ScotRail 1A50 Train from Inverness to Aberdeen
Heading back to Edinburgh, I went on the longer coastal route via Aberdeen for more train rides, and the advance fare was also somehow cheaper than the direct Inverness to Edinburgh. My first leg of the journey started with ScotRail 1A50 from Inverness to Aberdeen.
Inverness Railway Station
The façade of Inverness Railway Station.
My platform was not displayed yet despite the impending departure, but thankfully Inverness Railway Station is small enough to not be dashing to the platform no matter which it is.
The main gate line leads to Platforms 3 to 6.
On Platform 3, there is a Class 170 Turbostar DMU with Aberdeen displayed as its destination, but the train information is not displayed on the platform yet. Nevertheless, based on track layout, this train should be it.
The wye layout of Inverness Railway Station.
ScotRail 1A50
My ScotRail 1A50 train from Inverness to Aberdeen.
The interior of the ScotRail Class 170 Turbostar with a mix of airline-style and table seats.
I picked a table seat as the train was not too busy so I could get more legroom and space to myself.
3-pin power sockets are available by the bulkhead beside the window seats.
My ScotRail 1A50 train departed on time from Inverness at 11.02am.
Passing by Inverness Depot.
Passing by the then-future Inverness Airport Railway Station. Inverness Airport Railway Station has since opened on 2 February 2023.
Passing by Inverness Airport.
Passing by Nairn West Signal Box.
Nairn Railway Station
Making a brief stop at Nairn Railway Station and crossing with a Class 158 Sprinter bound for Inverness.
Passing by Nairn East Signal Box.
Forres Railway Station
Making a brief stop at Forres Railway Station.
Whistle signs can be found before unmanned crossings.
Elgin Railway Station
Making a brief stop at Elgin Railway Station where more passengers were waiting.
Halfway through the journey, it’s time for a toilet visit.
A spacious wheelchair-accessible toilet is available on board.
Keith Railway Station
Making a brief stop at Keith Railway Station.
Passing by Keith Signal Box.
Barrels of Chivas Regal whisky in the Strathisla distillery at Keith.
Huntly Railway Station
Making a brief stop at Huntly Railway Station.
Semaphores are still in active operation on this line.
More greenery along the way.
Passing by Insch Signal Box.
Insch Railway Station
Making a brief stop at Insch Railway Station.
Departing from Insch Railway Station pass a semaphore.
Inverurie Railway Station
Making a brief stop at Inverurie Railway Station.
Kintore Railway Station
Making a brief stop at Kintore Railway Station.
Passing by the River Don.
Dyce Railway Station
Making a brief stop at Dyce Railway Station.
Dyce is the nearest railway station to Aberdeen Airport, but the station and terminal is divided by the runway, and there is no direct bus service linking the two.
Passing by Berryden Junction for the freight line towards Regent Quay.
Entering Aberdeen Railway Station.
Aberdeen Railway Station
My ScotRail 1A50 train arrived at Aberdeen on time at 1.09pm.
Heading out from the platforms as I have a 47-minute layover at Aberdeen.
The concourse of Aberdeen Railway Station was undergoing renovations during my visit.
My next train to Edinburgh would be departing from Platform 3.
Heading out of Aberdeen Railway Station.
Union Square Shopping Centre Aberdeen
What I thought was the exit out of Aberdeen Railway Station led me to Union Square Shopping Centre Aberdeen.
The façade of Aberdeen Railway Station is now covered and integrated as part of Union Square.
The façade of Union Square and the entrance to Aberdeen Railway Station.
Union Square is a city shopping mall with the usual tenants and food and beverage outlets.
Conclusion
It was a pleasant ride on board the Turbostar from Inverness to Aberdeen with a table to myself throughout the ride. This coastal journey back to Edinburgh also allows me to check off Aberdeen as another Scottish city that I have stepped in to.