Edinburgh (Waverley) to Aberdeen Trains From £5.00*

Travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Aberdeen by train for less with direct routes run by ScotRail that make getting to North East Scotland convenient and enjoyable.

Reach the long sandy coastline of one of Scotland’s most scenic cities in two-and-a-half hours on ScotRail trains from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. Along the way, you’ll pass through Dundee, Forfar, and miles of wild and rugged fields and land. Best of all, enjoy fast, scenic travel at affordable prices when you buy cheap train tickets in advance with TrainPal.

ScotRail is Scotland’s publicly owned rail operator, providing crucial connections between all the key Scottish cities, including Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Stirling.

Departing from Edinburgh (Waverley)

Conveniently located in the heart of the city between the Old Town and the New Town, Edinburgh (Waverley) is a national rail hotspot and the second busiest station in Scotland.

Close to Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Calton Hill, the station is easy to access on the vast local bus network, by taxi or on foot. As the northern terminus of the East Coast Main Line, Edinburgh (Waverley) is a well-connected station with excellent amenities.

While you wait for your train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, chill out in comfortable seating areas, or browse some of the station’s many shops, cafes, and restaurants. With accessible toilets, and free station Wi-Fi, the station has everything you need to get your journey off to a flying start.

Passengers from Edinburgh (Waverley) can take trains around Scotland and England, including direct routes to London Kings Cross, Glasgow Central, Carlisle, Plymouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Leven.

Main stops

From Edinburgh (Waverley) to Aberdeen, the direct ScotRail service will typically call at Haymarket, Inverkeithing, Kirkcaldy, Markinch, Cupar, Leuchars, Dundee, Broughty Ferry, Carnoustie, Arbroath, Montrose, Stonehaven, and Aberdeen, which is the train’s destination.

Arriving at Aberdeen

After just two-and-a-half hours, you will arrive at Aberdeen railway station ready to begin your long weekend away.

The Granite City is a cultural and historical treasure trove, with sparkling Victorian stone architecture and historic landmarks such as Marischal College, the Town and County Bank, and Aberdeen Harbour. Beach-lovers flock to Aberdeen for its stunning North Sea coastline, while city-centre shopping and independent music and performing arts venues make it a desirable destination for culture vultures.

When you arrive at Aberdeen Station, you’ll be only a five-minute walk from Union Street, Aberdeen’s main street. Before you head out into the city, the station itself has a great variety of shops and food counters, as well as being well equipped with step-free access, lifts, and accessible toilets.

From Aberdeen, travel across Scotland on services operated by ScotRail, LNER, CrossCountry, and the Caledonian Sleeper.

ScotRail train classes

On services from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Aberdeen, choose between Standard and First Class tickets, depending on your budget, seating style, and food preference:

• Standard Class: For a comfortable journey at an affordable price, book Standard Class tickets from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. On ScotRail trains, free Wi-Fi, power sockets at every pair of seats, and spacious carriages come as standard.
• First Class: If you want an enhanced travel experience, buy Edinburgh (Waverley) to Aberdeen First Class tickets for reclining seats and extra legroom, as well as complementary drinks and light refreshments.

ScotRail train travel advice

• Pets: Bring up to two pets on ScotRail trains at no extra cost, so long as dogs remain on a lead, and smaller animals are transported in a secure carrier.
• Children: Heading on a family getaway to Aberdeen? The good news is that under 5s travel free on all ScotRail trains, while children aged 5-15 can benefit from half-price fares.
• Luggage: There are no luggage restrictions with ScotRail, making taking the train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen simple and efficient. The operator only asks passengers to store all luggage items in racks, under seats, or in designated areas.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be accommodated on ScotRail trains; however, space is limited so check whether your route requires a reservation before you travel.
• Passenger Assist: For passengers who need extra help boarding, handling luggage, or finding the right platform, book Passenger Assist in advance or speak to station staff.

Another way to get from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Aberdeen by train is on fast direct services with LNER.

LNER is a popular train operating company with a vast network of trains around England and Scotland. Trains from London run to places like Stevenage, Peterborough, Grantham, York, Leeds, Darlington, Durham and Newcastle, while the Edinburgh to Aberdeen route connects many Scottish cities and towns.

Main stops

From Edinburgh (Waverley) to Aberdeen with LNER, your train will typically call at Haymarket, Inverkeithing, Kirkcaldy, Leuchars, Dundee, Arbroath, Montrose, Stonehaven, and Aberdeen.

LNER train classes

• Standard Class: For the most affordable way to travel with LNER from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, book standard class seats. As default, all passengers get comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, power and USB sockets, and paid-for catering available from the café bar or at your seat.
• First Class: If you want a little more luxury, Edinburgh to Aberdeen First Class tickets. From relaxing in the First Class lounge at Edinburgh (Waverley) before you board to lounging in extra spacious seats in your quieter carriage, the experience is truly memorable with LNER First Class. Enjoy complimentary food and drinks from a specially designed menu too, on selected routes.

LNER train travel advice

• Luggage: Bring three items of luggage onboard your trip from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. There are plentiful storage spaces under your seat, in overhead compartments, and on luggage racks at the ends of carriages.
• Pets: Travel with up to two companion animals on LNER trains. Dogs should be kept on a lead at all times throughout the journey, while other pets will need to be in a carrier.
• Bicycles: Bikes are allowed on LNER trains with a mandatory reservation.
• Children: Up to two children, aged 4 years old and under, can travel free of charge on LNER trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Aberdeen. Discounted fares are also available for children aged between 5 and 15.
• Passenger Assist: If you need extra help completing your journey, book Passenger Assist at least two hours before you travel by phone or online.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.