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Trains to Aberdeen
From the mountains to the sea, Aberdeen has got it all
Lovingly known as the Granite City thanks to its sparkling granite architecture, Aberdeen is Scotland's third-largest city. The vibrant city is surrounded by 165 miles of outstanding coastline and is home to the UK's largest National Park, Cairngorms.
LNER takes you right to the heart of Aberdeen. We'll also connect you to the rest of Scotland with trains to Edinburgh, Inverness, and all the way down to London along the scenic East Coast Mainline.
Our website offers cheap fares on LNER trains to Aberdeen - with no booking fees!
Plus, when you join LNER Perks you'll get £5 free and 2% credit back every time you travel with us.
Adventure to Aberdeen!
Getting to Aberdeen is easier than ever. More calling points from the south and an earlier first train from London mean more choice and more time to explore Scotland’s stunning northeast coast - giving you the freedom to discover more of the granite city.
Population
196,670
Fact About Aberdeen
Aberdeen has repeatedly been rated the safest city in the UK
Popular trains to Aberdeen
These percentages were calculated using our Carbon Calculator.
Things to do in Aberdeen
A city break to majestic Aberdeen promises to exceed all expectations.
Taste the highest quality of food and drink, enjoy fantastic events running throughout the year, and visit gorgeous parks and old towns that make for scenic viewing all year round.
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen Art GalleryCost: Free admission
Suitable for: all ages
Location: Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ
How to get there: Aberdeen Art Gallery is in the heart of the city centre, just a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections in the UK, featuring the works of internationally acclaimed artists and important Scottish artists.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Aberdeen Maritime MuseumCost: Free admission
Suitable for: all ages
Location: Shiprow, Aberdeen AB11 5BY
How to get there: Found on the city’s iconic Shiprow, where ships can be seen to dock right up against the city streets, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a 5-minute walk from the train station.
This museum tells the story of the city's long relationship with the sea. The Maritime Museum houses a unique collection covering shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing, and port history. It is also the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Aberdeen Science Centre
Aberdeen Science CentreCost: £4.95 - £10.00. Children (under 3) go free.
Suitable for: all ages
Location: 179 Constitution St, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
How to get there: Aberdeen Science Centre is a 20-minute walk from Union Square. The number 2 service from First Aberdeen will take you to Mealmarket Street, leaving you with an 8-minute walk to Aberdeen Science Centre.
Over 60 interactive exhibits await visitors, including The OPITO Theatre of Energy - the UK's first immersive experience of its kind - and RoboThespian, a chatty humanoid robot sponsored by the centre's Digital Futures Partner, Equinor.
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen Art GalleryCost: Free admission
Suitable for: all ages
Location: Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ
How to get there: Aberdeen Art Gallery is in the heart of the city centre, just a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections in the UK, featuring the works of internationally acclaimed artists and important Scottish artists.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Aberdeen Maritime MuseumCost: Free admission
Suitable for: all ages
Location: Shiprow, Aberdeen AB11 5BY
How to get there: Found on the city’s iconic Shiprow, where ships can be seen to dock right up against the city streets, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a 5-minute walk from the train station.
This museum tells the story of the city's long relationship with the sea. The Maritime Museum houses a unique collection covering shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing, and port history. It is also the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Aberdeen Science Centre
Aberdeen Science CentreCost: £4.95 - £10.00. Children (under 3) go free.
Suitable for: all ages
Location: 179 Constitution St, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
How to get there: Aberdeen Science Centre is a 20-minute walk from Union Square. The number 2 service from First Aberdeen will take you to Mealmarket Street, leaving you with an 8-minute walk to Aberdeen Science Centre.
Over 60 interactive exhibits await visitors, including The OPITO Theatre of Energy - the UK's first immersive experience of its kind - and RoboThespian, a chatty humanoid robot sponsored by the centre's Digital Futures Partner, Equinor.
Tours around Aberdeen
You can really get to know the ins-and-outs of The Granite City with a guided, or self-guided tour.
Self-guided Aberdeen castle tour
Aberdeen castle tourCost: free
Suitable for: all ages
Who doesn’t love a good castle? Hark back to the days of moats, keeps and amazing outfits with the downloadable castle trail map from the Visit Scotland website. Don’t miss making like a Disney character at Craigievar Castle, a pink fairytale castle known for its distinctive Baronial style. Or there's Fyvie Castle, where each family who lived at this 13th-century castle built their own tower – talk about adding value!
Nuart Aberdeen self-guided tour
Nuart Aberdeen tourCost: free
Suitable for: all ages
Nuart Aberdeen is the only street art festival in Scotland and one of the UK’s leading festivals of its kind. Artists from around the globe transform the walls and buildings of Aberdeen city centre with works of art that are free for all to enjoy 365 days a year.
Hidden Aberdeen Tours
Hidden Aberdeen ToursCost: £15.00 per person for a private tour, £5.00 per person for a mini-tour.
