Hello,
We are a family of 5 that will be taking the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Fort William in August. We are staying for two nights in Oban and are planning to visit the Isle of Mull. After Oban we will be traveling to Edinburgh for 3 nights.
Can anyone make any recommendations as to a car rental agency in Fort William where we can rent a people carrier or does any know if the Caledonian stops in Glasgow? I have Googled it and I believe the train splits off and we do not actually go to Glasgow. It would be much easier to rent a car Glasgow so that is why I was wondering about the stop in Glasgow.
I am sorry for the convoluted situation and appreciate anyone's help and insight.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
The trick is to find one that will let you return it to Edinburgh. It looks like Sixt is there. Have you tried emailing Scotrail to find out about the Caledonian sleeper? It may be that you can change your ticket to Glasgow and pick up a car there. You would definitely have more options.
Pam
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Here is the link to Scotrail customer service.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Fort William is a small service town that people visit when climbing Ben Nevis and it isn't large enough for any of the main car hire operators to run an office.
As Pamela has said, you need to try to get your ticket changed to Glasgow. In the UK, if you get off a train at a stop before the destination that your ticket is valid for, this is not a problem and you don't need to change your ticket, but as you are on the sleeper, this train splits and one part goes to Glasgow and the other part to FW, so you will need to change yours.
Note that when renting a car that some offices even in larger cities and the major companies close on a Sunday. If hiring a car in Glasgow and dropping in Edinburgh, there will be a one way drop fee. I have even had to pay this fee when hiring at Glasgow airport and dropping it back the same day at Glasgow rail station less than 10 miles away!
Driving and parking in Edinburgh is not recommended. Do you need a car in Edinburgh? If not, drop the car in Glasgow and take the c 1 hour train journey to Edinburgh, but don't attempt this at rush hour with luggage. Buses in Edinburgh are plentiful and cheap £4 per day for unlimited travel on buses and trams. £5 to go to the airport by tram.
Word of warning - there have been CalMac strikes on the ferries recently so check nearer the time that you can actually get out to Mull. Take plenty of layers and a waterproof as Scotland is having its coldest and wettest summer in 40 years according to the locals I met when I was there on holiday last week.
Oban Chocolate on the seafront is a must do for coffee and chocolate!