the caledonian sleeper train is getting a new route in biggest change in 30 years

The Caledonian Sleeper is set to get a brand new stop on its journey (Picture: Getty Images/Metro)

Train travel is often far from glamourous with passengers often engaging in unseemly behaviours like ‘T-bagging’ or ‘bare beating’.

But it can be enjoyable if you do it right,and now,the famous Caledonian Sleeper is launching its brand new route,making travelling in style even easier.

Serving around 300,000 passenger journeys each year,the train offers a premium experience,with private,ensuite cabins allowing travellers to sleep peacefully through the journey.

Until now,the sleeper service had only operated two routes from London to Scotland,the Highlander and the Lowlander.

The Highlander runs to destinations like Aberdeen,Fort William and Inverness,while the Lowlander runs from the capital to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

But,on January 15,2026,the Highlander route will have a stop added at Birmingham International,the biggest timetable change in 30 years,according to operators.

The Caledonian Sleeper has reclining seats and lockable storage (Picture: Shutterstock / Serge Cornu)

Currently,the only stops between London and the Scottish capital on this route are Preston and Crewe,but the Caledonian Sleeper will now serve the midlands,too.

The inaugural journey will depart from Birmingham at 10.42pm Thursday evening,marking an exciting new development in the world of train travel.

The change comes as research suggests there was demand for a Birmingham stop,and its thought this will contribute to tourism in north Scotland and to Birmingham.

‘This iconic service means people from across the West Midlands will soon be able to travel comfortably and sustainably to discover the stunning beauty of northern Scotland,’ said the Mayor of the West Midlands,Richard Parker.

‘But this also means our Scottish friends can come and explore the wonderful West Midlands. That’s a win-win for our tourism and hospitality businesses on both sides of the border.’

It will increase the already record-breaking 145.4 million visits to the West Midlands back in 2023.

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This article was originally published on October 3,2025.

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