Aberdeen

How to Get to Aberdeen

Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) is the primary gateway to the city, located approximately 7 miles (11 km) from the center.

From Airport

• Jet Service 727: This is the most convenient direct link to the city center (Union Square Bus Station). Buses run every 10–20 minutes and the journey takes about 30 minutes.
• Cost: A single ticket is approximately £5.00 (approx. €6.00).
• Tickets & Payment: Download the Stagecoach Bus App to purchase and store your ticket on your phone for easy scanning. Alternatively, you can pay the driver directly using contactless credit/debit cards or cash.
• Zones: The airport is within the Aberdeen city boundary, so standard city tickets are valid; there are no complex zone-based fare systems to worry about for this route.

From City Center

• Walking: Aberdeen Railway Station is located within the Union Square shopping complex, which is central and easily accessible on foot from most downtown hotels.
• Local Bus: Numerous local bus services (operated by First Aberdeen and Stagecoach) stop at or near Union Square. If you are staying further out, check the operator apps for real-time arrivals.

By Taxi

• Airport Transfer: Taxis are available directly outside the terminal. The journey to the city center typically takes 20–25 minutes.
• Cost: Expect to pay between £15–£20 (approx. €18–€24). Most taxis accept both cash and card payments. Pre-booking with a local firm is an option if you prefer a set price or have specific requirements.

Aberdeen railway station is a straightforward, passenger-friendly terminus serving as the primary rail gateway to Northeast Scotland. The station features a compact layout with five active platforms, numbered 3 through 7. Because it is a terminus, all tracks end at the station, meaning you do not need to worry about through-trains continuing past your boarding point. Think of the layout as a single, accessible row of platforms directly adjacent to the main station concourse, which makes navigating the station with luggage relatively easy.

All platforms are located on the same ground level, eliminating the need to navigate between different floors or levels. Access to the platforms is managed via automatic ticket gates on the main concourse. For those arriving by car, an additional entrance is available via a bridge and lifts from the College Street car park, ensuring step-free access throughout the entire station. Once you pass through the gates, the platforms are clearly numbered and easy to distinguish.

A unique quirk to note is that platforms 6 and 7 are double-length, which can sometimes cause confusion for first-time visitors. These longer platforms are subdivided into north and south sections, denoted on signage as 6N/6S and 7N/7S. Always check the digital information screens on the concourse before heading to your platform to see if your train is departing from a specific section of these longer platforms.

Because the station is compact, you will not need to account for long transit times between platforms. Even walking from one end of the station to the other with luggage will only take a few minutes. If you are arriving from the adjacent Union Square shopping centre, you will find yourself directly on the main concourse, placing you within moments of your departure point. As a final tip, please be aware that the stepping distance between the platform edge and the train can be more prominent toward the rear of platforms 3, 4, 5, and 6, so do take care when boarding or alighting in those specific areas. With its simple, linear design, you should find navigating Aberdeen station to be an intuitive and stress-free experience.

Navigating a new station can be daunting, but with these insider tips, you’ll breeze through Aberdeen station like a local.

Before You Arrive

• Download the Right Apps: Don't rely on paper tickets. Download the ScotRail app or Trainline before you arrive. They are essential for tracking real-time platform changes and checking for service disruptions, which happen more often than you’d think.
• Ticket Strategy: Book your tickets online in advance to save money and avoid queuing at the station. If you must buy on the day, use the self-service machines in the main concourse; they are much faster than the ticket office, which can have long lines during peak hours.
• Time Management: Aberdeen station is integrated into the Union Square complex, which is busy. Arrive at least 20 minutes before your train departs to navigate the concourse and locate your platform without stress.

At the Station

• WiFi: Free public WiFi is available throughout the station, but don't rely on it for critical downloads. Get your tickets and maps sorted before you step onto the platform.
• Toilets: Toilets are located inside the station, specifically opposite the taxi rank and within the First Class lounge. Note that charges may apply (keep some coins handy, though card payments are increasingly standard).
• Food and Drink: While the station has newsagents like WHSmith for quick snacks, prices are high. If you have 30 minutes to spare, walk directly into the adjoining Union Square Shopping Centre for a massive variety of restaurants, cafes, and affordable food court options.
• Accessibility: The station is fully step-free. If you have heavy luggage, use the lifts—don't risk the stairs.

Common Mistakes

• The "Last Minute" Platform Trap: I wish someone had told me that platforms at UK stations can change just minutes before departure. Do not check the board an hour early and walk away. Keep an ear on announcements and re-check the digital screens 15–20 minutes before your train is due.
• Ignoring Coach Positions: Many travelers stand anywhere on the platform, only to realize their reserved seat is in a coach at the very far end of the train. Check the "coach position" boards on the platform so you can stand in the right spot and board calmly.

Terminus station serving Aberdeen, United Kingdom. Originally opened in 1867, the station has undergone significant redevelopments over the decades, including major refurbishments in the early 21st century that integrated it with the adjacent Union Square complex. As the busiest railway station in Scotland north of the central belt, it serves as a primary hub for regional, local, and inter-city services, including the Caledonian Sleeper.

If you are a first-time traveler, you may wonder if this station is huge and confusing. You can rest assured that Aberdeen station features a straightforward layout. It is well-signposted with clear displays in English, making it accessible for international visitors. The station currently operates with seven platforms (numbered 2–7), which are all accessible from the main concourse.

While the station is manageable, it is a busy transport hub, so it is wise to allow extra time to navigate the concourse. Be aware that platform information for your specific train often appears on digital screens only 30–60 minutes before departure. The station is fully equipped with modern facilities, including step-free access throughout, ensuring a comfortable experience for all passengers as you begin your journey through the north-east of Scotland.