In a landmark shift for UK rail travel, the iconic Caledonian Sleeper service has expanded its network to include a stop in Birmingham for the first time. This development, effective from Thursday 15 January 2026, represents the most substantial alteration to the overnight train operator's routes in over three decades.
A New Gateway to the Highlands
The operator confirmed that its northbound services, which travel from London to the Scottish Highlands, will now call at Birmingham International station. This station serves both the city and Birmingham Airport, providing a crucial new transport link. The move directly addresses what Caledonian Sleeper describes as an existing gap in travel options between the West Midlands and the Highlands.
Passengers can now board the northbound sleeper at Birmingham International at 10.42pm on weeknights, or slightly earlier at 10.35pm on Sundays. The train then travels overnight to Edinburgh, where it splits into three separate sections in the early hours of the morning. These sections then continue on to their final destinations.
Journey Times and Destinations
The new timetable offers direct overnight journeys to three key Scottish destinations. The service to Aberdeen is scheduled to arrive at 7.50am, while the Inverness section pulls in at 8.45am. The Fort William portion of the train, which calls at numerous stations en route through stunning scenery, arrives at 10am.
For the southbound journey, trains will run through the night, providing an early morning arrival into Birmingham International at 6.20am. It is important to note that operational procedures mean passengers at Birmingham International will not be allowed to disembark from northbound services or board southbound trains; the stop is for through passengers only.
Boosting Sustainable Cross-Border Travel
Graham Kelly, Managing Director of Caledonian Sleeper, hailed the change as historic. He stated the update is a significant milestone in the company's mission to enhance sustainable cross-border travel options across Britain.
"Birmingham is the latest city set to benefit from our high-quality overnight train service," Kelly said. "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." He also expressed confidence that the route would prove popular with leisure tourists from Scotland eager to explore Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region.
This expansion applies specifically to the Caledonian Sleeper's Highland route. The company's separate Lowlander service, which connects London with Edinburgh and Glasgow, will not make a stop at Birmingham International.
