The Edinburgh to Aberdeen train route connects Scotland’s capital with its northeast coastal city. It’s a fast and reliable journey, popular for business trips, university travel, offshore industry workers, and tourists exploring historic Aberdeen and the surrounding coastline.
1. Journey Overview
- Fastest journey: ~2 hours 19 minutes
- Typical journey time: 2h 20m – 2h 40m
- Distance: ~130 miles (209 km)
- Direct trains: Yes
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Main operators: ScotRail, LNER
Trains run from early morning to late evening, seven days a week.
2. Major Stations
Edinburgh Waverley
City-centre location with tram and bus links, shops, restaurants, and accessible facilities.
Aberdeen Station
Located next to Union Square shopping centre, with direct access to taxis, buses, and ferry connections.
3. Route Highlights
The journey runs up Scotland’s east coast through a mix of countryside and seaside views. Common stations include:
- Edinburgh Haymarket
- Kirkcaldy
- Leuchars (for St Andrews)
- Dundee
- Arbroath
- Stonehaven
The section around Fife and along the North Sea coastline is especially scenic.
4. Onboard Experience
On most services you’ll find:
- Comfortable seating
- Wi-Fi on many trains
- Power sockets on selected rolling stock
- Toilets onboard
- Luggage racks and overhead storage
- First Class available on longer-distance LNER services
- Light refreshments on selected services
5. When to Travel
- Peak times: Weekday commute hours
- Off-peak: Best prices and quieter trains
- Summer & weekends: Can be busier with leisure travellers
6. Ticket Tips
- Advance fares offer the best value when booked early
- Railcards can save 33%
- Off-Peak Day Returns are good for same-day trips
- Seat reservations recommended during busy periods
- Travel earlier or later in the day to save money
7. Why Choose the Train?
- Faster than most alternative transport options
- Direct centre-to-centre travel
- Comfortable and reliable
- Scenic east-coast route
- Avoids motorway traffic on A90
This is a great option for work trips, university visits, weekend breaks, and accessing coastal attractions.