caledonian travel coach seating plan

caledonian travel coach seating plan, caledonian travel

How many coaches do caledonian travel have.

Founded in April 2021 as part of Caledonian Leisure, the company has already grown beyond its Scottish heartland into northern England.caledonian travel coach seating plan, caledonian travel

Who is the new owner of Caledonian Travel?

Now both companies will fall under Caledonian Leisure Ltd which is headed by former Managing Director Graham Rogers, Commercial Director Martin Lock

Can you sleep in a coach?

The best place to sleep on a coach is in the seats in the middle of the vehicle . However, you should avoid sitting over the wheels as this is normally the area

Do all coaches have toilets on?

Most services will not include a break as all our coaches are equipped with an on board toilet .caledonian travel coach seating plan, caledonian travel

What is Caledonian Travel called now?

Before going out of business, Caledonian Travel operated short breaks and holidays by coach for over 30 years.

Who owns David Urquhart Travel?

We are part of the employee owned Alfa Leisureplex Group , whose brands include Alfa Travel and Leisureplex Hotels.

What are the safest seats on a bus?

The safest seat on a bus is in the middle (aisle seats), between the two front tires. This is because it is the most protected from potential accidents.

Caledonian Travel Coach Holidays 2024 & Late Deals

Caledonian Travel 2024 Holidays by Coach

Caledonian Travel 2024 holidays include an expanded range of holidays to Ireland and in mainland Europe as well as holidays in Spain. You will be able to experience some great events around the country.

Enjoy great British 2024 events like the Grand National, the Cheltenham Festival and the F1 British Grand Prix. For family breaks you can book for Legoland, Harry Potter and more. Box office breaks featuring top shows combined with accommodation and return travel. The popular Caledonian Travel Mystery Breaks are back offering even greater value at some amazing destinations.

Caledonian Travel offers a variety of travel experiences with amazing value and exceptional customer service, Caledonian holidays have coach travel departure points from Scotland, the North East of England and around Yorkshire.

It's an old cliché but Caledonian Travel do have something for everyone . There are short break getaway holidays to the countryside, popular British seaside resorts. Sport and music events as well as family fun breaks to theme parks and attractions. You may also find some special events get added to the selection of holidays available. These extra coach trips usually include the event ticket and return coach travel. There are also a good range of European Holidays by coach with the same convenient departure points.

Caledonian Coach Holidays 2024

Discover the benefits of caledonian travel holidays by coach.

Caledonian Travel holidays offer a range of benefits for people who want a hassle free holiday or trip as well as a convenient way to explore superb attraction or destination.

One of the main benefit is stress-free travel. You get on the coach at the pickup point and sit back and relax on route to your destination. Your professional driver will take care of the driving and can also offer advice on what to do and see at various stops and destinations.

A coach holiday can offer greater freedom than you think with free time to explore on your own. This could be at stope on the way to your final holiday destination or while you are enjoying a day trip excursion.

Most coach holidays tend to offer great value for money when you consider what is included. They generally include excellent hotel accommodation and meals as well as discounts or entry to various attractions, making traveling to some destinations easier and more affordable than before.

Caledonian Travel Mystery Tour 

Will you visit a British seaside resort, enjoy a scenic countryside break or a city break. Enjoy the excitement and surprise of a Caledonian Travel Mystery Break.

You get to pick your departure dates and departure point as well as reserved seating on the coach. You also get one night dinner and bed and breakfast at a minimum of a 3 star hotel. Not forgetting the included excursions while you are there! All this for an incredible low price and the only thing you don't know is your destination!

So many people love these amazing holidays, you will find that many coach holiday companies offer a similar type of holiday experience.

Caledonian Travel All Inclusive Style Breaks (Drinks Packages)

Caledonian Travel off all inclusive style British breaks where you also get drinks included in the price of your holiday. While the drinks deals are not like the ones you get in holiday resorts abroad offering unlimited drinks, they do offer great value for money.

