Dundee, perched in the Lowlands of Scotland, is nicknamed the City of Discovery. While this nickname is a tribute to the RRS Discovery - the historic ship that carried Captain Scott on an Antarctic expedition – it also captures the spirit of the city.
As the first Scottish city granted official status by Queen Victoria, Dundee has a strong cultural legacy. Today, it’s the place to be for art, food, and shopping, so why not hop on a CrossCountry train to Dundee?
Train tickets to Dundee
To reach Dundee station by train, you can rely on CrossCountry. Just hop on one of our services from Aberdeen. The journey, which takes just over an hour, stops at other key Scottish locations such as Stonehaven and Montrose. You can also visit Dundee from elsewhere in Scotland and the rest of the UK, including from Birmingham New Street and Edinburgh Waverley.
Be sure to book an Advance Ticket on our website or the CrossCountry app before you travel to ensure you’re getting the right price for you. You can also save money by purchasing a Railcard. Our popular options include the 16-25 Railcard and the 26-30 Railcard.
FAQs
The main train station in the city is Dundee.
Dundee Train Station is located right on the shores of the River Tay, in the heart of the city. This location offers great views sweeping into the city across the water and it makes it the perfect place to start exploring the city.
Dundee has its own small airport where you can fly to regional destinations like London City and Belfast.
Dundee’s closest international airport is Edinburgh Airport. The easiest way to get there via public transport is by hopping on a CrossCountry train to Edinburgh Waverly which takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. From here, walk 5 minutes to St Andrew Square and hop on the TRAM for 30 minutes to arrive at the terminal.
There are ways to find cheap trains to Dundee. Purchasing a railcard is a great idea if you’re eligible as you can save ⅓ on every single journey you take! It quickly pays for itself if you travel frequently. It’s also worth taking a look at two single tickets rather than a return, as this can sometimes work out cheaper. We have student deals too. Visit our cheap tickets page for loads more tips on finding affordable trains to Dundee.
For further information about the station in Dundee, check out our station guide.
Experience Dundee
Places to eat in Dundee
Dundee is a great place to visit for both traditional Scottish food and global cuisines. Start your day with a spectacular brunch at New Zealand-inspired café – The Bach. The Son of the Bach is a staple on their menu with smoked streaky bacon, sausage, Stornoway black pudding, and the works.
For some extra fuel for your adventures, grab a lunch deal at Mana Coffee, where you can enjoy the soup of the day and a generously filled focaccia sandwich, plus expertly brewed coffee.
For dinner, Gallery 48 tapas bar offers an exquisite and social dining experience, with highlights like patatas bravas, crab-stuffed peppers, and chorizo and pancetta stew. The Ship Inn is another great option that will take you to the city’s peaceful waterfront. Enjoy picturesque views of the River Tay while tucking into a plate of Arbroath haddock, wholetail Scottish scampi, or homemade steak pie.
Places to stay in Dundee
There are lots of comfortable places to stay within walking distance of Dundee station. Malmaison is an incredible hotel with generously sized rooms, a stylish brasserie and bar, and a lovely afternoon tea menu. It’s a two-minute walk from the train station and close to some of the city’s best attractions, like the RRS Discovery and the V&A Dundee.
There’s also a 4-star hotel and spa on the quay – the Apex. This hotel offers guests a view across the water. It’s within walking distance of some of Dundee’s top attractions and just a ten-minute walk from the station. Their bar & grill boasts delicious locally sourced seafood, and the spa is the perfect place to go for some tranquillity and relaxation.
Alongside the luxury on offer in Dundee, you’ve also got a wide range of budget-friendly hotels, like Premier Inn and Travelodge, as well as the Dundee Backpackers Hostel.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Culture and heritage in Dundee
Art lovers visiting Dundee shouldn’t miss the V&A Dundee, an art and design museum on the riverfront. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the building features two twisting, upside-down pyramids with no straight concrete walls, responding to the fluidity of the surrounding water. Admission is free to the gallery, and there is a range of exciting exhibitions to explore, ranging from the power of embroidery to the aesthetics of club culture.
The McManus Art Gallery and Museum is an example of a classical museum housing more traditional art and artefacts. The space is home to art that explores the social history of Dundee (nicknamed the People's Museum), as well as stunning examples of Modern and Victorian artwork.
Throughout the year, there is a range of cultural events taking place in Dundee. WestFest takes place on Magdalen Green annually. It’s a free festival with live music, kids' activities, food, and plenty of stalls to engage with. The events and venues ready to be explored in Dundee are a part of the city's dynamic and diverse culture and heritage, contributing to an unforgettable trip in the East of Scotland.
Shopping in Dundee
There are lots of independent shops and boutiques in Dundee, which are ideal for lovers of wandering and window shopping. To get you started, check out these three local gems. First up, head to Le Freak Records for varied vinyl and music merch. They often host intimate in-store gigs with renowned DJs from all over the world.
Next, step into The Bookhouse, a charming family-run bookstore where literature is everywhere you look, ideal for losing track of time while chasing your imagination. Finally, don’t miss The Botanist & The Bee, a tropical paradise filled with houseplants, terrariums, and stylish pots.
If you’re searching for your high street favourites, Overgate Shopping Centre is the answer. The shopping centre has everything from gifts and fashion to sports and technology. It’s located on Reform Street, a ten-minute walk from Dundee station.
