Aberdeen Airport is at Dyce, off the A96, with a single terminal. It is a straightforward airport to fly from, with good bus links and a choice of hotels close by. The thing to know in advance is the drop-off: the Express zone is quick but jumps to £50 after half an hour, and the free option is a short shuttle ride away. This guide covers what is worth knowing before you fly from Aberdeen.
Getting there by car
The airport postcode is AB21 7DU. Coming from the A96 or the A90, follow the signs for the airport via Dyce Drive, and once you arrive, follow the signs for your car park or the terminal. If you have booked parking, use the postcode in your confirmation instead.
Drop-off: the charge, and the free hour
- Express Drop Off, on the upper forecourt outside the terminal: £7 for up to 15 minutes, then £1 a minute, and a flat £50 once you pass 30 minutes. You pay by card or contactless at the forecourt exit barrier, so there is nothing to remember afterwards, but do not let it run on.
- The free option is the Long Stay car park, free for up to an hour, with a free shuttle bus to the terminal.
- Blue Badge holders should not use the Express zone. Use the Short Stay car park instead, where drop-off and pick-up are free for 30 minutes: press the buzzer at the exit barrier and give the 13-digit number on the badge. This is not for commercial or hire use.
For collecting someone, the airport recommends the Short Stay car park for anything over 15 minutes, or wait free in the Long Stay. If you are parking rather than being dropped off, none of this applies. Our drop-off charges guide compares Aberdeen with every other UK airport.
Security
Aberdeen has new-generation security scanners, but the liquids rules at UK airports have changed more than once since they arrived, and Aberdeen's limit has been reported both ways. Check the airport's own security page before you pack your hand luggage, and pack the bag for home for the rules at the airport you fly back from.
How early to arrive
Aberdeen's check-in guidance is to arrive at least two hours before an international flight and at least an hour and a half before a flight within the UK or Ireland, and to check your airline's own check-in times. If you are dropping off at Long Stay, allow for the shuttle on top.
Which parking suits which trip
Before You Fly lists every Aberdeen car park we sell, along with hotels that include parking. When we compared prices for an eight-day trip booked about three months ahead, Airparks Express Parking was around £37 for the whole stay, which works out at under £5 a day. See the on-airport parking page for the details.
Prices move with the dates, so compare them for your trip. Whichever you pick, book the flexible rate if your dates might move. It can be cancelled up to 72 hours before arrival for a full refund; see the cancellation FAQs.
Lounge and hotels
The Northern Lights Lounge is after security on the first floor, near gate 1, with a lift. It costs £36 per adult pre-booked or £37 walk-in, £18 for children aged 4 to 17, and babies under 3 go free, with a maximum stay of three hours. It opens at 04:00 every day and closes between 17:30 and 19:00, depending on the day. An afternoon tea package adds priority security and a glass of Prosecco. Compare it on our Aberdeen lounges page.
For a very early flight, there is a wide choice of hotels close to the airport, including the Moxy, Hampton by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, Premier Inn Aberdeen Airport Dyce and Travelodge Aberdeen Airport. Search Aberdeen hotels.
Getting there by bus
The Jet 727, run by Stagecoach with electric buses, is the airport's official link to the city centre, taking from about 30 minutes. It leaves Union Square Bus Station from stance 3 and the airport from stance 1, directly outside the terminal, every 15 minutes or so through the day, with journeys through the night too. Some services continue south to Portlethen and Stonehaven.
Frequently asked questions
How much is drop-off at Aberdeen Airport?
£7 for up to 15 minutes at Express Drop Off, then £1 a minute, rising to a flat £50 after 30 minutes. Pay by card at the forecourt exit barrier.
Is there free drop-off at Aberdeen Airport?
Yes, in the Long Stay car park, free for up to an hour, with a free shuttle bus to the terminal. Blue Badge holders get 30 minutes free in the Short Stay car park instead.
How early should I get to Aberdeen Airport?
At least two hours before an international flight and an hour and a half before a UK or Ireland flight, according to the airport's check-in guidance. Check your airline's own times too.
Is there a bus from Aberdeen Airport to the city centre?
Yes. The Jet 727 runs between the airport and Union Square Bus Station every 15 minutes or so through the day, with night journeys too, taking from about 30 minutes.
How much is the lounge at Aberdeen Airport?
The Northern Lights Lounge costs £36 per adult pre-booked or £37 on the door, £18 for children aged 4 to 17, and is free for babies under 3. The maximum stay is three hours.
Sorted before you fly.
