Caledonian Sleeper Train: Overnight from London to Edinburgh on a Budget

By Mark Cameron

After a three-day visit to London, I had two problems: a tight budget and an early appointment in Edinburgh city centre. Another night in a London hotel was the last thing I wanted to pay for, so I did something different and took the Caledonian Sleeper home.

Why it works on a budget
-No need to pay for a hotel
-Arrive in Edinburgh for breakfast
-Prices start from £50

Saving a night’s accommodation

A decent London hotel room can easily cost more than the whole train fare. By travelling overnight, your transport and your bed are the same ticket. You get a full extra day in London, you skip a night’s hotel bill, and you wake up in Scotland ready to start the day.

Leaving from Euston

My train left from Platform 1 at London Euston. Give yourself plenty of time before departure to find your coach and get settled. There is also a lounge at Euston for Caledonian Double and Club room guests, so if you’ve booked a room rather than a seat, you can wait somewhere comfortable before boarding.

The seat and what’s includeded

The cheapest way to travel is in a seat rather than a bed. It’s comfortable and reclines, and every passenger gets a sleep kit containing: an eye mask & Earplugs.

Don’t expect a full night’s sleep. The lights stay on throughout the night, so the eye mask and earplugs earn their keep. You’ll rest, but you won’t sleep like you would in a hotel bed.

If you’d prefer more comfort, you can book your own room instead, which also gives you access to the Club Car restaurant. It costs more, but it’s a good option if sleep matters more than saving.

Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley

The train pulls into Edinburgh Waverley in the early morning, right in the heart of the city. New to the station? Have a look at my Edinburgh Waverley guide for facilities, exits and onward travel.

Need to drop your bags?

Arriving early with luggage and nowhere to go is the one downside. Luckily, you can drop your bags nearby and explore hands-free. See my guide to luggage storage in Edinburgh with Stasher.

Breakfast: head to Milkman Coffee

You’ve arrived in Edinburgh for breakfast, so make it a good one. I headed straight to Milkman Coffee on Cockburn Street, just a short walk from Waverley and a great first stop after a night on the train. For more ideas, check out my guide to the best coffee in Edinburgh.

Want a proper bed afterwards?

If you’d like to freshen up or catch up on sleep after the journey, there are plenty of hotels close to Waverley, including options such as Motel One Edinburgh-Royal, Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Waverley Bridge) and the Radisson Blu on the Royal Mile. Early check-in isn’t guaranteed, so ask whether they can store your bags. Browse my full places to stay in Edinburgh page for more hotels and areas.

Is the Caledonian Sleeper worth it?

For me, yes. With fares from £50, it saved me a night’s hotel cost and got me into Edinburgh in time for my appointment, with coffee to spare. It’s not the best night’s sleep you’ll ever have, but as a budget travel option it’s hard to beat.