Great Britain's Scenic Sleeper Train Route Connects London To Scotland's Highlands

Sleeper trains evoke images of bygone days of traveling, when sumptuously decorated train cars cruised through exotic locales as riders sampled gourmet cuisine on white-draped tables, served by waitpeople in suits. Porters would be on hand to stow luggage, private cabins were both cozy and luxurious, and certain passengers may even solve a murder or two (well, the last part might be from an Agatha Christie novel). However, night trains aren't just in the past. They're reemerging as a favored mode of transportation for people hoping to save a few dollars, lessen their carbon footprint, and looking for adventure. And while you may not get white-glove service or a porter at your door these days, you can still, for example, go to sleep in London and wake up in Scotland. Just like magic — or at least, it will feel that way when you arrive, refreshed, with the whole day ahead.

The Caledonian Sleeper Train, which has been in nearly continuous service since 1873, has overnight train rides from London to both the Lowlands and the Highlands of Scotland. It also goes the opposite way — south from Scotland to London — and this historic route is actually one of the absolute best places to travel by train. That's because this particular train offers some of the best views in the country. The Caledonian Sleeper is the longest train of it's kind in the United Kingdom, which means it passes through widely varied scenery that covers the bucolic countryside of England, the drama of oceanside cliffs, and the heather moors of Scotland. Of course, a lot of these views could pass by while you're sleeping, so to make the most of it, you'd better take the train on both your northern and southern journeys between England and Scotland. 

Savvy train travelers know to add this budget and eco-friendly method of transportation to your itinerary in the U.K. (and elsewhere in Europe). Sure, you can take a quick and cheap(ish) flight, but the advantages of train travel remain. Combining the actual traveling part with a night of accommodation is just good sense, both from a practical and a financial standpoint. It's also much better for the planet. Even short flights emit up to 96% more carbon dioxide per person than a train trip (via Flightright). Another pro of the Caledonian Sleeper Train specifically is that the train stations on this route are located right in the middle of the cities and towns, so you won't need to make stressful and time-consuming commutes from the airport. And finally, the Caledonian Sleeper doesn't just go to Edinburgh but farther north into Scotland, which isn't the easiest place to access. 

Depending on route, the trip between London and Edinburgh is around eight hours, London and Inverness is approximately 12 hours, and the journey between London and Fort William is around 13 hours. The train isn't fancy, but you can splurge a bit on a room, which has an air of grandeur. Plus, you'll be snug in your cabin all night, and you have the option of room service for a nice breakfast in the morning (more expensive suites have breakfast included). For a "classic" suite, expect to pay around $350. Travel plus a place to sleep? Not a bad deal! Of course, if you want to be the most budget-friendly, you can book a simple reclining seat for around $75, but since you're already saving money by not spending a night in London or Edinburgh (not cheap cities!), go ahead and get that bed. You don't want to waste your precious time by wandering around with a sore neck or sleeping the day away because you couldn't sleep on the train.

The Caledonian Sleeper Train doesn't just go to Edinburgh and Glasgow but also passes through Aberdeen, Inverness, and Fort William, giving you easy access to the famous Scottish Highlands. And since the beginning of your journey (or night) is in England, the morning train ride gives the most diverse views of western Scotland's scenery, especially if you're heading to Fort William. 

In central-northern Scotland, you can visit Inverness, considered the "Capital of the Highlands."  The Highlands of Scotland are known as one of the most scenic places in the entire world, but the remoteness means they're hard to reach, especially if you don't have a car. The Caledonian Sleeper Train makes it so much easier to get there so that you can embark on the Scottish Highlands adventure of your dreams.

Of course, you can also take the train south, from Scotland to England — specifically, London. This is another great way to save money on accommodation, catch some views, and arrive refreshed (hopefully) to begin your explorations of London bright and early. In either direction (especially northbound), you can pretend you're riding the Hogwarts Express ... just another benefit of taking the Caledonian Sleeper.