Car rental Aberdeen Airport

Buckle up and prepare for a wonderful time in Aberdeen and northern Scotland when you rent a car from Aberdeen Airport.

Once you’ve picked up your vehicle it’s only a short drive along the A96 to the heart of Aberdeen. Turn off onto Saint Machar Drive to access Old Aberdeen. Here you’ll find Saint Machar Cathedral, Cruickshank Botanic Garden and Seaton Park. Alternatively, carry on into the center where you’ll find plenty of parking lots if you’d prefer to park up and explore some of the city’s central sights on foot.

A wealth of A-roads connects Aberdeen with the rest of Scotland. Further south you can join the freeway network, known locally as motorways and marked with the letter ‘M’.

Balmoral Castle, the regal Scottish residence of the British Royal Family, is just over an hour away from the airport. Just take the A93 to this grand estate nestled in the heart of Cairngorms National Park. If you’ve got more time to explore, the splendid Scottish capital Edinburgh is a few hours away along the A90 and M90. From there, you’re well-placed to visit Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, just an hour across the M8.

Like the rest of the UK, Scotland drives on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are usually signposted, but as a general rule the limit on freeways is 70mph and in built-up areas it’s 30mph, unless otherwise specified.

Filled with fine restaurants, thought-provoking museums and pristine parks, Aberdeen is a great place to start your visit to Scotland. You’ll also be able to experience the city, coast and nearby Highlands all in one vacation, if you can pull yourself away from the seaside here.

Explore the granite city

This far-flung Scottish destination is famous for its granite buildings made with rock from the former Rubislaw Quarry. They’re an impressive sight as they glint in the sunlight and give Aberdeen a look and atmosphere all of its own.

One of the best? Marischal College. Although it was established in the late 16^th century, the present building you can see today was built in the 19^th century. Admire the grand Gothic architecture before heading around the corner to marvel at the exterior of St Andrew’s Cathedral. West from here you’ll find His Majesty’s Theater, another standout example of eye-catching granite design. Head inside past the Edwardian façade to watch a production, ranging from musicals to opera.

Head east to the Esplanade and discover Aberdeen’s golden beach, stretching for two miles along the coast. Enjoy a stroll along the sands and, if you’re lucky, you might even see the resident dolphins splashing in the water.

Golfing getaways

Scotland is the birthplace of golf and you’ll find a number of great courses along the Aberdeenshire coast. There are links courses offering panoramic views on the coast and a number of places to practice your swing inland among the beautiful forests and glens.

For keen golfers, the Royal Aberdeen is known as one of the most challenging courses. This course is only a mile from the city center and is thought to be among the oldest golf clubs in the world. The first nine holes will take you out through the dunes and the second nine head back along a plateau, with brilliant views out to the North Sea.

Only an hour’s drive outside Aberdeen is Fraserburgh, another historic club dating back to 1777. Surrounded by dunes and sand hills with more spectacular sea views, teeing off here is a joy. There’s also a nine-hole course that’s ideal for beginners.

Highland highlights

As well as being close to the coast, Aberdeen Airport is also well placed for a drive to the Cairngorms National Park. The UK’s biggest national park is an adventurer’s playground and encompasses mountains, valleys and glens that are home to a number of endangered species. Hike along the secluded trails, passing thick pine forest and heather-covered hills, and you may spot the iconic capercaillie (wood grouse), golden eagles or even a Scottish wildcat.

As well as being a great place for wildlife spotting, the Cairngorms are hugely popular among water sports fans. There are many rivers and lochs where you can try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or white water rafting. Come here during winter and the mountainsides are alive with skiers. Rent a pair of skis and take to the majestic slopes yourself, with different runs available to suit varying abilities.

The Cairngorms are easy to reach by road, with plenty of parking available, so renting a car on your visit to Aberdeen is a great way to make the most of your visit and explore the phenomenal attractions Scotland has to offer.