Suitable for: all ages
Hidden Aberdeen Tours offer several historical-themed walks, usually lasting 2hrs, such as "Forgotten Fittie", "Tales of Old Torry", "Lost Cinemas", "Old Aberdeen's Architectural Secrets" and have mini-tours of one hour in length around Duthie Park, Old Aberdeen, Castlegate, Fittie and Torry. They also offer indoor storytelling events in the autumn in various venues throughout the city.
Self-guided Aberdeen castle tour
Aberdeen castle tourCost: free
Suitable for: all ages
Who doesn’t love a good castle? Hark back to the days of moats, keeps and amazing outfits with the downloadable castle trail map from the Visit Scotland website. Don’t miss making like a Disney character at Craigievar Castle, a pink fairytale castle known for its distinctive Baronial style. Or there's Fyvie Castle, where each family who lived at this 13th-century castle built their own tower – talk about adding value!
Nuart Aberdeen self-guided tour
Nuart Aberdeen tourCost: free
Suitable for: all ages
Nuart Aberdeen is the only street art festival in Scotland and one of the UK’s leading festivals of its kind. Artists from around the globe transform the walls and buildings of Aberdeen city centre with works of art that are free for all to enjoy 365 days a year.
Hidden Aberdeen Tours
Hidden Aberdeen ToursCost: £15.00 per person for a private tour, £5.00 per person for a mini-tour.
Suitable for: all ages
Hidden Aberdeen Tours offer several historical-themed walks, usually lasting 2hrs, such as "Forgotten Fittie", "Tales of Old Torry", "Lost Cinemas", "Old Aberdeen's Architectural Secrets" and have mini-tours of one hour in length around Duthie Park, Old Aberdeen, Castlegate, Fittie and Torry. They also offer indoor storytelling events in the autumn in various venues throughout the city.
Where to eat in Aberdeen
This part of Scotland is known for its local food and drink including fresh seafood, Aberdeen Angus Beef and whisky, as well as famous brands including BrewDog and Mackie’s of Scotland. See our top picks for great places to eat in Aberdeen.
An intimate dinner
MusaIt’s all about the arty ambience, at Musa, on Exchange Street. This hipster hangout doubles as a gallery and music venue, naturally. It’s good grub too – everything from veggie burgers to pork belly pate.
A late brunch
Foodstory CaféTuck into delicious vegetarian and vegan grub at Foodstory Café, in Thistle Street. Choose from a variety of toasts with tasty toppings, but with heavenly homemade soup, scrumptious pancakes and delicious porridge with fruit compote, why limit yourself to toast?
International food
Lahore KarahiGood things come in small, spicy packages at Lahore Karahi,on King Street. Its traditional Pakistani dishes will have your taste-buds tingling. Try the namesake Karahi – spicy chicken or lamb on the bone, cooked in a flat-bottomed pot. They also have a chocolate naan which is worth a try.
An intimate dinner
MusaIt’s all about the arty ambience, at Musa, on Exchange Street. This hipster hangout doubles as a gallery and music venue, naturally. It’s good grub too – everything from veggie burgers to pork belly pate.
A late brunch
Foodstory CaféTuck into delicious vegetarian and vegan grub at Foodstory Café, in Thistle Street. Choose from a variety of toasts with tasty toppings, but with heavenly homemade soup, scrumptious pancakes and delicious porridge with fruit compote, why limit yourself to toast?
International food
Lahore KarahiGood things come in small, spicy packages at Lahore Karahi,on King Street. Its traditional Pakistani dishes will have your taste-buds tingling. Try the namesake Karahi – spicy chicken or lamb on the bone, cooked in a flat-bottomed pot. They also have a chocolate naan which is worth a try.
Street food
ThaikhunGiven Aberdeen's variable weather, being able to eat street food indoors is a big plus. Thaikhun, gives you the chance to sample Bangkok-style street food sitting down, but you can also take away the stir fries, noodle dishes and curries. A three-chilli warning on the Phao Kee Mao tells you it will really warm you up on a cold day.
Shopping in Aberdeen
Aberdeen offers up a unique blend of shopping centres and independent retailers. Here are some of the best to start off with.
High-street heaven
Union SquareHead to the Union Square shopping centre, AB11 5RG, for high-street favourites like H&M, M&S, New Look and Next. It's also home to a wide range of cafes and restaurants to help fuel your spending spree.
Vintage shops, one-off boutiques and homewares
Merchant QuarterSurfboards, kitsch homewares and one-off boutiques can all be found at hipster hangout, Merchant Quarter. When you're all shopped out there are plenty of spots for a drink – or a tattoo!
Label lovers - designer shopping
Kafka MercantileKafka was established in April 1990 by with a vision to provide Aberdeen with globally sourced, high quality menswear.
High-street heaven
Union SquareHead to the Union Square shopping centre, AB11 5RG, for high-street favourites like H&M, M&S, New Look and Next. It's also home to a wide range of cafes and restaurants to help fuel your spending spree.
