Overnight success: My Night on the Caledonian Sleeper

As someone who spends a fair amount of time travelling for work, I’m no stranger to early morning wake-ups, long train journeys and the occasional breakfast to go. So, when the opportunity came up to swap the usual business travel routine for something a little different - an overnight journey from London to Glasgow on the Caledonian Sleeper - I was more than a little intrigued. A good night’s sleep and arriving refreshed for a full day of meetings? It almost sounded too good to be true.

First impressions

The Caledonian Sleeper is often described as a ‘hotel on wheels,’ and from the moment I stepped onboard, I could see why. My home for the night was a Caledonian Double En-suite - a room that boasted a double bed with a handcrafted Glencraft mattress, a private en-suite shower, and even a bar of Mackie’s of Scotland chocolate waiting for me. The bed, complete with luxury bedding, felt like a serious upgrade from the standard train experience – and a lot of hotel rooms for that matter.

After a quick look around my room - spotless, well-designed and surprisingly spacious - I discovered a host of thoughtful details: USB charging points, temperature control, dimmable lighting, a keycard entry system, and even a complimentary sleep kit. Everything was geared towards ensuring a comfortable, uninterrupted night’s rest.

The Club Car experience

Next, I decided to check out the Club Car. This is where the real magic happens - a cosy, beautifully designed space where passengers can enjoy a late-night drink, tuck into a meal made with Scottish produce, or, for the more disciplined among us, prep for the next day’s work with the help of the onboard Wi-Fi. I opted for a glass of gin, made especially for Caledonian Sleeper passengers -fantastic, even though I’m not usually a fan - and settled into one of the window seats to watch the world go by. There’s something truly special about seeing the city lights fade into the Scottish countryside as you glide North.

The perks of overnight travel

One of the biggest draws of the Caledonian Sleeper is its efficiency. Travelling while you sleep means saving on a hotel stay, skipping the hassle of airport security, and most importantly, waking up in the heart of your destination, ready to go. No early alarms, no frantic dashes for the last train, just a restful night’s sleep and a gentle arrival into Glasgow.

Another major benefit? Sustainability. With business travellers often needing to consider their environmental impact, swapping short-haul flights for rail travel is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Not only does the Caledonian Sleeper offer a greener alternative, but it also proves that sustainable travel doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Waking up refreshed (and well-fed!)

The next morning, I woke up to the gentle rocking of the train and the promise of breakfast. Since I was staying in a Club Double room, I had priority access to the Club Car, where I enjoyed a hearty Highland Breakfast while watching the rolling Scottish landscape pass by. For those preferring a slower start, there’s also a room service option, meaning you can enjoy breakfast in bed before stepping off the train, ready to tackle the day.

Beyond breakfast, station lounge access before and after the journey is a great perk, allowing passengers to freshen up with shower facilities or grab a coffee before heading to their next destination.

Final thoughts

For business travellers looking for a smarter, more comfortable way to journey between Scotland and London, the Caledonian Sleeper is a game-changer. It combines convenience, comfort and sustainability in a way that few other travel options can match. Whether you’re travelling for work or leisure, there’s something undeniably special about falling asleep in one city and waking up in another - no stress, no hassle, just a seamless experience from start to finish.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. In fact, I might just make this a regular part of my business travel routine. After all, if there’s away to travel that includes great food, a good night’s sleep, and a Caledonian gin, I’d say that’s a journey worth taking.