There are a few drinks package deals to choose from. There is the 2 for 1 bar deals and the inclusive offers that include a limited number of drinks per person per day. These drinks packages are offered on a good rage of trips including the tribute nights, seaside breaks, countryside breaks and Superdeals.

There are Caledonian Travel all inclusive holidays where your drinks are all included during certain times of the day. These are on the long stay holidays in destinations like Spain. You will also find all inclusive deals in Austria, Andorra, Spain, Germany and the Italian Lakes and Mountains destinations.

Great Value Family Fun Caledonian Holidays by Coach

Enjoy a family break with return coach travel with reserved seating, accommodation and entry tickets to your chosen attraction.

• Alton Towers – Over 50 rides and attractions for all the family. Includes return hotel transfers to the Theme Park
• World of Harry Potter – Walking tour behind the scenes with access to see many of the film props including Hogwarts Express and Platform 9 ¾.
• Legoland Windsor Resort – Over 55 interactive rides and shows. Plus access to 150 acres of parkland with Miniland.
• Chester Zoo & Blackpool Tower – A visit to the famous Chester Zoo and a chance to go up to the top of the 380ft and enjoy the view from the Blackpool Tower eye.
• Cadburys & Safari Adventure – Visit the chocolate world of Cadbury! plus West Midland Safari Park

There are lots of other family coach holidays to choose from. You could work your way through them during the school holidays and enjoy some special family moments together.

Caledonian Travel Disneyland Paris

Caledonian Travel offer Disneyland® Paris holidays by coach offer a 3 nights stay at the Campanile Val De France Hotel with free shuttle transfers to and from the Disney Parks. You also get a two day pass for admission to both Disneyland® Park & The Walt Disney Studios® Park. 

Caledonian Travel to Blackpool

Caledonian Travel to Blackpool offer an exciting range of coach holidays to Blackpool throughout the year. Your Caledonian Travel Blackpool trip includes return coach travel with reserved seating on the coach. Plus your Blackpool holidays includes your chosen accommodation, meals (drinks promotions are available in selected hotels) There will be plenty of free time to enjoy Blackpool whatever way you want. 

Blackpool has something for everyone. Take a stroll along the promenade or relax on the beach with an ice cream. If you have had enough relaxation head to the Pleasure Beach theme park offering loads of fun for all the family. Another favourite is the iconic Blackpool Tower and the Skywalk. The Skywalk gives you an interesting view of the Irish sea and the promenade below. Not really a trip for anyone with a fear of heights. So leave them in the coffee shop and make sure you don't miss out. Another popular attraction is Blackpool Zoo if you have time to fit it in!

For some retail therapy head into the town centre for the various shops or Houndshill Shopping Centre and pick up a few bargains! 

In the evening there is loads of great entertainment particularly on the Central Pier during the peak holiday season. Alternatively book a show in the Grand Theatre on Church Street opposite the central pier. One of the things Blackpool is famous for is the Blackpool Illuminations 

So why not discover one of Britain's best seaside resorts and take a fantastic coach break to Blackpool this summer. Caledonian Travel offer a variety of Blackpool holidays by coach for 2, 3, 4 or 5 day durations. Whatever trip you select expect sensational value and a fantastic holiday experience. 

Caledonian Travel Glasgow

Caledonian Travel Glasgow have an office on Hope Street in Glasgow. So it is hardly surprising that they offer a big choice of holidays and day break options from Glasgow.  You can travel throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland by coach for short breaks at the seaside or in the countryside. Alternatively take a coach tour and explore a range of destinations or countries. 

There is a huge scope of options, you can travel by Caledonian Holidays coach from Glasgow to Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and Italy. There are Lakes and Mountains Holidays in Italy, Mini Cruises, City Breaks and Christmas markets. 

