I'm interested in possibly riding the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Edinburgh this August. Has anyone taken this train? I saw on the website that they were updated recently. We would be flying into Heathrow and would need to get to the correct train station to catch the evening train on up to Edinburgh. Would this train be part of the BritRail pass? If we fly directly into Edinburgh instead of Heathrow, our airline tickets would cost us about $600 more each, so there is the motivation in trying to find a way to get from London on up to Scotland to start our trip there. Any input on this train would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Posted by
Hampshire, England.
1069 posts
This should give you a good idea of what to expect:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T3v0l38vF28
From the train guru "the Man in Seat 61".
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
BritRail Pass cover a "base fare" on the sleeper train but you still pay about $75 per person for a bunk in a twin sleeper (or pay double if you want a private single). See notes at https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/britain-rail-passes.
Posted by
USA
151 posts
We are planning a London to Edinburgh on the sleeper, but just read some horrible
reviews on trip advisor. Has anyone done it lately?
Posted by
Washington DC
27112 posts
No experience on that train, but I think passengers vary greatly in their ability to sleep on a train. That may factor into the reviews you've read. Even when I was younger, I slept only fitfully on a train, which compromised my enjoyment of the next day. I certainly wouldn't consider any night train other than one of the $800/day deals an experience to be sought out.
Day trains between London and Edinburgh take only 4-1/2 hours.