Explore Great Britain by night train
The island can be excellently discovered rolling on rails. Find out what options are available and how to travel in the most stylish way here.
Board the train in London in the evening. Perhaps have dinner or a drink in the bar car. Fall asleep in a cozy bed. And then wake up the next morning in the Scottish Highlands or on the enchanting coast of Cornwall.
What sounds like a dream comes true with the night train.
Great Britain is not only the motherland of the railway but also a classic stronghold of night train travel. In its heyday, England, Wales, and Scotland were crisscrossed by a dense network of night trains. Today, two independent night train services remain: the Caledonian Sleeper to Scotland and the Night Riviera Sleeper to England's southwest coast.
Both are among the best night trains anywhere: extremely comfortable carriages, impressive routes – and hospitality that is second to none. Very British, indeed.
In this guide, we take a closer look at Great Britain's night trains. What routes are there? What is the comfort like on board? And of course, we'll also tell you how to get the cheapest tickets. Because that's the only small catch: the pleasure isn't exactly cheap. But it's worth it, we promise.
Caledonian Sleeper: night train to Scotland
Enchanted castles, lonely moors, mystical islands – Scotland is a dream destination for any train journey. And with the Caledonian Sleeper, the journey itself becomes a real pleasure. From London, the comfortable sleeping cars travel on a total of five lines – to exciting cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, to the gentle green cliffs of Aberdeen, or right into the wild nature of the Highlands.
After being run by various private companies for a long time, the Scottish state took over operations in the summer of 2023. With modern carriages, beautiful routes, and first-class service, a journey on the Caledonian Sleeper is one of Europe's great night train adventures.
Routes
The Caledonian Sleeper service consists of two independent night trains, which in turn are made up of several train sections: The Lowland Sleeper with sections to Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the Highland Sleeper with sections to Aberdeen, Inverness, and Fort William. The train sections are separated during the night and continue independently to their respective final destinations in the morning.
Both trains depart from London Euston station. This is just a few minutes' walk from St Pancras station, where the Eurostar trains from Brussels, Paris, and Amsterdam arrive.
The Caledonian Sleeper trains run daily except on Saturdays. Depending on the route, the journey time is between 8 and 13 hours.
Lowland Sleeper: Edinburgh & Glasgow
The Lowland Sleeper serves the relatively short routes from London to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Both cities are in the southern part of Scotland and are very well connected to London by day, with a journey time of just under four hours. Nevertheless, the night train is also very popular, especially with business people and weekend commuters.
The Lowland Sleeper's route goes via Watford Junction and Carlisle before the train is split into the two sections for Edinburgh and Glasgow at the Scottish station of Carstairs.
- London – Edinburgh and back
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and, with its picturesque Old Town and Edinburgh Castle, a must for lovers of history and architecture. The Caledonian Sleeper stops at Edinburgh Waverley station, right in the city center. - London – Glasgow and back
On the way to Glasgow, the Caledonian Sleeper also stops at Motherwell Station before arriving at Glasgow Central station. Glasgow is not as pretty as Edinburgh, but rather edgy, loud, and sometimes dirty. However, it captivates with its creative cultural scene and its big heart.
Highland Sleeper: Aberdeen, Inverness & Fort William
From a tourist's perspective, the Highland Sleeper is much more interesting, with its three sections to Aberdeen, Inverness, and Fort William. The journey is significantly longer, so you can sleep in and start the day relaxed. Moreover, the railway lines traveled in the morning are among the most beautiful in Scotland.
By the way: Since the beginning of 2026, the Highland Sleeper has been running via Birmingham, thus also connecting the English West Midlands region with Scotland overnight.
- London – Aberdeen and back
Aberdeen is on Scotland's east coast. On the journey, the Caledonian Sleeper crosses the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the equally impressive Tay Bridge near Dundee. The route repeatedly runs beautifully along the open sea. - London – Inverness and back
The route to Inverness leads through the central Highlands, where the landscape is particularly rugged and snow-covered in winter. Near Dalwhinnie, the train climbs to the highest point on the British rail network. Inverness is considered the capital of the Highlands and is perfect for a trip to Loch Ness. - London – Fort William and back
The route to Fort William is a true classic. The train section, also known as the Deerstalker, winds through the magical scenery of the western Highlands, made world-famous by the West Highland Way long-distance trail. Fort William itself lies at the foot of Ben Nevis and is a true outdoor paradise.
Comfort on board
Besides the fantastic destinations, the Caledonian Sleeper impresses above all with its amenities and service. The rolling stock was completely renewed in 2019 and offers maximum comfort in a small space. The motto "hotel on rails" is no exaggeration here.
All train sections have sleeping cars, seating cars, and a full-fledged dining car, the "Club Car". Couchettes are not common in Great Britain – this is because carriages are generally somewhat smaller than on the European mainland.
Sleeping car
In the sleeping cars, there are three different compartment types, referred to as Classic, Club, and Double. All compartments can be used by one or two people. You always book the entire compartment, so you don't share it with strangers.
