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Scotland studies extending Caledonian Sleeper to mainland Europe

The Scottish Government has set up a working group to assess extending the Caledonian Sleeper overnight train from London to continental Europe. For now, only feasibility will be considered.

Scotland studies extending Caledonian Sleeper to mainland Europe
A Mk5 carriage of the Caledonian Sleeper, manufactured by CAF, at London Euston station. (CC BY SA) COLIN MACINNES – Wikimedia Commons. Cropped image.

Miguel Bustos | 6-08-2026.

The Caledonian Sleeper overnight train, which links Scotland with London, could extend its route to mainland Europe in the coming years.

Transport Scotland, the Scottish public transport authority, has confirmed the creation of a working group comprising representatives from Transport Scotland, Scottish Rail Holdings and Caledonian Sleeper, which met for the first time on 4 August 2026.

Its objective is to develop a feasibility study examining the opportunities and the technical and commercial challenges of extending Caledonian Sleeper overnight services beyond London to the European continent.

The initiative responds to a commitment in the Scottish Government’s manifesto, which includes commissioning a study on options for a Caledonian Sleeper service to Europe, including use of the Channel Tunnel. Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, has underlined that this is an early-stage exercise focused on practical, technical and commercial aspects, whose findings will inform future decisions.

The group must present its conclusions to Scottish ministers before the end of 2026. For now, there is no announcement of service implementation, only a feasibility analysis.

The Caledonian Sleeper currently operates six nights a week between London Euston and Scottish destinations (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen and Fort William), with 40 sleeping cars and fares from £210 for a single berth.

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