Inverness to Aberdeen train with ScotRail

Sat 29 Nov
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Inverness to Aberdeen

Showing times and prices for 30 Nov

Cheapest price

£44

Average price

£44

Fastest journey

2 h 13 m

Average duration

2 h 15 m

Trains per day

2

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 £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Inverness for Aberdeen every day 2 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 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.

ScotRailY65863
12:312h13
Inverness station (INV)
14:44Aberdeen station (ABD)
£441One-way
0 changes
ScotRailY65856
09:592h16
Inverness station (INV)
12:15Aberdeen station (ABD)
£441One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Inverness to Aberdeen

Omio 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 £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 19m. 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 £10, and a train costs an average of £13.

Distance: 133 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£32

Average Price

£18

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 49m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 33m

Average total duration

4h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

ScotRail

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Inverness to Aberdeen train times

The table below shows live departures for Inverness to Aberdeen trains for tomorrow, Sunday 30 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 23:22
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
scotrailY65856
On time
09:59 Inverness station (INV)
2h16
12:15 Aberdeen station (ABD)
0 changesdirect
scotrailY65863
On time
12:31 Inverness station (INV)
2h13
14:44 Aberdeen station (ABD)
0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Inverness to Aberdeen by train or coach

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.

Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Inverness to Aberdeen?

The best time to book your train from Inverness to Aberdeen is 21 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Inverness to Aberdeen route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Inverness to Aberdeen per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Inverness to Aberdeen.

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 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £10 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 11m.

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 £10
Distance
133 km
Average train duration
2h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
£13
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
2h 11m
First train
04:54
Last train
22:08
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 £10

Train companies: ScotRail from Inverness to Aberdeen trainsScotRail trains will get you between Inverness and Aberdeen from £10. 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 Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Price
£12
ScotRail frequency
4 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

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 £13, while the average price tends to be around £32.
Typically, a stay of 2 to 3 days is sufficient to explore Aberdeen's key attractions, including its historic architecture, museums, and nearby natural landscapes.
A day trip from Inverness to Aberdeen may not be feasible as the journey takes 2h 11m, and there are 4 train services available per day.
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.
In Aberdeen, you can explore the Aberdeen Art Gallery with its impressive collection of fine and contemporary art, and take a walk along the Aberdeen Beach Esplanade for stunning views of the North Sea. Visit the Cruickshank Botanic Garden for a serene experience, and explore the historic Provost Skene's House. Enjoy performances at His Majesty's Theatre, and discover the city's maritime history at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. St Machar's Cathedral offers stunning architecture, while Duthie Park provides beautiful gardens and the David Welch Winter Gardens. The Gordon Highlanders Museum and the charming fishing village of Footdee (Fittie) are also notable sights.
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.
The train journey from Inverness to Aberdeen covers a distance of 133 km and takes approximately 2h 11m. Trains run 4 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Inverness to Aberdeen is by coach, costing approximately £10.
The train station in Inverness that goes to Aberdeen is Inverness station (INV), and it arrives at Aberdeen station (ABD).
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.
Yes, there is a direct train between Inverness and Aberdeen. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by ScotRail, ScotRail.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Inverness to Aberdeen.
There is no night train service from Inverness to Aberdeen.
Yes, you can take the train from Inverness to Aberdeen.
To get from Inverness to Aberdeen, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Inverness and Aberdeen

Inverness
Aberdeen
The major train station for departures in Inverness is Inverness. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Inverness for your trip from Inverness to Aberdeen.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 20:30 Saturday 06:30 - 18:30 Sunday 09:15 - 20:20
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Concourse. The National key toilets are located on the Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key. Available between 0630 and 1930
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transport options for Inverness
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the Eastgate side of the station at the short stay car park

More options for your journey from Inverness to Aberdeen

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Aberdeen Inverness to Aberdeen train

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