The Ultimate Guide to Aberdeen Transport System for Students

Right, so you're heading to Aberdeen and wondering how you'll get around without spending your entire student loan on transport? Good news - Aberdeen's got one of the most student-friendly transport systems in Scotland, though nobody explains how to make the most of it.

Also read:

Your Complete Packing Guide for Aberdeen Students 

Things to Know About Aberdeen as a Student 

Getting Your Free Travel Sorted

The NEC Card - Your Golden Ticket

If you're under 22, this card is basically magic, since there is free bus travel across the whole of Scotland.

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) gives you free travel on pretty much every bus service in Scotland. Not just Aberdeen - the entire country. I'm talking from Aberdeen to Edinburgh, Glasgow, anywhere buses go.

How to get it:

• Apply online at getyournec.scot
• Choose "Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme"
• You'll need proof of age and address
• A bank statement or a council tax bill works as address proof
• Usually arrives within 10 working days

What's included:

• All First Bus services in Aberdeen
• All Stagecoach services
• Regional buses to other Scottish cities
• Free travel on most night buses too

What's NOT included:

• Premium services like airport buses
• Some tourist buses
• Private coach companies

Already got an NEC card? You need to apply for a new one, specifically for free bus travel. The old ones don't automatically include this benefit.

Aged 16-21 with existing NEC? Download the Transport Scotland Pass Collect app and add free travel to your current card. Saves applying for a new one.

The 9U Bus - Aberdeen's Hidden Gem

This free shuttle service connects the main university campuses and saves students loads of walking or paying for other buses.

Route: Hillhead Student Village → Old Aberdeen (main campus) → Foresterhill (medical campus)

Cost: Completely free for students and university staff

How to use: Show your NEC card or student ID when boarding

Running times: Regular service during term time, reduced during holidays

Why it matters: These campuses are quite far apart otherwise. The 9U means you can live at Hillhead and still easily attend lectures at Old Aberdeen without paying extra transport costs.

Aberdeen's Bus Network Decoded

First Bus - The Main Player

First Bus runs most of Aberdeen's city services. Their network follows a hub-and-spoke pattern - basically everything goes through Union Street in the city centre.

Key Routes for Students:

Payment options:

• Contactless card (easiest option)
• First Bus app (often cheapest)
• Exact cash (buses don't give change)
• NEC card if you qualify

Single fare: £2.10+ depending on distance 

Day ticket: Around £4.50 

Weekly ticket: About £18.50 

Monthly pass: Roughly £65

Stagecoach - The Alternative

Stagecoach mainly operates longer-distance routes but has one key city service,route59 between Northfield and Balnagask via the city centre and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Best for: Connecting to areas First Bus doesn't serve well, longer journeys to Aberdeenshire

Payment: Similar to First Bus, which is contactless, app, or cash

The Grasshopper Ticket System

Multi-operator tickets that work on both First Bus and Stagecoach services. Brilliant if you use different bus companies regularly.

Day pass: Around £5.50 

Weekly pass: About £22

 Student discounts: Available with a valid student ID

University-Specific Transport

Getting to the University of Aberdeen

From the city centre:

• Routes 1, 1B, 2 (First Bus)
• Routes 60, 61, 62, 63, 67, 68 (Stagecoach)
• All stops at King Street, right next to campus

From the train station:

• Routes 1, 2 direct to campus
• 10-minute journey
• Alternatively, a 25-minute walk

From the airport:

• Route 727 to the city centre (£3.50)
• Then connect to the university buses
• The total journey is about 45 minutes

Getting to Robert Gordon University (Garthdee)

From the city centre:

• Route 1, 1B (First Bus)
• Runs regularly throughout the day
• About a 20-minute journey

From other areas:

• Most routes connect via the city centre
• Some direct services from certain suburbs

Foresterhill Campus (Medical/Health Sciences)

Direct routes from the city centre:

• Routes 35, 59 (to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary)
• Route 10 (from Union Square)
• Free 9U service connects to other campuses

The transportation options allow a hassle-free commute to the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, which means students can get to class on time without any stress. 

