Aberdeen Airport ABZ: Departures and guide

Flying from/to Aberdeen Airport

Find out the best way to get from Aberdeen Airport to the city centre by doing some research in advance. Should you take a train, bus or a tram from the airport to and from the city centre? Our guide to Aberdeen Airport and the facilities mean you can find your way around the terminal upon arriving and plan the rest of your trip—whether its for a short weekend or a little longer.

Travel from Aberdeen to Aberdeen Airport

Aberdeen, or the 'Granite City', known both for its historical grey-stone buildings and as the center of the UK's offshore oil industry, is an enticing blend of old and new. The public transit system in Aberdeen is dominated by buses. Buses are modern and bus routes are operated by two different companies: Stagecoach, who run services within Aberdeen as well as surrounding towns and villages in Aberdeenshire; and First Group, a major modern international bus and train operator, whose main headquarters are in Aberdeen. First Bus Aberdeen operates the majority of bus routes within the city. There are also special shuttle, coach and private transfer options around town.

What's the best way to get to the airport from the city center?

The easiest way to travel to the airport from Aberdeen city center is by bus. Both First Bus and Stagecoach run regular services from the city center to the airport. The closest train station to Aberdeen Airport is Dyce, a 10-minute taxi or 15-minute bus trip from airport departures. Trains to Dyce from Aberdeen's central train station take as little as seven minutes. They depart at least every hour throughout the day, operating between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Driving or taking a taxi from Aberdeen city center to the airport should take about 20 minutes along the A96.

How far is it from the city center to the airport?

Anybody worried about how far it is to Aberdeen Airport from Aberdeen city center may be relieved to know it's only 6 miles (9 kilometers) away. It is located northwest of the city center. The 727 service, operated by Stagecoach Bluebird, runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from Union Square Bus Station in the city center. It departs every ten to 15 minutes throughout the day (between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.) from Monday to Friday, and every 30 or 60 minutes throughout the night and during the weekend. The X27 service, operated by First Aberdeen, runs regularly from Guild Street and Broad Street bus stops in the city center. Both bus services take approximately 30-40 minutes to reach the airport. 

What facilities are there at the airport?

Facilities at the airport include cash machines, currency exchange, a pharmacy, smoking areas and baby-changing facilities. There are also several airline passenger lounges and a small range of shops, including duty-free shopping and a travel accessory store. There is  a beer garden, two cafes, a restaurant, and a convenience store with snacks. There are plenty of bathrooms, escalators, elevators, and water refill stations throughout the airport. The airport has a passenger information desk located just inside the main entrance to the terminal building, adjacent to the check-in area.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

The majority of Aberdeen buses are accessible for wheelchairs, making it easier for those with limited mobility to travel to the airport from Aberdeen city center. At the airport, all public facilities located on the ground floor are wheelchair accessible. For those who can't climb stairs, there are well sign-posted elevators and ramps to reach the other levels and departure gates. There are induction loops installed throughout the airport to help passengers who are hard of hearing (marked by 'sympathetic air' posters and signs). There are tactile maps and Braille signage at key points, including entrance to the toilets. Unisex accessible bathrooms are located both before and after security. Passengers can request mobility assistance from the G4S staff at the Special Assistance Help Desk, located beside the Menzies Ticket Desk just inside the main entrance to the terminal building.

Local tips: how to travel to the airport like a local

The airport buses are a good option for travelers with heavy luggage, as they all have designated baggage storage areas. The multi-trip Grasshopper and PlusBus passes for the public transit system are good for people spending several days in Aberdeen. However, if it's only to travel to Aberdeen Airport from Aberdeen city center as a single trip, it's easier (and likely cheaper) just to buy a ticket from the bus driver. First Bus Aberdeen (for the X27 service) has a mobile app, with which it is possible to buy tickets in advance and simply scan the mobile ticket on board. First Aberdeen buses also accept cash and contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.