The Caledonian Sleeper train between London Euston and Scotland now stops at Birmingham International on its Highlander route, in an addition that the operator said in a statement was the “biggest change to our timetable in over 30 years.”
Connecting the West Midlands directly with the Scottish highlands for the first time in a century, the daily service means passengers boarding in the UK’s second city at 10:42 pm on weeknights, or 10:35 pm on Sundays, can now travel overnight to reach Aberdeen by 7:50 am, Inverness by 8:45 am, and Fort William by 10:00 am.
Coming the other way, the train departs Fort William at 7:50 pm on weekdays, or 7:00 pm on Sundays, reaching Birmingham International at 6:20 am, and London Euston by 8:00 am.
Caledonian Sleeper’s managing director Graham Kelly has called the new schedule an “historic timetable update” that “marks a significant milestone in our mission to further boost sustainable cross-border travel options.”
As well as providing an alternative to road or short-haul air travel, the route boosts travel possibilities for Scottish flyers wanting the option to choose flights in and out of Birmingham. Passengers can also take advantage of food and beverage options in the Club Car, where local Scottish specialties are on offer.
However, the rail journey does not come cheaply. The Independent’s travel expert Simon Calder has described ticket prices as “challengingly high.” They range from £54 (around €62) for a basic reclining seat overnight, through various bunk options to double en-suite rooms, which can cost as much as £525 (€605).
Helpfully, train guru Mark Smith, aka The Man in Seat 61, notes that fares are “dynamic,” changing with demand, so it is a good idea to book as far in advance as possible. It’s possible to book up to a year ahead. Despite the potentially prohibitive cost, Smith hails the Caledonian Sleeper as “the most civilised, romantic, time-effective & environmentally-friendly way between central London and the heart of Scotland, for a weekend in the Highlands or business meeting in London.”
What’s more, destination management organisation, Visit Birmingham, highlights the attractions that await passengers who disembark at Birmingham International, with easy access to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and its adjoining complex, Resorts World Birmingham; events venue bp pulse LIVE; the National Motorcycle Museum, featuring over 1,000 motorcycles and interactive exhibits; art at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG)or theIkon Gallery; world-class shopping and the jewellery quarter; and fun for all the family at the National SEA LIFE Centre.
One word of caution: would-be Caledonian Sleeper passengers should note that the Birmingham stop is only available on the so-called “Highlander” route, not the operator’s separate Lowlander service.
