Coach and Minibus Hire in the United Kingdom

Arriving at Aberdeen Airport with your party

Aberdeen International sits at Dyce, a short drive from the city and close to P&J Live. Groups arrive for weddings, golf, whisky country and Royal Deeside, and most are keen to get on the road.

What the airport sets out

The airport publishes coach charges, set by how long the vehicle stays, but it doesn't name a coach pick-up point or waiting area. Your confirmation should say where the driver will meet you, so keep it handy.

Cars and smaller vehicles can use the Express Drop-off upstairs on the forecourt, right by the doors; you pay by card at the barrier, and it gets dearer once you pass 15 minutes. If you'd rather not pay, the Long Stay car park gives some free time for pickups.

Executive Sprinter van, side view
Executive Sprinter van, side view

Into Aberdeen

The Castlegate is about 6 miles away, somewhere between a quarter of an hour and 20 minutes on quiet roads. Scheduled buses also stop right outside the terminal, and the city-centre bus takes about half an hour. The city centre has been a Low Emission Zone since June 2024, running east to west along Union Street, and it covers buses, coaches and minibuses as well as cars. A diesel minibus generally needs Euro 6, so check the vehicle if you're staying by Union Square or the station.

The terminals

  • Single passenger terminal

Good to know at Aberdeen International Airport

  • Scheduled buses stop right outside the terminal; the city-centre bus takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic.
  • Free pick-up time is available in the Long Stay car park, and Blue Badge holders get free time in the Short Stay car park.
  • The Express Drop-off is on the upper forecourt directly outside the terminal; it is paid by card at the exit barrier, with a higher charge for stays over 15 minutes.

Deeside, Speyside and the coast

Crathes Castle is about 15 miles from the city and Dunnottar Castle by Stonehaven about 17. Balmoral and Speyside whisky country at Dufftown are each about 50 miles, and Inverness is about 105, more than two hours away.

Your questions

Where do we meet our driver?

As the airport doesn't publish a set coach point, your booking confirmation will give the meeting place. Share it with the whole group before you fly.

Can we visit Balmoral this October?

Only between April and the end of July are the grounds open daily, ahead of the royal family's summer stay. Plan a spring or early summer trip if Balmoral is a must.

A few of us are catching the Orkney ferry. Can we be dropped there?

Yes. The overnight sailings to Orkney and Shetland depart from Jamieson's Quay, right in the city-centre harbour.

We're here for a concert at P&J Live. Is it far?

Hardly at all. P&J Live is close to the airport at Bucksburn, and hotels around Dyce make an easy base for a gig night with friends.

Does a Blue Badge holder in our group help with anything?

Blue Badge holders get free time in the Short Stay car park, and vehicles carrying one are exempt from Aberdeen's Low Emission Zone.

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