Money-Saving Transport Hacks

Student Discounts Nobody Tells You About

First Bus student discounts:

• Download the First Bus app
• Register as a student
• Often get promotional codes
• Sometimes, 25% off season tickets

Group travel:

• Day tickets often work out cheaper for multiple journeys
• Group day tickets are available for 5+ people
• Split costs when going out together

Off-peak travel:

• After 9 am on weekdays is usually cheaper
• Weekend tickets are sometimes reduced
• Avoid peak commuter times (7-9 am, 5-7 pm)

The Apps 

First Bus app:

• Live bus times
• Mobile tickets (often the cheapest option)
• Route planning
• Promotional codes

Stagecoach Bus app:

• Similar features to First Bus
• Mobile tickets
• Real-time tracking

Traveline Scotland:

• Multi-operator journey planning
• Covers all public transport
• Includes walking directions

Citymapper:

• Excellent for route planning
• Combining walking, bus, and  cycling options
• Real-time updates

Google Maps:

• Reliable for basic routing
• Good for walking directions
• Public transport times are usually accurate

Train Travel from Aberdeen

Main Destinations and Costs

Student Railcard Benefits

16-25 Railcard: £30 annually, saves 33% on most train fares. 

26-30 Railcard: Same benefits, different age group. 

Two Together Railcard: For couples, friends travelling together

Booking tips:

• Book advance tickets for the cheapest fares
• Off-peak travel is significantly cheaper
• Split ticketing sometimes saves money (check apps like Trainline)

Getting to Aberdeen Train Station

From the University of Aberdeen:

• Routes 1, 2 to the city centre, then a short walk
• About 25 minutes total
• Alternatively, a direct 20-minute walk

From Robert Gordon University:

• Route 1 to the city centre
• About 30 minutes total

Luggage considerations:

• Aberdeen station has good facilities
• Left luggage available
• Accessible for wheeled bags

Cycling in Aberdeen

Infrastructure and Safety

Aberdeen's been improving its cycling infrastructure, though it's still developing compared to other Scottish cities.

Dedicated cycle lanes:

• Union Street area
• Riverside paths
• University campus connections
• Still limited but expanding

Safety considerations:

• Aberdeen drivers are generally cycle-aware
• Weather biggest challenge (wind, rain)
• Winter cycling requires proper gear
• A helmet is recommended but not required

Student Bike Options

BeCyCle scheme:

• Free bike loans for students
• Run by the University of Aberdeen Student Association
• Bring a student ID to borrow
• Basic maintenance included

Buying bikes:

• Halfords in Aberdeen for new bikes
• Facebook Marketplace for second-hand
• University notice boards often have student sales
• Budget £150-400 for a decent commuter bike

Storage:

• Most student accommodation provide bike storage
• The campus has bike racks
• The city centre has some secure bike parks
• Theft is relatively low, but lock it properly

Bike Maintenance

University services:

• Basic maintenance workshops are sometimes available
•  Provides basic repairs
• Student mechanics often advertise services

Local bike shops:

• Several good independents in Aberdeen
• Halfords for basics
• Budget £50-100 annually for maintenance

Night Transport and Safety

Late Night Options

Night buses:

• Limited weekend services
• Some free weekend night buses (seasonal)
• Check current schedules as they change

Taxis:

• Numerous companies operating
• Licensed taxis are safer than unlicensed ones
• Rainbow City Taxis offers a student emergency service

Emergency transport:

• Safe Taxi scheme through Rainbow City Taxis
• Pay with a student card, and settle through the university the next day
• Only for genuine emergencies

Safety Tips

Planning:

• Always have a plan for getting home
• Download taxi apps before going out
• Keep emergency money for transport
• Share location with friends

Late-night safety:

• Stick to the main roads when walking
• Travel in groups when possible
• Keep phone charged
• Know the taxi pickup points in the city centre

Seasonal Transport Considerations

Winter Transport (November-March)

Weather impacts:

• Buses are occasionally delayed by snow/ice
• Services are rarely cancelled completely
• Allow extra time for journeys
• Dress warmly for the bus stops

Special considerations:

• Shorter daylight hours
• More slippery conditions for cycling
• Bus stops can be icy
• Indoor route planning becomes important

