- Must visit
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen's main art museum with strong Scottish collections, decorative arts, and major temporary exhibitions in a restored building.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$126
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$270
Fastest journey on Sep 19
9 h 29 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
9 h 56 m
Trains on Sep 19
6
Distance
634 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Aberdeen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Aberdeen will cost around $270 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $126.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 6 trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen, including 6 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 634 km distance in an average of 9 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 29 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 10 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Aberdeen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $126 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 9h 4m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.6kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $126, while a train costs an average of $314.
Distance: 393 miles (634 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$314 Average price | $126 Average price Cheapest | $179 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 4m Average total duration Fastest 8h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 37m Average total duration 16h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Aberdeen:
A bus is $188 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Aberdeen costing on average $314.
Other travel options to Aberdeen take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 7m.
You'll arrive about 1h 23m sooner (8h 34m by train vs 9h 57m by car). Tickets start at around $314 compared to roughly $179 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Aberdeen trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:49 AM Cardiff | 10h09 | 3:58 PM Aberdeen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:45 AM Cardiff | 9h56 | 7:41 PM Aberdeen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:45 AM Cardiff | 10h29 | 9:14 PM Aberdeen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:00 AM Cardiff | 9h55 | 8:55 PM Aberdeen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:05 AM Cardiff | 10h10 | 9:15 PM Aberdeen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:45 AM Cardiff | 9h29 | 9:14 PM Aberdeen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $121 but you can travel from only $66 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 16:04. The fastest train covers the 393 miles (634 km) distance in 8h 3m.
Distance 393 miles (634 km) |
Average train duration 8h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $121 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 8h 3m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 4:04 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Aberdeen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aberdeen trip today.
Aberdeen's main art museum with strong Scottish collections, decorative arts, and major temporary exhibitions in a restored building.
Interactive maritime museum on the harbour, covering shipbuilding, fishing, and the offshore industry with excellent harbour views.
Award-winning museum of North Sea oil and gas, with interactive displays on offshore platforms, energy history, and future technology.
Aberdeen's grand main street, lined with granite architecture, shops, theatres, and key civic landmarks through the city centre.
Historic old town around the university, known for cobbled lanes, medieval buildings, and a calm atmosphere away from the centre.
Long sandy beach and promenade popular for walks, sea views, and easy access to leisure areas north of the harbour.
A rich local soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, onion and cream. It is closely tied to Aberdeen’s fishing heritage and is a classic North-East comfort dish.
Traditional Scottish porridge made with oats, often served with salt or cream. Oats are central to regional food culture and a longstanding breakfast staple.
A soft buttered rowie, also called an Aberdeen roll. Its flaky, salty texture makes it a distinctive local bakery specialty from the North-East.
Popular casual seafood spot by the harbour, valued for fresh fish, simple preparation and relaxed waterside atmosphere.
Refined fine dining in a historic setting, known for polished Scottish tasting menus and high-end local produce.
Stylish modern Scottish restaurant with a strong local reputation for seasonal dishes, seafood and carefully sourced produce.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and local transit are usually manageable for most tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis; cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Aberdeen Airport -> Union Square, Aberdeen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Aberdeen by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Aberdeen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Aberdeen trains use the Cardiff Central to Aberdeen station pair, with some services arriving at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Aberdeen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Aberdeen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Silver Darling, Moonfish Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Aberdeen. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is available at Aberdeen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aberdeen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aberdeen: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aberdeen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Residence Inn Aberdeen, Hilton Aberdeen TECA, Jurys Inn Aberdeen.
Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport).
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Parking.
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Fully Accessible - lifts and footbridge Blue Badge spaces: 3, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need