The Caledonian Sleeper is a well-known name among the British. If you're planning a train trip to Scotland, it's definitely worth considering. Completely refurbished in 2019, this night train connects London with Scotland’s major cities.

Each night (except Saturdays), two Caledonian Sleeper trains depart from London Euston Station—and two arrive in the opposite direction. The first, the Caledonian Sleeper Highlander, heads to Aberdeen, Fort William, and Inverness. The train splits into three sections in Edinburgh to reach these destinations. The second, the Caledonian Sleeper Lowlander, serves only the southern cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

After a short overnight journey aboard the Lowlander departing from Edinburgh, Discovery Trains has a few tips for you—useful no matter where you board.

The Caledonian Sleeper Lowlander connecting London and Edinburgh Waverley © Discovery Trains

Departure from Edinburgh Waverley Station

Edinburgh has several train stations, but all Caledonian Sleeper trains depart from Waverley Station. The train to London leaves at 11:25 p.m., and typically arrives on the platform about 30 minutes before departure. Waverley is a large station, so if you arrive early and hold a Twin Classic ticket, head to the spacious waiting area near platform 11.

Waiting room at Edinburgh Waverley © Discovery Trains

Once a grand and elegant hall, this waiting room—with its domed skylight—has seen better days. There are plenty of seats, but no phone chargers or heating. Evenings can get chilly, so bundle up. Also worth noting: at this late hour, the station is closed for business. If you want snacks or drinks, buy them ahead of time. Just outside the waiting room, a digital board lists all upcoming Caledonian Sleeper departures.

If you booked a Double or Twin Club compartment, you’re entitled to wait in the cozy VIP lounge. These lounges are shared spaces in cities like Edinburgh, London, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. In Dundee, Fort William, and Inverness, there are dedicated lounges just for Caledonian Sleeper passengers.

Boarding the Caledonian Sleeper

You’re free to access the platform before the train arrives, but don’t rush—boarding is only allowed once staff check your documents. Look for the crew members who’ll check your ticket (no need for a passport) and direct you to your carriage. If you're in a Double or Twin Club compartment, they’ll also ask for your breakfast preferences—tea or coffee, and porridge, granola, or fruit.

Ticket checks before boarding in Edinburgh © Discovery Trains

Meanwhile, the train goes through a bit of a shuffle: the locomotive detaches, and carriages arriving from Glasgow are connected. A technician even crawls underneath to ensure a perfect fit. Once all is secure, you can board and settle into your compartment.

Edinburgh: where the two parts of the Caledonian Sleeper join © Discovery Trains

Sleeping Cars on the Caledonian Sleeper

There are three types of cabins on the Caledonian Sleeper. The most striking is the Double En-Suite, which features a private bathroom with a shower and a full-size double bed. This deserves special mention—while luxury trains sometimes have double beds, it’s incredibly rare on regular overnight trains!

The other cabins are twins: the “Classic Twin” and the “Club Twin En-Suite,” both with bunk beds. The key differences between the two? The Club Twin comes with a private bathroom, breakfast, and access to the Club Car. None of these perks are included with a Classic Twin.

Double En-Suite compartment with full-length mirrors © Caledonian Sleeper

All three cabin types feature plush bedding. The duvets are high quality, and the Glencraft mattresses are about 5 inches thick—super comfy. You can adjust lighting and temperature, charge your devices with multiple outlets (as long as you brought an adapter!), and enjoy surprisingly reliable Wi-Fi. Cabins lock from the inside, and you get a keycard—just like a hotel—for stepping out.

Discovery Trains Review of the Twin Club En-Suite

We at Discovery Trains tested the Twin Club cabin solo—called the “Club Solo.” When you enter, your bed is already made up, and waiting for you is a welcome pouch branded with the Caledonian Sleeper’s deer logo (the proud symbol of Scotland). Inside: an eye mask, earplugs (very handy!), a mini soap, and a Mackie’s chocolate bar for those late-night cravings.

Caledonian Sleeper: Club Solo compartment © Discovery Trains

Onboard Comfort: Bathrooms and Showers

Classic Twin cabins don’t have a toilet or shower. There’s a small sink—enough for brushing your teeth or freshening up. Toilets are located at either end of the carriage. The Twin Club and Double cabins, however, include a compact private bathroom with a shower.

It’s a single room that flips between two setups: in shower mode, the bench folds down; in toilet mode, it folds up. Everything is clean and modern. You’ll also find a mesh organizer stocked with extra towels and toilet paper.

Club Solo bathroom in shower and toilet configurations © Discovery Trains

Breakfast on the Caledonian Sleeper

About an hour before arrival (from 6:15 a.m.), the carriage host gently wakes you with a cheerful “Hello, breakfast!” and delivers a breakfast basket to all Club Twin and Double cabin passengers. To be honest, breakfast isn’t the highlight: instant coffee and rehydrated granola… We’re definitely not on the Royal Scotsman here! But it’ll do the job.

And to be fair, the sleeper cabins aren’t designed for leisurely dining. There’s no dedicated table, and the sink takes up the space where a tray table might be.

Breakfast delivery by the carriage host © Discovery Trains

If the train arrives early, no worries—no one will kick you out. You can finish breakfast and relax until 7:30 a.m.

If you're a really (really) early bird and booked a Double or Twin Club ticket, you can head to the Club Car for a proper breakfast. There’s a menu (not included) with a wider selection of hot and cold items.

The Club Car © Caledonian Sleeper

Looking for a Real Breakfast After Arriving in London?

Another option: once you disembark at Euston Station, take a stroll over to King’s Cross and hunt for a cozy café.

London: Euston Station arrival point for the Caledonian Sleeper © Discovery Trains

At that time, not many spots are open. But if you wander toward King’s Cross Square and keep your eyes peeled, you’ll find a few hidden gems. The streets around the square are full of charming B&Bs, but actual cafés serving a proper breakfast can be hard to find.

Discovery Trains recommends two cozy, stylish cafés: the upscale Half Cup at 100–102 Judd St. near St. Pancras, or the more laid-back Guitar Social x Keystone Coffee at 26 Caledonian Rd. near King’s Cross. Both serve delicious British pastries—the perfect way to wrap up your overnight rail adventure aboard the Caledonian Sleeper.

Early breakfast at Guitar Social © Discovery Trains

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