As Aberdeen prepares to welcome the world-famous Tall Ships Races, LNER has announced it will be running additional weekend services to help the thousands of people expected to travel to the event by train.
Aberdeen will be hosting the prestigious free four-day festival between the 19th and 22nd July 2025, with dozens of vessels providing a spectacular sight for visitors, who will also get an opportunity to climb aboard and explore the incredible ships. Live music and entertainment across three stage, street food, STEM activities and more are also planned as part of the celebrations.
Close to 2,000 extra LNER seats will be available over the weekend*. These are in addition to around 17,000 seats already available on existing LNER trains to and from the Granite city across the four-day event.
To mark its commitment to the city, LNER will also be headline sponsor of the Family Stage at the Tall Ships Races event. Set within the Family Zone at Blaikie’s Quay, the stage will host children’s entertainment across the weekend, alongside a giant sandpit and Ferris wheel for families to enjoy during their visit.
David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said: “We are delighted that LNER will play an important part in this year’s Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen – a spectacular event that celebrates ambition, adventure, and community, all values we share at LNER.
“We have additional services planned for the weekend, providing thousands of extra seats across the weekend to help transport as many people as we can by train. We’re also excited to see the LNER Family Stage come to life as family visitors explore everything that the event has to offer.
“We are proud to serve Aberdeen and connect people to the city’s vibrant culture, stunning coastline, and rich maritime heritage, and we’re delighted to play our part in welcoming visitors from near and far.”
Aberdeen Azuma - Credit: Jim Ramsay
Emma Wadee, Aberdeen City Council’s Project Manager for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, said:
“There’s fun for all ages at the Tall Ships Races – whether you’re bringing the kids or staying for the adventure. LNER’s extra train services, along with their support as sponsor of the Family Stage, will help make it a fantastic event. We look forward to welcoming people from across Scotland to the Granite City and taking the train is a great way to get here!”
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our region is prepped and ready to go to host the Tall Ships Races this year. We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the Granite city and we’re grateful to LNER who have added extra services to help as many people as possible travel to Aberdeen by train throughout the event. The races are expected to bring a huge boost to the local economy as we, once again, prove that Aberdeen can successfully host events on the international stage.”
With services expected to be busy, customers are reminded to:
- Be seat sure: Free seat reservations can be made, with a valid ticket, on the LNER website and app.
- Travel with what you can carry: If you’re travelling with luggage, make sure it is manageable.
- Know that ‘Every Case Has Its Place’: Rucksacks, holdalls, and small & medium sized cases will fit under your seat or in the overhead luggage racks. Only large cases should be placed in the end-of-carriage luggage racks. There’s also space between the seats, too!
- Give yourself plenty of time: Arrive at your departure station in good time ahead of your journey to find your platform and board the right train.
For the latest travel advice, visit: https://www.lner.co.uk/travel-information/travelling-now/travel-alerts/
Boat party offer
On behalf of LNER Managing Director David Horne, the Chamber is delighted to invite some of its members to join us at the exclusive LNER deck party during The Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen.
- Date: Monday, 21 July 2025
- Time: 18:00 - 20:00
- Location: Onboard the beautiful Class A tall ship, Belem
This special event will feature insights from David Horne, alongside Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of the Chamber. It promises to be an evening of engaging conversation and networking, set against the stunning backdrop of the Tall Ships. Local artists will also provide performances throughout the evening.
To register your attendance RSVP via Eventbrite by clicking here. (Please note, places are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)