- What are Sleeper Trains?
- Who runs Sleeper Trains in the UK?
- What type of tickets can you get when boarding a Sleeper Train?
- How to book Sleeper Train tickets on Trip.com
- What’s on board a Sleeper Train?
- How long do Sleeper Trains take and when do they depart/arrive?
- Tips for Taking the Sleeper Train
- You may also find useful…
Looking to travel a long distance without losing a day to the journey? Whether you’re heading to the Scottish Highlands or planning an early arrival in London, UK Sleeper Trains are a relaxing, time-saving alternative to daytime travel.
In this guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about Sleeper Trains in the UK, including routes, ticket types, what to expect onboard, and how to book with Trip.com. Imagine falling asleep in one city and waking in another - we’re here to help make that a reality!
Photo by kitmasterbloke
What are Sleeper Trains?
Sleeper Trains are overnight rail services equipped with sleeping facilities such as private cabins and reclining seats. The idea is that longer journeys can be taken overnight, meaning you should wake feeling refreshed at your destination and have an entire day ahead to spend however you like instead of travelling. Not only that, but you’ll likely be able to catch some beautiful countryside views by sunrise or moonlight too.
By combining travel and accommodation, Sleeper Trains are designed to help you use your time more efficiently, whilst providing an unforgettable experience in and of itself.
Who runs Sleeper Trains in the UK?
There are currently two major sleeper train services available:
Caledonian Sleeper - London to Scotland
Caledonian Sleeper runs services between London Euston and numerous Scottish locations. Running six nights a week (excluding Saturdays), there are two routes to be aware of when taking the Caledonian Sleeper: the Highland and Lowland services, which pass through the following popular cities:
Highland Route
Lowland Route
Night Riviera Sleeper - London to Cornwall
Operated by GWR on all days except Saturdays, the Night Riviera service travels between London Paddington and Penzance, calling at the following stops:
Photo by Train Photos
What type of tickets can you get when boarding a Sleeper Train?
This depends on which provider you are with. Below is a quick breakdown of each ticket type for the two different providers:
Caledonian Sleeper ticket types
- Comfort Seats: Reclining seats in a shared, quiet carriage
- Classic Room: Twin bunk beds, washbasin
- Club Room: Twin beds, en-suite shower/toilet, breakfast included
- Caledonian Double: A full-size bed for two with luxury amenities
Night Riviera:
- Seated Coach: Reclining seat with reading light
- Single/Double Sleeper Cabin: Comfortable beds, washbasin, complimentary breakfast
How to book Sleeper Train tickets on Trip.com
It’s simple! Use our Journey Planner to input your arriving and departing stations, and ensure they are covered by either the Caledonian Sleeper or Night Riviera.
When inputting your travel time, be sure to set your departing time past 9 pm.
Then, look for either the Caledonian Sleeper or GWR logo against the listings, as well as a note that says ‘direct’ to indicate no changeovers.
Once selected, hit the ‘Continue’ button. You should have the option to choose between Standard and 1st Class tickets - note that a 1st Class Caledonian Sleeper ticket will provide a private room with en-suite facilities (shower and toilet) and a complimentary breakfast.
Then simply click ‘Pay Now’ to secure your tickets!
What’s on board a Sleeper Train?
Depending on your provider and ticket type, sleeper trains may offer:
- Private cabins with beds or bunk beds
- Toilets and showers (en-suite or shared)
- Power sockets and reading lights
- Wi-Fi and USB ports (on most newer cabins)
- Lounge or dining cars with drinks, snacks, and meals
- Quiet, low-lit atmosphere to encourage restful sleep
Note: Some cabins have air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms, while others share facilities.
Photo by Ed Webster
How long do Sleeper Trains take and when do they depart/arrive?
This depends on your specific journey. Below is a breakdown of the travel time for some of the most popular routes:
| Route (and provider) | Approx. duration | Typical departure | Typical arrival |
| London Euston → Inverness (Caledonian Sleeper – Highland) | 11h 30m | 20:30-21:00 | 08:30-09:00 |
| London Euston → Fort William (Caledonian Sleeper – Highland) | 13h 00m | 20:30-21:00 | 09:30-10:00 |
| London Euston → Aberdeen (Caledonian Sleeper – Highland) | 11h 00m | 21:15 | 08:30 |
| London Euston → Glasgow (Caledonian Sleeper – Lowland) | 7h 30m | 23:30 | 07:00 |
| London Euston → Edinburgh (Caledonian Sleeper – Lowland) | 7h 45m | 23:50 | 07:05 |
| London Paddington → Penzance (Night Riviera Sleeper) | 8h 30m | 23:45 | 08:20 |
Tips for Taking the Sleeper Train
- Arrive early to check in and settle into your cabin
- Bring earplugs or a sleep mask if you’re in a shared carriage
- Pack light—storage is limited in some cabins
- Check Wi-Fi availability if you need to work en route
- Download entertainment in advance, just in case the signal is patchy