UK’s new longest train line is 500-mile route crossing two countries

The UK’s new longest train route is an epic 500-mile trip across two countries that will take travellers over 12 hours to complete, not that they would know it. The route is the now iconic 566-mile Caledonian Sleeper service between London Euston and Fort William in Scotland.

Departing London in the early evening, the route carries passengers up the West Coast Main Line before crossing the Scottish border in the dead of night. The service splits at Edinburgh, speeding past Dumbarton, Ardlui and Tulloch before reaching Fort William in time for breakfast.

Along the journey, the train will run alongside Loch Treig and Ben Nevis, offering incredible morning views for passengers. The service will also stop off at Corrour on its way to Fort William, known as Britain’s highest railway station.

Fort William itself is a popular outdoor destination, holding some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the world. Nearby Aonach Mòr is one of the best ski slopes in Europe, while the area is popular for water sports such as sailing and canoeing.

The Caledonian Sleeper train offers a unique experience, with passengers given the option to stay in bunk-bed or double rooms and catch some shut-eye while speeding to their destination. Classic rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper service can be booked from £165 in August, with double rooms available for £570 in June.

Meanwhile, seats are a bit more affordable, with tickets available for later in the year for just £118. The route is now the UK’s longest, a recent holder of the tag after the previous record-setting route was axed last year.

The UK’s longest direct train service used to connect Aberdeen and Penzance in Cornwall, carrying passengers a whopping 775 miles. However, the 13-hour route has since been scrapped, with the last service operating back in May 2025.

The Caledonian Sleeper operates five routes Northbound and Southbound six nights a week, with passengers also able to head to Aberdeen and Inverness.

There is also a Lowlander route which offers services between London, Glasgow and Edinburgh. However, operators have urged passengers to always check travel times and travel updates before setting off on their travels.