Aberdeen Airport Parking

How to get cheap Aberdeen Airport car parking

APH’s mission is to provide a wide range of airport parking products to suit all budgets, without compromising on security or service. With over four decades of experience, we have learned a thing or two about the airport parking business and are happy to share our money-saving tips to help you secure the best possible Aberdeen Airport parking deal.

Book early to save on your parking at Aberdeen Airport

Aberdeen Airport parking charges fluctuate with availability. Just like many airfares, in fact. So, an easy way to save on costs is to book as far in advance as possible. Our own booking data shows that by booking parking with APH more than six months prior to travel, you could save over 22 per cent, compared with making a reservation just one week ahead.

In cash terms, for a week’s parking, this translates to paying £45.76 instead of £58.96 That’s a saving of £13.20 – money better spent on fun stuff instead!

You can see how parking prices shift over a period of six months on the chart below. Prices are the average price per day.

Prices are correct at time of writing and subject to change

Sign up for great deals

Make sure you don’t miss out on the best airport parking deals. By signing up to our mailing list not only will we keep you in touch with all the latest money-saving offers, you’ll also receive an instant discount of at least 10 per cent.

Scroll down to “Join here for discounts and offers” and enter your email address. There’s no simpler way to save on all your airport parking across the UK.

There are different types of airport parking to suit the different needs of airline passengers.

Here’s a quick overview of the types of parking at Aberdeen Airport.  

On-airport parking: How it works

Situated within the airport grounds, on-airport parking is usually just a few minutes from the terminal doors, either on foot or by bus transfer.

All you need to do is drive to the car park, find a space, take your bags and make your way to the terminal.

And when return, you simply find your car in the same parking bay and drive away.

We offer two types of on-airport parking at Aberdeen. Aberdeen Long Stay Parking, which is a two-minute bus ride from the terminal, and provides bus transfers on demand, and Aberdeen Short Stay Parking, which is a two-minute walk.

All our car parks has been accredited with the Park Mark Safer Parking Award.

Here's a quick overview of how on-airport parking works.

Best for: those preferring to keep their keys and park within a short distance of the airport terminal.

Off-airport: How it works

Off-airport car parks are generally the most cost-effective option when it comes to considering the different types of airport parking.

Often called Park & Ride, once you have dropped your car off you simply hop on a shuttle bus for the free ride to the terminal. Off-airport car parks are easy-to-find and avoid having to drive into the airport.

When you return from your trip away, once you have cleared Customs you simply follow the signs to the parking transfer buses for the ride back to the car park, where you collect your car.

Here's a quick overview of how off-airport parking works.

Best for: travellers looking for easy-to-find secure parking, with a little extra time to take a bus transfer to the terminal.

Use the map to find directions to our Aberdeen Airport car park facilities.

History of Aberdeen Airport

Lying five nautical miles northwest of Aberdeen city centre, Dyce Aerodrome – later to become Aberdeen International Airport – opened in 1934. During the second world war, it was taken over by the RAF and was bombed twice by the Luftwaffe, in July and August 1940. In 1943, a German Junkers Ju 88 night-fighter landed at Aberdeen, with its crew wanting to defect to the Allies. The aircraft is now displayed in the Royal Aircraft Museum in London.

In 1967, with the arrival of the North Sea oil industry, Aberdeen soon became the base for helicopter services to the oil rigs, which in turn fuelled an increase in business and leisure flights. The airport was handed over to the British Airports Authority in 1975 and, in 1977, a new passenger terminal was opened.

1992 saw the completion of a £2.5 million departure lounge and in 2004, a third helicopter base came into action. In March 2005, Aberdeen Airport was granted permission to operate 24 hours and in the same year, a master blueprint 25-year development plan was unveiled.

After switching ownership to Ferrovial in 2006, a newly refurbished £10 million departure lounge was opened in 2007 and in 2009, on its 75th birthday, Aberdeen Airport’s runway became the busiest in Scotland and the fifth busiest in the UK. The runway was extended in 2011 and Aberdeen was named the UK’s fastest-growing airport by the CAA. 

Aberdeen was shortlisted for the Airport of the Year at the 2013 Scottish Transport Awards and became the first airport in the UK to be awarded the prestigious Customer First accreditation status. In 2014, Aberdeen was awarded Best Airport (under six million passengers) in the UK at the AOA (Airport Operators Association) awards.

Terminals

Aberdeen International has one passenger terminal, as well as one offshore fixed-wing terminal and three helicopter terminals dedicated to North Sea helicopter operations. A £20 million terminal transformation project was completed in 2019.

Check-in, security and departures are on the ground floor along with arrivals, while passenger lounges are up on the first floor. 

