Aberdeen → Perth

Typical calling pattern

Trains from Aberdeen to Perth are non-stop on the fastest services, taking 01:29. Most services call at one or two of Montrose, Arbroath, Dundee. Some services extend to Stonehaven, Kintore, Inverurie, Dyce. Slow services (01:56 typical) stop at up to 20 intermediate stations.

Which operator is most reliable on this route?

ScotRail runs all direct services from Aberdeen to Perth. Over the last 30 days, 40.1% of ScotRail's services on this route ran on time, with an average delay of 12.2 minutes and a cancellation rate of 3.2%.

Why take the train?

The straight-line distance from Aberdeen to Perth is around 73 miles. By train the journey takes 01:29; the equivalent drive is typically 2h 56m to 3h 54m depending on traffic, plus 30 minutes of city-centre parking. National Rail publishes average CO₂ emissions of ~35g per passenger-km for electric intercity trains — for this route that's roughly 4.1 kg CO₂ per passenger. The same trip in a petrol car with one occupant emits around 19.9 kg. Two passengers by train equals the per-person footprint of one passenger by car.

Delay Repay

DR30 operators only pay out from 30+ minutes.

Delay Repay for this route

All operators on this route participate in the National Rail Delay Repay scheme. ScotRail operates the DR30 scheme (30–59 min: 50%, 60+ min: 100%). Claims can be made within 28 days of travel. Use Railly's Delay Repay calculator to check eligibility and pre-fill the operator's claim form.

Travel tips for this route

ScotRail services from Aberdeen to Perth can be busy around 22:00. Avoid the 22:00 peak if you can — the 00:00–04:00 services are typically 28% less crowded. Off-peak return tickets are valid on any train after 09:30 on weekdays, all day weekends. The first train is at 05:30 and the last at 22:26. If your train is delayed by 15 minutes or more, you can claim Delay Repay compensation directly from the operator.

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