Day trips from Glasgow include a day break in Oban, St Andrews, Stirling & the Kelpies, Fort William & Glencoe or Arbroath & Montrose. Other day break destinations include Pitlochry, Loch Tummel & Queen's View and the Mull of Kintyre. Some day trips offer you the chance to go to special seasonal or sporting events like the Magical Enchanted Forest near Pitlochry. 

Caledonian Travel Late Deals

Caledonian Travel late deals can offer a great way to save some money off some last minute trips. You won't get the same selection of availability and choice of reserved seating on the coach. However you get the chance to get away with everything taken care of for you.

Just join the pick-up point and sit back and relax as you head to your chosen holiday destination. These breaks are ideal for a spontaneous and surprise trip with family or friends.  Caledonian Travel have a special late deals page on their website listing all their last minute availability and discounted holiday deals. 

Caledonian Travel Day Trips

Caledonian Travel offer a wide variety of great value day trips. There are lots of options to choose from depending on what pick up point your are leaving from.

Caledonian Day trips from the North East

Holy Island, Bamburgh, Blackpool?, Bridlington, Edinburgh, Harrogate?, Lake District, Leeds, Liverpool?, Malton, Scarborough, Skipton?, Whitby & York

Caledonian Day trips from Yorkshire

Blackpool, Bridlington, Chester?, Filey, Harrogate?, Lake District, Liverpool?, Malton, Scarborough, Skegness?, Skipton & Whitby

Caledonian Day trips from Scotland

Holy Island, Alnwick, Arbroath, Edinburgh, Fort William, Lake District, North Berwick, Oban, Peebles, Pitlochry?, St Andrews & Stirling

Where are Caledonian Travel Coach Departure Points?

There are Caledonian Travel Coach breaks departing from Scotland, Northern England & Yorkshire. Each departure point offers a convenient way to start your break

Caledonian Travel Scottish departure points

• Glasgow – Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow, G2 3NW
• Hamilton – Bus Station, Brandon Street, Hamiltion, ML3 6AB
• Paisley – Opposite Wallneuk Church, Abercorn Street, Paisley, PA3 4AB
• Gretna – Gretna Village Outlets, Glasgow Road, Gretna, DG16 5GG

Caledonian Travel North East England departure points

• Sunderland – Park Lane Interchange – Stands W+X, Sunderland, SR1 3NX
• Stockton – High Street, Swallow Hotel, Stockton, TS18 1AQ
• Newcastle – Bus Stops, Bewick Street, Opposite Central Station, Newcastle, NE1 5EJ
• Middlesbrough – Bus Station, Express Departure Lounge, Middlesbrough, TS1 5EA
• Gateshead – Metro Interchange, Gateshead, NE8 1AU
• Darlington – The Dolphin Centre Layby, Darlington, DL1 5PT

Caledonian Travel Yorkshire departure points

• Halifax – Bus Station, Winding Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 1UU
• Bradford – Nelson Street, Bradford, BD1 5AX
• Anlaby – Opposite the Red Lion, Wilson Street, Anlaby, HU10 7AN
• Castleford – Albion Street, Castleford, WF10 1EW
• Leeds – National Express Coach Station, Dyer Street, Leeds, LS2 7LA
• Goole – Airmyn Road Bus Stop, Goole, DN14 6XD
• Hessle – Bus stop, Centre of Hessle Square, Hessle, HU13 0AA
• Barnsley – Interchange, Schwabisch Gmund Way, Barnsley S71 1BP
• Rotherham – RotherhamInterchange, Frederick Street, Rotherham S60 1QB
• Hull – Paragon Interchange – Bays A-D, Hull, HU1 3QX
• Wakefield – Providence Street, Bus Station, Wakefield, WF1 3AQ
• Huddersfield – Bus Station, Upperhead Row, Huddersfield HD1 2JN

For holidays abroad it is always recommended that you check the latest government travel advice. You can do this by visiting > www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

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0330 440 3999, monday - friday 9am to 5pm, caledonian travel.