Facilities at the terminal include shops, restaurants, bureau de change, free WiFi and special assistance services. 

There is a choice of airport parking options, both on and off-airport. 

Here are some of the airlines operating at Aberdeen Airport:

• airBaltic
• Balkan Holidays
• British Airways
• Eastern Airways
• easyJet
• flybe
• KLM
• Loganair
• Ryanair
• SAS
• TUI
• widerøe
• WIZZ Air

Check-in

The check-in area is on the ground floor of the terminal to the left of the main entrance. There are self-service kiosks for airlines that offer self-service check-in.

For international flights, check-in at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time.

For UK and Ireland flights, check in at least one and a half hours prior to your scheduled departure time.

Please follow the advice of your airline for the earliest and latest check-in times.

The self-service kiosks are located near the standard check-in desks. Some airlines also offer online check-in, which means you can proceed straight through to security when you arrive at the airport if you are just travelling with hand luggage. Checked-in luggage must be taken first to your airline’s Bag Drop desk.

You can check hand luggage restrictions at home before you pack.

Boarding usually begins around 45 minutes before departure; ensure you allow enough time to clear security after checking in.

Terminal opening times: 03:30 – last flight movement

Main travel connections

By road

Aberdeen Airport is close to the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road and is well signposted. It is around seven miles from Aberdeen city centre. 

If you are driving your own car to the airport there is a choice of secure airport parking options, both on and off-airport, to keep your car safe while you are away. 

Aberdeen Airport postcode: AB21 7DU.

- Peterhead to Aberdeen Airport is approximately 35 miles (via the A90).

- Dundee to Aberdeen Airport is approximately 68 miles (via the A90).

- Inverness to Aberdeen Airport is approximately 98 miles (via the A96).

You can also take the bus to Aberdeen Airport. Buses stop right outside and the bus stop is signposted from the terminal. Allow around 30 minutes to travel to/from Aberdeen city centre – longer during peak hours.

  - Jet Service 727 runs from the city centre up to every 15 minutes Monday to Friday.

  - First Bus X27 runs from the city centre to Dyce railway station then on to the airport heliports and passenger terminal.

  - Service 747 runs up to every hour, 7 days a week, from Montrose, Stonehaven, Kingswells or Ellon.

National Express, Megabus and Scottish Citylink services call at the Guild Street bus station in central Aberdeen, next to the railway station, from where you can take a bus or taxi to the airport.

By rail

The nearest railway station to Aberdeen Airport is Dyce, which is two miles away and easily reached by bus or taxi. 

  - ScotRail operates regular services to Dyce and Aberdeen from all over Scotland.

  - First Bus X27 runs from the city centre to Dyce railway station then on to the airport heliports and passenger terminal.

Drop-off zones

Free drop-off and pick-up

There is a free drop-off and pick-up area in Aberdeen Airport at the Long Stay car park, where the first 30 minutes of parking is free. 

When dropping off, your passengers will need to take the complimentary shuttle bus transfer to the terminal building, so make sure you factor in enough time.

When picking up, you can either wait in the car park for your passengers to arrive or take the shuttle bus to meet them at the terminal. The shuttle bus takes around five minutes.

If your vehicle remains in the Long Stay car park longer than 30 minutes, the tariff is £8.00 for up to one hour, or £28.00 thereafter up to 24 hours.

Express Drop-off

You can drop off passengers in the upper forecourt right outside the terminal building.

The drop-off charge is £4.00 for up to ten minutes. If you want to stop for more than ten minutes then you need to use the Short Stay car park, or the Long Stay car park, where you can stay free of charge for up to 30 minutes.

Electric vehicles can use the Express Drop-off free of charge for up to ten minutes but you must pre-register at least 72 hours in advance and receive a confirmation email that your vehicle is eligible before you enter the drop-off zone.

Blue Badge holders are recommended to use the Short Stay car park for dropping off.

Vehicles that remain in the Express Drop-off zone longer than ten minutes will be charged a premium at the exit barrier, which can be paid by cash, card or contactless.

Short Stay car park charges

The Short Stay car park at Aberdeen Airport is a two-minute walk from the airport terminal. It provides multi-storey space for over 500 vehicles and operates on number plate recognition, which makes for easy entry and exit.

Short Stay car park charges: 

• up to 20 minutes £4.00
• up to 1 hour £8.00
• up to 90 minutes £13.00
• up to 4 hours £18.00
• up to 24 hours £40.00

Fast-track lanes

Priority Security

Book Priority Security to beat the queues for security after checking in. Ideal for those running short of time or wanting to make the journey a little easier.

Priority Security price from £5.00 per person

You can book online in advance.

