Getting Around on Campus and the City...
Watch this video to learn everything you need to know about public transport in Aberdeen and Scotland:
*Please note this is not student generated content*
On Foot
Of course walking is the most environmentally-friendly way to get from A to B. It's also good for your health, it helps you de-stress and wake up and is a great way to explore the hidden treasures of a new city.
Aberdeen is a great small city which is ideal for walking
- 25 min (from University to the city centre)
- 20 min between Hillhead Student Village to University
Almost everything in Aberdeen City is within walking distance, and easily accessible by foot. Finding the quickest route to University or Union Street can be a bit tricky at first, so visit The Urban Walking Route Planner that does the work for you!
By Bike
Aberdeen is the perfect size for cycling.
- If you don't own your own bike, the Student Association has the highly successful BeCyCle society which offers a free bike lending scheme.
Cycling is good for your health, economical, and excellent for our local and global environment. It's also and enjoyable way to start your day. Always wear a helmet, reflective gear and cycle with the flow of traffic.
Make use of the bike storage facilities across campus!
- Visit the Visit Aberdeen website for more information on cycling in and around Aberdeen.
By Bus
Aberdeen is well served by buses, with a city network run by First Bus and a larger network covering further afield areas run by Stagecoach. You will find the bus routes, timetables and fare information on their websites.
Various ticket types are available to students and it works out cheapest to buy one of the special season tickets. It is also worth remembering that First Buses require exact change; although you can also pay with a contactless card.
The 9U Bus Service is free for students and staff travelling between Hillhead, Old Aberdeen and Foresterhill. Please show your National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC when boarding the bus.
Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme for Under 22s
5-21 year olds living in Scotland can now apply to access free bus travel. The card allows free travel on any bus in any part of Scotland on registered bus services. Only a few services, such as premium-fare night buses and City Sightseeing buses, will not accept the card.
If you already have a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC, you must apply for a new or replacement card to travel by bus for free.
If you’re aged between 16 and 21 and already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC, you can download free bus travel onto your existing card using the Transport Scotland Pass Collect app. This means you may not need to apply for a new card to access your free bus travel.
How to apply
It’s very easy to apply. Visit getyournec.scot and select ‘Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme’ as the card type, and then standard NEC.
Before you apply online, check what you’ll need below. You can apply using a phone, tablet or computer with a camera or webcam. And, if you don’t have scanned copies of your documents, you can take photos of your proofs during the application process.
You’ll also need:
- to sign in using your mygovscot myaccount (click register if you don’t have one)
- a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders (no filers please)
- proof of identity – passport, driving licence, Young Scot card, Biometric Residence Permit or use your Yoti account
- proof of address – such as bank statement, or bank letter (from your Student Hub) or address letter from Infohub
There are a number of different ways to apply:
-
Online at getyournec.scot
- Through your local council: if you cannot, or do not want to, apply online please contact your local council who can tell you how to proceed.
- Using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app: if you’re aged 16 or over and have an active NEC / Young Scot NEC you can use the app to download your free bus travel onto your existing card.
By Car
The University of Aberdeen has limited car parking available and it is therefore recommended that you use alternative transport. For further information about car parking at the University, visit the Estates Parking page.
A limited number of annual permits are available at a cost. Annual permits are issued on a criteria basis and can be applied for. Email estates@abdn.ac.uk for more information.
Daily parking incurs a per day charge and is available in the student car park at the Butchart building. You can pay for your parking using the PayByPhone website or app using the location code 807579 which is displayed in the car park.
Disabled parking bays are available at various locations across the University. To use a disabled bay you must be the owner of, and clearly display, a valid blue disabled badge. No parking charge is required for disabled users but enforcement measures still apply for contravening the parking regulations.
Students who need parking for disability-related reasons, but who do not have a blue badge, should contact Student Support who can discuss their individual needs and provide appropriate support.
By Taxi
There are numerous taxi companies operating in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire. Taxis can take you to and from the airport, ferry terminal or train stations and help you to get about whilst you’re here. It’s also easy to take in the sights from the comfort of a local friendly taxi!
Taxis are available at key transport hubs or can be booked in advance directly with local taxi firms.
Always plan your route home before you go on a ‘night out’
- In an emergency order a Safe Taxi from Rainbow City Taxis. Use your student card as payment and pay for the journey through AUSA the next working day.
- Call Rainbow City Taxis on T: +44 (0) 1224 878787
