Trains from Manchester to Aberdeen
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Manchester to Aberdeen by train
It takes an average of 8h 41m to travel from Manchester to Aberdeen by train, over a distance of around 253 miles (407 km). There are normally 142 trains per day travelling from Manchester to Aberdeen and tickets for this journey start from £24 when you book in advance.
| First train | 03:22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 01:48 | |
| Departure station | Manchester | |
| Arrival station | Aberdeen | |
| Journey time | From 5h 33m | |
| Distance | 253 miles (407 km) | |
| Frequency | 142 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £24 | |
| Train operators | CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, ScotRail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway, Transport for Wales, Lumo |
Travelling from Manchester to Aberdeen by train
Manchester to Aberdeen by train is a fantastic way to view the North of England and the Scottish coast all from the comfort of a train seat. You will need to use both TransPennine Express and ScotRail trains for this route, as a change is required at Edinburgh Haymarket station. On TransPennine Express trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Haymarket, you can get free WiFi in all carriages. There's also First Class seating available on this service. You receive complimentary refreshments, bigger seats and power sockets, ideal for getting some work done.
Visit our ScotRail page for more information about onboard services for the second part of your trip.
Manchester to Aberdeen Route Information
The train from Manchester to Aberdeen is a great way see the Lake District and Scottish Lowlands, with a fantastic surprise towards the end. Leaving Manchester, you'll first make your way through the national parks in the North of England, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, truly some of England’s most spectacular views. Not long after, you'll be heading into the Scottish Lowlands and travelling through the hills towards Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, where you change at Edinburgh Haymarket station. Leaving Edinburgh behind, you'll finally reach the surprise of the trip, crossing the Forth Bridge. At 1.5 miles long, you'll cross one of Scotland’s most famous structures, and stare out into the wide mouth of the Firth of Forth as it heads into the North Sea. It doesn’t matter where you sit on the train, you're going to get an amazing view. For the rest of the journey, you'll continue to travel up the East coast of Scotland, crossing the River Tay at Dundee, before pulling into Aberdeen not long after that.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to Aberdeen? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Manchester to Aberdeen take?
The average journey time by train between Manchester and Aberdeen is 8 hours and 41 minutes, with around 142 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Manchester and Aberdeen by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Aberdeen is 5 hours and 33 minutes.
How much does the train from Manchester to Aberdeen cost?
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Aberdeen can start from as little as £24 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Manchester to Aberdeen?
No, there are no direct train services from Manchester to Aberdeen. Travelling from Manchester to Aberdeen by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Manchester to Aberdeen leave?
The first train from Manchester to Aberdeen leaves at 03:22. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Manchester to Aberdeen leave?
The last train from Manchester to Aberdeen leaves at 01:48. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Manchester and Aberdeen by train?
Trains travelling from Manchester to Aberdeen cover a distance of around 253 miles (407 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Aberdeen to Manchester.
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Aberdeen
Book in advance
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Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Manchester to Aberdeen is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
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For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.