Car Rental in Aberdeen
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 18:57 on 2021-02-28. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
GBP
Country code
44
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
97 km/h
60 mi/h
Speed limit within town
48 km/h
30 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Why rent a car in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen is a very interesting, underrated travel destination. The city boasts many green areas, a blend of different architectural styles, and a long, impressive beach. There are plenty of historic landmarks, high quality museums, and excellent dining opportunities. Different from Glasgow and Edinburgh in the south and not quite part of the Scottish Highlands in the north (yet offering easy access to both), Aberdeen is a unique breed of its own just waiting to be explored.
One-Way Car Rentals in Aberdeen
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Aberdeen and drop off in another city include:
- From Aberdeen to Manchester - 65 offers from US$ 47.30 per day
- From Aberdeen to Liverpool - 46 offers from US$ 47.30 per day
- From Aberdeen to Luton - 65 offers from US$ 52.14 per day
- From Aberdeen to Derby - 10 offers from US$ 64.82 per day
Top ways to enter Aberdeen
- Aberdeen Airport: The third-busiest in Scotland, Aberdeen Airport handled more than 3 million travelers in 2018. The airport is served by 15 different airlines that offer a lot of domestic flights, as well as flights to and from destinations in countries like Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Ireland. Located in the suburb of Dyce, the airport is about 10km (7 miles) northwest of the city center and can be reached in 15 to 20 minutes.
- Inverness Airport: Serving the largest city in the Scottish Highlands, Inverness-Dalcross Airport handles around 900,000 passengers every year. The airport is located 155km (96 miles) northwest of Aberdeen, a distance that can be traveled in about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- Dundee Airport: A very small airport that’s mostly used by private planes, as of 2019 Dundee Airport hosts only one public flight, connecting the city to Stansted Airport in London. Aberdeen is 114km (71 miles) north of Dundee and can be reached in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Edinburgh Airport: The busiest in Scotland and sixth-busiest in the United Kingdom, Edinburgh Airport hosts plenty of domestic flights as well as flights to and from destinations in Europe, North America, and East Asia. Located 201km (125 miles) south of Aberdeen, Edinburgh Airport can be reached in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- By rail: If you arrive in Aberdeen by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Aberdeen Railway Station.
- By sea: If you arrive in Aberdeen by ferry, you can pick up a rental car at the Aberdeen Northlink Ferry Terminal. The terminal currently has ferry depatures to the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands, two archipelagos north of mainland Scotland. You can check the timetables and other information on the terminal’s official website.
Useful city facts
Located on the North Sea coast, Aberdeen has an oceanic climate with cool winters and mild summers. The average temperature is 14°C (57°F) in July and August, the warmest months, and 4°C (38°F) from December to February. October and November are by far the rainiest months.
Located on the 57th parallel north, Aberdeen sees very little sunlight in winter, with only 6 hours and 40 minutes between sunrise and sunset around winter solstice; however, the city more than makes up for it in summer when the day is more than 18 hours long around summer solstice.
Top destinations and activities
- Union Terrace Gardens. The most popular green area of Aberdeen, Union Terrace Gardens is a public park located right in the city center. Famous for its floral ornaments and offering a view of many of Aberdeen’s most famous buildings, the park gets crowded during the summer months when locals come here for a picnic and a fresh air; however, it can be even more picturesque in winter time when the area is covered under a blanket of snow.
- Granite architecture. Nicknamed the Silver City, Aberdeen’s architecture is unique among the cities of Britain. Granite sparkles in the sunlight and weathers very slowly, giving the city a nearly brand-new look despite many of the buildings being more than 100 years old. Some impressive examples include the Marischal College building on Broad Street, the Central Library, and the Salvation Army Citadel. Union Street, a lane in the city center more than a mile long, has buildings of varied architectural styles, but they are all made of granite, giving it a truly fascinating look.
- Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Located right on the North Sea coast, Aberdeen has for centuries been a city of sailors and merchants, explorers and oilers. Located on famous Shiprow Street, this museum honors the city’s heritage offering a wealth of artefacts, explanations on ship and oil rig technologies, and impossible stories from the sea.
