Getting Around in Aberdeen

Getting around Aberdeen is easy and straightforward, and many residents prefer to use public transport to commute to work rather than driving. Owning a car is not essential as Aberdeen’s buses connect most areas of the city, but having a car does offer the freedom to explore the countryside and is particularly useful for expats with children.

Although the Scottish weather is not always conducive to it, cycling and walking are other great and healthy ways to get around in Aberdeen.

Public transport in Aberdeen

Buses

Buses are the main mode of public transportation in Aberdeen. First Aberdeen has a monopoly on the city's bus services, but Stagecoach also runs a few lines, and there are a handful of smaller operators, too. Aberdeen has more than 30 bus routes, most of which begin on the outskirts and run through the city centre before travelling to other suburbs.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the bus in exact change, as drivers do not carry cash. Frequent users of various bus services may find it useful to purchase a Grasshopper ticket, which allows access to all buses regardless of operator. This pass may be more efficient when used in a single zone, it may be more affordable to purchase a single ticket when travelling across different zones. 

Trains

While there is no local commuter system in Aberdeen, the city is well served by national rail connections. From Aberdeen railway station, you can catch intercity, regional, and local train services to various parts of the UK, including overnight sleeper trains to London.

Useful links

• First Aberdeen
• Grasshopper

Taxis in Aberdeen

Taxis are readily available in the city centre, and most taxi companies offer booking services online, via mobile application, or by telephone. Passengers are usually charged a base fare and a fee for each additional mile they travel. As fares are high, most people only use taxis for short journeys.

Ride-hailing services such as Uber are operational in Aberdeen and are a good alternative to taxis as they give the commuter more control over routes and display the expected price of travel beforehand.

Useful links

• Aberdeen Taxis
• Uber Aberdeen

Cycling in Aberdeen

Cycling is also a good way to get around Aberdeen. The city's bike-sharing scheme, Big Issue E-bikes, allows users to download an application and rent an electric bicycle for an hour, a day, or monthly. 

The city has a fairly good cycle path network connecting certain suburbs through the city centre. Cyclists should be aware that some cycle lanes are shared with buses, though these are typically regulated by dedicated traffic lights.

Useful links

• Big Issue E-bikes

Driving in Aberdeen

Driving in Aberdeen poses no real challenges. The standard of road infrastructure is good, and signage is generally clear. 

Local drivers are courteous to other road users. However, expats should know that roads in Aberdeen are often affected by snow and fog in winter. Although local authorities take measures to grit the main roads, smaller roads are frequently slippery, and the risk of accidents is high. Drivers must be especially careful when driving in severe weather conditions.

As is the case in the rest of the UK, EU citizens can drive on their licence from their home country until it expires. Non-EU expats can also drive on a valid licence from their home country, but can only do so for 12 months before they must exchange it for a UK licence.

Read Transport and Driving in the UK to learn more about obtaining a local driving licence.