We want to get to London from Inverness on Oct. 18. Im guessing the best route would be through Edinburgh where we would change trains to London? Is this the easiest/shortest duration? Any suggestions on a specific train line or cabin? Will this be a 4 hour ride from Inverness and then another 4 hour ride to London. Thanks in advance for your help;.
Posted by
Freedonia
15047 posts
LNER offers a through train from Inverness to London with no changes. It's just under 8 hours.
Otherwise the easiest is probably a change in Edinburgh. Add about an hour total time for this routing.
Use this website to find available trains on that route:
Tickets won't be available for a few months.
There is also the Caledonian Sleeper that leaves Inverness at 8:45 PM and arrives at London Euston at 8 AM. You can have a private sleeping compartment.
You also have the choice of flying. Both British Airways and Easyjet have multiple nonstop flights that day. You have a choice of Heathrow, Gatwick or Luton airports in London.
Posted by
OP
Milwaukee
4 posts
Thank you so much. I just discovered the Caledonia sleeper cars. Sounds interesting. We wouldn't have to waste a whole day on a train then. Kinda pricey though. Can anyone really sleep on one of these trains?
Posted by
Freedonia
15047 posts
Can anyone really sleep on one of these trains?
While I have not personally taken it, I've spoken to people who have. Some slept okay, some not much. It's different for everyone.
Posted by
Lake District, England
5807 posts
If you decide on the Cal Sleeper then tickets are available now, as they book one year ahead.
They don't run on a Saturday night, for the benefit of anyone else reading this, but your date is a Friday.
At this stage, while open for bookings, timings may change if engineering work is eventually announced, and the train has to divert via a different route.
That sometimes means an early departure from Inverness if the train is diverting via Aberdeen.
Cal Sleeper will advise in due course if that happens.
The service wouldn't run if most people couldn't sleep, as otherwise people would use other modes of transport.
Posted by
Cornwall
75 posts
Kinda pricey though. Can anyone really sleep on one of these trains?
You are of course saving a hotel room.
As for sleeping everyone is different but personally I sleep fine on the Caledonian and on the Cornish Riviera Sleeper which I use often.
Posted by
Sweden
6409 posts
Personally I've never had any problems sleeping in an overnight train. And the price really should be compared to a hotel room since that is what you're getting. But if you're not in a hurry, the day train is a good option as the views makes it a nice trip.