Travel and getting around
The Cairngorms National Park is the most northerly National Park in the UK, accessible by road, bus, rail and bike. There are active travel options to try too, whether that be walking, using a wheelchair, or cycling, opening up possibilities to explore parts of the National Park you can't reach by car.
Train travel
In the Cairngorms National Park there are train stations at Blair Atholl, Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carrbridge. You can find information on train timetables, where to book tickets, and organise connections through National Rail.
If you're looking for more of an adventure the Strathspey Steam Railway runs between Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill at Nethy Bridge, giving you the chance to travel to some of the less frequented parts of the National Park.
Alert
Featured
The new fire byelaw
How the Cairngorms National Park Authority and its partners are tackling the threat of wildfires, including details on the recreational fire management byelaw, in place from 1 April to 30 September each year.
Wildlife
The Cairngorms National Park is home to a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species. Its rich habitats are a haven for an array of wildlife, from iconic birds to elusive plants and flowers.
Bus travel
There are regular bus services into the Cairngorms National Park from London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness, as well as local bus services between communities in the National Park, operated by Stagecoach.
The Aviemore Adventurer runs between Aviemore town centre and Cairngorm Mountain seven days a week, with space for bikes and skis, opening up adventures for people who don't have a car, or who want to leave the car at home.
Cycling
Exploring the Cairngorms by bike offers the ultimate feeling of freedom, and with the option to bring bikes on trains, you don't even need access to a car to explore the National Park. Sustrans offer route mapping and advice on National Cycle Routes, to help you know before you go.
The SnowRoads
The SnowRoads scenic route is a 90 mile journey from Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey, following the highest public road in Britain and travelling through the outstanding landscapes of the eastern Cairngorms. The road links the communities of Braemar, Ballater and Tomintoul with a range of natural and cultural attractions.
Along the way three stunning art installations provide opportunities to stop, take a breath and enjoy the wild and beautiful landscapes before you.
Remember this route traverses the highest roads in Britain and it’s called the Snow Roads for good reason! Check the weather forecast and follow any travel warnings.
Traveline Scotland
For directions and an estimate of your journey time visit
Traffic Scotland
Check your journey before you set off for road disruptions and closures
Relevant alerts
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There is an ongoing wildfire situation at Glenmore within the Cairngorms National Park. Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
Due to the this wildfire incident, the following paths and routes are closed:
- All the paths around Loch Morlich, Glenmore and Badaguish are closed.
- The Ryvoan pass is closed, this includes all access to the Green Lochan (Lochan Uaine).
- Routes providing access to Cairngorm, the Northern Corries, Meall a’ Bhuachaille, Strath Nethy and Bynack More should be avoided.
- The Abernethy Forest area to the south of Forest Lodge and towards Ryvoan bothy is closed.