Caledonian Travel Departs From : Glasgow, Tyneside, Teesside, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire

Caledonian Travel is one of the UK’s leading coach holiday companies, offering sensational value short breaks & holidays throughout the UK, Ireland, and Europe, with 1000’s of breaks under £100. The company operates over 70 high-quality, environmentally friendly coaches along with an industry-leading team of trusted drivers and representatives, priding itself on providing fantastic value holidays whilst delivering an outstanding level of customer service as a Feefo Platinum Service Provider. They’ve also been voted for by their customers as ‘Best Large Travel Company for Coach Holidays’ in the British Travel Awards 2022!

With convenient pick-up points in Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire, holidays are easier and more accessible than ever. There’s a range of short breaks and holidays with exciting itineraries included, from day breaks and family attractions to box office breaks and 15-day European tours – there’s something for everyone! You can enjoy a hassle-free holiday with reserved coach seating, inclusive excursions, inclusive admission to most events, and half board with evening entertainment included on most breaks.

• Box Office Breaks – West End Shows , Headliner Concerts, Regional Theatre and Tribute Acts
• Special Events – Flower Shows, Air Shows, Horse Shows and more
• Family Fun – Harry Potter Studios, Theme Parks, Zoos and more
• Weekend and City Breaks
• Seaside Breaks
• Sporting Event Breaks
• Explore Europe and Discover Ireland
• Mystery Surprise Breaks

Low £20 Deposit Your place on most of Caledonian Travel’s short breaks and holidays can be secured with just a £20 deposit per person!

Price Match Promise Caledonian Travel promises to match the price of any exact short break or holiday if you find it cheaper elsewhere, so you always know you’re getting the best price – plus, get a £10 holiday voucher thrown in for good measure!

The Coaches All of Caledonian Travel’s coaches have air-conditioning, individually reclining seats, on-board toilet facilities and experienced drivers who can help make your holiday as enjoyable as possible!

Trust Caledonian You can book with confidence with Caledonian Travel. When you book, your money goes straight into an independent Trust, where it is held until after your break is finished before being released to Caledonian Travel. This means that if your break cannot go ahead due to any government restrictions and advice, your money is 100% safe and is guaranteed to be refunded to you within 7 days. The Gold Standard of Customer Protection!

Office Address:   The Travel Centre, Unit C Millshaw Business Park, Global Avenue, Leeds, England, LS11 8PR

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Caledonian Sleeper Seat Review: What Is It Really Like?

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Scotland | 4

The Caledonian Sleeper is one of the most famous railway journeys in the world. Running between London and Scotland overnight, it promotes a golden age of train travel but it comes with a hefty price tag. 

There is one budget-friendly way to ride this iconic train and that is by choosing a seat rather than a bed. 

In this Caledonian Sleeper seat review, I share what the seat is really like, how it compares to a bed and why I don’t recommend this route if you only want to go from London to Edinburgh. 

I travelled from London to Inverness in the Caledonian Sleeper Seated Coach . Read on to find out how I got on. 

What is the Caledonian Sleeper? 

The Caledonian Sleeper is one of two sleeper trains that operate in the UK (the other is the Night Riviera from London to Penzance). 

Commencing in 1996, it’s renowned for being a high-end, luxury train travel experience. There are two routes – the Highlander and the Lowlander serving different parts of Scotland . It runs every day of the week except Saturday. 

For more information on routes, timetables and prices, read my detailed review of the Caledonian Sleeper Classic Room. 

Accommodation options on the Caledonian Sleeper 

The Caledonian Sleeper train has a choice of accommodation types to suit your budget and preferences. I’m not going to go into too much detail as I’ve covered them quite extensively in my Classic Room review. 

