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Getting to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is easier than you might think. Whether you’re flying in, taking the train, driving through scenic countryside or arriving by bus, we’ve gathered all the options to make your journey smooth. Learn about flights to the region, railway links from across the UK, coach routes and how to get around once you arrive, including public transport, car hire and local transfers.
By Air
Touch down in the heart of Scotland’s North-east with a flight to Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ). With daily flights from UK cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham, plus direct routes from Europe including Amsterdam, Paris and Dublin, getting here by air couldn’t be easier.
The airport is just minutes from Aberdeen city centre, with reliable bus links, taxis and car hire available on arrival. Whether you’re here for a weekend break or exploring Aberdeenshire’s countryside, coast and castles, your adventure begins as soon as you land.
Airport Transfers
Getting from Aberdeen International Airport to the city center is straightforward:
- By Bus: The Stagecoach Jet Service 727 runs every 10–20 minutes
- By Taxi: Available directly outside the terminal or you can pre-book your taxi ahead of your flight.
- By Car Hire: Major rental companies have desks at the airport, making it easy to start exploring the region immediately.
Travel Time
- Aberdeen International Airport → Aberdeen City Centre: ~20 minutes by car/taxi or ~30 minutes by bus.
- Convenient access to the A96 and A90 makes it easy to explore Aberdeen city, the scenic coastline, and the rolling countryside of Aberdeenshire.
Accessibility & Facilities
The airport offers a wide range of passenger services, including:
- Accessible assistance for those with reduced mobility
- Shops, restaurants and lounges
- Currency exchange and cash machines
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Aberdeen Airport Canine Crew to reduce stress and anxiety
By Train
Aberdeen railway station offers direct connections to major UK cities, making train travel a convenient way to reach Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire. Services run from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness and London King’s Cross (via the LNER route), as well as overnight options with the Caledonian Sleeper.
The station is located in the city centre, within walking distance of shops, hotels and attractions. From here, it’s easy to continue your journey by bus, taxi or car hire to explore Aberdeenshire countryside, castles and coast. With scenic routes along the way, travelling by train is a relaxing and sustainable option for visitors
Routes & Services
- Scotland connections: Frequent Scotrail services from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness and Perth.
- England connections: LNER runs direct trains from London King’s Cross via Edinburgh, while CrossCountry links Birmingham, Newcastle, and beyond.
- Overnight option: The Caledonian Sleeper connects Aberdeen directly with London Euston. From January 2026, a new overnight service from Birmingham will be available.
Travel Time
- Edinburgh → Aberdeen: approx. 2 hr 30 min
- Glasgow → Aberdeen: approx. 2 hr 40 min
- London → Aberdeen: 7 hr direct (daytime), overnight via Caledonian Sleeper
Station Facilities
Aberdeen railway station offers:
- Ticket office and automated machines
- Shops, cafés and waiting areas
- Step-free access and mobility assistance
- Taxi rank and local bus stops right outside
By Road
Driving to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire gives you the freedom to explore the region’s city, country and coast at your own pace. Aberdeen is linked by the A90 from the South (via Dundee and Edinburgh) and the North (from Fraserburgh and Peterhead). The A96 connects Aberdeen with Inverness, passing through the scenic Speyside whisky region.
Car hire is available at Aberdeen International Airport, the railway station and in the city centre. Major routes are well-signposted and parking is available across the city. Driving also opens up Aberdeenshire’s famous Castle Trail, the Cairngorms National Park and picturesque fishing villages. Plan ahead for longer journeys and always check traffic updates before you travel.
Main Routes
- From the South: The A90 connects Aberdeen to Dundee (1 hr 15 min) and Edinburgh (2 hr 30 min).
- From the North: The A90 also links to Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
- From the West: The A96 connects Aberdeen to Inverness via Elgin and the Speyside whisky region (approx. 3 hr).
Scenic Driving Options
- Castle Trail: Follow a route to explore 263 castles across Aberdeenshire.
- Coastal Drive: Explore fishing villages like Stonehaven, Collieston and Pennan
- Cairngorms National Park: Access mountain landscapes via the A93, the UK’s highest public road.
Parking & Car Hire
- City centre car parks are well signposted and available for both short and long stays.
- Car hire companies operate from Aberdeen International Airport, the railway station, and city locations.
By bus
Travelling to Aberdeen by coach is a cost-effective and comfortable option, with direct routes from major UK cities. National Express and Megabus run regular services connecting Aberdeen with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness, and London.
Aberdeen Bus Station is located next to the railway station in the city centre, making onward travel easy by local bus, taxi, or hire car. Within the region, Stagecoach offers extensive bus services to towns and villages across Aberdeenshire, from coastal communities to countryside escapes. With modern coaches offering Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, travelling by bus or coach is a stress-free way to reach the North-east of Scotland
Coach Services
- National Express: Long-distance connections from London, Birmingham, and Northern England.
- Megabus: Budget services linking Aberdeen with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness, and beyond.
- Scottish Citylink: Regional services across Scotland.
- FlixBus: Modern, affordable coach services connecting Aberdeen with major UK cities and European destinations, offering free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating.
- Ember: Scotland’s first all-electric coach network, offering sustainable travel to Aberdeen with onboard Wi-Fi, charging points and zero-emission journeys.
Aberdeen Bus Station
- Located next to Aberdeen railway station in Union Square.
- Facilities include ticket desks, seating areas, toilets, shops and cafés.
- Easy transfers to local buses, rail, taxis and the airport bus service.
Local & Regional Buses
- Stagecoach operates extensive services throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
- First Bus provides key routes connecting Aberdeen city, surrounding areas and nearby towns.
By Sea
Visiting Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire by sea offers a scenic and flexible travel option, especially for those bringing vehicles or looking for a unique journey.
Aberdeen Ferry Terminal is located in the heart of city at Jamieson’s Quay, a ten minute walk from the bus and train station.
The centrally located harbour is where ferries travel regularly to and from the Scottish Isles, Orkney and Shetland.
Check ferry schedules in advance and book early to secure your travel plans.
Facilities include:
- Ticket sales and enquiries.
- Tourist information.
- Left luggage.
- Vending machines with snacks and hot and cold drinks.
- Toilets.
- Lift, accessible toilet and accessible entry.
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