The iconic Caledonian Sleeper has announced the most significant update to its overnight train service in over three decades, introducing a new calling point at Birmingham International starting in January 2026. The new route offers residents of the West Midlands direct, convenient, and sustainable access to the Scottish Highlands.
Tickets for the new service will go on sale from October 1, 2025, with the inaugural departure from Birmingham International scheduled for the evening of January 15, 2026. The service will connect Birmingham directly with major Scottish destinations, including Aberdeen, Fort William, and Inverness.
Bridging the Travel Gap
The new route directly addresses the lack of convenient, non-stop transport options between the West Midlands and the Scottish Highlands. By providing a comfortable overnight journey, the Caledonian Sleeper aims to encourage tourism and business travel, allowing Birmingham residents to explore Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, whisky trails, and historic sites.
The initiative is part of the Caledonian Sleeper’s strategy to adapt and grow in response to market demand, enhancing both leisure travel and economic ties between the regions.
Graham Kelly, Interim Managing Director at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “This historic timetable update marks a significant milestone in our mission to further boost sustainable cross border travel options. Birmingham is the latest city set to benefit from our high-quality overnight train service as residents will be able to drift off in the West Midlands in their own private room and wake up to beautiful views of the Scottish Highlands. Similarly, we believe our new route will be incredibly popular with leisure tourists from Scotland given the wide range of sights and attractions in Birmingham and across the West Midlands to be discovered.”
A Win-Win for Regional Tourism
Local leaders celebrated the announcement, emphasizing the mutual benefits for tourism and hospitality businesses on both sides of the border.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “From next year, the region will welcome a legend of the railway – the Caledonian Sleeper. 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. 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.”
The new link will provide Scottish visitors with improved access to the cultural, dining, and artistic attractions of the West Midlands.
Becky Frall, Head of Tourism at the West Midlands Growth Company, added: “The launch of the Caledonian Sleeper to Birmingham offers another great rail option to the city and the wider region, opening the door for more people north of the border and along its route to take a cultural break bookended by ease of travelling in comfort by train. From acclaimed Michelin-starred dining, art galleries and world-class cultural institutions including the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Royal Ballet, we can’t wait to welcome even more visitors and show off what makes the West Midlands so special.”
The new service fosters sustainable growth and cultural exchange while supporting the continued development of high-quality cross-border travel.
