A working group has been established to examine the feasibility of extending Caledonian Sleeper services from Scotland directly to mainland Europe.
Representatives from Transport Scotland, Scottish Rail Holdings and Caledonian Sleeper have held their first meeting and will oversee a high-level study into the technical and commercial implications of operating an international sleeper service.
The work follows a Scottish Government manifesto commitment to investigate options for connecting Scotland with continental Europe by overnight rail.
While still at an early stage, the study could provide an important indication of whether growing interest in European night trains can translate into a viable direct international rail connection from Scotland.
Among the issues likely to require consideration are rolling stock compatibility, access to infrastructure, operating paths, border and security arrangements, journey times and the commercial case for potential services.
Any international service would also need to negotiate the operational complexities of running from the UK rail network through the Channel Tunnel and onto European infrastructure.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “We committed to exploring the potential for a direct Caledonian Sleeper service to mainland Europe and I am pleased that this work is now underway.
“The establishment of this working group marks an important first step in delivering that commitment and will help ensure the feasibility study is informed by the expertise of our rail partners.
“This is an early-stage exercise and the study will focus on understanding the practical, technical and commercial considerations involved. The findings will provide an evidence base to inform any future decisions.”
Caledonian Sleeper currently connects London with destinations across Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William.
An extension into mainland Europe would represent a significant development for the operation and could potentially create through overnight rail connections between Scotland and major European destinations without passengers needing to fly.
The proposal also comes amid renewed interest in international rail connectivity from Britain and the expansion of overnight rail services across Europe.
However, the establishment of the working group does not mean a new service has been approved. Its immediate purpose is to establish whether the concept is technically achievable and whether a credible commercial proposition could be developed.
The group is expected to report its findings to Scottish Ministers later in 2026, providing an evidence base for decisions over whether more detailed development work should follow.
