Edinburgh to Aberdeen train with ScotRail

Trains from Edinburgh to Aberdeen 

There are generally two trains from Edinburgh to Aberdeen every hour throughout the day, from early in the morning until late at night. The average journey time is around two hours 30 minutes. 

Edinburgh to Aberdeen Train Time: Daily departures

On weekdays, the first train of the day leaves Edinburgh at approximately 5:30 a.m. From 7:30 a.m. onwards there are two services per hour, provided by three different companies, until the last train of the day leaves at around 9:30 p.m. On Sundays, there are fewer services, especially early in the morning, and the first train of the day usually leaves around 8:30 a.m. 

How long is the journey by train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen?

The fastest train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen has a journey time of around two hours and 20 minutes. Some services may take up to two hours and 40 minutes, and on Sundays this may increase to two hours and 50 minutes as those services are more likely to have one change.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Edinburgh to Aberdeen? 

Departure train stations: Trains to Aberdeen depart from two stations in Edinburgh: Haymarket and Waverley. Haymarket Station is a large train station in the West End area of the city, approximately 1.2 miles from Edinburgh's Old Town. It is well-connected by bus and tram, and there is a taxi rank outside. Inside, there are shops, cafes, and toilets. Waverley Station is the city's main station, and is located in the centre of Edinburgh, a short walk from the Scottish National Gallery. It has various tram and bus stops, as well as waiting areas, cash machines, and restaurants. 

Arrival train station: Trains from Edinburgh arrive at Aberdeen Station, which is situated in the centre of the city. It is less than 5 minutes' walk from both the bus station and the ferry terminal, as well as most of the city's major museums and attractions. Inside there are several shops, newsagents, food kiosks and lounges. 

Which train companies travel from Edinburgh to Aberdeen?

Trains from Edinburgh to Aberdeen are provided by Scotrail, GNER, and Cross Country. Scotrail generally operates the fastest service, and most trains run directly. 

Scotrail Edinburgh to Aberdeen 

Scotrail offer the most trains from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and most early morning/late night services. Their direct trains are the fastest at around two hours and 20 minutes. On Sundays, some services may have one change, usually in Dundee, and this can increase the journey time to around two hours and 45 minutes. 

GNER Edinburgh to Aberdeen 

GNER provide a few services a day, usually in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. All of their trains run directly, and they usually take around two hours and 35 minutes to reach Aberdeen. 

Cross Country Edinburgh to Aberdeen 

Cross Country run a couple of trains from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, usually at weekends. They generally depart at around 8:00 a.m. and take approximately two hours and 25 minutes. 

Edinburgh to Aberdeen trains: services onboard

Scotrail, GNER and Cross Country all have first-class carriages on many of their trains, with added benefits such as extra legroom and free drinks and snacks. When it comes to luggage, GNER and Scotrail allow passengers to bring up to three items, such as two suitcases and a piece of hand luggage. Cross County request that passengers only bring one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage. Bikes are permitted on board, but it's necessary to make a reservation to ensure there is space available.  Folding bikes do not need a reservation, and pushchairs and prams can also be brought on board without a reservation, but they must be folded up and left in the designated luggage area. All of the providers allow pets on board, with a maximum of two animals per person. They must be kept on a lead or in a crate at all times. All of the providers have disability assistance programs, but any help will need to be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Once booked, their staff can meet passengers at the station and help them to book tickets, transport luggage, and board the train. They can also provide wheelchairs. 

How do I find cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Aberdeen?

To get budget-friendly tickets for trains from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, it can pay to book in advance. Another way to save it to be flexible with travel dates and to choose a train with a longer journey time or multiple changes.