Priority Security is included in the Priority Parking Service. 

Special assistance and disabled facilities

Special assistance

Special assistance is available at Aberdeen Airport for those with reduced mobility and additional support needs, from their arrival at the airport to board the aircraft.

Special assistance bookings should be made with your airline or travel agent in advance, ideally, at the time you make your flight reservation and at least 48 hours prior to travel. If you cannot book special assistance in advance, you can still request it at the airport and all reasonable efforts will be made to assist you.

Special assistance at Aberdeen Airport is provided by ABM. To receive assistance, you must be at the designated meeting point no later than two hours prior to your scheduled departure time.

Types of assistance include:

   -  wheelchair assistance from an agreed point to the aircraft steps
   - wheelchair assistance from an agreed point to the aircraft cabin
   - wheelchair assistance from an agreed point to the aircraft seat
   - mobility assistance from a mobility aid to a wheelchair or aisle chair
   - assistance for those who are hearing or vision impaired

Types of assistant equipment:

• Ambulift vehicle to and from the aircraft
• wheelchairs throughout the terminal
•  aisle chairs within the aircraft

If you have booked special assistance, when you arrive at the airport you need to register at the special assistance help desk, which is located to the right of the main entrance in the terminal building. If the desk is not manned, there is a phone to request assistance.

The special assistance area has reserved seating, space for wheelchairs and low-level flight information screens.

Disabled parking

Blue Badge parking bays are available in the Short Stay car park. These are up to 100m from the terminal entrance, up to 50m from the Short Stay telephone help point, up to 120m to the check-in area, and up to 130m to the Special Assistance area.

There are also disabled parking bays in the Long Stay car park, where the transfer buses to the terminal are DDA compliant.

Help points

There are designated help points at Aberdeen Airport in the Short Stay car parks and in the Express Drop-off forecourt area. Reserved seating is provided beside the forecourt telephones. All help points are clearly signposted.

Security

All special assistance passengers will be taken to security via the Priority Security fast-track lane.
You can remain in your wheelchair through the security process, but it will require you to go through the archway metal detector with a full body search. Private search areas are available on request.
If you have a medical device, it is recommended you carry a letter from your doctor confirming you have been fitted with a device and whether it is fitted internally or externally. This should be shown to a security officer before you go through screening.

Accessible toilets

There is a changing place facility on the ground floor, in the departures lounge after security. This includes a height-adjustable changing bench, peninsular toilet, non-slip floor, hoist and loop, emergency alarm and privacy screen, as well as extra space.

Regular wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets are available before and after security.

Assistance dogs

Aberdeen Airport is approved to accept assistance dogs only, under the rules of PET Travel Scheme. 
You must pre-book your assistance dog with your airline to ensure they are eligible to travel with you. 

Hidden disabilities

First, request assistance with your airline or travel agent; ensure that you book “DPNA assistance” and describe the type of assistance required, where possible.

Aberdeen Airport has created a special guide for children, to help prepare them for the airport experience.

Once you are at the airport, sunflower lanyards are available at the special assistance to help desk, which is located to the right of the main entrance, inside the terminal. The sunflower lanyard identifies the wearer to staff as someone who may need additional support or understanding. 

Family facilities

Baby changing

There are baby-changing facilities in the following locations:

• before security opposite WHSmith
• before security next to the female toilet adjacent to the Granite City Bar
• after security next to the female toilet near to Gate 5
• after security in the Baby Changing Room between Gates 11 and 12

Pushchairs

You can take pushchairs right up to the boarding gate, where the staff will take them from you to put in the hold.

Play areas

You’ll find a children’s play area next to Gate 1, along with a selection of toys.

Baby essentials

Baby essentials such as nappies, formula milk and wipes are available at the Boots store.

Business facilities

Priority Security

• Book Priority Security to fast-track through to departures. 
• Priority Security price from £5.00 per person
• You can book online in advance.

Northern Lights executive lounge

Enjoy panoramic airfield views and locally inspired food and drinks, while you wait for your flight departure.

The award-winning Northern Lights Lounge offers the very best of Aberdeenshire. Enjoy up to three dishes from the locally inspired menu and up to six alcoholic drinks, all included in the entry price. Soft drinks and snacks are unlimited.

You can upgrade to the Premium Northern Lights package, which in addition to the standard benefits includes complimentary Priority Security, a glass of fizz on arrival and a guaranteed window seat overlooking the 1953m runway.

To find the Northern Lights Lounge, after security go through the departures lounge towards Gate 1 and take the lift up to the first floor.

