Getting Around Aberdeen
Aberdeen's transport network offers visitors multiple ways to navigate the city. The most practical options depend on your destination and preferences—walking works well in the compact city centre, while buses serve the wider urban area. Understanding how to access these services will help you move around efficiently.
Walking
Walking is an excellent way to explore Aberdeen, particularly in the city centre, which is relatively compact. This is also the best way to appreciate the city's architecture. However, Aberdeen is larger than it first appears—for example, Union Street is a mile long—so you may want wheeled transport for journeys beyond the centre.
The city has a medieval layout, so carrying a map is helpful for first-time visitors. Maps are available at the Tourist Information Centre on the corner of Union Street and Shiprow, and at city bookstores. Signs around the city centre, particularly at points of interest like the Castlegate, also display maps.
Buses
Buses form the main public transport system in Aberdeen. Most city buses are operated by First Aberdeen, with a hub-and-spoke network where most routes run through the city centre—often along Union Street—connecting suburbs and outlying areas. Services typically run every 15 minutes during the day, reducing to every 30 minutes in the evening and on Sundays.
You can pay for buses in cash (exact change only, no change given), by contactless bank card, or using an mTicket purchased online or at PayPoint outlets. Useful routes include buses 1 and 2, which run from the south through Union Square transport hub, then north to the city centre and beyond.
Stagecoach Bluebird operates two cross-city routes: route 59 (between Northfield and Balnagask via the city centre and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary) and route 727 (between Aberdeen Bus Station and Aberdeen Airport).
Long-distance buses to other Scottish cities operate from Union Square bus station or nearby Union Street. Scottish Citylink, Megabus, Ember, and FlixBus provide frequent services to other Scottish cities. Night bus services operate on Friday and Saturday nights, run by First Bus and Stagecoach Bluebird.
Rail Network
Aberdeen has two railway stations. The main city-centre station is located on Guild Street, adjacent to Union Square, which offers a covered interchange with the bus station. The other station in Aberdeen is Dyce, to the north.
ScotRail services connect Aberdeen to six of Scotland's other seven cities, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, plus intermediate destinations. High-speed inter-city services operated by London North Eastern Railway connect Aberdeen to London via Edinburgh on the East Coast Main Line. CrossCountry services link Aberdeen to south-west England and intermediate destinations such as Sheffield, Birmingham, Bristol, and Exeter. The Caledonian Sleeper provides overnight service to London Euston six days a week.
A regular stopping service connects Aberdeen with stations between Inverurie and Montrose.
Aberdeen Railway Station offers a Travel Centre, left-luggage facility, ticket machines, ATMs, shops, and cafés. Step-free access is available to all platforms.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available at the railway station and other central locations. From the airport, a taxi to the city centre typically costs around £25, and to Dyce railway station approximately £15.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Aberdeen Airport is located in the neighbouring town of Dyce, serving UK and European destinations as well as being the world's busiest helicopter terminal for North Sea oil installations.
The most convenient option for reaching the city is the airport bus service. Route 727, operated by Stagecoach Bluebird (branded as the Jet 727), runs regularly between the airport and Aberdeen Bus Station at Union Square in the city centre. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, with services running daily from early morning to midnight.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the city centre, which typically costs around £25. While Dyce railway station exists, it is poorly positioned relative to the airport terminal and requires a lengthy walk, making the bus a far more practical option for most visitors.
City Centre Low Emission Zone
If driving into the city centre, be aware that a Low Emission Zone covers a few blocks around Union Street. Non-compliant vehicles face a £60 penalty. Cars built after 2015 are generally compliant, but you should verify your vehicle's status online before travelling.