There's much more to the 'Granite City' than its imposing grey walls. A thriving and cosmopolitan city with a sandy beach, Aberdeen was built on the oil industry of the North Sea. That heritage - and the wealth that came with it - has given it some stunning architecture and mesmerising museums, but it's a fun and surprisingly green city too: Union Street boasts over 800 shops, and Aberdeen has won Britain in Bloom an amazing 13 times.
London to Aberdeen on the East Coast Main Line
Trains from London to Aberdeen are operated by London North Eastern Railway, who run services on the East Coast Main Line (ECML). All services depart from London Kings Cross, calling at several major stations on the ECML, including Doncaster, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
The fastest services take 7h 24m to reach Aberdeen station – the city’s main railway station. You’ll travel on an Azuma train. These are LNER’s high-speed, modern trains capable of speeds of 125 mph on the East Coast Main Line. Free WiFi comes as standard and all seats have access to power sockets.
If you want to travel in comfort from London, consider upgrading to First Class. When booking just a day or two ahead, upgrading to First Class can cost as little as £10 more than Standard Class tickets. You’ll enjoy reclining seats, extra space, morning papers brought to your table and a complimentary menu. LNER are currently offering fewer options on their menu as catering is phased back into the service.
Visiting Aberdeen
Looking for a night out? Head north of the city centre to the charming Old Aberdeen, a villagey neighbourhood close to King's College and St Machar Cathedral. It has a big student population and plenty of bars to get your teeth into.
If shopping is your thing, make a beeline for Union Street, Belmont Street and George Street, where you'll find every kind of mainstream store. If you fancy something a little more unique, the boutique shops in the West End and in the medieval marketplace of The Green will keep you browsing for hours.
Aberdeen Sports Village is the place to go if you want to get fit, with top-notch sport and exercise facilities including squash courts, a hockey pitch, aquatics centre and a world-class fitness suite. With an outstanding beach, a visit to Aberdeen isn't complete without a tour of its waterside. The harbour should be on the top of the list - dating back to Roman times, today it's the gateway to the UK's North Sea oil industry.
Away from the bustle of the city, a special treat awaits in the tiny fishing hub of Footdee, a short bus ride away. With quaint cobbled streets and a friendly community, it's one of the UK's best-loved villages.
What's the cheapest way to get to Aberdeen?
There are a number of ways in which you can find cheap train tickets to Aberdeen to help you save money and explore this charming port city. Whether you are getting a train to London for work or leisure, our journey planner can help you find the cheapest available tickets on the days you want to travel.
The first way you can get your hands on cheaper train tickets to Aberdeen is by using a national railcard. If you travel more than a few times a year, buying an eligible railcard can allow you to save up to 1/3 off the price of your train tickets*, meaning you can spend more on things to see and do in the city. To see out the different types of railcards, eligibility requirements and to buy a card online, check out our railcards page.
Another way to save money on train tickets to Aberdeen is by purchasing an Advanced ticket. In most cases, the earlier you book Advanced tickets, the cheaper these tickets will be. Advance tickets typically go on sale 12 weeks in advance, so if you have a show booked or a night out with friends pencilled in the calendar, simply look out for the “Advanced ticket” type when your search for tickets using our Journey Planner. Make sure you book these tickets as early as possible, because the longer you wait, the more the price can go up.
Want more handy hints on how to save money on train tickets? Check out our cheap train tickets page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main train station in Aberdeen?
The main train station in Aberdeen is Aberdeen railway station. Check out live arrivals and station facilities for Aberdeen railway station.
Which train companies run services to Aberdeen?
The primary operator of trains to Aberdeen is ScotRail.
How do I find cheap tickets to Aberdeen?
It's easy to bag cheap train tickets to Aberdeen. We'd recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains to Aberdeen running?
There are frequent daily services to Aberdeen, although there may be fewer services on weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Aberdeen.