• Opening times: 04:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday
• Opening times: 04:00 – 14:30 Saturday
• Opening times: 04:00 – 12:00 Sunday

Prices

• Price from £29.50 per adult
• Price from £17.00 per child
• Infants under 3 years are free
• Upgrade to Premium from £15.50 per person

British Airways Lounge

The British Airways Lounge is open to British Airways Executive Club members and British Airways passengers with fully flexible tickets for travel in the UK. You’ll find the lounge on the first floor above departures, and it can be accessed by the stairs or lift near to Gate 1.

Food and drink

Aberdeen Airport provides a choice of places to refuel and refresh before your flight, from coffee and cake to pasta and spritz. 

Before security

The Granite City - Outdoor beer garden and tasty menu - Opening times: 07:00 – 18:00 Sunday to Friday -    09:00 – 15:00 Saturday

After security

Bocco -Italian-themed bar and restaurant - Opening times: 05:00 – last flight

Costa Coffee - Italian coffee, sandwiches and pastries -Opening times: 04:30 – 18:00 Monday to Wednesday
   04:30 – 12:30 Saturday -   09:00 – 17:00 Sunday

The Distilling House - Classic pub food, craft beers, spirits and wines Opening times: 04:00 – last flight

Smoking areas

There are smoking zones outside the main terminal entrance and in the Granite City Beer Garden. Once you have passed through security, there is a smoking shelter near the Gate 5 with an entry fee of £1.00 per person. The fee goes towards supporting the upkeep of the shelter.

No smoking is permitted at all within the terminal building, including e-cigarettes.

Water fountains

There is a water fountain in the departures lounge between Gates 5 and 6. Most food outlets at the airport will provide free tap water upon request too. 

Duty-free shopping

Duty-free at Aberdeen Airport is provided by World Duty-Free, who offers a selection of drinks and food, perfumes and tobacco, cosmetics and sunglasses.

World Duty-Free 

Opening times:

• 04:00 – 19:00 Monday to Thursday
• 04:00 – 20.15 Friday
• 04:00 – 17.00 Saturday
• 04:00 – 2-.45 Sunday 

Other shops
Other shops at Aberdeen Airport include:

• Boots
• Discover Aberdeen
• InMotion
• WHSmith

Charging points 

There are duo-USB and plug socket charging points at the seating areas throughout the main terminal building, near the departure gates and on the northern walkway near Gate 10.

EV charging points 

Short Stay car park

There are four charging points on the first floor of the Short Stay car park, next to the door to the lift and stairs to the terminal.

• 7kW Pod Point
• 4 chargers

Priority car park

There are two charging points in the Priority car park, to the left of the car park entrance, next to the payment area.

• 7kW Pod Point
• 2 chargers

Internet access

WiFi

Aberdeen Airport offers unlimited free WiFifor up to one hour with no need to sign up.
Select the “'Aberdeen_Airport_WiFi'” network and “Required Duration.” First-time users may be asked to register some information.
If you select up to four hours of free WiFi, you will need to sign up.
Longer duration WiFi packages cost as follows:

• up to 24 hours £4.00
• up to 7 days £9.00
• up to 30 days £20.00

Luggage trolleys

Luggage trolleys are free to use at Aberdeen Airport and can be found throughout the terminal building, in the forecourt Priority Drop-off zone and in the airport car parks.

Left luggage

You can store your bags at the left luggage desk in the check-in area, which is operated by ICTS. All items will be subject to a security search. 

Left luggage - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00 

Currency exchange 

You’ll find a Travelex store after security at Aberdeen Airport. Click and collect almost 50 currencies, provided you place your order no later than 15:00 hours the previous day. Euros and US dollars can be ordered up to four hours prior to collection. 

You can also order a Travelex Money Card up to four hours prior, which can be loaded up with up to 10 currencies and avoids the need to carry cash. The Travelex Money Card can be used wherever you see the Mastercard sign.

If you think you might have excess currency left after your trip, the Travelex Buy Back Plus scheme allows you to exchange it for the same rate as you bought it. Buy Back Plus is available for £4.99.

Travelex ATMs are available throughout the airport, which dispenses Euros as well as sterling.

Pharmacies

There is a Boots pharmacy in the departures lounge after security. You can Click and Collect up to three days prior to departure.

Boots

Departures lounge, after security
Opening hours:

• 04:00 – 19:00 Monday to Thursday
• 04:00 – 20:00 Friday
• 04:00 to 17:00 Saturday
• 04:00 – 20:00 Sunday

Tel: 01224 722537

Help Desk

The Special Assistance help desk is located to the right of the main terminal entrance after you have entered the building.

There are also designated help points in the Short Stay car parks and in the Express Drop-off forecourt area. All help points are clearly signposted.