Getting Around Aberdeen: A Student’s Guide to City Transport

For most students, starting university in a new city is their first taste of freedom and ultimate independence, but navigating your surroundings can feel overwhelming during your first couple of weeks. Understanding your travel options in Aberdeen before you arrive is a great way to make your transition much smoother and safer. Whether you’re exploring this stunning Scottish city or simply just trying to make it to your lectures with ease, this guide will make getting around Aberdeen a breeze. 

Walking Around Aberdeen 

Living in Aberdeen will make getting your 10k steps a day light work thanks to its wonderful walkability. Try choosing a student accommodation near your campus and local amenities, like The Combworks, which is only a 20-minute walk away from the University of Aberdeen and the city centre.

Particularly during your first couple of weeks, walking is one of the best options. It gives you the chance to really get to know your new city and what’s nearby. Alongside this, it really is a beautiful city, packed with historic buildings, such as Old Aberdeen, and relaxing pathways along the River Dee. 

Using the Bus

Most students don’t have a car, so familiarising yourself with the Aberdeen bus routes is the next best thing when it comes to travelling around the city.

In Aberdeen, First Bus is the main operator, which seamlessly connects you to the whole city and surrounding areas with its extensive network of routes. As a student, you want to reserve as much money as possible for the fun stuff, which is why First Bus is a great provider as they offer free travel for people under 22. Aside from this, there’s a range of student tickets at student prices! And if you wake up late (it happens to the best of us), you won’t have to walk more than five minutes from The Combworks, our student accommodation in Aberdeen, to the bus stop.

Look out for these bus services, as they’re the best for exploring the city:

• University of Aberdeen: 1, 1B, 2, 18, 19, 20, 20A*
• Robert Gordon University: 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2S

Cycling in Aberdeen

If you’re a fitness fanatic but walking isn’t a quick enough option, you should definitely give cycling a go. Since the city has improved its cycle infrastructure, including the dedicated cycle lanes and shared paths, it’s becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport. 

Bike Hire & Storage

• BeCyCle - This is a student-led project that offers free bike rentals to students in Aberdeen. All you have to do is bring your student ID!
• Bike Storage - Many student accommodation providers, including aparto, offer secure bike storage, so you can sleep soundly knowing your ride is safe.

Bike Maps - The Aberdeen City Council has introduced bike maps, offering you guidance on the safest routes.

Trains and Long-Distance Travel

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape to Edinburgh or heading home during the holidays, Aberdeen’s train station is conveniently located in the city centre. From here, you can reach a number of popular cities in just a couple of hours. 

Transport Tips for Students in Aberdeen

1. Utilise Student Discounts

One of the best things about student travel in Aberdeen is the discounts that you have access to. From the Young Scot National Entitlement card, which provides free bus travel to 11 to 22-year-olds, to Student Railcards, offering you discounted fares on your train tickets, there are so many ways that you can save money on your travels, so be sure to utilise what you’re entitled to!

2. Download Travel Apps

It’s also highly recommended that you download and use travel apps, especially when you’re new to the area. Google Maps and Citymapper are both great options for planning unfamiliar journeys and estimating how much time it will take you, whereas apps like Komoot and Strava are perfect for discovering quiet paths and scenic streets so you can really take in what this city has to offer—plus, you can snap some dreamy pics along the way.

3. Stay Charged

Growing up in the digital age, it’s fair to assume that you’re not quite up to scratch on your map-reading skills, you probably haven’t taken the time to memorise all of the bus routes in the city, and most of your tickets will be on your phone. As such, carrying a portable charger is a must! 

Conclusion

Once you’ve familiarised yourself with all of the right info, getting around Aberdeen is simple, and having a well-located base makes all the difference. Whether you decide to walk, cycle or catch a train, there’s a wealth of options for you to choose from. Remember, stay connected, stay charged and most importantly, stay safe.

Want to stay at a student accommodation in Aberdeen with a prime location? 

Explore aparto Aberdeen today and make getting around the city simple.