Port information & tips for Aberdeen
Aberdeen is the shining gateway to northeastern Scotland, welcoming guests with the distinctive charm of the famous "Granite City." The city fascinates with its impressive architecture made of silvery stone while offering a vibrant maritime atmosphere and miles of sandy beaches directly on the North Sea. Highlights in the surrounding area include the historic fishing village of Footdee with its picturesque cottages and the award-winning Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Cruise ships dock at the modern South Harbour at Dunnottar Quay, which offers first-class connectivity thanks to its excellent infrastructure. From there, travelers can easily reach the city center, about five kilometers away, via shuttle service and dive straight into the cultural heart of this Scottish port city.
Aberdeen, the "Granite City" on Scotland's northeast coast, offers cruise guests a convenient start to unforgettable journeys. The port has two main areas: the centrally located North Harbour for smaller ships and the modern South Harbour, which receives most large cruise ships. While the North Harbour is easily accessible on foot, the South Harbour is located slightly outside the city center and usually requires a transfer to reach the terminal.
Car
Thanks to the A90 and A96 main arteries leading directly to Aberdeen, the port is excellently connected to the Scottish road network. Various options are available for long-term parkers: at Commercial Quay, there are parking facilities with a 72-hour limit, monitored by the Aberdeen Harbour Board. The Union Square parking garage is only a three-minute walk from the harbor area and offers above-ground parking spaces without height restrictions. Another alternative is the NCP parking garage at Ship Row, which is about a 15-minute walk away.
Train
Aberdeen main station is a major transport hub and centrally located in Guild Street, less than one kilometer from the port. From there, you can easily reach the harbor area for smaller ships in about five minutes on foot or by taxi. Regular direct connections to Inverness, Edinburgh, and Glasgow run from the main station. If your ship docks at South Harbour, a shuttle or a pre-booked taxi is recommended, as this area is not accessible on foot.
Airplane
Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) is located approximately 11 to 13 kilometers northwest of the city center and is optimally connected to the port. For a direct transfer, taxis are available at the airport, taking you to the port in about 15 minutes for approximately £20-£25. Additionally, the Jet Bus Service 727 offers a regular bus connection from the airport to the city center (Union Street) and to the ferry terminal in the harbor area. The journey takes about 24 to 30 minutes and costs approximately £5-£7. For travelers from the DACH region, it is advisable to plan an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Aberdeen due to flight times, to ensure a relaxed start to the cruise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Aberdeen, the "Granite City" on Scotland's northeast coast, offers cruise guests a convenient start to unforgettable journeys. The port has two main areas: the centrally located North Harbour for smaller ships and the modern South Harbour, which receives most large cruise ships. While the North Harbour is easily accessible on foot, the South Harbour is located slightly outside the city center and usually requires a transfer to reach the terminal.
Car
Thanks to the A90 and A96 main arteries leading directly to Aberdeen, the port is excellently connected to the Scottish road network. Various options are available for long-term parkers: at Commercial Quay, there are parking facilities with a 72-hour limit, monitored by the Aberdeen Harbour Board. The Union Square parking garage is only a three-minute walk from the harbor area and offers above-ground parking spaces without height restrictions. Another alternative is the NCP parking garage at Ship Row, which is about a 15-minute walk away.
Train
Aberdeen main station is a major transport hub and centrally located in Guild Street, less than one kilometer from the port. From there, you can easily reach the harbor area for smaller ships in about five minutes on foot or by taxi. Regular direct connections to Inverness, Edinburgh, and Glasgow run from the main station. If your ship docks at South Harbour, a shuttle or a pre-booked taxi is recommended, as this area is not accessible on foot.
