Aberdeen sits in the northeast of Scotland and makes a natural stop on any East Coast road trip. It is 127 miles from the capital, Edinburgh, 149 miles from Glasgow and just 66 miles from Dundee. Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands, is 103 miles away, so the Granite City works well as a base for exploring the wider region. This guide covers how to get here, how to get your bearings once you arrive, and where to stay.
Getting to Aberdeen
Aberdeen is easily reached by train and bus from Scotland’s bigger cities. The Edinburgh to Aberdeen train takes just over two and a half hours, while the Glasgow to Aberdeen train runs about an hour longer. There is a direct Aberdeen to Inverness line that takes a little over two hours. Aberdeen Railway Station is the city’s only train station, at Guild St, Aberdeen AB11 6FD, with a cafe, bar, shop, toilets and public WiFi on site.
For a cheaper option, Megabus operates across Scotland. The Edinburgh to Aberdeen bus takes around three hours and the Glasgow route just over three; the Aberdeen to Inverness bus is slower at five to six hours. Public transport connections are good, but having a car is ideal if you want to combine your visit with an Aberdeenshire road trip out to the castles and coast.
Getting Your Bearings
Union Street is the long central shopping street, with the Mercat Cross and the Castlegate at its eastern end. From there, Broad Street leads to Marischal College, while Shiprow drops down towards the River Dee and the harbour. Upperkirkgate and Back Wynd take you to The Green, a hidden pocket of cafes and independent shops. Get to know these few arteries and the compact city centre quickly falls into place – see our city centre guide for what to see along the way.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Skene House Rosemount (96 Rosemount Viaduct, AB25 1NX), brilliantly located about seven minutes’ walk from Union Street and the city’s top attractions. The room was effectively a spacious three-room apartment with a small kitchen – ideal for keeping costs down – and continental or hot breakfast is available each morning. Private parking is included in the rate, which is a real bonus if you are heading off on an Aberdeenshire road trip afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Aberdeen from Edinburgh?
Aberdeen is 127 miles from Edinburgh. The direct train takes just over two and a half hours, while the Megabus is cheaper at around three hours.
Do I need a car in Aberdeen?
Not for the city itself – the centre is compact and walkable, and trains and buses connect it to other cities. But a car is ideal if you want to explore Aberdeenshire’s castles and coastline on a road trip.
Where is Aberdeen train station?
Aberdeen Railway Station is the city’s only station, at Guild St, AB11 6FD, with a cafe, bar, shop, toilets and public WiFi. It is a short walk from Union Street and the harbour.