Living in Montrose

Area Guide Transport Universities Council Tax

Montrose enjoys robust transport links, connecting the town locally, regionally, and nationally via rail, bus, road, air, cycling, and walking. While ferry services are limited, the town’s infrastructure supports seamless travel for commuters, residents, and visitors.

Trains

Montrose Railway Station, centrally located on Basin View, is on the East Coast Main Line, managed by ScotRail. It offers direct services to:

  • Aberdeen – 45 minutes
  • Dundee – 40 minutes
  • Edinburgh Waverley – 2 hours
  • Glasgow Queen Street – 2 hours 15 minutes (via Dundee)
  • London King’s Cross – 7 hours 15 minutes (via ScotRail)

Operators include ScotRail, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), and CrossCountry. Frequent services support commuting and leisure travel, with connections to nearby towns like Arbroath and Laurencekirk.

Buses

Montrose’s bus network, operated by Stagecoach East Scotland and Moffat & Williamson, connects the town centre, residential areas, and regional destinations. Key routes serve:

  • Dundee (via Arbroath)
  • Aberdeen (via Stonehaven)
  • Local areas like Ferryden, Borrowfield, and Brechin
  • Montrose Academy, shops, and healthcare facilities

Smart ticketing and real-time updates are available via apps and digital bus stops. Regional services link to Ninewells Hospital and Dundee’s universities.

Roads

Montrose is well-connected by major roads:

  • A92 – Links to Dundee (south, 20 miles) and Arbroath (8 miles) along the coast.
  • A935 – Connects to Brechin and inland Angus.
  • A937 – Provides access north to Laurencekirk and the A90 for Aberdeen (40 miles).

The town’s grid layout supports easy navigation, with public car parks, electric vehicle charging points, and pedestrian-friendly zones in the High Street area.

Ferries

Montrose has no regular passenger ferry services. Seasonal leisure boat trips may operate from Montrose Harbour to nearby coastal spots like Lunan Bay, offering scenic views for tourists and cyclists. The harbour primarily handles freight and occasional cruise ship visits.

Airports

Montrose has no local airport. The nearest options are:

  • Dundee Airport (22 miles, 30 minutes by car)
    • Flights to London Heathrow via Loganair.
    • Accessible by car, taxi, or bus (via Dundee).
  • Aberdeen International Airport (40 miles, 50 minutes by car)
    • Destinations include London, Amsterdam, Oslo, and UK cities.
    • Reachable by car or train (via Aberdeen station).
  • Edinburgh Airport (80 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes by car or 2 hours 30 minutes by train/tram)
    • Over 150 global destinations, including Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
    • Preferred for international travel.

Cycling and Walking in Montrose

Montrose promotes active travel with dedicated paths and scenic routes, enhancing sustainability and health.

Walking in Montrose

  • Montrose Basin Trail – A 6-mile loop around the basin, ideal for wildlife spotting and relaxed strolls.
  • High Street Pedestrian Zone – Safe, level paths with lighting and crossings, linking shops, cafes, and the station.
  • Coastal Path – Connects Montrose Beach to Lunan Bay, offering sea views and cliffside walks.
  • Signage – Clear markers guide walkers to attractions like the House of Dun and Montrose Air Station.

Cycling in Montrose

  • National Cycle Network Route 1 – Runs through Montrose, connecting Dundee to Aberdeen along coastal paths.
  • Basin Cycleway – A flat, scenic route around the Montrose Basin, perfect for leisurely rides.
  • Bike Hire – Limited e-bike hire available via local initiatives (check Angus Council updates).
  • Shelters – Secure bike storage near the station and High Street.
  • Ongoing Projects – Angus Council’s Active Travel plans add new lanes and traffic calming measures.

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