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview: 

• Caledonian Double En-Suite
• Club Room En-Suite
• Classic Room
• Seated Coach

Caledonian Sleeper reclining seat 

Since this is a Caledonian Sleeper seat review, let’s look at what you get if you choose the Seated Coach option: 

• Adjustable headrest
• Adjustable footrest
• Individual reading light
• USB charging port and plug socket
• Secure overhead storage
• Call button for at-seat service
• Food and drink menu
• Complimentary sleep kit
• Luggage storage area
• 10 degrees of recline

The Caledonian Sleeper seats are comfortable, clean and well-maintained. You also have plenty of space and legroom.

You can slide the seat forward to get 10 degrees of recline without disturbing the passenger behind (unlike on a plane!). 

The USB charging port and plug socket are on the back of the seat in front of you. The reading lamp is beside you plus the secure locker and call button are above your head. 

As for the table, it’s wide enough to hold all your snacks and entertainment and I found that I didn’t have to fold it up to get out. 

The Caledonian Sleeper seat plan in a carriage is two on one side of the gangway and one on the other.

Your seat is reserved at the time of booking so you can’t just sit anywhere. If you’re travelling as a group, you’ll want to make one booking altogether if you want the best chance of sitting next to each other. 

If you’re travelling solo, the single seat is ideal. This should be labelled as A – or at least mine was!

Call the reservations team in advance to secure the seat you want. 

In the worst-case scenario, you can always ask nicely to swap seats if the other people in your row happen to know each other. 

Chances are they will be happy to because who would want to sleep next to a stranger given the choice, right?!

Editor’s tip: If you see the words ‘Comfort Seat’ knocking around the internet, that’s what Seated Coach was referred to up until recently. I’m not sure why they changed it but it’s probably to do with the new operator – just in case you get confused!

Reclining seat versus a Classic Room

The Classic Room is the accommodation type above Seated Coach. In other words, it’s a bed rather than a seat. 

So, you might be wondering what’s the difference and is it worth upgrading to sleeping horizontally rather than sitting down? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Here’s what you get in a Classic Room:

• Twin bunk beds with Glencraft mattresses
• Breakfast available for purchase
• In-room washbasin
• Charging points
• Room Service
• Keycard entry
• Temperature control
• Dimmable lights

Other than a single bunk bed, the main difference is that you get a compartment and access to the Club car. 

The price is significantly higher though, starting from £190 for solo travellers and £240 if you’re sharing. In comparison, the seat starts from £50. 

If you’re travelling solo and book a Classic Room for yourself, you won’t have to share it with a stranger, but since it’s a measly £50 less than two-person occupancy, it’s not the most economical choice. 

The first time I rode the Caledonian Sleeper I was travelling with my partner so it made sense to get the room. The second time, I was alone so it was much more budget-friendly to book the seat instead. 

Editor’s tip : Check your power socket is working. The woman in front of me found that hers wasn’t. Luckily, I always carry a world travel adapter and she was able to slot her USB cable into it around the back of her chair. 

How much does a reclining seat cost?

The Seated Coach starts from £50 per single ticket from London to Edinburgh or Glasgow or from £55 from London to north of Edinburgh or Glasgow. Prices rarely change for seats unless there are only a few tickets left.  

You can book your return journey at the same time as your outbound journey, but they will be listed as two singles. Some Railcards can also be applied to lower the cost. 

To get the best rate possible for your seat, I recommend booking in advance as much as possible. You can book your ticket up to 12 months before you travel!

Caledonian Sleeper seat versus other train options

The seat is more competitively priced than the beds, but how does it match up to other operators? 

First of all, you should bear in mind that the Caledonian Sleeper is more about the experience which is why it takes significantly longer than the other trains. If you’re travelling to Edinburgh, at least (more on that later!). 

Read more: 13 Awesome Day Trips From Edinburgh By Train Or Bus

The price difference

So, let’s look at the cost. I’m basing the below on the price of single tickets as that’s how the Caledonian Sleeper is costed (e.g. a return would be two singles). 

You might also want to take the sleeper train up and a different train down – like I did!

