Getting to Aberdeen and getting around

How do most visitors arrive?

Aberdeen is well connected for a city on the north-east edge of Scotland. The railway station sits at the southern edge of the city centre, beside the bus station and the Union Square shopping centre, so arriving by train or coach puts you within walking distance of much of the centre. Direct trains run south to Dundee and Edinburgh and on to London, west to Glasgow, and north-west to Inverness, and an overnight sleeper service links the city with London. Long-distance coaches use the bus station next door.

By air

Aberdeen Airport is at Dyce, on the north-western edge of the city, roughly seven miles from the centre. Buses and taxis connect it with the city, and Dyce has its own railway station a short journey from the terminal. Allow plenty of time in the morning rush, when traffic on the routes into town is heaviest.

By sea

Overnight ferries to Orkney and Shetland leave from Aberdeen harbour, close to the station. If you are combining the city with the northern isles, a stay near the harbour makes an early arrival or late departure much easier.

Getting around the city

• On foot: the historic centre, the harbour, Footdee and the beach are all walkable. Old Aberdeen and Duthie Park are a longer walk but pleasant in good weather.
• By bus: a network of local buses covers the city, with many routes along Union Street. Check current fares and ticket options with the operators before you travel.
• By taxi: taxi ranks are found at the station and in the centre; book ahead for late evenings and event nights.
• By car: useful for the countryside, less so in the centre, where parking is limited and the Low Emission Zone applies to the core streets.
• By bike: the Deeside Way follows a former railway line from Duthie Park west towards Banchory and Ballater, and is a good traffic-free route.

Getting around the region

For trips into Aberdeenshire, trains serve Stonehaven to the south and Inverurie and Huntly to the north-west, and regular buses run up Deeside to Banchory, Ballater and Braemar. Many castles and glens, however, are best reached by car. If you plan several countryside days, consider hiring a car for just those days rather than for the whole trip.