Trains to Aberdeen

Save money when you travel to Aberdeen by train

Railcards offer great value for money if you travel by train, saving you up to 1/3 on most rail fares. You can find out more about our range of Railcards on the Railcard website(external link, opens in a new tab).

If you plan ahead and buy Advance tickets you can also get great deals on rail fares.

Find out more ways to save money on your train ticket.

Plan your trip to Aberdeen

Known as the Granite City, Aberdeen offers culture, coastal charm and historical immersion. Famous for its magnificent architecture built from locally quarried granite, the city boasts a wealth of historical significance, particularly as a key centre for the North Sea oil and gas industry, and for its maritime heritage.

Aberdeen is also an exciting hub for annual events, including the spectacular Spectra – Scotland’s Festival of Light in February, which transforms the city with dazzling installations, and the Aberdeen Highland Games in June. From its stunning sandy beach right on the doorstep of the city centre to the cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen, this bustling city is the perfect gateway to exploring the dramatic landscapes and famous castles of Aberdeenshire.

Aberdeen for kids and families

Families will find plenty to keep little ones entertained in Aberdeen’s city centre.

• Aberdeen Science Centre: packed with interactive exhibits and hands-on experiments

• Codona’s Amusement Park: this seaside attraction features thrilling rides, a soft play area, and an indoor adventure park

• Union Terrace Gardens: recently refurbished, these gardens provide a safe green space for picnics and play

• Hazlehead Park: one of the city’s largest parks, featuring a brilliant children’s play area, maze and petting zoo

Free things to do in Aberdeen

Aberdeen offers plenty of opportunities to explore at no cost.

• Aberdeen Art Gallery: this impressive gallery houses an outstanding collection of 18th to 21st-century art

• Aberdeen Maritime Museum: discover the city’s fascinating relationship with the North Sea through engaging exhibits about fishing, shipbuilding, and offshore oil

• Old Aberdeen: wander through this historic quarter with its medieval streets, the stunning St Machar’s Cathedral and the peaceful Cruickshank Botanic Garden

• Duthie Park and Winter Gardens: walk the beautiful landscaped gardens and step inside Britain's largest indoor gardens, featuring exotic plants from around the world

• Aberdeen Beach: enjoy a 2-mile golden sand beach, with views across the North Sea

Aberdeen, city of culture

Aberdeen’s cultural scene offers everything from theatre to live music, comedy and cinema. His Majesty’s Theatre, a stunning Edwardian building, stages top-class drama, ballet, and musicals. For concerts and comedy, head to the Music Hallon Union Street or the intimate Lemon Tree, which hosts everything from jazz to stand-up. Comedy lovers can also check out Breakneck Comedy Club, a favourite for local and touring acts. And you can watch independent and art-house films at The Belmont Filmhouse.

Sport in Aberdeen

Aberdeen FC, knows as The Dons, compete in the Scottish Premiership and play their home matches at Pittodrie Stadium, one of Scottish football’s most atmospheric grounds. Beyond football, the city boasts world-class facilities at Aberdeen Sports Village, where visitors can swim, climb, or hit the athletics track. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at nearby courses, while seasonal events like the Aberdeen Highland Games showcase traditional Scottish sports such as caber tossing and tug o’ war.

Shop till you drop in Aberdeen

Aberdeen’s city centre is a fantastic destination for retail therapy, blending major national retailers with eclectic independent boutiques.

• Union Street: Aberdeen’s historic main thoroughfare, lined with independent shops, department stores and local businesses

• Union Square Shopping Centre: a major shopping destination with more than 50 high-street brands, designer boutiques, and restaurants under one roof

• Belmont Street: a quirky street that’s home to vintage shops, independent boutiques, and specialist stores you won’t find anywhere else

• Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centre: 2 connected shopping malls with high-street favourites and department stores

• Thistle Street: this street and the surrounding West End area are known for their delightful independent businesses

Aberdeen’s food hotspots

Aberdeen’s coastal location means seafood reigns supreme, with the city renowned for serving some of Scotland’s finest fish and chips. Here are some of the top dining spots:

• The Ashvale: this Aberdeen institution is legendary for its award-winning fish and chips

• The Silver Darling: perched at the harbour entrance, this upscale seafood restaurant offers breathtaking views alongside fresh catches

• Moonfish Café: an intimate bistro celebrating local, seasonal Scottish produce with creative daily-changing menus

• Curry in Bridge Street: the area is known for excellent South Asian cuisine, with numerous quality Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants

• The Bread Maker: a social enterprise bakery and the place to go for the quintessential Aberdeen delicacy: the Aberdeen Rowie, or buttery. This savoury, flaky, and buttery roll is a regional speciality