Birmingham Airport is now further connected to Scotland via a regular direct sleeper train service in a historic schedule change that compliments the regional transport hub’s existing air connections with Scotland.
The change to the iconic Caledonian Sleeper’s Highland bound schedule means the iconic train now makes an additional intermediate stop at Birmingham International, BHX’s interconnected train station, between London and the north of Scotland. With easyJet operating a twice-weekly service from BHX to Inverness on Mondays and Fridays from March 2026, the arrival of the new sleeper service provides even more flexibility, choice and convenience for passengers travelling between the Midlands and the North of Scotland. The new Caledonian Sleeper service bound for the Scottish Highlands provides the opportunity for additional or shorter return or outbound journeys throughout the week for business and leisure travel alongside easyJet’s route.
Featuring breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands, an onboard Club Car serving traditional Scottish food and a range of private accommodation types, the Caledonian Sleeper service provides an unforgettable overnight travel experience for passengers. The new service launched on January 15th and will connect Birmingham to Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness 6 nights per week, year-round. With a rich history dating back to 1873, Caledonian Sleeper is now one of just two sleeper trains operating in the UK.
This latest scheduling change makes Birmingham Airport the only UK airport to be directly connected via a sleeper service, a milestone that provides potential for domestic and international tourism to the Midlands region. With some passengers potentially choosing to fly to Birmingham to discover the West Midlands and adding on a trip to Scotland or vice versa. Commenting on the arrival of the Caledonian Sleeper direct into Birmingham, Nikki Bains, Head of Transport, Strategy and Planning at Birmingham Airport, said: “We welcome the news of an additional stop at Birmingham International Rail Station on the legendary Caledonian Sleeper’s Highlands route making us the only UK airport to have a direct sleeper train connection.
“This service complements our existing direct service to Inverness, operated by easyJet and provides even more choice and convenience for passengers travelling to and from the North of Scotland for leisure or business. We also anticipate the route will prove popular with inbound tourists who can now fly into BHX and board the unique sleeper service for exciting onwards excursions in Scotland” Steven Marshall Caledonian Sleeper’s Head of Sales & Marketing said: “It’s quite a milestone for Caledonian Sleeper to launch a new calling point at Birmingham, our first timetable change in over three decades.
“We feel that Birmingham International station will prove a popular choice with the people of the West Midlands looking to discover a unique way to experience Scotland and providing another option for overseas tourists flying into Birmingham to combine two destinations in one trip.”