Traffic and parking tips
- The United Kingdom drives on the left-hand side of the road
- On-street parking is usually heavily restricted. Never park on a white, double yellow or double red line (stopping on motorways and along red lines is illegal).
- You are not allowed to use your mobile phone while driving unless you use a hands-free system.
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 112km/h (70 mph) on motorways, 112km/h (70 mph) on dual carriageways, 96km/h (60 mph) on single carriageways and 48km/h (30 mph) in residential areas and areas with street lightning.
- In Scotland, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for both experienced and novice drivers. In the rest of the UK, the legal alcohol limit is 0.08% for both experienced and novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, a suspended license, or even imprisonment.
- The population density of the Highlands is quite low, so the roads are not crowded and the driving is very enjoyable. However, many Scottish farmers keep sheep who occasionally wander on the roads and are one of the main reasons for road accidents in the region, so watch out for them.
- It’s not a bad idea to get familiar with the Highway Code, an official guide book of driving rules and tips in England, Scotland, and Wales, issued by the UK Government. The guide book can be downloaded online for free on its official website.
- Proof of insurance and the documentation of the car needs to be in it whenever you’re driving.
- When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The emergency numbers are 999 and 112.
Toll roads
Currently there is only a single toll road in the United Kingdom, the M6 toll. You also have to pay a toll for using a number of bridges and tunnels, as well as for entering the central areas of London and Durham (a city in North East England).
As an alternative to the M6 around Birmingham, the M6toll is a 43km (27 miles) long portion of the road, also known as the Birmingham North Relief Road (BNRR), that relieves congestion on the M6 itself. There are toll gates where you can pay by either cash or credit card. As of March 2019, the price is £6.40 for using the toll road from Monday to Friday (from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), £5.30 for using the toll road on Saturday or Sunday (from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), and £4.10 for using the toll road at night time on any day (from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.). Find out more on the M6 Toll official website.
Find out more about toll roads in the United Kingdom on the European toll road website.
Ideas for a day-trip
- Aberdeen Beach. Surfing is not the first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they think of Northern Scotland, and yet it is exactly what the beaches around Aberdeen offer. Even though the water is cold year-round, plenty of Britons and foreigners come here to hit the spectacular North Sea waves. Even if you’d like to stay dry, Aberdeen Beach is still a beautiful place to visit for a day outdoors - and with your own ride, you can also travel up or down the coast to find even more private spots just for yourself.
- Cairngorms National Park. Made up of the same granite that provided the building blocks for Aberdeen’s splendid architecture, Cairngorms National Park is a place of desolate, but splendid mountain scenery. The area’s harsh weather creates a tundra-like environment and provides home to unique plant and animal species such as wildcats, golden eagles, and mountain hares. Dotted with little streams, lochs, and woodlands, the national park is a spectacular place to visit. Dinnet, a small town that’s called the gateway to the Cairngorms, is just 55km (34 miles) west of Aberdeen and can be reached in about 50 minutes by car.
- Inverness. The capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is a charming little city with attractions like Inverness Castle, the Old High Church, and the Inverness Botanic Gardens. But the number one quality of Inverness is that it can serve as a base for exploring the rest of Highlands, from mysterious Loch Ness to the region’s stunning mountains and rugged coastline. Located 166km (103 miles) northwest of Aberdeen, Inverness can be reached in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Most popular rental types and cars
The most popular rental car in Aberdeen is the Ford Focus, but many travelers also go for the Vauxhall Corsa and the Ford Mondeo. The most popular rental car types are compact, economy, and standard.
