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Reading to Aberdeen train times and prices
Plan your journey from Reading to Aberdeen 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.
Price*
From €95.62
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
12h 33m
Distance
396 miles (637km)
First/last train
22:12 / 22:26
Frequency
3
Train operators
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
Travelling from Reading to Aberdeen by train? Find fares from as low as €95.62. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest
€95.62
On Thu 5
Live timetable and departures
From Reading to Aberdeen, take the fastest train in 12h 33m, typically 13h 1m. Daily, 3 trains depart from Reading, with the first at 22:12 and the last at 22:26. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
16:15 Reading | 14h 56m, 3 change | 07:11 Aberdeen | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
16:15 Reading | 15h 57m, 2 change | 08:12 Aberdeen | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
16:18 Reading | 14h 53m, 4 change | 07:11 Aberdeen | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:20 Reading | 13h 51m, 3 change | 07:11 Aberdeen | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
18:43 Reading | 13h 7m, 2 change | 07:50 Aberdeen | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Compare train operators from Reading to Aberdeen
- ScotRail
- LNER
- Great Western Railway
ScotRail is Scotland’s national train operator, connecting major cities, regional towns and rural communities across Scotland. You can take high-speed Inter7City trains on routes like Glasgow to Edinburgh for a city break, or relax on a scenic route across rugged terrain on their Highland Explorer service, with extra room onboard for your bike.
Standard
Comfortable airline-style seating, plush seats on newer trains
Spacious intercity trains, less space on regional trains
Optional seat reservations on some longer routes
Air conditioning available
Onboard trolley service on longer routes
Luggage
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Accessibility
Seat Facilities
First Class
Ideal for business commuters who need extra space for working and travellers seeking lounge access
Large leather* reclining** seats; larger windows with curtains/blinds
More space and guaranteed table (for 4 or singles*)
Optional seat reservations on some longer routes
Air conditioning available
Hospitality on selected services**
First Class lounge access at Aberdeen station
*On Inter7City fleet
** On Inter7City and Intercity (Class 170) fleets
Luggage
Food & Drink
Seat Types
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Accessibility
Seat Facilities
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"If you’re into railway scenery, don’t miss taking a ScotRail train along the West Highland Main Line, which runs from Glasgow to Oban and Mallaig. In addition to lochs, steep mountains and heather moors, you can also spot the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the famous curved bridge on the route to Hogwarts in Harry Potter!"
"Don’t expect catering to be a sure thing just because you’re on a long-distance route. Some routes have a trolley service (albeit with limited selection), and First Class passengers only get a free hot drink or water and a shortbread. Check the ScotRail website for which trains have a trolley in operation."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- 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 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- 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 provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Arriving in Aberdeen
Top Things to Do:
Pack your binoculars and keep watch for wild bottlenose dolphins from the clifftop fort at Torry Battery
Nip down to the coast near Stonehaven and explore the romantic ruins of Dunnottar Castle
Roll back the centuries and lose yourself in the historic lanes of Old Aberdeen
Popular Areas in Aberdeen:
Union Street for big-brand shops, Belmont Quarter for lunch and coffee, and Rosemount for traditional bakers, butchers and cheesemongers.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Aberdeen: Aberdeen can feel quite spread out, so if you want to squeeze more into your day, it's worth grabbing an e-bike from the city's hire scheme. Whether on foot or two wheels, it's a good idea to start in Old Aberdeen first, as it's a more logical order. Start at King's College before winding your way through to St Machar's Cathedral."
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Reading to Aberdeen
Apply for ScotRail Delay Repay
If your ScotRail train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket.
1 hr–1 hr 59 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket.
2 hr or more: 100% of a single or return ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for LNER Delay Repay
If your LNER train is delayed or cancelled, you can claim compensation based on your arrival time:
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, or 50% of the delayed portion of a return ticket.
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, or 100% of the delayed portion of a return ticket.
120+ minutes: 100% of a single or return ticket. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for Great Western Railway Delay Repay
If your Great Western Railway train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15–29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket or 25% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
60–119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
Over 120 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 100% of a return ticket or 200% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from Reading to Aberdeen?
Tickets from Reading to Aberdeen typically cost €188.54, but can be as cheap as €95.62 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Reading to Aberdeen?
The journey should take, on average, 13h 1m, though it can be as quick as 12h 33m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Reading to Aberdeen?
There is no direct service between Reading and Aberdeen. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Reading to Aberdeen?
You can typically book tickets from Reading to Aberdeen up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Reading to Aberdeen trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Reading to Aberdeen are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Reading from Aberdeen?
The distance between Reading and Aberdeen is approximately 396 miles (637km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Reading to Aberdeen?
There is 3 train running from Reading to Aberdeen per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Reading to Aberdeen?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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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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