Is Dunnottar Castle worth it?

Yes, it is a world-class historical site.

How far is Stonehaven from Aberdeen?

It is approximately 25 km south of Aberdeen.

Yes, Stagecoach operates services from Aberdeen to Stonehaven.

No, you must change at Aberdeen station.

What is the best way to travel?

Train is relaxing, but driving offers more flexibility for sightseeing.

Aviemore

Stonehaven

Train Driving

Aviemore to Stonehaven

Updated: 31 May 2026

Traveling from Aviemore to the coastal town of Stonehaven involves a journey of approximately 160 km. You can take the train from Aviemore to Aberdeen and then a short local train to Stonehaven. Alternatively, driving via the A96 and A90 takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Stonehaven is famous for its harbor and the nearby Dunnottar Castle. This route transitions from the Highland mountains to the North Sea coast.

Total Distance: 160 km driving distance; 115 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via the AWPR bypass is the fastest way to reach Stonehaven.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most economical for groups or families.

Compare Aviemore to Stonehaven Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours	2 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	35-55 GBP	25-35 GBP in fuel
Operator	ScotRail	N/A
Route	Aviemore to Aberdeen, then Aberdeen to Stonehaven.	A95 to A96, then A90 south of Aberdeen.
Tip	The coastal train section from Aberdeen to Stonehaven is very scenic.	Use the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) to bypass city traffic.

Travel Tips

Train Views
Sit on the right side of the train when traveling from Aberdeen to Stonehaven for sea views.
Parking
Parking near Dunnottar Castle can be busy; arrive early in the morning.
Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for the walk to the castle, as the path can be uneven.
Booking
Book train tickets via the ScotRail website to avoid station queues.
Traffic
The AWPR has significantly reduced travel time around Aberdeen; use it.

Safety Tips

Cliff Safety
Stay on marked paths near Dunnottar Castle; cliff edges are unstable.
Coastal Weather
The North Sea coast can be windy; dress in layers.
Driving
Be aware of high-sided vehicle restrictions during windy weather on the A90.
Emergency
Keep your phone charged and save local taxi numbers if you are not driving.