Credit: Caledonian Sleeper
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One of the world’s most iconic train services, the Caldonian Sleeper, safely arrived in the Scottish Highlands this morning. A major milestone in its history, its first-ever service departed from Birmingham International last night (Thursday, 15 January)—opening an overnight link between the West Midlands and Scotland.
The inaugural departure from Birmingham International station, which also provides access to neighbouring Birmingham Airport, marks the first major Caledonian Sleeper timetable expansion in more than three decades and introduces an overnight new route from Birmingham to Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness.
Credit: Caledonian Sleeper
“This is a historical moment for the Caledonian Sleeper, introducing our first overnight service from and to Birmingham International,” said Graham Kelly, Managing Director at Caledonian Sleeper. “It opens up an entirely unique way for people to travel comfortably, sustainably and effortlessly between the West Midlands and the Scottish Highlands.
“In addition to leisure travel from the Midlands, the new link connects businesses at both ends of the route, supporting economic ties between the West Midlands and Scotland across energy, engineering, manufacturing, professional services and hospitality between the regions.”
With limited transport options between the West Midlands and the Highlands, the new route helps close the travel gap. Birmingham residents now have easy access to Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, outdoor adventures, whisky trails and historic sites via a comfortable overnight journey.
Credit: Caledonian Sleeper
Caledonian Sleeper offers a choice of private rooms, including some with en-suites, as well as an economical seated coach option. Guests last night also enjoyed a traditional Scottish performance by acclaimed bagpiper, Lorne MacDougall, while one of the first passengers onboard was online train enthusiast, Francis Bourgeois.
“For the first time in more than 30 years, we have an overnight rail service to the Highlands, and that’s a real milestone for the region’s transport,” said Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands. “It means people can once again enjoy the experience of closing their eyes in Birmingham and waking up refreshed in the breathtaking landscapes of northern Scotland.
Bookings for the Caledonian Sleeper can be made up to a year in advance of travel here.