Visit the Cairngorms by train: Everything you need to know

Aviemore Station: Scenic train station

On direct services from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Aviemore, travel to the Cairngorms with LNER or ScotRail in around 2 hours 45 minutes. Situated to the West of the Cairngorms, Aviemore is an ideal place to start your adventure in a Highlands town surrounded by lochs and ancient forests.

Kingussie Station: Easy access to Cairngorms

Access the Cairngorms from Kingussie, a scenic Scottish town on a national cycle route. Get from Glasgow Queen Street to Kingussie in under 2-and-a-half hours for a perfect starting point for the beauty and adventure of Cairngorms. Or take the train from Inverness to Kingussie in just 47 minutes with ScotRail.

Reach new heights

Across highlands and lowlands covering 4,528 kilometers, the Cairngorms is Scotland’s largest national park. It also offers visitors the chance to reach new heights, with five of the UK’s highest peaks, including Ben Macdui (1,309 metres), Càrn a' Mhàim (1,037 m) and Derry Cairngorm (1,155 m).

Get active in the Cairngorms

For those looking to stay lower to the ground, a walk around the lochs an Eilein, Garten or Morlich are a perfect day out for active exploration without having to tackle intimidating peaks. The Cairngorms also boasts a wide array of cycling trails for all abilities if you prefer to explore the national park on two wheels.

Iconic sights and experiences

Sightseers will be spoilt for choice of wild spaces to visit in the Cairngorms. Inspiring attractions abound too, from open-air museums to distillery tours. Visitors of all ages will be inspired by the range of activities on offer, whether you’re a wildlife watcher or adrenaline junkie.

One of the best things about taking the train to the Cairngorms is that you’ll truly experience every minute of breathtaking scenery. Once you arrive at one of Cairngorms’ train stations, you’ll have a wide range of local buses, walking and cycling routes to use for onward travel.

The local bus network runs frequent services that can take you around the Cairngorms. For example, the Aviemore Adventurer runs between Aviemore town centre and Cairngorm Mountain seven days a week, perfect for accessing the heart of the national park.

Anyone seeking to stay for a night or two in the Cairngorms will have a wide range of accommodation choices to select. Better still, the national park B&Bs are famous for offering a warm highland welcome to all guests. Choose from characterful guest houses, luxury hotels or nature-immersed cabins that can turn your dreams into reality.

Seasonal Travel Advice

With highly changing seasonal appearances, your Cairngorms experience will vary dramatically based on when you visit. Proudly described as a year-round destination, each season has its own unique charm, whether it’s the mighty Osprey returning to nest in Spring, watersports and peak hiking conditions in Summer, beautiful Autumn colours, or cosying up by a log fire in Winter.

Packing Essentials for Car-Free Exploration

Wildlife watchers and outdoors adventurers all know too well the importance of packing for every scenario! Make sure you wear comfortable shoes to the Cairngorms to get the most out of your visit. A waterproof is advisable, as are thermals if you are visiting outside the peak summer months.

Protect the fragile environment

Visiting the Cairngorms without a car is already helping to reduce environmental damage on the national park. To go further, avoid leaving pollution behind, and avoid any physical actions that could harm wildlife or the natural environment. For example, be mindful to avoid disturbing or startling wildlife, and use existing paths and trails.

Get help with your Cairngorms adventure

For expert advice on your trip, find information centres, visitor centres and ranger bases throughout the Cairngorms. Need help planning your travel? Or looking for inspiration for activities to enjoy the park? In most tourist villages, you’ll find information points, including Aviemore, Grantown on Spey, and Crathie.

Buy Cheap Train Tickets to Cairngorms

There are so many ways to save money on your trains to the Cairngorms, from Railcard discounts and Group Saver (for parties of three to nine adults) to split tickets and advance fares. For unforgettable days out that don’t cost the Earth, buy cheap train tickets to the Cairngorms on TrainPal today! 

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