Price based on a one-way train from London to Edinburgh:

• LNER Azuma – from £32.20 (about 12 weeks in advance)
• Avanti West Coast – from £35 (about 12 weeks in advance)
• Lumo – from £19.90 (12 weeks in advance)
• Caledonian Sleeper – from £50 (12 months in advance)

If I’m being completely honest, these prices are a little bit wishful thinking. On average, you’ll most likely pay around £50 for a single ticket on other train operators too.

Price of a train from London to Inverness: 

This is where it gets a bit complicated as there are only two trains that go direct from London to Inverness. These are: 

• LNER Azuma – from £58 (cheapest I could find)
• Caledonian Sleeper – from £55 (12 months in advance)

A more realistic price is between £55-80 for a single ticket. For other train operators, you will need to change at Edinburgh or Perth and continue on a different train. 

The best possible way to keep costs down is to use an app like Trainline or Trainpal as they’re great at finding Splitsave tickets. Your route may be a bit long-winded it will be cheaper!

I paid: 

• £55 for the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness
• £56.90 for a single ticket from Inverness to London (I have a 26-30 railcard)

I could have probably found a better deal for the return but I was bound by time constraints. 

How long it takes

Based on a journey from London to Edinburgh: 

• LNER Azuma – approx 4 hours 20 minutes
• Avanti West Coast – approx 4 hours 42 minutes
• Lumo – approx 4 hours 32 minutes
• Caledonian Sleeper – approx 7 hours 30 minutes (remember, you’re travelling through the night)

Based on a journey from London to Inverness: 

• LNER Azuma – about 8 hours 
• Caledonian Sleeper – about 11 hours 

Convenience

Based on a route from London to Edinburgh: 

I think it’s more convenient to pick LNER Azuma over the Caledonian Sleeper if you’re just travelling to Edinburgh. It’s quicker, cheaper and you don’t arrive in the middle of the night. 

Based on a route from London to Inverness: 

If your time is limited and you’re on more of a budget, the Caledonian Sleeper Coach Seat is more value for money. 

Your travel and accommodation are all in one plus you have the daytime to relax or enjoy your trip. 

Editor’s tip: Read my detailed comparison of the best trains from London to Edinburgh.

Caledonian Sleeper food menu 

You don’t have access to the Club Car dining carriage if you’re travelling in a seat. However, you can still order food from the menu and have it delivered. I did this for breakfast. 

It wasn’t clear when exactly breakfast service started, but I recommend ordering it between 6-7 am. That may seem early but you’ll want to put your order in more the staff are busy in the Club Car and have enough time to eat it before arriving at your stop. 

This is based on travelling from London to Inverness or Fort William. If your arrival time is before 8 am, you should order yours earlier. 

So, what’s on the Caledonian Sleeper breakfast menu? 

• Scottish Porridge Pot – £4.50
• Bacon Roll – £5.25
• Lorne Sausage Roll – £5.25
• Vegan Sausage in Morning Roll with Sweet Pickle (VE) – £5.15
• Granola Yoghurt (V) – £4.50

I had a porridge pot and a coffee which was pretty filling – just as well considering the price!

If you’re departing from London, you’ll have a few hours to order dinner service. This changes seasonally, but if you’re curious about what that’s like, read my Caledonian Sleeper Classic Room review where I tried out the Club Car. 

There’s also a modest selection of soft and alcoholic drinks and snacks but between you and me, I recommend bringing your own. There are lots of shops around Euston Station to help you stock up!

Caledonian Sleeper reclining seat review: My experience 

So, what’s it like to ride the Caledonian Sleeper seat? Let’s get to it. 

Okay, first of all, the Caledonian Sleeper is long as it splits off in different directions throughout the journey. 

I had to walk almost to the end of the train to find my seat which meant I got some exercise in before sitting down for the night. 

I got to my carriage first. There weren’t as many seats as a regular train which made it nice and cosy. 

