Passenger statistics reveal busiest north-east railway stations in 2024

Aberdeen leads the way as the most frequented station in Scotland's north-east.

Overview of railway station usage

Recent statistics released by the Office for Rail and Road have unveiled the passenger usage numbers for railway stations across the north-east of Scotland. The data, collected from April 2023 to March 2024, provides a comprehensive look at how each station ranks in terms of entries and exits.

This information is vital for understanding travel patterns and improving railway services in the region.

Top stations in the north-east

Leading the list is Aberdeen train station, which recorded a staggering 2,287,858 total entries and exits. This figure highlights Aberdeen’s significance as a transportation hub, with the majority of passengers originating from Inverurie station.

Notably, Aberdeen ranks as the 230th most popular station in the UK, showcasing its importance not just locally but nationally.

Following Aberdeen, Stonehaven secured the second position with 448,104 entries and exits, of which more than half were linked to Aberdeen itself. Stonehaven’s ranking stands at 875th in the UK, indicating a solid level of usage.

Other notable stations

Inverurie, with a total of 358,140 passengers, ranks 994th in the UK, while Dyce recorded 301,878 passengers, primarily traveling to and from Aberdeen. Kintore and Portlethen follow, with passenger numbers of 118,514 and 1,304,214, respectively. Laurencekirk, Insch, and Huntly round out the list of the busiest stations in the region, with passenger counts of 80,682, 61,436, and 60,956.

Moray station rankings

In the Moray area, Elgin station emerged as the busiest, accommodating 284,140 passengers, earning it a 1,141st rank in the UK. Following Elgin, Forres and Keith recorded 129,646 and 71,474 passengers, respectively, placing them at 1,565th and 1,847th in the national rankings. These statistics reflect the varying levels of railway usage across the region, highlighting the importance of each station in facilitating travel.

Implications for future railway services

The insights gained from these statistics are crucial for railway operators and local authorities. Understanding passenger trends can lead to improved services, better scheduling, and enhanced facilities at the busiest stations. As travel patterns evolve, it is essential to adapt to the needs of passengers to ensure a reliable and efficient railway network in Scotland’s north-east.