Airplane
Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) is located approximately 11 to 13 kilometers northwest of the city center and is optimally connected to the port. For a direct transfer, taxis are available at the airport, taking you to the port in about 15 minutes for approximately £20-£25. Additionally, the Jet Bus Service 727 offers a regular bus connection from the airport to the city center (Union Street) and to the ferry terminal in the harbor area. The journey takes about 24 to 30 minutes and costs approximately £5-£7. For travelers from the DACH region, it is advisable to plan an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Aberdeen due to flight times, to ensure a relaxed start to the cruise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
From the modern Port of Aberdeen, you can easily reach the historic city center thanks to the well-organized infrastructure and short distances. Depending on whether you dock at the North or South Harbour, several comfortable options are available to you.
Shuttle Service
Since larger cruise ships usually dock at the new South Harbour, cruise lines generally provide efficient shuttle buses. These take you directly to the central Union Square, from where you can immediately begin exploring the Granite City and its sights.
Taxi
Official taxi ranks are available directly at the terminals of both port areas and offer a quick connection to the heart of Aberdeen. The trip from South Harbour takes only about ten to fifteen minutes thanks to the direct road connection and allows for flexible personal scheduling.
On Foot
Should your ship dock at the centrally located North Harbour, you can reach Union Street as well as the charming fishing village of Footdee in a short walk. Furthermore, the compact city center can be wonderfully explored on foot after arriving by shuttle and invites you to take extensive strolls.
To make the most of your stay in the Silver City, we recommend a combination of the striking granite architecture of the center, the historical charm of Old Aberdeen, and a relaxing walk along the North Sea coast.
Marischal College & Union Street
The monumental Marischal College impresses as one of the world's largest granite buildings with its intricate facade and, thanks to its central location, forms the perfect starting point for a stroll along the bustling Union Street with its numerous shops.
Old Aberdeen
This history-steeped district transports visitors back through the centuries with its cobblestone streets and the venerable St Machar's Cathedral; additionally, King’s College exudes an academic yet peaceful atmosphere with its medieval chapel.
Aberdeen Beach & Footdee
The extensive golden sandy beach invites you for a refreshing breeze by the North Sea and leads directly into the picturesque former fishing village of Footdee, which, thanks to its tiny, brightly decorated cottages, represents an absolutely unique photo opportunity at the harbor entrance.
The historic fishing village of Footdee
Picturesque Footdee, affectionately known by locals as "Fittie," is located at the eastern end of the harbor entrance and can be easily reached from the terminal in about fifteen minutes by taxi or cruise shuttle. This heritage-listed 19th-century settlement enchants visitors with its tiny, brightly decorated fishing cottages and imaginatively designed gardens, which radiate an almost fairytale-like atmosphere right on the North Sea. Thanks to its location at the beginning of the extensive Aberdeen Beach Promenade, a cultural tour can be perfectly combined with a relaxed walk by the sea and a visit to the cozy cafes along the coast. It is best to visit Footdee in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and clear light for photos, and plan your return journey to the harbor no later than ninety minutes before departure.
Returning to your ship in Aberdeen is extremely straightforward and safe thanks to the port's central location and well-organized transfer services. Plan for a small time window for the journey to the modern South Harbour so that you can enjoy the maritime views upon arrival in a relaxed manner.
Shuttle Buses
Most cruise lines provide comfortable shuttle buses that commute regularly between Broad Street near Marischal College and the ship berths. These buses are easily recognizable thanks to clear signage and will take you directly and safely to the South Harbour or the North Harbour Terminal.
Taxi
Central taxi ranks can be found conveniently at the train station on Guild Street, as well as along Union Street and in front of major hotels such as the Sandman Signature or the Leonardo Hotel. Local providers like Rainbow City Taxis know the various terminals exactly and ensure a punctual arrival at the correct gate thanks to their local knowledge.
On Foot
Ships docked in the North Harbour directly at the city center are easily accessible on foot via Regent Quay, and the path is easy to find thanks to the clear harbor promenade. For the South Harbour, we recommend a shuttle or taxi ride due to the industrial environment and the distance, which allows you a comfortable and time-saving return to the ship.
