level, it is one of the few sleeper rooms in the world that doesnt utilize bunkbeds. One thing which made it 100% worth the sleepless night was the dawn light breaking as we sped through the Scottish Highlands. That being said, I dont think I would upgrade unless it were for a special occasion. Lowlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into two separate trains at Carstairs (a station south and between Glasgow and Edinburgh) and then two trains travelling onwards to Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. Thats the absolute minimum time youll want to get there though. 5. Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; Yes the on board staff know that your ticket class must match your travel facilities. When you book your tickets, youll only be asked about where youre departing from and the station you want to arrive at. 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 line technically has two routes the Highlander and the Lowlander with the train splitting into sections depending on where its going. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? A creative scene like no other, Glasgow is famous for the arts, live music, and comedy. It has bunk beds and the same shower and toilet combination as the Caledonian Double. Overall was better than expected after reading reviews and we both managed to get enough sleep to allow us to do some sightseeing before checking into hotel room - however . Despite that, it's been pretty well loaded every time I've taken . For breakfast, we try to have everything packed ready so we could enjoy the breakfast, just finishing in time to arrive at our destination. Like all trains, its recommended that you buy your tickets as far in advance as possible. Over the years, the service has been upgraded and modernized, and today the journey takes around 8 hours. For the Caledonian Sleeper, its not necessarily because of the price rather availability. She said: The decision will provide a stable platform for the provision of Sleeper services and it will also provide certainty for staff and, of course, the travelling public. Mercifully it was a bit cleaner as youre sharing with other people in your carriage rather than the whole train. Any doubts call the Caledonian Service Centre (UK Telephone number) 0330 060 0500 for further information or to check terms and conditions of purchase. We felt safe at all times including while boarding, eating, sleeping and getting off the train. The seats are part reclining with a slide forward for the seat cushion section. Trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow are available to board up to 1 hour and 40 minutes before departure. From this date, the Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by Scottish Rail Holdings, an arm's length company owned . Transport minister for Scotland Jenny Gilruth said Caledonian Sleeper staff would have their current terms and conditions protected by the state-owned company. Unlike some countries, they do not expect a financial tip at the end of the service. Although it was nice to have hot food, it was expensive and a little on the basic side. The Club Car isnt always open though. "I would like to make it very clear that the Caledonian Sleeper staff will transfer to the . Privacy PolicyTerms of Use & CopyrightDisclosure & Disclaimer, Directory Heres how long it takes for some of its most popular destinations if youre travelling from London. The contract for the overnight London to Scotland service will be removed from Serco in June. Breakfast was a limited offering, and we thought the evening meals were good, but the portions were smaller than at a restaurant. 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Try to get there at least an hour before departure to board the train as smoothly as possible! Planned engineering works throughout February and March please check our service alterations page. In the UK, there are two sleeper trains. Take advantage of this, as the train ride isnt very long. Image credit: Richard Clinnick. Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UKs most wonderful destinations. 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. The Scottish Government will operate the Caledonian Sleeper service from the end of June. - A sustainable travel guide featuring tips on where to stay, getting around and planning an ethical itinerary! Dedicated wheelchair space in each Seated Coach Priority for wheelchair spaces is given to reservations in advance. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Caledonian Sleeper tickets go on sale up to 12 months before you travel so book them as early as you can! The 800m agreement, signed in 2015, had been due to run until 2030 . 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. We took on the task with the vision of upgrading the . Rail Staff Travel, PO Box 72071, London EC1P 1JD. The class of travel choice is highlighted for each option and our experienced opinion is expressed in Our View for the options we have tried out. But Gilruth insisted the decision to terminate the contract seven years early and take the service under the Scottish governments control should not be seen as a reflection on the firms operation of the service. As we wined (or whiskied, in this case) and dined, the train slid out of Euston station and sped northbound. The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail service when its contract expires in June. 2023 Little Lost Travel. We had to make sure we were in the right section of the train as it was going to split at Edinburgh. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. While space isnt one of its strongest points, the trains beds are comfy and have cosy Glencraft mattresses. 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. From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH), an arms length company owned by the Scottish government. 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. The one big downside was the lack of an ensuite bathroom which you can get if you choose the Club Room. The train starts boarding around 8:30. Traveling overnight saves the cost of a hotel. LS23 6AD 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. The sleeper is very much a loss maker and I think the subsidy is still around 100 per passenger with the higher fares. Caledonian Sleeper is the collective name for overnight sleeper train services between London and Scotland, in the United Kingdom.It is one of only two currently operating sleeper services on the railway in the United Kingdom, the other being the Night Riviera which runs between London and Penzance.. A sleeper service has been run along the West Coast Main Line since 24 February 1873. Serco had unsuccessfully attempted to renegotiate its Caledonian Sleeper contract last year. but we made it to Fort William in one piece. Here is my honest review of riding the Caledonian Sleeper in a Classic Room. These tickets must be valid between stations served by Caledonian Sleeper for part . If I did the Caledonian Sleeper again I would only book a one-way ticket to the Scottish Highlands. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised by Scottish ministers, Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised.