Hello! I need help figuring out transportation in/around Aberdeen. We are flying in from France, early June. We fly back out 4 days later, so a very short trip (3 full days). We hope to go back to Scotland fall 2023 for a more extended experience, but for this trip we have a couple things we really want to do. The first is to go to the Forbes castle, which seems close to Alford. The second is to do a scotch tasting experience. We will not rent a car. We are hoping to rely on taxis and trains, and would also be interested in hiring a driver for a half day- for the Forbes castle if taxi is not realistic. We planned to stay in Aberdeen, only because we don't know what else makes sense. We want to be close to the airport in Dyce. This was a last minute add on to our France trip, as going to the castle was my husbands #1 wish. We had tickets to Scotland then canceled them a few months ago. Now it seems doable again, so we are giving it a try.
Posted by
Freedonia
14980 posts
Rabbies to the rescue.
https://www.rabbies.com/en/scotland-tours/from-aberdeen
Excellent tour company that gets top reviews on this board. I've taken numerous tours with them and loved each one. I will take more in the future. Small vans. Knowledgeable driver/guides.
Posted by
Banchory, Scotland
268 posts
You could get in touch with this company which might be able to help you. I've never used them myself having no need so this is not a personal recommendation.
Posted by
OP
114 posts
Thank you both! I will check them out today. Do you think staying in Aberdeen itself is best? The small towns around seem small enough that there may not be transportation options.
Posted by
Banchory, Scotland
268 posts
I think in this case staying in Aberdeen would make sense. Find accommodation which has an on-site restaurant for evening meals, or maybe with an eatery somewhere nearby. When making enquiries you could ask about this. I have no recommendations because living not far away, I've never needed to stay overnight in Aberdeen. This is something any good tour guide could also help with and give you some options for dinner.
This is a very useful site for public transport planning in Scotland should you need it.
If you come to this area again do look at hiring a car because you will see so much more of Aberdeenshire. You will also be able to stay somewhere rural or coastal and not be tied to public transport timetables.
Posted by
OP
114 posts
Thank you for that transportation link sownack! Rental car prices are very high. >1100 GBP for 4 days.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
For car rental have you looked at Sixt. I see much lower prices. Granted I haven't checked the insurance costs....
Posted by
Banchory, Scotland
268 posts
Yes, I keep hearing car hire can be expensive these days and in addition for various reasons there is a shortage of hire cars generally.
If you are considering hiring a car in the future then do not deal with a company called Green Motion. Whilst a legitimate business it employs many sharp practises and the internet is littered with poor reviews and complaints from those who fall foul of them.
Posted by
OP
114 posts
Wow Pamela! That is lower. But still ends up being >500 for 3 days. Renting only 1 day is more expensive, but might be what we need to get to the castle. Then we can do 1 day tour and then just checkout Aberdeen. My grandfather's family had a pharmacy there, and my husbands family also has roots.
Posted by
OP
114 posts
Thank you for that tip sownack. I will notate that.
Posted by
OP
114 posts
The travellinescotland website was very helpful. There are bus/train options that will work for the castle, with planning. We chose the Residence Inn because of it's location (good member rates, too). We booked a whisky day tour, and will take a train day excursion another day. Then our time will be up. There is so much we want to do in Scotland! I set up an airfare watch for August 2023. Thanks for your help everyone!