- Classic Room
The most affordable compartment type has two bunk beds. There is a small washbasin by the window, along with modern technology like electronic key cards, Wi-Fi, and USB sockets. The compartments are small, but the ambiance impresses with tweed accents and elegant colors. Two adjacent compartments can be connected by a connecting door to form a small suite, perfect for families.
- Club Room
The compartment is identical to the Classic Room but also has a small bathroom with a toilet and shower. Other benefits include breakfast included in the price, as well as access to the lounge at the stations and priority access to the dining car. - Caledonian Double
The luxury class on the Caledonian Sleeper. The significantly larger compartment accommodates a proper double bed with a width of 140 cm. A rarity on European rails – which, of course, comes at a price. It also includes a private bathroom and all the other benefits of the Club Room.
Seating car
You can travel less comfortably but very affordably in the seating car. These are open-plan carriages. The seat backrests can be reclined by 10 degrees, and each traveler receives a kit with overnight essentials, including a sleep mask. There is a lockable compartment above each seat for hand luggage.
Club Car
The heart of the Caledonian Sleeper is the Club Car, a full-fledged dining car with a bar area. Here you can choose from an extensive, fine menu – including Scottish classics like haggis. But don't worry, there are also less hearty and vegetarian dishes. And of course, you can just stick to a nightcap.
A visit to the Club Car is reserved for sleeping car guests. Travelers in Club or Double compartments are given priority during busy periods. Those traveling in the seating car do not have access but can have food and drinks served to their seat.
Tip: Don't just rush to a table; wait briefly to be seated by the service staff. The Club Car is cashless; payments can only be made with credit and debit cards.
Other amenities
- Accessibility
In each train section, one Classic Room and one Caledonian Double are designed to be accessible. The compartments are accessible from a widened entrance door and are located immediately next to an accessible toilet. - Bicycle transport
Bicycles can be taken on board free of charge with a reservation. However, some stations are excluded from bicycle transport. - Pets
For a fee of £30, up to two pets can be brought into a sleeping car compartment.
Breakfast
Depending on your preference, breakfast is brought to your compartment in the morning or served in the Club Car. The choice includes a hot Scottish breakfast (also available as a vegan option) and a continental breakfast, along with coffee and tea. Those traveling in a Classic Room pay extra for breakfast; for those in a Club Room or Caledonian Double, it is included in the price.
Tickets & Prices
A journey on the Caledonian Sleeper is not a cheap pleasure. The base price is quite high, but the prices vary only slightly, meaning they are hardly dependent on the booking time and occupancy.
Compare prices for the Caledonian Sleeper here!
Below are the usual prices for a compartment for single occupancy. For double occupancy, the price increases by £80–100.
Edinburgh & Glasgow
- Classic Room: £210–270
- Club Room: £270–360
- Caledonian Double: £410
- Seat: from £54
Aberdeen, Inverness & Fort William
- Classic Room: £265
- Club Room: £350
- Caledonian Double: £475
- Seat: from £59
As of January 2026. £1 is approximately €1.15.
Tip: The Caledonian Double category usually sells out particularly quickly, often months in advance. In the other categories, however, tickets are usually still available at short notice.
Interrail
The journey on the Caledonian Sleeper is somewhat cheaper with Interrail. As a pass holder, you need a paid reservation for the sleeping car. This is available online; to get it, select the "Room Supplement only" option when booking. The reservation price is the same regardless of destination and travel period:
- Classic Room:
£165 for 1 person
£215 for 2 people - Club Room (1st Class):
£215 for 1 person
£275 for 2 people
A 1st Class Interrail pass is required for a Club Room. The Caledonian Double compartment type is not accessible to travelers with Interrail.
Travel in the seating car is possible with Interrail at no extra charge. However, a seat reservation is still required, which can be made for free on the Caledonian Sleeper website.
Exchanges & Refunds
If you cancel your ticket up to 7 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the fare. For later cancellations (until noon on the day of departure), you will get 50% back.
Night Riviera Sleeper: By night train to Cornwall
A real insider tip is the second night train in the United Kingdom: the Night Riviera Sleeper from London to Penzance. It travels from Paddington station along the English southwest coast, serving many exciting destinations in the Devon and Cornwall regions.
The Night Riviera is operated by Great Western Railway (GWR) and is in no way inferior to its big brother from Scotland in terms of comfort. The recently renovated sleeping cars with their extremely comfortable beds are even a touch more elegant than on the Caledonian Sleeper. And in terms of price, the night train to Cornwall also comes out ahead.
Route
The Night Riviera travels on the approximately 500-kilometer railway line from London Paddington via Plymouth to Cornwall. The final destination is Penzance, located at the southwestern tip of England (here you can find all connections in the opposite direction). GWR also offers regular daytime train services on this route with modern multiple-unit trains. For those who prefer to travel the route relaxed in a sleeping car, the night train is a comfortable alternative.
