- Must visit
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen’s main art gallery with Scottish and international works, a sculpture court and changing exhibitions in a restored civic building.
Cheapest price
£13
Average price
£21
Fastest journey
2 h 1 m
Average duration
2 h 5 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
133 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Inverness to Aberdeen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Inverness to Aberdeen will cost around £21 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.
Of the 16 trains that leave Inverness for Aberdeen every day 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 133 km distance in an average of 2 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 12 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.
C14580
L86896
L86875
C14580
C14587
C14659
L86875
C14587
C14576
C14659Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Inverness to Aberdeen 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 coach which can get you there in 3h 26m. 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 £13.
Distance: 133 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£28 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Inverness to Aberdeen trains for tomorrow, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C14659 | 4:54 Inverness station (INV) | 2h12 | 7:06 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C14659 | 4:54 Inverness station (INV) | 2h01 | 6:55 Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) (DYC) | 0 changesdirect | |
C14576 | 5:49 Inverness station (INV) | 2h14 | 8:03 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C14576 | 5:49 Inverness station (INV) | 2h04 | 7:53 Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) (DYC) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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 Inverness to Aberdeen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 22:08. The fastest train covers the 133 km distance in 2h 1m.
Distance 133 km |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 1m |
First train 4:54 |
Last train 22:08 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Aberdeen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aberdeen trip today.
Aberdeen’s main art gallery with Scottish and international works, a sculpture court and changing exhibitions in a restored civic building.
A maritime museum overlooking the harbour, covering shipbuilding, fishing and North Sea oil through models, objects and interactive displays.
A small museum dedicated to the Gordon Highlanders, with military artefacts, medals and stories from more than two centuries of service.
A central Victorian park with formal lawns, floral displays and a large glasshouse complex beside key shopping streets.
The university quarter with cobbled lanes, old collegiate buildings and a quieter atmosphere that contrasts with the modern city centre.
A broad city-centre avenue lined with granite buildings, shops, theatres and gardens, useful for orientating yourself in central Aberdeen.
A rich, creamy haddock soup with milk, onions and potatoes. It is a north-east Scottish classic closely associated with Aberdeen’s fishing heritage.
A traditional Scottish pudding made with oats, suet, onions and sheep’s offal. It is a national staple often served in Aberdeen pubs and homes.
Smoked haddock, usually naturally dyed pale yellow, prized around Aberdeen for its firm texture and deep smoky flavour from the north-east coast.
Well-known local fish bar serving excellent fish and chips and other takeaway favourites close to the beach.
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern Scottish cooking with strong local seafood and meat options in a relaxed, smart setting.
Popular seafood restaurant near the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Scottish plates in an unfussy setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining, buses and everyday costs are generally manageable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafés usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Aberdeen Airport -> Union Square, Aberdeen
The route between Inverness and Aberdeen is served by 11 direct trains a day during the week. The journey takes between two and two and a half hours to make the trip along the Moray coastline to the Granite City.
The Inverness to Aberdeen line is well served with trains, including two services that arrive before 9:00 a.m. All trains are direct and are well spread out over the day, ensuring that passengers can find a departure time to suit their needs. The first train of the day leaves Inverness just before 5:00 a.m. and the final service departs at just after 9:30 p.m. Sundays see a reduced service, but still offer five direct connections between the two cities.
The train from Inverness to Aberdeen takes from two to two and a half hours to make its journey, depending on the service chosen. The fastest trains need only two hours and four minutes to complete the route, while the slowest take two hours 23 minutes. The trains with the longest journey times tend to be those departing or arriving at peak times.
Departure train station: All trains from Inverness to Aberdeen have Inverness Station as their departure train station. Inverness Station is located in the heart of the Highland capital and has a taxi rank directly in front of its main doors. Passengers seeking onward travel will find local bus stops just across the road and the city's bus station within a five-minute walk. The station is equipped with a left-luggage office, a newsagent, a café, a ticket office and automatic ticket machines, as well as a spacious waiting area.
Arrival train station: Trains from Inverness to Aberdeen arrive at Aberdeen train station. Aberdeen's station is directly in the city centre and is attached to a large shopping mall, where numerous food outlets and shops can be found. The station has a ticket office, restaurant, a waiting room and toilets. However, passengers should note that it does not offer a left-luggage facility.
ScotRail is the only operator running trains on the route from Inverness and Aberdeen, offering only direct connections.
All ScotRail trains from Inverness to Aberdeen are direct. Weekdays and Saturdays see eleven direct trains, evenly spaced at approximately two-hour intervals. Sundays have a reduced service, but passengers can still choose from five different connections. Most weekday and Saturday trains have a catering trolley on board for passengers to buy hot drinks and light snacks; however, on certain services, this is only offered from Monday to Friday.
All ScotRail trains between Inverness and Aberdeen have both first and standard-class seating and a seat can be reserved in either class in advance for free. Passengers may bring a bike on board with them for no extra fee, but a reservation is necessary. Bicycles should be stored in the appropriate spaces, which are indicated with a bicycle symbol on the outside of the carriage.
ScotRail passengers may be accompanied by up to two cats, dogs or other small animals may on all trains without an additional fee. However, all pets must be on a lead or in an appropriate carry container.
ScotRail's luggage policy allows passengers to carry up to three pieces of luggage onto each service. If it is necessary to bring more than three pieces of luggage, or more than two pets, an additional fee is payable.
Accessible travel for all is ScotRail's aim. Each ScotRail train is equipped with ramps to ensure that passengers can board and disembark the train safely. Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets can be found in standard-class carriages; passengers should note that these are not currently available in first-class. For those who may need extra help at the beginning or end stations, assistance can be booked in advance. Although ScotRail will do its best to help whether assistance has been booked or not, passengers travelling at times outside ticket office opening hours should be sure to book to avoid complications or disappointment.
The cheapest train tickets between Inverness and Aberdeen can be found when passengers book their journeys well in advance. Peak-time trains tend not to have the best deals so passengers should consider making their journey at a different time of day outside these hours. Midweek services are most likely to be the quietest services, ensuring that some good deals can be found.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Inverness to Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Inverness to Aberdeen trains use the Inverness to Aberdeen station pair, with some services arriving at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport). Use this guide to compare Inverness and Aberdeen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Inverness has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Inverness.
Wi-Fi is available at Inverness. ATMs are available at Inverness.
Ticket office support is available at Inverness. 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 Inverness: Parking, WC.
Available at Inverness: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Inverness: 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: 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, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need