Further destinations
- Edinburgh. Made up of medieval palaces and gothic churches and surrounded by extinct volcanoes, Edinburgh is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. There’s plenty of modernity, too, like the impressive buildings of the Houses of Scottish Parliament and the National Museum of Scotland, the latter of which is as interesting from inside as it is from the outside. Add to this the city beaches, the many festivals, and some of the best restaurants in the UK, and you get a travel destination you can’t resist. Located 206km (128 miles) south of Aberdeen, Edinburgh can be reached in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Glasgow. Larger than Edinburgh, but not the capital, Glasgow is often thought of as the less scenic, but more fun sister of the two grand Scottish cities. Celtic heritage is especially strong here and lives in the city’s music, traditions, cultural centers, and pubs. There’s plenty of famous landmarks, too, like the Glasgow Cathedral and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Located 235km (146 miles) south of Aberdeen, Glasgow can be reached in about three hours by car.
- North England. The largest of the home countries, England is so much more than just London. Made up of bustling and diverse urban centers like Liverpool and Manchester, long rugged beaches, quaint villages, and the rolling hills of Yorkshire, there’s plenty to discover in it’s northern areas. Newcastle, the first large city when coming from Scotland, is located 407km (253 miles) south of Aberdeen and can be reached in just a little more than four hours. You’ll make your own trip from there.
Car Rental Prices in Aberdeen
- Station wagons - from $89 per day
- Large cars - from $77 per day
- Medium cars - from $49 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $138 per day
- Premium cars - from $111 per day
- Small cars - from $38 per day
- SUVs - from $79 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
Follow these tips to land a great rental car in Aberdeen:
- Compare the rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Aberdeen is the cheapest in March when renting a car is almost 70% cheaper than the yearly average.
Top 20 Cities near Aberdeen
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London Car Rentals from $21.14 per day650.2 km / 404.0 miles away
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Manchester Car Rentals from $21.58 per day428.1 km / 266.0 miles away
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Glasgow Car Rentals from $19.36 per day201.6 km / 125.3 miles away
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Edinburgh Car Rentals from $13.68 per day156.8 km / 97.4 miles away
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Birmingham Car Rentals from $20.47 per day528.9 km / 328.7 miles away
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Belfast Car Rentals from $13.35 per day367.3 km / 228.3 miles away
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Inverness Car Rentals from $49.40 per day117.0 km / 72.7 miles away
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Leeds Car Rentals from $29.94 per day372.7 km / 231.6 miles away
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Luton Car Rentals from $20.47 per day604.1 km / 375.4 miles away
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Liverpool Car Rentals from $15.27 per day432.3 km / 268.6 miles away
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Bristol Car Rentals from $21.58 per day648.1 km / 402.7 miles away
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East Midlands Car Rentals from $26.12 per day489.3 km / 304.1 miles away
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Newcastle Car Rentals from $25.28 per day242.9 km / 150.9 miles away
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Bolton Car Rentals from $45.08 per day404.8 km / 251.6 miles away
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Cardiff Car Rentals from $30.44 per day649.9 km / 403.8 miles away
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Brighton Car Rentals from $23.05 per day721.4 km / 448.3 miles away
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Southampton Car Rentals from $28.97 per day697.5 km / 433.4 miles away
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Exeter Car Rentals from $23.02 per day723.7 km / 449.7 miles away
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Bournemouth Car Rentals from $28.27 per day714.6 km / 444.1 miles away
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Newquay Car Rentals from $34.14 per day773.9 km / 480.9 miles away
Top 20 Locations near Aberdeen
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Aberdeen Airport Car Rentals from $18.23 per day7.8 km / 4.9 miles away
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Dundee Airport Car Rentals from $42.41 per day95.8 km / 59.5 miles away
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Inverness Airport Car Rentals from $49.40 per day124.0 km / 77.1 miles away
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Inverness Train Station Car Rentals from $26.36 per day132.0 km / 82.0 miles away
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Edinburgh Waverley Train Station Car Rentals from $20.47 per day148.8 km / 92.5 miles away
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Edinburgh Airport Car Rentals from $13.68 per day154.5 km / 96.0 miles away
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Glasgow Central Train Station Car Rentals from $42.90 per day195.1 km / 121.2 miles away
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Glasgow Airport Car Rentals from $19.36 per day201.5 km / 125.2 miles away
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Newcastle Airport Car Rentals from $25.28 per day236.6 km / 147.0 miles away
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Prestwick Airport Car Rentals from $34.32 per day238.1 km / 147.9 miles away
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Belfast Cruise Port Car Rentals from $17.85 per day366.3 km / 227.6 miles away
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Leeds Bradford Airport Car Rentals from $29.94 per day366.6 km / 227.8 miles away
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George Best Belfast City Airport Car Rentals from $13.35 per day366.6 km / 227.8 miles away
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Isle of Man Airport Car Rentals from $40.98 per day376.0 km / 233.6 miles away
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Belfast International Airport Car Rentals from $13.35 per day377.3 km / 234.5 miles away
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Humberside Airport Car Rentals from $23.02 per day413.1 km / 256.7 miles away
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Doncaster Sheffield Airport Car Rentals from $25.27 per day414.9 km / 257.8 miles away
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Manchester Airport Car Rentals from $21.58 per day422.6 km / 262.6 miles away
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Liverpool Airport Car Rentals from $15.27 per day427.2 km / 265.5 miles away
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Holyhead Port Car Rentals from $33.58 per day455.6 km / 283.1 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Aberdeen?
