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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 24m, 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 €6.03, 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 quickest train journey from Aberdeen to Elgin takes 1h 24m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from Aberdeen to Elgin?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Aberdeen to Elgin. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Aberdeen to Elgin?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
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
Are Aberdeen to Elgin trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Aberdeen to Elgin trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do Aberdeen to Elgin trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Aberdeen to Elgin route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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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
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
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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