Explore By Bus
Plan fun-filled days out from strolling through beautiful parks, learning more about this historic city in our museums, visiting family friendly attractions to action packed activity centres.
Whether you are out with family, friends or travelling solo there's plenty to do in Aberdeen which are easily accessible by bus.
Try our Journey Planner by entering where you are travelling from and where you want to go into the box, and we will tell you the best way to travel to your destination.
The Beach
Parks
Duthie ParkLoved by locals, Duthie Park includes open green spaces, 3 children’s play areas and duck filled ponds amongst the evergreen trees and colourful flowerbeds. Spot the iconic, restored Victorian band stand in the heart of the park. Wander through the David Welch Winter Gardens, one of Europe’s largest winter gardens that boasts rare and exotic plants from all around the world, along with a corridor of brightly coloured, aromatic flowers. Services 17, 18 Journey Planner |
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Hazlehead ParkHazlehead Park is a wonderful park of over 180 hectares on the outskirts of Aberdeen. It is heavily wooded and is popular with naturalists, picnickers, walkers and sports enthusiasts. There is a large play area for children, and a maze - fun for all ages! Pets' Corner provides the opportunity to come face to face with a variety of animals. The Park Cafe offers a wide range of food and refreshments. Services 11, 15 Journey Planner |
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Seaton ParkYou can find Seaton Park, one of Aberdeen’s largest parks, in Old Aberdeen. Perfect for picnics and family days out, the Park is dotted with colourful flowerbeds and has a popular children’s play area. Not far from the park is the Brig o’ Balgownie, a 13th century gothic bridge with picturesque views of Cottown of Balgownie, red tiled cottages lining the river. Services 1, 1B, 2, 20 Journey Planner |
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Johnston GardensLocated near Hazlehead Park, Johnston Gardens is one the most instagrammable parks in Aberdeen. It’s beautiful all year round and is a perfect place for a short stroll around the paths where you can admire the beautiful garden, ponds, waterfalls and it’s picturesque bridge as well as the ducks and swans swimming in the rivers. Service 15 to bus stop “Viewfield Crescent” and walk about 5 minutes. Journey Planner |
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Victoria ParkVictoria Park is a small park in Rosemount, a neighborhood of Aberdeen full of local independent shops and cafes, just 5 minutes away on the bus from Union Street. It has a Victorian style fountain and a lovely walled garden with a human sized checkers board. On the weekends, locals gather with instruments and sing and play music. Everyone is welcome, and it’s a great way to meet locals and learn more about the culture. Service 8 Journey Planner |
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Museums
Aberdeen Art GalleryExplore Aberdeen Art Gallery’s inspiring collection of works by artists, designers and makers that span over 700 years. From displays allowing visitors to explore the inspiration of the artists and their creative processes to hands-on interactive art pieces, the museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions by national and international artists. You can enjoy a break at the rooftop café overlooking Belmont Street. Walking distance from Union Street Journey Planner |
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Aberdeen Science CentreWhere science is brought to life, Aberdeen Science Centre contains over 60 hands-on interactive exhibits and live science demonstrations, a trip to the Centre will inspire the scientist within as well as entertain the whole family. Reach for the stars with the amazing planetarium shows and take part in exciting demonstrations which fizz, defy gravity and explode! |
Service 15 Journey Planner |
Aberdeen Maritime MuseumThe Maritime Museum tells the story of the city's long relationship with the sea. This award-winning museum is located on the historic Shiprow and incorporates Provost Ross' House, which was built in 1593. The Maritime Museum houses a unique collection covering shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing and port history. It is also the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil and gas industry. Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers visitors a spectacular viewpoint over the busy harbour. Walking distance from Union Street. Journey Planner |
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The Tolbooth Museum (Temporarily closed)The Tolbooth is one of the oldest buildings in Aberdeen and one of the best-preserved 17th century gaols in Scotland. It features displays on local history and the development of crime and punishment through the centuries. The Tolbooth Museum provides a unique experience in the form of its atmospheric 17th and 18th century cells, original doors and barred windows. Displays include the Maiden and the blade of Aberdeen's 17th century guillotine. Union Street Journey Planner |
City Walks
Old AberdeenWalk the cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen and get transported through time visiting the ancient sites full of rich history. With plenty to discover, such as the Old Town House, St Machar’s Cathedral, MacRobert Memorial Garden, Cruickshank Botanic Garden, Powis Gates and the picturesque Brig O’ Balgownie. You can find King’s College and King’s College Chapel on the University of Aberdeen’s Campus which date back to the 15th century. Find your Old Aberdeen Trail Guide here. Service 1, 1B, 2, 20 Journey Planner |
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Marischal CollegeMarischal College, the second largest granite building in the world and one of the most impressive buildings in Aberdeen boasts its Gothic Revival styled architecture on Broad Street. Now home to Aberdeen’s City Council, Marischal College is a worthy sight to see with its glimmering granite and numerous spires. Walking distance from Union Street. Journey Planner |
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Belmont StreetYou can find this bustling street just off of Union Street lined with bars, cafes, restaurants and even a local film house! On the last Saturday of every month from 9am – 3pm you can find The Belmont Street Farmers Market selling food and crafts while in the evening this street is known for its buzzing nightlife. |
Walking distance from Union Street. Journey Planner |
NUART Aberdeen WalkThe Nuart Aberdeen street art festival added much needed colour to our grey granite city back in 2017. Walking through the city you can find local and international artists work on buildings, doorways, and various street objects. From site-specific murals to sculptures, installations and temporary exhibitions, artists are invited to the festival to showcase their work and believing that art should be a part of people’s everyday life. |
Walking distance from Union Street. Journey Planner |
Activity Centres
Adventure Aberdeen SnowsportsWant to go skiing in the Summer? We know a place! have a go at skiing, snowboarding, or tubing at Aberdeen’s only outdoor dry slopes in the heart of Garthdee. With multiple slopes available you can come along to public sessions or try out lessons for all ages and abilities. |
Service 1, 1B, 2 Journey Planner |
Beach Leisure CentreAberdeen's beach front leisure complex is the premier destination for family fun! The leisure pool is specifically geared to families and includes waves, a fountain, rapids and four flumes. For adults there is a well-equipped gym and health suite with saunas and steam room. There is also a large, versatile sports hall café and crèche on site. |
Service 15 Journey Planner |
Lynx Ice ArenaThe Lynx Ice Arena, located on the popular Beach Promenade, offers skating tuition, public sessions, and parent and toddler sessions. The arena is also home to figure skating, synchronised skating, and three different ice hockey clubs. |
Service 15 Journey Planner |
We haven’t been able to list all the great places you can visit by bus, so if you need more ideas or details on anything to do in the area, try checking out these websites:
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Kids Pack

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Extra Help to Travel
We know that for some of our customers, travelling by bus can be a little daunting, so we’ve been working with many disability groups around the UK to design some cards that you can print out