Aberdeen

Located on the north-east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen, known as the "Granite City", attracts travelers with its rugged northern beauty and rich maritime history. When planning how to get to Aberdeen, tourists can choose any convenient mode of transport: the city is excellently connected to the rest of the United Kingdom by a developed network of air, rail, and road routes. Whether you decide to arrive by plane or enjoy the views from a train window, the journey to this important economic hub promises to be comfortable.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the region is to take a direct flight to Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ). This modern aviation hub serves millions of passengers annually and welcomes aircraft from major British cities as well as many European capitals.

If tickets for direct flights are unavailable, one can consider flying to neighboring cities with a subsequent transfer. The nearest alternatives are airports in the cities of Dundee (about 93 km) or Inverness (133 km), from where it is easy to reach the "Oil Capital of Europe" by ground transport.

Traveling by rail is one of the most scenic ways to get to the city, as the tracks often run along the dramatic sea coast. Trains arrive at the central Aberdeen railway station, which is located in the very center, within walking distance of major hotels and shopping streets.

The rail network connects the city with key regional hubs. For example, a trip from Dundee (93 km) will take very little time, and the route from Inverness (133 km) will allow you to enjoy views of the Highlands before arriving at the North Sea coast.

Bus services are an economical and reliable alternative for travelers. Regular services run between Aberdeen and other cities in Scotland. For instance, a trip from Dundee (a distance of about 106 km) will take just around 1.6 hours, making this route quite popular.

For those traveling from the north, a route is available from Lossiemouth, though the travel time will be over 5 hours due to road conditions. The journey from Inverness will also require allowing some time—the bus covers a distance of about 170 km in approximately 4.7 hours, making stops at picturesque locations along the way.

Traveling by car offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to see corners of Scottish nature hidden from the eyes of tourists. The road from Dundee to Aberdeen is very comfortable: the distance of 106 km can be covered in approximately 1.3 hours on a high-quality highway.

If you are departing from Lossiemouth, expect to spend about 1.7 hours on the road (112 km). The route from Inverness will take more time—about 2.6 hours, but these 168 km of the journey will delight you with magnificent landscapes of northern Scotland.

Aberdeen is a city with a unique character, where rugged nature coexists with modern comfort. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, we have prepared several important recommendations that will help you feel right at home here.

1. Clothing and Weather. The climate here is changeable and windy. Be sure to bring a windproof jacket and comfortable waterproof shoes. The best principle for clothing is layering, so you can easily adapt to the shifting sun and rain.
2. Transport. The city center is compact enough for walking. For trips to outlying areas or suburbs, it is convenient to use local buses; tickets can be purchased from the driver (preferably with a contactless card) or via an app.
3. Finances. The currency is the Pound Sterling (GBP). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and small cafés, but having some cash for minor expenses is useful.
4. Health. Tap water in Scotland is of excellent quality and is safe to drink. Pharmacies are easy to find in the center; for emergencies, the number 999 is used.
5. Language and Communication. The official language is English, but locals often use the Doric dialect. Do not hesitate to ask again if you do not understand a phrase the first time—Scots are very friendly and willing to help.
6. Seagulls. This is a specific local feature. Urban seagulls can be aggressive if they see you with food on the street. Try not to eat sandwiches or pastries while walking in open areas.
7. Etiquette. Queuing is a sacred rule in the UK, whether boarding a bus or waiting in a café. Be polite; the words "please" and "thank you" are used very frequently here.
8. Power Outlets. Do not forget an adapter for Type G sockets (the British standard with three rectangular pins, similar to those used in the UAE), as European plugs do not fit here.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the granite architecture, golden beaches, and cozy parks of Aberdeen.