Between Plymouth and Penzance, the Night Riviera crosses the wild and romantic heart of Cornwall, stopping in Liskeard, Bodmin, St Austell, and Truro, among others. Beautiful coastal towns like Looe, Newquay, and St Ives can also be reached via branch lines.
Tip: From Penzance, you can continue by bus to Land's End, the westernmost point of mainland Great Britain, and by ferry to the picturesque archipelago of the Scilly Isles.
The Night Riviera runs daily except on Saturdays. With a pure journey time of 7 to 8 hours (depending on the direction), it's relatively short for a night train. But: boarding in London Paddington is possible more than an hour before departure, and in the opposite direction, the train remains at the platform for almost two hours after arrival. This way, you can significantly extend your time on board and get a good amount of sleep.
Comfort on board
The Night Riviera consists of sleeping cars, seating cars, and a bar car. The carriages were completely renovated in 2018 and combine maximum comfort with modern amenities.
Sleeping car
With elegant carpets and hotel-standard beds, the sleeping cars of the Night Riviera are a real gem. The compartments each have two bunk beds and can be booked for single or double occupancy. There is a fold-out washbasin by the window. The bed linen is of particularly high quality. At the head of the bed, there are USB sockets and a reading lamp. The compartment door can be locked from the outside with an electronic key card.
The service is also excellent: each traveler receives a towel, toiletries, and a bottle of mineral water. In the morning, a small breakfast is served to your bed, with a choice of porridge or a sausage roll, plus tea or coffee. Breakfast is included in the price.
Tip: Sleeping car guests have access to the GWR lounge at London Paddington, Penzance, and Truro stations. Here, you'll find not only free snacks and drinks but also the opportunity to shower.
Seating car
Those traveling on a tight budget will also find seating cars on the Night Riviera. These are simple open-plan carriages. No supplement is required for traveling in a seat.
Lounge Car
The Lounge Car is not a full-fledged dining car, but rather a cozy living room with a bar. You can end the evening with a drink in the stylish seating groups and lounge sofas. Small snacks are also available.
Tip: Water, tea, and coffee are free for sleeping car guests.
Other amenities
- Accessibility
Each train has an accessible compartment, located right next to an accessible toilet. Additionally, there is a wheelchair space in the seating car. - Bicycle transport
Bicycles can be taken on the Night Riviera free of charge, but a reservation is required. - Pets
For a fee of £30, up to two pets can be brought into a sleeping car compartment.
Tickets & Prices
The fare consists of the ticket, which covers the transport, plus a supplement for the sleeping car. The Night Riviera is fully integrated into the sometimes quite complex British fare system. In practical terms, it is a regular train that offers overnight accommodation in a sleeping car as an additional service.
The cheapest way to travel in the sleeping car is with a Super Off-Peak fare; the journey from London to Penzance then costs £86.70 per person. In addition, there is the supplement, which depends on the travel date, booking time, and occupancy. For single occupancy, this starts at £49, and for double occupancy, from £59 per compartment.
This results in a starting price of £135.70 for solo travelers. For two people in a compartment, it starts at £116.20 per person.
No supplement is necessary in the seating car; a simple ticket for the respective route is sufficient. The cheapest offer is the train-specific Advanced fare from £69 for the journey from London to Penzance.
Tickets are available online at gwr.com, by phone, or at the station ticket counter. Please note: online payments with non-British credit cards sometimes cause problems.
Interrail
The Night Riviera is well-suited for a trip with Interrail. For a night in the sleeping car, you only need to pay the supplement. The only catch: the supplement alone cannot be purchased online, only on-site. This can be easily done at the GWR counter at Paddington station. However, there is a risk that the sleeping car will already be fully booked on the day of travel. If possible, you should do this a few days before departure.
Tip: There are reports from Interrailers who were able to purchase the supplement by phone. To do this, it helps to ask for a supplement for an existing ticket (e.g., Off-Peak) and not to mention Interrail.
Exchanges and Refunds
The travel date can be changed up to one day before departure. If the ticket on the new travel date is more expensive than on the original one, the difference must be paid.
Tickets can be refunded 100% up to 14 days before departure; between 14 and 7 days before departure, you get 75% of the ticket price back. After that, cancellation is no longer possible.
Conclusion
A true travel culture is still alive on Great Britain's night trains. Comfort and service of the highest level, with a touch of elegance. And regardless of whether your destination is Scotland or Cornwall – the routes on which the Caledonian Sleeper and the Night Riviera travel are among the most beautiful in the entire British rail network.
Admittedly, the journey is not cheap. But it is a unique pleasure that every night train fan should experience at least once. In addition, the price can be reduced to a reasonable level with Interrail, which is a good deal in Great Britain anyway.
About the author: Sebastian Wilken is a passionate (night) train passenger and writes about train travel in Europe in his Zugpost. He monitors the night train market for Night Ride and provides you with the best tips and tricks for the most beautiful routes – including great pictures that he takes himself.
Do you have feedback or an idea for another blog post? Write to us at info@nightride.com.
