Working group established to explore direct Caledonian Sleeper services to mainland Europe

A working group have met to explore the possibility of extending Caledonian Sleeper routes into mainland Europe.

The Caledonian Sleeper is one of just two overnight train services in the UK, with all trains terminating as far south as London Euston.

The service operates splinter services to several Scottish locations, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen and Fort William.

In June 2023, the Scottish Government terminated the private contract with Serco and took over the running of the Caledonian Sleeper.

The SNP pledged to undertake a study into whether routes can be extended beyond London and into mainland Europe, as part of the 2026 Holyrood election manifesto.

Now, Transport Scotland has confirmed the working group has met for the first time to discuss the potential new venture, which would directly link Scotland with Europe via rail.

The group, comprising representatives from Transport Scotland, Scottish Rail Holdings and Caledonian Sleeper, will conduct a feasibility study to explore the technical and commercial opportunities and challenges associated with extending sleeper rail services to the continent.

Currently, the only direct train link from the UK to continental Europe is via the Eurostar and Channel Tunnel, which the Caledonian Sleeper will use if services go ahead.

The Eurostar operates high-speed services to several destinations, including Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

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.”

The working group is expected to update ministers on their progress later this year.