ScotRail to run services to and from Aberdeen on Boxing Day for first time

Trains will run to and from Aberdeen on Boxing Day for the first time as part of ScotRail’s Christmas and New Year timetable.

New services will run between Aberdeen and Edinburgh Waverley as well as between Arbroath and Edinburgh Waverley.

The train operator is asking customers to plan ahead as essential work will be carried out on the railway.

The first trains on Boxing Day will be:

09:51 Arbroath to Edinburgh Waverley.
11:35 Edinburgh Waverley to Arbroath.
09:54 Aberdeen to Edinburgh Waverley.
10:35 Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen.

The revised Boxing Day timetable will operate the traditional service in the Strathclyde area, but also on routes to and from Perth, Alloa, Dunblane, Dundee, Leven, and between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

ScotRail is adding extra services and more seats to trains across the country in the run-up to Christmas, with additional late-night weekend services on key routes alongside longer trains.

Train times will be different from the normal timetable over Christmas and New Year.

On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the last trains will depart earlier than normal. As in previous years, no services will operate on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

A normal service – with the exception of routes undergoing engineering works – will operate between Saturday, December 27, and Tuesday, December 30, inclusive.

A revised timetable will then operate on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service delivery director, said: “The introduction of Boxing Day services to and from Aberdeen for the first time is a real boost for customers, and we’re pleased to be offering more options for travel during one of the busiest times of the year.

“Across Scotland’s Railway, we’re adding extra services and more seats in the lead up to Christmas and New Year to help customers make the most of the festive season, whether they’re heading to the sales, visiting family, or enjoying a night out.

“With the removal of peak fares, travelling by train offers even better value for money over the holidays, and we’re encouraging everyone to check their journey on the ScotRail app or website before they set off.”