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Aberdeen to Elgin train timetable
Travelling from Aberdeen to Elgin, the fastest train takes 1h 26m with an average travel time of 1h 26m. 5 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 10:03 and the last at 21:28. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
10:03 Aberdeen | 1h 26m, Direct | 11:29 Elgin | ScotRail | Find tickets |
13:00 Aberdeen | 1h 26m, Direct | 14:26 Elgin | ScotRail | Find tickets |
15:24 Aberdeen | 1h 32m, Direct | 16:56 Elgin | ScotRail | Find tickets |
18:00 Aberdeen | 1h 26m, Direct | 19:26 Elgin | ScotRail | Find tickets |
21:28 Aberdeen | 1h 30m, Direct | 22:58 Elgin | ScotRail | Find tickets |
Aberdeen to Elgin train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Aberdeen to Elgin with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Onboard experience from Aberdeen to Elgin with ScotRail
Travel from the mouth of the River Don to an historic Moray town on one efficient train operated by ScotRail. What is the onboard experience like? How many bags can I bring on ScotRail? Find out the answers to these and other key travel questions below.
Is ScotRail a good operator?
ScotRail is a publicly owned Scottish rail operator, popular with travellers around the Lowlands and Highlands. Expect a comfortable onboard experience, affordable advance fares, and a warm welcome from rail staff.
How many bags fit on ScotRail trains?
Passengers with ScotRail have plenty of space to store bags. Each traveller can bring a maximum of three pieces of personal luggage onboard for free. Store small bags under your seat, or in overhead luggage compartments, and place larger items in end-of-aisle luggage racks.
Can I buy food and drinks on ScotRail?
Absolutely! Never go hungry on a ScotRail train: the onboard trolley service offers snacks like biscuits, crisps, and cakes, as well as juices, tea, hot chocolate, and coffee (all hot drinks can be served with oat milk). For great savings, buy a hot drink with a cake in a £4 combo deal, or combine two wines and two bags of crisps for £13.
Is it worth upgrading to ScotRail First Class?
The answer depends on your budget and travel priorities. Certainly, a ScotRail First Class upgrade guarantees passengers a comfy reclining seat in a quieter carriage, a free hot drink or bottle of water, and complimentary shortbread. Throughout your journey, you’ll also access free Wi-Fi and individual sockets or USB ports for charging.
Train travel from Aberdeen to Elgin
Your route up from Aberdeen to Elgin is simple and enjoyable with ScotRail and our local station secrets. From boarding in the buzzing port city to stepping out into the former cathedral city, here’s what you need to know.
Getting to the platform: Aberdeen
- Station Road entrance: Located next to Union Square, on Guild Street, enter Aberdeen Station via Station Road. Alternatively, access the main concourse from the Union Square shopping complex.
- Shopping and Dining: The main concourse features a waiting area and a WHSmith store selling books, magazines, stationery, and confectionery. Union Square, with various shops and restaurants, connects directly to the concourse.
- Six or seven?: Trains to Elgin usually leave from platforms 6 or 7. Head there from the main station concourse, using stairs down from the bridge (or lifts for step-free access).
Onboard trains from Aberdeen to Elgin
A scenic route north west starts from the coastal location of Aberdeen and takes you up to Elgin along a predominantly rural route.
- Key Landmarks: Pass landmarks like Dunnideer Castle, Leith Hall, and Huntly Castle, before you track the path of the River Deveron, and finally bend west towards Elgin.
- The View Alert: More landmarks are available to passengers with a seat on the Left-Hand Side of the carriage (facing North).
Arriving at Elgin
Elgin Station has excellent onward access to the town centre. Managed and served by ScotRail, the station itself is basic but practical.
- Getting out: A two-platform station with decent facilities, including accessible toilets on platform 1, you’ll be sure of a comfortable arrival in Elgin. Exit the station north onto Station Road.
- Stagecoach: Elgin buses are operated by Stagecoach. Board from directly outside the station, with routes taking you all around the town centre, including the number 36, which stops at Elgin Cathedral. On foot, the route to Elgin Cathedral, and nearby Cooper Park, and the River Lossie takes around 20 minutes from the station.
Aberdeen to Elgin train travel guide
Travelling by train from Aberdeen to Elgin is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Aberdeen, you can reach Elgin in just 1h 26m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Aberdeen to Elgin?
The average fare from Aberdeen to Elgin is approximately £5.00, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
What is the best way to travel from Aberdeen to Elgin by train?
What is the fastest train from Aberdeen to Elgin?
The fastest train journey time from Aberdeen to Elgin is 1h 26m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Aberdeen to Elgin?
No, there are no direct trains from Aberdeen to Elgin. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Aberdeen to Elgin?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Aberdeen to Elgin train timetables?
Aberdeen to Elgin trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do Aberdeen to Elgin trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Aberdeen to Elgin are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Aberdeen to Elgin route?
The train from Aberdeen to Elgin is operated by ScotRail. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Aberdeen to Elgin train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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