Summer Transport (June-August)

Reduced services:

• Some student-focused routes have less frequent service
• University shuttle services may be limited
• General public transport continues normally

Tourist impact:

• City centre buses are more crowded
• Tourist buses occupy some stops
• Book train tickets earlier for popular routes

International Student Specific Advice

Getting Started

Priority tasks:

1. Get the NEC card application submitted immediately
2. Download transport apps
3. Figure out the route from the accommodation to the campus
4. Understand payment methods

Common mistakes:

• Not applying for the NEC card quickly enough
• Trying to pay cash on buses without exact change
• Not understanding Union Street as a transport hub
• Underestimating journey times initially

Cultural Differences

British transport etiquette:

• Queue properly at bus stops
• Let passengers off before boarding
• Offer seats to elderly/pregnant passengers
• Say "thanks" to the bus driver when getting off

Payment culture:

• Contactless very common
• Cash is less convenient than in many countries
• Apps preferred by younger people
• Student discounts are not automatically applied

Accommodation Location vs Transport

Best Areas for Transport Links

Old Aberdeen:

• Walking distance to the University of Aberdeen
• Good bus links to the city centre
• Quieter but well-connected

City Centre:

• Central to all transport options
• More expensive accommodation
• Excellent for all travel needs

Garthdee:

• Near Robert Gordon University
• Direct bus to the city centre
• More affordable accommodation

Bridge of Don:

• Good value accommodation
• Regular bus services
• Slightly longer commute

Want help choosing the right location based on your lifestyle and commute needs? Check out our full guide on the best areas to live in Aberdeen to compare neighbourhoods by rent, vibe, and connectivity.

Transport Costs by Location

Emergency and Problem-Solving

When Things Go Wrong

Missed the last bus:

• Check night bus options first
• Safe Taxi scheme for genuine emergencies
• Licensed taxi companies (more expensive)
• Walking with friends as a last resort

Lost/damaged NEC card:

• Report to the issuing council immediately
• Temporary paper tickets are available
• Replacement usually takes 10 days
• Keep the receipt as proof of application

Transport disruption:

• Follow the bus company's social media for updates
• Traveline Scotland for alternative routes
• Allow extra time during bad weather
• Universities sometimes provide emergency transport

Customer Service and Complaints

First Bus:

• Customer service via app or website
• Compensation is sometimes available for delays
• Keep the ticket as proof of journey

Stagecoach:

• Similar complaint process
• Generally responsive to genuine issues

Train services:

• Rail passenger rights cover delays
• Compensation is available for significant delays
• Keep tickets for claims

Future Transport Developments

Planned Improvements

Aberdeen Rapid Transit (ART):

• A bus rapid transit system is planned
• Better integration between services
• Improved reliability and frequency

Cycling infrastructure:

• Continued expansion of cycle lanes
• Better campus connections
• Improved bike storage facilities

Digital integration:

• Better journey planning apps
• Integrated payment systems
• Real-time information improvements

Hidden Transport Gems

Free and Cheap Options

University open days:

• Free shuttle buses during major events
• Sometimes extends to students

Walking routes:

• Aberdeen is compact enough for walking
• Scenic routes along the River Dee
• Union Street pedestrian areas

Student society transport:

• Some societies organise group transport
• Ski trips, hiking expeditions
• Often cheaper than individual travel

Local Knowledge

Best bus stops:

• Union Street stops most sheltered
• King Street is good for university access
• Avoid Broad Street in bad weather (exposed)

Timing tricks:

• Buses bunch up during peak times
• The first bus is usually the least crowded
• After 7 pm much quieter

Seasonal opportunities:

• Some free weekend buses during winter
• The university provides extra transport during exams
• Tourist season brings additional services

Final Words

Getting around Aberdeen as a student isn’t complicated; once you understand the basics, you can save money and enjoy a hassle-free journey. Get your NEC card sorted immediately if you're under 22. This alone saves hundreds of pounds annually. Download the relevant apps and learn your main routes. Plan for different scenarios - day travel, night transport, bad weather, and emergencies, having options prevents expensive panic decisions.