- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Cheapest price
£11
Average price
£43
Fastest journey
2 h 18 m
Average duration
2 h 20 m
Trains per day
22
Distance
149 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Aberdeen to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Aberdeen to Edinburgh will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £11.
Of the 22 trains that leave Aberdeen for Edinburgh every day 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 149 km distance in an average of 2 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 18 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 22 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
L88413 · L87087
L87085
G00667
C01960
L88072 · L87718
L87075
L87069
L87074
L87079
L87072Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Aberdeen to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, and a train costs an average of £9.
Distance: 149 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£22 Average Price | £12 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Aberdeen to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L87062 | 5:57 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h38 | 8:35 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C14660 | 6:56 Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) (DYC) | 2h42 | 9:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C14660 · L88032 · L87644 | 6:56 Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) (DYC) | 3h51 | 10:47 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
C14660 | 7:10 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h28 | 9:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01153 | 8:20 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h34 | 10:54 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
L87069 | 9:05 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h18 | 11:23 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
L87072 | 11:01 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h22 | 13:23 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
L87074 | 12:07 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h21 | 14:28 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
L87075 | 13:11 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h18 | 15:29 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
L87079 | 14:03 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h21 | 16:24 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01989 | 14:52 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h33 | 17:25 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
L87081 | 16:04 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h28 | 18:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C14801 · C14725 | 16:32 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 3h11 | 19:43 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L88416 · L87549 | 17:14 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h58 | 20:12 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L88409+ C01960 | 17:58 Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) (DYC) | 2h51 | 20:49 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C01960 | 18:18 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h31 | 20:49 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
L88072 · L87718 | 18:33 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 3h13 | 21:46 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87085 | 20:05 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h41 | 22:46 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
L88413 · L87087 | 20:40 Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) (DYC) | 2h50 | 23:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L88456+ G00667 | 21:03 Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) (DYC) | 2h58 | 0:01 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87087 | 21:06 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h24 | 23:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00667 | 21:35 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h26 | 0:01 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Aberdeen to Edinburgh run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 22:26. The fastest train covers the 149 km distance in 2h 16m.
Distance 149 km |
Average train duration 2h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 16m |
First train 4:55 |
Last train 22:26 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Trains from Aberdeen to Edinburgh run regularly throughout the day from early in the morning until the evening. There are several services per hour, operated by a number of providers. The journey can take anywhere from two hours and 20 minutes to two hours and 45 minutes, depending on the chosen train.
After an early morning service, there are one or two trains from Aberdeen to Edinburgh each hour until around 9:30 p.m. This schedule runs during the week and at weekends, giving passengers plenty of choice.
Taking the train from Aberdeen to Edinburgh can take between two hours and 20 minutes and two hours and 45 minutes. Services vary depending on the operator and time of departure, but none of the journeys require a change.
Departure train station: Aberdeen's train station is conveniently located in the city centre, just a 10-minute walk from some of the major attractions. It is also found on the numbers three, 12 and 59 bus routes. Inside, there are many facilities, including toilets, showers and refreshment options, as well as ATMs and shops.
Arrival train station: Edinburgh has three train stations, but the most centrally located is Waverley, where trains from Aberdeen arrive. It's situated at the end of Princes Street, close to a number of attractions and onward transport connections. The station is equipped with a travel centre, toilets and showers, ATMs and a lost property office. Food and drinks can be bought from the on-site shops and water fountains offer refreshment.
Trains from Aberdeen to Edinburgh are mainly run by LNER and ScotRail, but there are also a couple of services a day operated by CrossCountry. None of the services require a change and there is little difference in the time it takes to complete the journey with the different providers.
ScotRail operates the majority of the trains from Aberdeen to Edinburgh, with at least one service an hour during peak times. It uses high-speed Inter7City trains for the route and passengers do not need to make any connections. Journeys can vary in length by around 25 minutes depending on the time of day.
There are three or four LNER trains from Aberdeen to Edinburgh each day, scattered across the timetable. The route is served with Azuma trains, which typically take two hours and 35 minutes to reach their destination. No changes are required.
CrossCountry operates two trains from Aberdeen to Edinburgh a day, with one in the morning and the last service in the evening. The high-speed trains take around two hours and 35 minutes to complete the journey, without any connections necessary.
ScotRail: Upgrades to first-class are available on board ScotRail's trains from Aberdeen to Edinburgh. They offer additional legroom and complimentary food and drink throughout the journey. Each ScotRail passenger is allowed two large pieces of luggage and a smaller item of hand luggage. Two small pets on a lead or in a travel carrier can be brought onboard. Anyone wishing to travel with a bike should book a space for it when buying their ticket. ScotRail offers an assistance service for disabled travelled, which can be booked until just two hours before travel.
LNER: Booking an upgrade to first-class with LNER on trains from Aberdeen to Edinburgh means choosing refreshment options from a menu of food made from locally sourced ingredients. There's also more spacious seating available. Luggage allowances on LNER trains are one large suitcase measuring no more than 90 x 70 x 30 centimetres and two small items. Spaces for bikes must be booked in advance and two pets can be brought on board at no extra charge. Special assistance for those travelling with disabilities should be booked at least 24 hours before departure.
CrossCountry: Upgrading to first-class on CrossCountry trains from Aberdeen to Edinburgh means reclining seats and food and drink served by a dedicated host. The operator recommends bringing a piece of luggage no larger than 90 x 70 x 30 centimetres on board. Smaller items can be stowed under seats. A maximum of two small pets per person can be brought onto CrossCountry trains at no extra cost. Reservations for bikes must be made before travel. A JourneyCare service is operated by CrossCountry, which facilitates travel for those with disabilities or limited mobility.
The best way to obtain the cheapest train tickets from Aberdeen to Edinburgh is to book in advance and be flexible with travel times. Some dates can be cheaper than others too, so it's worth widening the search if at all possible.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Aberdeen to Edinburgh by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Aberdeen to Edinburgh trains use the Aberdeen to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Aberdeen and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Aberdeen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Silver Darling, Moonfish Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Aberdeen. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is available at Aberdeen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aberdeen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aberdeen: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aberdeen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Residence Inn Aberdeen, Hilton Aberdeen TECA, Jurys Inn Aberdeen.
Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport).
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Parking.
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Fully Accessible - lifts and footbridge Blue Badge spaces: 3, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Edinburgh Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need