Inverness to Aberdeen train with Scotrail

Tue 13 Oct
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Scotrail
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Great Western Railway
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West Midlands Trains
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Scotrail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Inverness to Aberdeen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct

Cheapest price on 13 Oct

£13

Average ticket price on 13 Oct

£19

Fastest journey on 13 Oct

2 h 13 m

Average journey duration on 13 Oct

2 h 15 m

Trains on 13 Oct

8

Distance

133 km

Cheap tickets

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 £19 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.

Fast trains

On Tue 13 Oct, we found 8 trains from Inverness to Aberdeen, including 8 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 133 km distance in an average of 2 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 13 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 16 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.

  • ScotrailC14586
    15:352h15
    Inverness station (INV)
    17:50Aberdeen station (ABD)
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • ScotrailC14589
    18:012h28
    Inverness station (INV)
    20:29Aberdeen station (ABD)
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • ScotrailL86874
    14:282h13
    Inverness station (INV)
    16:41Aberdeen station (ABD)
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • ScotrailL86892
    17:202h16
    Inverness station (INV)
    19:36Aberdeen station (ABD)
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • ScotrailL86847
    10:562h13
    Inverness station (INV)
    13:09Aberdeen station (ABD)
    £241One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Inverness to Aberdeen

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Inverness to Aberdeen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £8 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 3m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £8
Distance
133 km
Average train duration
2h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£12
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
2h 3m
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
Mon
Best time to book
14 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £8

Live departures

Inverness to Aberdeen train times

The table below shows live departures for Inverness to Aberdeen trains for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
ScotrailL86847
On time
10:56 Inverness station (INV)
2h13
13:09 Aberdeen station (ABD)
0 changesdirect
ScotrailL86855
On time
12:39 Inverness station (INV)
2h22
15:01 Aberdeen station (ABD)
0 changesdirect
ScotrailL86874
On time
14:28 Inverness station (INV)
2h13
16:41 Aberdeen station (ABD)
0 changesdirect
ScotrailC14586
On time
15:35 Inverness station (INV)
2h15
17:50 Aberdeen station (ABD)
0 changesdirect
ScotrailL86892
On time
17:20 Inverness station (INV)
2h16
19:36 Aberdeen station (ABD)
0 changesdirect
ScotrailC14589
On time
18:01 Inverness station (INV)
2h28
20:29 Aberdeen station (ABD)
0 changesdirect
ScotrailC14594
On time
21:30 Inverness station (INV)
2h16
23:46 Aberdeen station (ABD)
0 changesdirect
Tuesday 13 October
ScotrailL868288:56 Inverness station (INV)
2h27
11:23 Aberdeen station (ABD)0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Inverness to Aberdeen trains with Omio?

Scotrail operates all trains services from Inverness to Aberdeen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Inverness to Aberdeen.

Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Scotrail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Inverness to Aberdeen.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Inverness to Aberdeen.

Train companies: Scotrail from Inverness to Aberdeen trainsScotrail trains will get you between Inverness and Aberdeen from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Scotrail

About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Scotrail Duration
2h 3m
Cheapest Scotrail Price
£12
Scotrail frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Aberdeen

Things to do in Aberdeen

Discover the best of Aberdeen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aberdeen trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

A maritime museum overlooking the harbour, covering shipbuilding, fishing and North Sea oil through models, objects and interactive displays.

  • Recommended

The Gordon Highlanders Museum

A small museum dedicated to the Gordon Highlanders, with military artefacts, medals and stories from more than two centuries of service.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining, buses and everyday costs are generally manageable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Best day trips from Aberdeen by train

The most popular day trips by train from Aberdeen are Stonehaven, Dundee, Inverurie, Montrose and Arbroath. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Aberdeen on Omio.

A view of Stonehaven

Day trip from Aberdeen to Stonehaven by train

Why visit Stonehaven for the day?

Stonehaven is a seaside town in Aberdeenshire known for its harbour, coastal setting and nearby Dunnottar Castle. It combines fishing heritage with a relaxed centre, North Sea views and strong local traditions.

How to get from Aberdeen to Stonehaven by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 21 km distance in 15m.

A view of Dundee

Day trip from Aberdeen to Dundee by train

Why visit Dundee for the day?

Dundee is a compact Scottish city on the River Tay, known for design, digital creativity and a maritime past. The waterfront and V&A Dundee give it a modern feel, while old streets and university life keep its character grounded.

How to get from Aberdeen to Dundee by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:39. The fastest train covers the 93 km distance in 1h 3m.

A view of Montrose

Day trip from Aberdeen to Montrose by train

Why visit Montrose for the day?

Montrose is a coastal town in Angus known for its sandy beach, Georgian centre and maritime heritage. Beside the wildlife-rich Montrose Basin, it offers a relaxed Scottish seaside atmosphere.

How to get from Aberdeen to Montrose by train?

There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 31m.

A view of Arbroath

Day trip from Aberdeen to Arbroath by train

Why visit Arbroath for the day?

Arbroath is an Angus coastal town known for the Declaration of Arbroath and the famous Arbroath smokie. Its harbour, abbey and red sandstone cliffs give it a grounded, historic feel shaped by fishing and the North Sea.

How to get from Aberdeen to Arbroath by train?

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 71 km distance in 46m.

Trains from Inverness to 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.

Inverness to Aberdeen Train Time: Daily departures

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.

How long is the journey by train from Inverness to Aberdeen?

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.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Inverness to Aberdeen?

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.

Which train companies travel from Inverness to Aberdeen?

ScotRail is the only operator running trains on the route from Inverness and Aberdeen, offering only direct connections.

ScotRail Inverness to Aberdeen

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.

Inverness to Aberdeen Trains: Services on board

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.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Inverness to Aberdeen?

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.

FAQs: Inverness to Aberdeen train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Inverness to Aberdeen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £12, while the average price tends to be around £33.
The train journey from Inverness to Aberdeen covers a distance of 133 km and takes approximately 2h 3m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Inverness to Aberdeen is 133 km.
The first train from Inverness to Aberdeen leaves at 4:54.
The last train from Inverness to Aberdeen departs at 22:08.
Trains from Inverness to Aberdeen run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Inverness to Aberdeen.
Yes, there is a direct train between Inverness and Aberdeen. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Scotrail.
There is no night train service from Inverness to Aberdeen.
The train station in Inverness that goes to Aberdeen is Inverness station (INV), and it arrives at Aberdeen station (ABD).
Booking trains from Inverness to Aberdeen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Inverness to Aberdeen is considered scenic, offering views of the Scottish Highlands, rolling hills, and charming countryside, making it a picturesque route for travellers.
Yes, you can take the train from Inverness to Aberdeen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Inverness and Aberdeen

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.

Departure train stations in Inverness
Arrival train stations in Aberdeen

Which Inverness station do trains to Aberdeen leave from?

Trains from Inverness to Aberdeen leave from Inverness. The station is from Inverness city centre at Inverness station, Academy Street, Inverness, Highland, IV2 3PY.
InvernessInverness station, Academy Street, Inverness, Highland, IV2 3PYWifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Inverness from Inverness city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBuses pick up/drop off from the Eastgate side of the station at the short stay car park

Inverness 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

Food and drink options are available at Inverness.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Inverness. ATMs are available at Inverness.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Inverness: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Inverness: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Inverness to Aberdeen

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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