4 Ways How To Get From Edinburgh To Balmoral Castle (Scotland)

Are you looking for ways how to get from Edinburgh to Balmoral Castle in Scotland? Fancy seeing the Scottish home of the Royal Family up close? Balmoral Castle is a few hours away from beautiful Edinburgh.

You can reach Balmoral Castle from Edinburgh by train, bus, car or tour. The road distance between Edinburgh and Balmoral Castle is 165.2 kilometres or 102.7 miles while the direct distance is 122.3 kilometres or 76 miles. It takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes to travel this distance by car. 

The travel from Edinburgh to Balmoral Castle isn’t as straightforward as I would like, but it is definitely possible to journey between the two destinations, be it via public or private transport. 

How to get from Edinburgh to Balmoral Castle

OPTION 1: How to get from Edinburgh to Balmoral Castle by Train

• Travel Duration: about 4 hours and 25 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £24.40

There is no train station that will take you directly to Balmoral Castle from Edinburgh. The nearest one would be Aberdeen, which is still 47 miles away from your destination.

Here is a sample train schedule that you can use as a guide:

Train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen

From Aberdeen, you can take a taxi or bus, depending on your willingness to do multiple transfers. Allot at least two hours more to travel from Aberdeen to Balmoral Castle.

If you are taking a bus, Stagecoach can take you from Aberdeen to Balmoral Castle via 201 Bus. The cost for this leg starts at £11.50 and the trip takes more or less 2 hours to finish.

CHECK FOR THE BEST TRAIN DEALS!

If you are looking to travel by train for your upcoming trip to the UK, I recommend searching for the best train fares with Omio. They are a one-stop shop for trains, buses, flights, and ferries so you can get the best travel deals that suit your budget and schedule.

OPTION 2: How to get from Edinburgh to Balmoral Castle by Bus

• Travel Duration: about 7 hours and 22 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £50

Consider taking the bus if you do not mind riding at least four buses to reach Balmoral Castle from Edinburgh. 

Here is one sample route which you will have to take:

1. Take the M92 MegaBus from Edinburgh Bus Station to Aberdeen Bus Station
2. Change to 201 Bus from Union Square Bus Station to Banchory
3. Change to 201 Bus from Banchory to Ballater
4. Change to 201 Bus from Ballater to Braemar, stopping at Crathie, Balmoral Road End bus stop.

Alternatively, you can also catch a bus from Edinburgh Bus Station going to Pitlochry or Aviemore. From there, you can take a taxi to Balmoral Castle. 

If you are taking Stagecoach, this is how it is going to be:

1. Take Bus X54 from Edinburgh Bus Station to Dundee City Centre
2. Change to X7 from Dundee City Centre, Seagate Bus Station to Holburn, Holburn Junction
3. Change to 201 Bus from Holburn, Holburn Junction to Banchory, Mount Street
4. Change to 201 Bus from Banchory, Mount Street to Ballater, Golf Road
5. Change to 201 Bus from Ballater, Golf Road and arrive at Crathie, Balmoral Road End bus stop.

CHECK FOR THE BEST COACH / BUS DEALS!

If you are planning to travel via coach or bus for your upcoming UK trip, I recommend searching for the best coach or bus fare deals with Trainline. They have a great network of coach or bus services across the four corners of the United Kingdom.

OPTION 3: How to get from Edinburgh to Balmoral Castle by Tour

• Travel Duration: 3 days
• Travel Fare: from £498.25

Make a full trip out of your journey to Balmoral Castle by joining a group tour from Edinburgh. Hosted by Get Your Guide, this Speyside Whisky Trail 3-Day Small Group Tour includes not only a visit to the castle but also to key destinations in Cairngorm, Speyside, and Royal Deeside.

Your mode of transportation is a luxury mini coach shared with a small group. Then, you will be travelling amongst the scenic beauty of the Scottish Highlands for three days. A professional driver and experienced guide will be with you throughout the tour. 

OPTION 4: How to get from Edinburgh to Balmoral Castle by Car

• Travel Duration: 2 hours and 22 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £88.69

You can choose to drive from Edinburgh to Baltimore Castle if driving is something you have done in the UK before. If not, you might want to check out my UK driving tips before considering this option.

To drive a car from Edinburgh to Balmoral Castle, you have to travel for about 102 miles via M90 and A93. Along the way, you’ll see signs that point you to Balmoral Castle so you’ll have no trouble finding it.

CHECK FOR THE BEST CAR RENTAL DEALS!

If you are planning to book a car rental for your upcoming trip. I recommend searching for the best car rental deals with Discover Cars. They have a variety of options and the best comparison of car rental rates, so you can get the best deal for your budget.

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