ScotRail is encouraging customers to travel by train as the world-famous Tall Ships Races return to Aberdeen from Saturday, 19 July to Tuesday, 22 July.
The event is billed as Europe’s largest free family festival and is expected to attract 400,000 visits to the Granite City, where almost 50 spectacular vessels will be docked in the harbour.
It marks the first time The Tall Ships Races have visited Aberdeen since 1997, and with Aberdeen station just a short walk to the site entrance at the top of Marischal Street, taking the train is the easiest way for families, friends, and sea-faring enthusiasts to dive straight into the festival atmosphere, avoiding any road traffic or parking.
To support travel, ScotRail will be adding extra carriages to services to and from Aberdeen throughout the event, and running additional late-night trains after the Quayside Concerts on the Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday night.
The additional services will depart at:
- 23:40 Aberdeen to Montrose.
- 23:43 Aberdeen to Inverurie.
Extra staff will be on hand to help direct customers onto trains, and ensure they have the best possible experience when travelling.
The train operator is encouraging customers to buy their train tickets in advance through any of the available options, which include online, mTickets on the ScotRail app, at a ticket office, or by using a self-service ticket machine.
For more information to help plan their journey, customers are also encouraged to visit ScotRail’s dedicated Tall Ships webpage.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:
“The return of The Tall Ships Races to Aberdeen is shaping up to be a fantastic occasion, and we’re proud to play our part in helping people get to and from the city smoothly.
“With extra capacity on key routes and additional late-night trains across the event, we’re making it as easy as possible to enjoy the event and soak up the incredible atmosphere.”
Emma Wadee, Aberdeen City Council’s Project Manager for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, said:
“We can’t wait to welcome visitors from near and far to the return of The Tall Ships Races.
“With ScotRail providing extra seats and late-night trains, it’s never been easier to travel sustainably and be part of the incredible atmosphere that will light up the city.
“We’re grateful for their support in helping everyone enjoy what will be an amazing event.”
