Edinburgh to Aberdeen Train Ticket Cost 2026
ScotRail advance from £12. 2h30m via Kirkcaldy and Dundee. LNER extends from London.
Edinburgh-Aberdeen is the eastern Scottish intercity corridor, served by ScotRail (the main domestic operator) and LNER (continuing from London King's Cross). Journey time is 2h30m direct, with services calling at Kirkcaldy, Dundee and Stonehaven on the way north.
Fares are subsidised by Scottish Government transport policy. £12 advance singles for a 130-mile journey between two major Scottish cities is one of the best cost-per-mile fares in the UK.
Edinburgh to Aberdeen Train Prices
| Ticket Type | Single | Return | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ScotRail Advance Single | from £12 | 2x singles | Direct, 2h30m |
| LNER Advance Single | from £18 | 2x singles | London-Aberdeen through |
| ScotRail Off-Peak Single | £30 | £42 | After 09:15 weekdays |
| Anytime Single | £55 | £100 | Maximum flexibility |
Prices indicative singles based on operator-published fares, verified May 2026. Always check the live price on National Rail or the operator's own site before booking.
Operator Comparison
Saving Tips for Edinburgh to Aberdeen
- ScotRail at £12 advance beats LNER at £18 for Edinburgh-Aberdeen-only travel - use LNER only if you have a through London-Aberdeen ticket.
- Off-peak return at £42 is reasonable for the 130-mile journey.
- Senior or 16-25 Railcard saves a third - £42 off-peak return becomes £28.
- Family of four off-peak return (using under-5 free and 5-15 half price): £42 + £42 + £21 + £21 = £126.
Best Days to Travel
Train vs Driving vs Coach
Driving: 125 miles, £25-35 fuel, plus £8-15 Aberdeen parking. The A90 is the only direct road, often busy. The train is faster, cheaper for solo travellers, and avoids the long drive.