Overnight link to connect Scotland and West Midlands from January
The Caledonian Sleeper will soon link Scotland directly with Birmingham for the first time, in what operators are calling the biggest timetable change in 30 years.
New overnight route for business and tourism
From 15 January 2026, the overnight train’s Highland services from Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William to London will call at Birmingham International, giving passengers in the West Midlands a new way to travel comfortably and sustainably to northern Scotland.
The Lowland service, which runs between Glasgow, Edinburgh and London, will continue unchanged.
The move follows research by the operator showing strong demand for a Birmingham stop, with the aim of boosting tourism and economic ties between the two regions.
Scotland meets the Midlands
Graham Kelly, the Caledonian Sleeper’s interim managing director, said the new stop would not affect journey times or service quality: “It’s about adding Birmingham as an additional opportunity. The length of the trains and the resourcing on board will remain the same.”
The overnight service – known for its blend of classic rail travel and modern comfort – offers passengers cabins with beds or reclining seats, providing a unique alternative to air travel.
Sustainable travel, stronger connections
The Scottish government took control of the Caledonian Sleeper in 2023 after ending Serco’s contract early, pledging to expand routes and improve accessibility. The addition of Birmingham marks a key step in that strategy.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, welcomed the new connection: “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. And it also means our Scottish friends can come and explore the wonderful West Midlands – a win-win for our tourism and hospitality sectors.”
Service details
The Birmingham service will run six nights a week, excluding Saturday departures, connecting passengers to destinations including Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen via the West Coast Main Line.
Rail analysts say the expansion could also strengthen the UK’s sustainable transport network, offering a low-carbon travel option for long-distance passengers and creating new tourism opportunities between two of Britain’s most culturally rich regions.
As Kelly put it: “It’s not just a train – it’s an experience, and now even more people will be able to enjoy it.”
