Category: News

Today is has been announced that the Scottish Government have decided to appoint a public body to manage and operate Caledonian Sleeper, known as Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH).

This follows the announcement on 5 October 2022 of the Scottish Government’s decision to terminate Serco’s Franchise Agreement on 25 June 2023.

Over the coming months Serco will work closely with the Scottish Government to ensure a smooth and successful transition of the ongoing operations and management of Caledonian Sleeper to the new public body operator.

Caledonian Sleeper’s services will continue to operate as normal, and Guests will be able to experience the excellent service that our dedicated onboard teams are recognised for delivering.

If you have booked to travel with us or are thinking of travelling with us before or after the 25^th June there will be no impact to your booking or our service.

FAQs

Will my booking be affected by this announcement?

No. There will be no impact to your booking. The Caledonian Sleeper services continue as normal regardless of the operator

Is my ticket still valid after the 25^{th of} June?

Yes, absolutely. The Caledonian Sleeper service continues as normal regardless of the operator.

Does the same cancellation policy remain after 25^th June?

There will be no change to the cancellation policy.

Will your current staff remain?

Our staff are protected by TUPE regulations and will transfer across to the new public operator effective 25th June.

Is this the end of Caledonian Sleeper?

No. Caledonian Sleeper services will continue as normal. The only difference will be that it is governed, managed and operated by a public operator (Scottish Rail Holdings) instead of Serco.

Will there be any change to pricing?

No. Our ticket prices remain the same.

If your prices are reduced, will I get a refund?

There are no plans to change our ticket prices.

Will you be reintroducing bargain berths?

No. There are no plans to change our current product offering.

Will the ban on alcohol currently in place on Scotrail services apply to the Sleeper service?

Our onboard offering includes the option of selected alcoholic beverages. There will be no change to this part of our service offering.

Caledonian Sleeper has entered into a partnership with North Coast 500, voted one of the world’s top coastal touring routes.

Bringing together more than 500 miles (516 miles, to be exact!) of stunning coastal scenery, the North Coast 500 (NC500) naturally follows the rugged coastal edges of the North Highlands – one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets.

 

 

The NC500 is so much more than just a driving route; it’s all about the journey and the experiences you’ll enjoy along the way. With stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, remote fishing villages, hidden gems, and a wealth of unforgettable experiences, the NC500 is Scotland’s ultimate road trip, offering a truly unique touring experience quite unlike anywhere else in the world!

 

 

After waking up refreshed and ready to go in Inverness following an overnight journey with Caledonian Sleeper from London, easy onward travel links to the NC500 route encourage travellers to discover the clean air and breath-taking scenery of Inverness-shire, Easter Ross, Wester Ross, Caithness and Sutherland.

 

 

The NC500 route enjoys superb quality hotels, fine restaurants and year-round outdoor activities. There are golf courses, fairy-tale castles, distilleries and historic trails. The winter landscapes are a photographer’s dream, the wildlife abounds, and the dark skies offer some of the best stargazing as well as a chance to catch the Northern Lights. All giving visitors reasons to linger longer and enjoy the benefits of off-season travel. 

 

Craig Mills, Chief Operating Officer for NC500 said: 

 

“Our greatest attraction is the scenery of this unique part of the world – from rugged coastlines and remote beaches through to peat bogs and snow-capped mountains – and it takes on a different but no less beautiful character in the autumn and winter. By partnering with the Caledonian Sleeper, we want to encourage visitors to travel overnight and arrive fresh and ready to make the most of what we can offer in and around the NC500. 

 

“We are so much more than a road trip, and a mini-break that starts with stress-free travel to Scotland would set people up for a slower-paced holiday based in one of our glorious destinations. It is perhaps a new ‘sleeper season’.” 

 

When travelling with Caledonian Sleeper, guests can enjoy a hassle-free journey without security queues, long treks between the airport and city, nor excess baggage charges. Instead, they are transported from the heart of the city to destinations such as Inverness, the gateway to the NC500. 

 

Steven Marshall, Head of Sales and Marketing at Serco Caledonian Sleeper, said:

 

“The NC500 is a truly stunning coastal route and we’re proud to help open up this destination, allowing more people to experience its beauty.

 

“Our overnight rail service connects London with numerous destinations in Scotland, running both north and south across the border. It’s fantastic that we can give travellers the opportunity to experience all that Scotland has to offer, from vibrant cities to tranquil rural areas.”