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Aberdeen to Elgin train timetable
The journey from Aberdeen to Elgin on the fastest train in 1h 24m, usually 1h 28m. Each day, 11 trains leave from Aberdeen, starting at 06:14 and ending at 22:00. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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
The train journey from Aberdeen to Elgin combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Aberdeen, you can get to Elgin in just 1h 24m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Aberdeen to Elgin?
Ticket prices from Aberdeen to Elgin average around £5.00, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from Aberdeen to Elgin?
What is the fastest train from Aberdeen to Elgin?
The fastest train journey time from Aberdeen to Elgin is 1h 24m. 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, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Aberdeen to Elgin. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the 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?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
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 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 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?
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
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
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted 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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