Facilities on Sleeper Services

[whole diary]

[Brucey]

Has anyone used the Highland Sleeper in the seated carriage?  What is the comfort like?  Would it be suitable for someone like me who doesn't sleep easily?

The reason I ask is that I've found an interesting (read rather cheap) fare that gives an itinerary involving the seated sleeper between Crewe and Inverness (23:53 to 08:36) but was wondering whether I'd find it very comfortable.  I'm not so concerned about showers etc as I would be able to check in immediately on arrival at my final destination of Thurso.

[JayMac]

I have taken the seated sleeper all the way from Euston to Fort William. It's not something that I'd do again, but I wouldn't say it was uncomfortable. You get 1st Class style reclining seats with foot rests, curtains and dimmed lighting. Biggest issue is noise from other passengers - particularly snoring. So I'd suggest some ear plugs. Also an inflatable neck pillow would be a wise investment.

[grahame]

Biggest issue is noise from other passengers - particularly snoring.

I have snored my way from London to Craigendoran in the past  ... and woken for the beautiful scenery beyond

[Brucey]

I'm in two minds about this at the moment.  Do we know if there are power sockets at seats (the website doesn't say, only mentions the lounge car)?

The other option is ^62 supplement for a solo berth, but I'm not able to book this online (I assume because the fare isn't strictly designed to be used on the sleeper, even though it will offer a seat reservation).  Also I'd rather board at London, but again the ticket won't allow that.

[TaplowGreen]

I once snored my way from Dublin to Waterford on the train following one too many pints of the Black stuff in O'Connell St around St Patrick's day............I awoke to find a fierce looking Priest staring at me, if I end up in Hell's fiery torments when my time comes I will know why!  

[JayMac]

I'm in two minds about this at the moment.  Do we know if there are power sockets at seats (the website doesn't say, only mentions the lounge car)?

Almost certain there are no power sockets in the Mk2^▸ (Mark 2 coach) Seated Sleeper carriages.

Just remembered another reason for ear plugs. The tread brakes on the Mk2 carriages.

[SDS]

Ive done the seated section before but I always use the sleeper section now. First time I used the section there was a party of students that decided they would stay awake all night.

Yes invest in a decent pair of noise cancelling headphones or earplugs.
No plug sockets at all in the seated section on FSR^▸ (First Scot Rail) and you'll not be allowed to use the lounge car as "its for the use of sleeper passengers only".
Reservation Mandatory. Have seen people at EUS being turned away because there being no seats available (everyone turned up) and not having a reservation despite having a valid 'open' ticket.
Neck Pillow is a defo.

[Brucey]

I'm tempted to fly to Edinburgh and spend an afternoon/evening there exploring.  Costs about the same as a solo berth if I were to stay in a budget hotel.  The journey is also a lot quicker.

Hmm, too many options I can't actually make a decision

[SDS]

Could always pick up a "bargin berth" for ^29-^59. No idea on availability and only available through tickets.scotrail.co.uk (dont forget to register your nectar card.)

[Brucey]

Could always pick up a "bargin berth" for ^29-^59. No idea on availability and only available through tickets.scotrail.co.uk (dont forget to register your nectar card.)

Cheers but there aren't any available on the date I plan to travel.  The fare I would be using is less than ^30 and includes my journey into London, the tube transfer and 153 miles the other side of Inverness.

[thetrout]

Can First Class Ticket holders use the Lounge Car without a Berth on FSR^▸ (First Scot Rail)? (First Scot Rail and not First Class Off-Peak Return)

I know the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) Night Riviera you 'used' to be able to use Coach C if you held a First Class ticket. Not the case these days frustratingly. But the staff in the Buffet will give you complimentary drinks if you present a First Class ticket. (Well it worked for me when I did it a while back)

[SDS]

It all depends on the crew.
ScotRail can be extremely strict, "the lounge car is ONLY for sleeper car passengers". They have been know to turf out standard sleeper car passengers.

[Phil]

It all depends on the crew.
ScotRail can be extremely strict, "the lounge car is ONLY for sleeper car passengers". They have been know to turf out standard sleeper car passengers.

"They have been known to turf out standard sleeper car English passengers" 

[JayMac]

What? Even the London crew?

[bobm]

The only thing I have noticed about the lounge car on the Caledonian Sleeper is you need to sit at one of the tables rather than the settee type seats or they will not serve you hot food.