Caledonian Sleeper Experience

[JonathanH]

There is of course the option to take the Lowland Sleeper and change to a connecting service.

At extra cost. The days when you could buy a through advance ticket on the lowland sleeper to connect into a conventional service in Scotland are gone although I accept that you could do it on walk up + supplement terms.

 

[sprinterguy]

One other thing I'd like to add is the departure times of the Northern Sleepers. Way too early to my mind. Why a later departure from Euston is not possible is beyond me. 23:00 - 23:30.

I'd rather they didn't. The Fort William sleeper in particular does not arrive at its' destination until 09:55, and a departure time from London such as you propose would result in a lunchtime arrival. The arrivals of the other two portions to Inverness and Aberdeen respectively are also currently timed to allow passengers to make the most of a full day at their destination, and in the case of the Inverness train to connect with the morning train to Kyle of Lochalsh, or the Citylink bus that performs the same function.

Therefore I think that the current timings of the Highland Sleeper are optimal, and I'd be astonished if there was much of a market for those wanting to "take in a show" in London before heading to the Highlands. Personally when I use the Highland sleeper I want to get to my destination as soon as possible so that I can make the best use of my day at journey's end, and I would imagine that most are the same.

Plus, an earlier departure means that passengers are more likely to make use of the lounge car (and for a longer period of time) in the evening for drinks and meals: A handy bit of additional revenue for Caledonian Sleeper.

As Neil Williams has said, while the pricing might not be optimal there is the option of connecting into a morning northbound service out of the Lowland sleeper for those whose arrival time is not time dependent.

 

[Bletchleyite]

At extra cost.

Depends on the tickets available at the time. One of the two times I used the Sleeper I'd have been cheaper buying a walk-up single to Glasgow from Fort William and travelling on the Lowlander than buying a through ticket on the Highlander, though due to the times I needed to travel I did the latter.

 

[bkhtele]

I love travelling by sleeper, my last journey was with Scotrail to/ from Inverness just before the franchise change. Great friendly service & even had a cooked roll in the lounge car while enjoying the highland views - wonderful. Agree it is more travel lodge than 5* but you cannot have a journey like it.
The best bit is an ale or whisky in the lounge car as the train pulls out of the departure station. I think it is about managing expectations will try the new service when it settles down.....