Living in Dundee
Dundee offers a multi-mode transport infrastructure connecting the city locally, regionally, and nationally. Rail, bus, road, air, and limited ferry services support daily commuting and long-distance travel.
Trains
Dundee Railway Station, located in the city centre on South Union Street, lies on the East Coast Main Line and is managed by ScotRail.
It connects to major Scottish and UK cities with direct services. Daily trains run to:
- Aberdeen – 1 hour 13 minutes
- Edinburgh Waverley – 1 hour 15 minutes
- Glasgow Queen Street – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Inverness – 3 hours 15 minutes
- London King’s Cross – 6 hours 30 minutes
Train operators include ScotRail, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), CrossCountry, and Caledonian Sleeper. Services are frequent and support commuting, business travel, and tourism. Rail connections also link with regional towns like Arbroath and Perth.
Buses
Dundee has an extensive public bus network operated by various companies such as:
- Xplore Dundee – covers most city routes
- Stagecoach East Scotland – provides regional services
- Moffat & Williamson – serves rural areas and school routes
Buses connect residential zones, industrial estates, schools, hospitals, shopping centres, and airports. Key destinations for Dundee includes various places like:
- Ninewells Hospital
- Overgate and Wellgate shopping centres
- University of Dundee and Abertay University
- Dundee Airport and Dundee Railway Station
- Edinburgh Airport (via Xplore Dundee’s FLY service)
Smart ticketing is available, and real-time updates are provided via mobile apps and smart bus stops.
Roads
Dundee is strategically connected by major trunk and regional roads.
The A90 dual carriageway runs through Dundee, linking the city to:
- Perth to the south (22 miles)
- Aberdeen to the north (66 miles)
The A92 coastal road provides access to:
- Arbroath, Montrose, Stonehaven
- Tay Road Bridge, offering a direct link to St Andrews and Fife
The city has multiple access points to arterial roads. Urban mobility is supported by traffic signals, pedestrian zones, cycle lanes, and bus-priority routes. Public car parks and electric vehicle charging points are widely available.
Ferries
Dundee has no major passenger ferry terminals. Limited seasonal boat services may operate between Dundee Harbour and Broughty Ferry for leisure and tourism, offering scenic views of the River Tay, popular among cyclists and walkers. These are not part of the public transport network and are not year-round.
Dundee Port is used primarily for freight, renewable energy shipping, and occasional cruise ship arrivals.
Airport
city centre in Riverside.
It offers scheduled flights to:
- London Heathrow (daily service by Loganair)
The airport supports general aviation, private charters, and emergency services. Its location near the city centre makes it accessible by car, taxi, or bus.
Edinburgh Airport is Dundee’s nearest major international airport, located 58 miles southwest.
- Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes by car, or around 1 hour 40 minutes via train and tram
- Airlines: Includes British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Emirates, KLM
- Destinations: Over 150, including:
- UK cities: London, Manchester, Bristol
- Europe: Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Rome
- North America & Middle East: New York, Doha, Dubai
Edinburgh Airport serves as the main international gateway for Dundee residents and businesses seeking global access.
Cycling and Walking in Dundee
Dundee supports active travel with more cycle paths and walking routes to encourage sustainable and healthy transport.
Walking in Dundee
- Dundee Green Circular: A 26-mile scenic loop connecting green spaces like Camperdown Park and Broughty Ferry, ideal for pedestrians and cyclists.
- City Centre Paths: Pedestrian-priority zones with level surfaces, lighting, and crossings, especially around the Waterfront and Murraygate.
- Low Emission Zone (LEZ): Implemented in 2024, the LEZ restricts high-pollution vehicles in the city centre, enhancing air quality for walkers.
- Signposted Routes: Clear signage links transport hubs, schools, and attractions like V&A Dundee and Broughty Castle.
Cycling in Dundee
- Cycle Paths: Over 40 miles of dedicated routes, including Riverside Drive cycleway, NCN Route 77 to Perth, and segregated Arbroath Road lanes.
- Bike Hire: E-bike trials and private bike hire options are available, with docking stations at key locations (check Dundee City Council for updates).
- Bike Shelters: Covered, secure shelters near Dundee Railway Station, universities, and shopping centres.
- Ongoing Projects: Initiatives like Spaces for People and Active Travel Dundee continue to expand safe cycling infrastructure with new lanes and traffic calming measures.
Cycling maps, safety guidelines, and maintenance resources are accessible via Dundee City Council’s website and apps like Sustrans.