What is Arbroath famous for?

It is famous for the Declaration of Arbroath and the Arbroath Smokie.

Is there a direct train?

No, you must change at Inverness and Aberdeen.

How far is Arbroath from Dornoch?

It is approximately 260 km by road.

Can I visit the Abbey?

Yes, it is open to the public throughout the year.

Yes, Arbroath is generally considered a safe and friendly town.

Dornoch

Arbroath

Train Driving

Dornoch to Arbroath

Updated: 28 May 2026

Arbroath is located on the Angus coast, approximately 260 km from Dornoch. The most efficient way to travel is by driving via the A9 and A90, which takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the train from Tain to Inverness, then connect to a service towards Arbroath via Aberdeen. The rail route offers spectacular views of the Scottish coastline. Both options provide a comfortable way to reach this historic town.

Total Distance: 260 km driving distance; 195 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest method, taking approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper for multiple passengers.

Compare Dornoch to Arbroath Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	5 hours 30 mins	4 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	70-100 GBP	50-70 GBP in fuel
Operator	ScotRail	N/A
Route	Tain to Inverness, then Inverness to Arbroath via Aberdeen.	A9 south to Perth, then A90 towards Dundee and Arbroath.
Tip	Check for engineering works on the Aberdeen-Arbroath line before travelling.	The A90 is a fast, dual-carriageway road.

Travel Tips

Arbroath Smokie
You must try the local Arbroath Smokie, a traditional smoked haddock delicacy.
Train Booking
Use the ScotRail website to find off-peak tickets for significant savings.
Parking
Arbroath has several pay-and-display car parks near the town centre.
Walking
The town is very walkable, especially around the harbour and abbey.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available on most modern ScotRail trains.

Safety Tips

Coastal Safety
Be careful near the cliffs and harbour edges, especially during high tide.
Road Safety
The A90 can be prone to fog; drive with your lights on if visibility is low.
Station Safety
Keep your luggage with you at all times in busy stations.
Emergency
Dial 999 for emergency services if required.