Car rental prices in Aberdeen vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Aberdeen
The best month to rent a car in Aberdeen is March (when prices for an Economy class start from $26.60). This is 68% cheaper than the yearly average and 82% cheaper than renting in November (when rental prices start at $149.44 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Aberdeen?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in May, travelers rent a car for an average of 11 days in November, the average rental period is 3 days.
Average Rental Length in Aberdeen
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Aberdeen?
While travelers visit Aberdeen year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is March, and the least popular is June.
Popularity of Car Rental in Aberdeen by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easirent | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Enterprise | Vauxhall Corsa | 2 | 2 | Small cars |
| Alamo | Ford Focus | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Alamo | Toyota Aygo | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Enterprise | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Alamo | Vauxhall Corsa | 2 | 2 | Small cars |
| SIXT | VW Golf | 5 | 1 | Medium cars |
Our Customers Reviews
RR
United Kingdom
Toyota Yaris 5d
April 26, 2019
If you're staying in Aberdeen itself, you don't really need a car & parking in the city can be expensive. For getting around outside Aberdeen to see local scenery including the Cairngorms, castles, coast etc, a car makes life much easier.
HJ
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
October 29, 2018
I travelled up the Dee valley and having access to a car is essential.
DK
Argentina
Vauxhall Vivaro 9 seater
October 7, 2018
Visit Dunnottar Castle & do the Whisky trail.
Top 9 Suppliers in Aberdeen in 2021
Enterprise
+4401224774466
Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 7DU
Alamo
+4401224774466
Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 7DU
National
01224690099
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR, 80 SKENE SQUARE
SIXT
+442070188246
Upper Farburn Road
Keddy
+4403713840295
CAR RENTAL CENTER
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:08:00-23:00
Sun:09:00-23:00
Avis
+4403445446010
Aberdeen Airport Upper Farburn Rd Car Rental Ce
Working hours
Mon:09:00-17:00
Tue:09:00-17:00
Wed:09:00-17:00
Thu:09:00-17:00
Fri:09:00-17:00
Sat:09:00-12:00
Sun:09:30-12:00
Alamo
01224774466
Enterprise Rent A Car
Working hours
Mon:08:00-21:00
Tue:08:00-21:00
Wed:08:00-21:00
Thu:08:00-21:00
Fri:08:00-21:00
Sat:09:00-17:00
Sun:10:00-20:00
Europcar
+4403713840295
UPPER FARBURN ROAD,ABERDEEN AIRPORT
Working hours
Mon:08:00-18:00
Tue:08:00-18:00
Wed:08:00-18:00
Thu:08:00-18:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-23:00
Sun:09:00-23:00
Easirent
+441224608690
Courtyard Aberdeen Airport, Argyll Way, Dyce, Aberdeen
Working hours
Mon:06:00-00:30
Tue:06:00-00:30
Wed:06:00-00:30
Thu:06:00-00:30
Fri:06:00-00:30
Sat:06:00-00:30
Sun:06:00-00:30