Night train London – Inverness
(CS 1001 (I) + 1002 (I) “Highlander”)

The Caledonian Sleeper’s Highlander Service offers an exceptional overnight journey between London and the far reaches of northern Scotland, with three distinct branches leading to Aberdeen, Fort William, and Inverness. Of these, the route to Inverness is particularly striking—carrying passengers deep into the heart of the Highlands through some of the most dramatic and varied landscapes in the UK.

Departing from the bustle of London, the train begins its transformation into a travelling hotel, with high-quality service and comfort setting the tone for the night ahead. The onboard experience is defined by calm professionalism, thoughtful amenities, and a quiet sense of luxury. Guests can choose from well-appointed Classic rooms or upgrade to Club cabins with en-suite showers, plush bedding, soft lighting, and welcome touches like complimentary toiletries and breakfast. The Club Car adds an extra layer of enjoyment, offering a menu of locally sourced Scottish fare in a relaxed and sociable setting—ideal for watching the landscape fade into dusk with a dram of whisky in hand.

As dawn breaks, the train enters the Scottish Highlands, revealing the full spectacle of the Inverness route. Passing through the rolling hills of Perthshire and into the shadow of the Grampian Mountains, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and expansive. One of the journey’s highlights is the long stretch through the Cairngorms National Park, where vast moorlands, forested slopes, and distant peaks create a cinematic backdrop. Wildlife is often glimpsed at this early hour—red deer, soaring birds of prey, and mist-shrouded herds grazing the hillsides. The final approach into Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, crosses the gentle bends of the River Ness, arriving in a city that blends ancient history with modern Highland culture.

While the Inverness branch is celebrated for its natural drama and sense of remoteness, the Highlander Service also splits into two other routes. One heads east to Aberdeen, travelling through fertile valleys and coastal scenery to reach Scotland’s stately granite port city. The other veers west to Fort William, passing lochs, glens, and remote stations nestled beneath the towering mass of Ben Nevis—a favourite for hikers and lovers of wild, untamed landscapes. Each branch has its own visual rhythm and character, but the journey to Inverness remains the most expansive and evocative, offering a seamless transition from urban life to Highland wilderness, all from the comfort of a gently moving train.