What facilities are on a sleeper train

Counting_Pennies_2

Hi all,

We have decided for a fun alternative to travelling and also the cheapest option, that we will take a sleeper train to and from our holiday this year to Scotland.

I am quite a poor sleeper at the best of times, so I anticipate being awake for some of the journey.

We will all 4 be in an interconnecting sleeper, so I thought if I am struggling to sleep that I might wander around the train. Does anyone know if that is possible to do? Is there a buffet car open all night that I could go and get a cup of tea? Is there a loo in the cabin or is it tiny?

Thanks

petshopgirlemma

I did this recently for work in the opposite direction. First of all, be glad you are not in the seated sleeper carriage! I bagged the seat with extra leg room and it was still very uncomfortable! I am presuming you are in standard class if you are taking the cheap option!

I came back in a berth, sharing with one other person. I was on the bottom bunk. The bunks are small but cosy enough - I was exhausted on the way back (serves me right for getting the seated sleeper down the night before!)

I was in standard class, and I really was just there to sleep. There isn't a bathroom in the berth -it's two beds and just about enough space to put your bags down. I didn't use the bathrooms (brushed my teeth before I boarded!). There is a small towel per person in each berth, along with the smallest bottle of Highland Spring water.

You get the offer of juice, tea or coffee in the morning which is delivered to your berth by a member of staff, who lets you know you are almost at your destination.

I didn't wander around the train but I don't think there is a buffet car in standard class - the corridors are very narrow and I'd say it's best to prepare yourself for getting on board and just sleeping (tire yourself out the day before!).

It's a bit weird, lying sideways and being on a train whilst sleeping. I did wake up a few times when the train stopped but it's a comfortable enough bed and you will wake up in Scotland, early enough in the morning to miss the rush hour for your onward journey.

The_One_Who

I love the Sleeper! I do agree with the above about the seated carriage though, I'd only do that again if I had no choice.

As far as I am aware the buffet car is open all night, but you should be able to confirm that on the website. It is open to all, but if it is busy they may restrict access to first class passengers only. As for the toilets, they are at the end of the carriage, so not in the berth. They are quite small as well.

Within the berth itself you'll find bunk beds, a sink and enough floor space to stand up in. They are... cosy. I can fit in the bed fine, and find the gentle rocking of the train quite relaxing, but a friend of mine (who is six foot) cannot fit in the bed so finds it a tad uncomfortable. Upon boarding you will be asked by the conductor what drink you'd like for breakfast, and you can also ask them for a complementary toothbrush set (they don't give them free anymore). Upon arrival you'll be woken up by the conductor and given your drink and your breakfast which consists of a bit of shortbread.

If you are travelling from Scotland, be warned that the trains get connected at Carstairs (I think) and there is an almighty shunt! If you were sleeping by then you will be woken up.

petshopgirlemma

The_One_Who wrote: »

If you are travelling from Scotland, be warned that the trains get connected at Carstairs (I think) and there is an almighty shunt! If you were sleeping by then you will be woken up.

Haha! Yes, I did wake up and thought we had crashed.

I do recommend the Sleeper - I would certainly opt for a berth down to London and waking up at Euston over any other reasonably priced travel option down. It saves so much faff.

dial_square

The man at seat 61 website has a dedicated Caledonian sleeper page, and has a virtual tour too.

Sorry, not allowed to link.

yorkie2

Counting_Pennies wrote: »

We will all 4 be in an interconnecting sleeper, so I thought if I am struggling to sleep that I might wander around the train. Does anyone know if that is possible to do? Is there a buffet car open all night that I could go and get a cup of tea? Is there a loo in the cabin or is it tiny?

Thanks

See http://www.seat61.com/CaledonianSleepers.htm

You can wander but the only place you can really go to is the lounge car. See image below:



Priority is given to First Class ticket holders however if not travelling on a Friday night it should be no problem with a Standard ticket. I would get there early (before departure) and not wander down as it may be full. Obviously if you sit there you'd be expected to purchase food & drink (well, a drink at least). When I last did this journey, the food was very reasonably priced!

The Sleeper trains are the only UK trains I know of to have separate male & female toilets, there are at least one of each at the end of each coach.

I'm pretty sure there are 16 cabins (32 berths) per coach. So a much higher toilet : person ratio than a 'normal' train.

The sleeper is typically around 16 coaches long, and divides at Carstairs (if going to Glasgow/Edinburgh) or Edinburgh (if going towards Fort William/Aberdeen/Inverness)

More info on the Caledonian Sleeper:
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=48163
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=45105
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=45006
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=42464 (Yes, you can use the showers/lounge at Euston if you hold Berth-inclusive Sleeper tickets)