There were thick blinds pulled down over the window – I made a mental note to push it up at some point during the journey because who doesn’t want to see the dawn light over the Scottish Highlands? 

The only drag about the blinds is that you share a window with the person either in front or behind you so you have to hope they’re on the same wavelength as you. Lucky for me, they were!

I got myself settled and soon more people started filling up the carriage. 

The night 

I spent the first couple of hours watching a film and eating snacks. The carriage was fairly quiet and the lights were on but dimmed. 

At about midnight, most people were in sleep mode. I thought I should attempt to do the same. I didn’t sleep. I may have dozed a little bit, but no deep slumber for me. 

This isn’t particularly new to me. I don’t sleep on planes either. It’s the combination of sitting upright and the noise. 

In the Caledonian Sleeper Seated Coach, they also don’t turn the lights off. If you need it to be pitch black, bring a thick sleeping mask!

Oh and bring a blanket as it’s a little cool. 

At about 4.30 am, I decided to give up on sleeping and look out the window instead. THAT’S what I was here for, after all. 

Watching the shadows of the Scottish countryside emerge in the dawn was a real treat. 

It was early April at the time and a rolling flog hung low over the fields.

The sun soon made short work of it and the golden light bathed the landscape. I saw rivers, waterfalls, glens, hills, lochs, farmland and plenty of wildlife. 

At 7 am, I decided to get some breakfast and a much-needed coffee.

I was just in the nick of time as it was almost at the end of service and there wasn’t much left. I felt they could have done a better job of letting us know beforehand.  

Still, I was able to scrounge a porridge pot, coffee and some water. There’s nowhere to fill up your water bottle on-board so make sure you bring enough with you otherwise, you’ll have to buy some like I did. 

My breakfast came with a lot of packaging and I felt guilty about all the unnecessary waste. Next time, I’ll bring my own. 

Arrival 

We pulled into Inverness at about 8 am. Bleary-eyed, I packed away all my belongings and stepped down onto the platform. It was time to find my accommodation – and a coffee!

Oh, by the way. The bathrooms at Inverness Station aren’t free but there’s a shopping centre across the road so go there. You’re welcome!

If you’re wondering what to do in Inverness when you get there, read my 3-day itinerary with highlights including Loch Ness and Culloden.

Since you’ve travelled by train and might not be driving, I also have a guide on what to do in Inverness without a car.

Read more: 14 Best Things to Do Near Aviemore, Scotland (2024 Guide)

Caledonian Sleeper FAQs

If you can’t find an answer to your question here, check out my other sleeper train review.  

Are Caledonian Sleeper seats comfortable? 

Yes, they are. They weren’t called Comfort Seats for nothing! They’re much more spacious than a typical train seat and you have a lot more legroom. The headrest is comfy and clean and you get a sleep kit. 

If you want to add more comfort, I recommend packing a lightweight blanket and a neck pillow as sleeping sitting down is a bit awkward. 

What should you pack for the Caledonian Sleeper?

There are luggage racks above your head where you can store medium-sized rucksacks and bags for the journey. 

Larger or heavier suitcases will need to go into the storage area in front of the Seated Coach where the bikes are stashed. 

You can have eyes on it and access it throughout the journey but to make it easier for yourself, keep your essentials near you. 

So, with that in mind, here’s what to have by your seat on the train: 

• Travel toothbrush case
• Water bottle 
• Lightweight blanket
• Phone charger
• Portable power bank 
• Neck pillow
• Change of underwear
• Hairbrush 
• Makeup / makeup remover
• Wallet 
• Entertainment 
• Snacks 

Read more: Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season

Why is the Caledonian Sleeper so expensive?

The Caledonian Sleeper is more about the experience rather than travelling from A to B. If you choose a room, it’s a hotel on wheels. 

Serco Group, the company that operated the train has done a good job providing luxurious and comfortable amenities. 

