Day 1: All Aboard the Caledonian Sleeper (London to Inverness)

There's something undeniably magical about stepping onto a train in one of the busiest cities in the world and waking up surrounded by Highland mist and pine-covered hills. And that’s exactly what Day 1 delivers – your journey kicks off not with a stressful airport run, but with a night of cosy luxury aboard the Caledonian Sleeper.

Person in shorts and white shirt standing on train platform, reaching toward window of teal Caledonian Sleeper train.
Person in green jacket sits on train, looking out window at scenic landscape with fields, trees, and blue sky.
Person seated in a compact train cabin with bunk beds, a sink, and safety instructions on the wall.
Breakfast with croissant, jam, butter, fruit salad, granola with berries, and coffee on a plaid placemat
Train interior with tables, cups, and chairs facing large windows showing a desert landscape.

Evening Departure from London Euston

  • 6:30pm – Check into the exclusive Caledonian Sleeper Lounge at London Euston. You’ll find comfy seating, Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks, and drinks – a perfect wind-down before the journey.
  • 8:00pm – Boarding opens. Step into your room, complete with an ensuite shower room, depending on your room choice, bunk beds, soft towels, and more.
  • 8:20pm – Departure! London fades behind you as the train glides north toward the Highlands.
It genuinely felt like stepping onto a moving hotel. Private bunk beds, your own shower and toilet, fluffy towels, eye masks, and even a guest lounge at Euston Station before boarding.

@thattravelcouple

Dinner in the Club Car

If you’re travelling First Class, you can pre-book dinner to enjoy in the Club Car, or have a relaxed meal delivered straight to your room. The onboard menu showcases fresh, seasonal Scottish ingredients, served with panoramic views of twilight landscapes rolling by.

For Standard Class (Classic Room or Seated Coach) guests, you can purchase meals, snacks, and drinks in the Lounge Car. No matter your ticket, the Lounge Car is a cosy spot to unwind with panoramic window views.

We had dinner in the Club Car (yes, there’s a full restaurant carriage) and woke up to the most insane views of the Highlands rolling past our window.

@thattravelcouple

Sleep Like a Baby (Seriously)

Despite what you might expect from a train, sleep on the Caledonian Sleeper is shockingly good. The ride is smooth, the cabins are quiet, and if you're in a Club Room, you'll wake to a knock at your door and breakfast options brought right to you.

Wake Up in the Highlands

  • 7:00 - 7:30am – Complimentary breakfast is served in the Club Car or cabin, if you’ve chosen to stay in a Club room. Classic room passengers can purchase breakfast, with options like Scottish Porridge, bacon rolls, or yogurt bowls.
  • 8:40am – Arrive in Inverness, your jumping-off point for the islands. You’ll step off the train and right into the charm of the Highlands

Whether you choose to stretch your legs in town or dive straight into the next part of the journey (hint: campervan road trip incoming), you’ll be arriving refreshed and ready.

Pro Tip: Booking a Club Room or Caledonian Double is totally worth it. You get access to lounges on both ends, private ensuite facilities, and top-tier food and service – it really does feel like a boutique hotel on wheels. 

Plus, as a CalMac customer you can enjoy 10% off your Caledonian Sleeper booking with code CALMAC10 if you travel between November 2025 and 31 March 2026.