Vintage shops, one-off boutiques and homewares
Merchant QuarterSurfboards, kitsch homewares and one-off boutiques can all be found at hipster hangout, Merchant Quarter. When you're all shopped out there are plenty of spots for a drink – or a tattoo!
Label lovers - designer shopping
Kafka MercantileKafka was established in April 1990 by with a vision to provide Aberdeen with globally sourced, high quality menswear.
What's on
Nothing Beats Musical Routes
Nothing Beats Musical RoutesNational Rail has partnered with renowned British DJ and broadcaster, Jo Whiley, to ignite a passion for exploring the roots of British music through train travel. Embark on a journey with the Window Seater app with a variety of short audio guides narrating the vibrant tales of Britain's musical landscapes, both past and present.
Nothing Beats Sporting Routes
Nothing Beats Sporting RoutesNational Rail have teamed up with British sports presenter, Kirsty Gallacher to create a new audio series to inspire your next train trip to some of Britain’s fantastic sporting locations. The eight-episode series features exclusive interviews from British sporting heroes and brings to life the origins of Britain’s most popular sports. When it comes to sport, nothing beats being there.
Nothing Beats Musical Routes
Nothing Beats Musical RoutesNational Rail has partnered with renowned British DJ and broadcaster, Jo Whiley, to ignite a passion for exploring the roots of British music through train travel. Embark on a journey with the Window Seater app with a variety of short audio guides narrating the vibrant tales of Britain's musical landscapes, both past and present.
Nothing Beats Sporting Routes
Nothing Beats Sporting RoutesNational Rail have teamed up with British sports presenter, Kirsty Gallacher to create a new audio series to inspire your next train trip to some of Britain’s fantastic sporting locations. The eight-episode series features exclusive interviews from British sporting heroes and brings to life the origins of Britain’s most popular sports. When it comes to sport, nothing beats being there.
How to save on LNER train tickets
Cheap tickets
Book cheap train ticketsWe know you can't always plan ahead but, if you can, booking your travel in advance can save you a lot of money. In fact, booking at least 4 weeks ahead of your travel date can save you an average of up to 47%* on on-the-day train ticket prices!
Join LNER Perks
Join LNER Perks nowDid you know that if you join our loyalty scheme, you can save money on every trip you take with LNER? Yep, that's right. LNER Perks members get £5 credit free on their account to spend on travel as a thank you for signing up. AND all members earn 2% credit back on every single journey. Not bad, eh?
Save 1/3 with a Railcard
RailcardsLooking for travel deals? Enjoy cheap train fares and save up to 1/3 on train ticket prices with a range of Railcards.
From Two Together Railcards, Senior Railcards, and many more, there are Railcard discounts to be had for all!
Cheap tickets
Book cheap train ticketsWe know you can't always plan ahead but, if you can, booking your travel in advance can save you a lot of money. In fact, booking at least 4 weeks ahead of your travel date can save you an average of up to 47%* on on-the-day train ticket prices!
Join LNER Perks
Join LNER Perks nowDid you know that if you join our loyalty scheme, you can save money on every trip you take with LNER? Yep, that's right. LNER Perks members get £5 credit free on their account to spend on travel as a thank you for signing up. AND all members earn 2% credit back on every single journey. Not bad, eh?
Save 1/3 with a Railcard
RailcardsLooking for travel deals? Enjoy cheap train fares and save up to 1/3 on train ticket prices with a range of Railcards.
From Two Together Railcards, Senior Railcards, and many more, there are Railcard discounts to be had for all!
*Saving average based on all Standard Advance tickets bought on the LNER website and App at least four weeks before you travel vs buying any Standard ticket on the day you travel.
Related FAQs
Which rail lines go through Aberdeen?
Which rail lines go through Aberdeen?
Train lines running through Aberdeen station are LNER, CrossCountry, ScotRail, and Caledonian Sleeper.
Do you offer a student discount on train tickets?
Do you offer a student discount on train tickets?
We don't offer a student discount however, you can purchase a 16-25 Railcard and save 1/3 on train tickets.
How can I apply for compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled?
How can I apply for compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Cancelled train
In the rare event that your train is cancelled, we offer full refunds (assuming you don't take an alternative train). Be sure to apply for the refund within 28 days of the cancelled journey date.
If you meet these conditions, follow these steps for your refund:
- Swipe down the page and click on ‘Amend journey’ or ‘Request a refund’
- Notify us of the reason for the refund request by pressing 'My train was cancelled' and then ‘Continue’
- Enter your details and submit your request
Already collected your tickets or had them posted to you?
If you’ve already received your printed tickets, you'll need to fill in our Change of Plans form and follow the instructions included.
Was your train delayed by at least 30 minutes?
On our Delay Repay page, you can learn about compensation if your train is delayed. For future LNER journeys, book through our website or app, then choose One-Click Delay Repay to ensure claiming for a delayed journey is as easy as possible.