That being said, rooms are expensive for what they are – particularly if you’re travelling solo as you can only pay for the room rather than the passenger. 

Seat prices are a little more competitive. 

Interestingly, Serco lost the contract to run the train after the Scottish Government deemed it too expensive for the value. 

As of June 2023, it’s operated by Scottish Rail Holdings, a public operator owned by the Scottish Government. We shall see how that works out over the coming months!

Caledonian Sleeper seat review: My verdict

So, is the Seated Coach on the Caledonian Sleeper worth it?

I would say, yes but only if you’re travelling beyond Edinburgh or Glasgow as it’s much cheaper and more convenient than other trains. Plus, accommodation is sorted for the night. 

However, stick to LNER Azuma or Lumo if you just want to get off at Edinburgh. 

The seats are wider and more comfortable than a typical train. I was comfortable and for the most part, it was an enjoyable experience. Of course, you have to factor in the likely chance you won’t sleep. 

As for seat versus bed, if you’re travelling solo it’s more economical to get the seat. A bed might make more sense if there are two of you and you want your own space. For the record, I didn’t sleep in either. 

The food and drink are overpriced so bring your own, and lots of water. 

Don’t forget to read my Caledonian Sleeper review of the Classic Room cabin to help you compare!

Looking for more Scotland train travel inspiration?

• How to Spend 3 Days in Inverness: Your Full Itinerary
• Caledonian Sleeper Review: Is This Train Worth The Hype?
• No-Fly Holidays: The BEST Train from London to Edinburgh (Review)
• 10 Best Fort William Day Trips: Hikes, Castles And Epic Train Journeys
• Jacobite Steam Train Review: What It’s Really Like (+ Photography Tips!)
• How To Get To Glenfinnan Viaduct From Fort William (A Complete Guide For 2024)

This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

Thank you for this thorough and informative review of the sleeper train. Great tips and advice, which I’m taking on board for our trip next week!

Thank you! Have a wonderful time!

Hi! What a helpful review! At the time of commenting London to Glasgow is £50 each way (Nov 2023) booked in advance.

The pics are especially helpful, so thanks for those too 🙂

Hi Sanjay, thanks for your comment. £50 you say? That sounds like a bargain! May have to check it out 🙂

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Hello, I’m Francesca

My mission is to show you why sustainable travel is empowering, fulfilling and affordable.

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Last Updated on 15/04/2024

Planned service alterations during April, May & June due to engineering works – please view our service alterations page.

Seated Coach

Our seated coach offers the most economical Caledonian Sleeper experience, taking you right to the heart of your destination when you travel between London and Scotland.

Our Seated Coach offers:

Our seated coach offers a range of facilities:

• Adjustable headrest
• Adjustable footrest
• Individual reading light
• USB charging port and plug socket
• Secure overhead storage
• Dedicated food and drink menu
• Complimentary sleep kit
• Luggage storage area

Value at its core

Economical and stylish, our seats offer adjustable headrests and footrests, multiple charging points, internet access, a reading light and a tray table as you travel between London and Scotland.

Our seats have been specially designed so the seat cushion slides forward to give 10 degrees of recline without impacting other guests.  By using the call button at your seat, you’ll be able to order and enjoy a range of delicious dishes from our dedicated seated menu.

For guests travelling in our seated coach between London and Fort William, in both directions, there is a requirement to change coaches at Edinburgh Waverley. This coach change requires guests to alight one service, wait for a short period of time on the platform before boarding the next service.  Our staff will be on hand to assist wheelchair users during this transfer.

Ticket to a magical journey

Caledonian Double

With a double bed and en-suite, our Caledonian Double truly captures the timeless experience offered by Caledonian Sleeper

Our Club Rooms embody the new Caledonian Sleeper, with an en suite and handcrafted mattresses to ensure a great night’s sleep.

Classic Rooms

Travel between London and Scotland in your own personal room, and unwind from the stress of everyday life

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