By Gordon Walker
If there is no direct air link, the area enjoys excellent links with all the major European hubs which provide a plentiful supply of onward travel connections. And if you’re travelling north from elsewhere in the UK, you’ll find that Aberdeenshire also enjoys excellent road and rail connections with the rest of the country.
Getting here
By air
Aberdeen Airport, the third-busiest airport in Scotland and Europe’s busiest commercial airport, is situated six miles north west of the city centre and offers easy access to the surrounding area. There are flights to Aberdeenshire from over 40 destinations. These are from throughout the UK, including daily flights to and from London, as well as many international destinations. Many low-cost fares are available from airlines such as British Airways, Ryanair and EasyJet. There are direct flights to over 40 destinations including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Dublin, Stavanger and Bergen, plus a range of direct charter flights to a number of holiday destinations, 26 flights per day to and from London and more than 3.1 million passengers a year.
By coach
Aberdeenshire has coach operators that provide links to major cities throughout the UK. The main operators are Scottish Citylink and National Express. For the visitor, whether for business or pleasure, there are numerous bus and coach tours and day trips available. Choose from a variety of independent coach operators or, alternatively, First Group may be able to arrange a scheduled excursion or a First Group private hire.
By rail
There are 10 trains a day to Inverness and 28 trains a day to Dundee. In addition there are regular services to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Aberdeen Airport
The South
Connections south can be made from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Three direct trains take you to and from London or you can take the option of using the overnight sleeper service so you awake refreshed at your destination. Direct services are also available to Birmingham, Plymouth and Manchester.
By road
Aberdeen is accessible by road from Edinburgh or Glasgow in around two hours. Follow the M9 north to Perth and then the A90 trunk road to Aberdeen. Alternatively if you wish to take in some more of the area’s scenery on your journey follow either the A92 north from Dundee or the A93 from Perth.
By sea
Aberdeen Harbour is a world-class port annually handling around 6,500 vessel arrivals and around four million tonnes of cargo. It’s new £350 million expansion is due for completion in 2020, allowing larger vessels, including larger cruise ships, to berth alongside.
Ferries and facilities Aberdeen Harbour has a growing tourism market with increasing numbers of cruise ships arriving each year as well as scheduled ferries and/or cargo services run to Orkney, Shetland, Norway, the Continent and elsewhere. Northlink Ferries sail daily to and from Orkney and Shetland from the Scottish mainland calling at Aberdeen, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Scrabster and Stromness ferry ports.
Aberdeen Harbour is a world-class port annually handling around 6,500 vessel arrivals and around four million tonnes of cargo
Getting around
By foot
Aberdeen is best explored by foot as key attractions are all within close proximity and this means you can get around quickly.
By taxi
There are numerous taxi companies operating in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Taxis can take you to and from the airport, ferry terminal or train stations and help you to get about whilst you’re here. Several taxi ranks are located in and around the city centre, but mainly at the train station on Guild Street, on Chapel Street, Back Wynd and Market Street. Smaller ranks can also be found in Dee Street and Justice Mill Lane.
By bus
Both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire can be easily explored by most modes of transport with public buses operating throughout the area. Buses within Aberdeen require the exact fare, so remember to have some change ready or buy a Farecard from local shops. Park & Ride facilities are available and late-night bus services run at the weekends. There are also services to and from Aberdeen Airport.
Train making its way into Aberdeen’s railway station
Maps of all First city bus routes are available to download and timetables for First and Stagecoach are also available. First Group, an international rail and bus company with its headquarters in Aberdeen, operate a high frequency network of services across the city while Stagecoach Bluebird’s buses link the towns and villages in Aberdeenshire.
By bike
Whether you prefer to ride on the road, explore a mountain bike trail or just a leisurely ride away from traffic, get on your bike in Aberdeenshire and venture into our great outdoors. In this part of Scotland you’ll be challenged with legendary routes across Royal Deeside and tough climbs through the Cairngorms National Park towards our ski centres.
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