Edinburgh to Aberdeen

Three majestic cities, two iconic bridges and stunning coastline views in one unforgettable journey.

Prices:

From £22.60

Travel Type:

Train

No. of Attractions:

17 places to visit

View journey Attractions

Journey Duration:

2 hours 28 minutes

Route Frequency:

1 train daily by Cross Country Trains, though there are hourly services from Scotrail or LNER

Starting point:

Edinburgh Waverley Street Railway Station

How to get here

Journey fact:

Aberdeen hosts an annual festival called Nuart Aberdeen, which transforms the city's walls and streets into a vibrant outdoor gallery. Initiated in 2017, this street art festival attracts internationally renowned artists who create stunning murals and installations. It's part of the broader Nuart Festival originating in Norway, aiming to make art accessible to all.

Journey Overview

The trip dips under the famous Princess Street on leaving Edinburgh and then it’s soon passing over the stupendous Forth Bridge with incredible views for miles over the Forth. This really is a simply spectacular journey and the train hugs the coastline with views across the Forth and back towards the majestic city of Edinburgh.

The journey traverses tranquil countryside, coastal villages, drifting gently inland and weaving its way back towards the sea. Over the brilliant Tay Bridge with more jaw dropping views and into the City of Discovery, Dundee and then out towards Lunan Bay. Here, the scenery is not only stunning but you can maybe catch a glimpse of horses charging up the sand.

The train climbs towards Stonehaven where the views are rugged and then as the granite city of Aberdeen approaches, high up above is the magnificent medieval Dunnottar Castle. Into Aberdeen and a city of delights awaits, including some more Great Scenic Journeys, on Stagecoach bus.

A Fab Day Out!

Start your day early in Edinburgh and catch a morning train to Dundee, a journey that takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Upon arrival, head straight to the V&A Dundee, a striking museum of design that offers a mix of contemporary exhibitions and Scottish design heritage. After exploring the V&A, stroll along the Dundee waterfront to admire the views of the Tay Rail Bridge and visit the RRS Discovery, the historic ship that took Scott and Shackleton to Antarctica.

Next, grab lunch at one of the many cafes in Dundee’s city centre. For something local, try The Bach, known for its delicious brunch options. After lunch, take a walk up to The McManus, Dundee’s art gallery and museum, which showcases fine art and local history.

In the early afternoon, board a train for the 1.5-hour journey to Aberdeen. Upon arriving, start with a visit to the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the city’s rich seafaring history and its role in the North Sea oil industry. A short walk away is the historic Provost Skene’s House, a 17th-century townhouse turned museum that offers a glimpse into Aberdeen’s past.

For a late afternoon pick-me-up, head to one of Aberdeen’s charming coffee shops, like The Coffee House, situated in a historic building on Gaelic Lane. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through Duthie Park, known for its beautiful gardens and the David Welch Winter Gardens, one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens.

As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at Moonfish Cafe, a popular restaurant known for its innovative seafood dishes. After dinner, you can either explore the vibrant nightlife of Aberdeen or catch an evening train back to Edinburgh, reflecting on a day filled with culture, history, and scenic beauty.

If you are coming up to Edinburgh the day before, then why not try the fabulous Bright Bus Edinburgh City Tours – they provide the ultimate hop-on, hop-off open top tour of this iconic city, all the way down to the Royal Yacht Britannia too! The commentary is fabulous and gives a real glimpse into the culture and heritage of Edinburgh! To find out more, check out….

Bright Bus Edinburgh Britannia Tour – Great Scenic Journeys

Bright Bus Edinburgh City Tour – Great Scenic Journeys