Global Suppliers at Aberdeen
Authorized partnerships with global brands stationed at ABZ Car Rental Centre.
All-Inclusive ABZ Protection
Drive out of Aberdeen with absolute confidence. Every booking automatically includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Third-Party Liability, and Theft Protection.
We ensure total transparency: the rate you book covers your essential insurance needs and includes 24/7 UK-wide breakdown assistance as standard.
Car Hire Desk Access
All rental providers at Aberdeen Airport are conveniently located in the dedicated Car Rental Centre. It is situated via a short, flat covered walkway directly outside the main terminal building.
For terminal maps and live flight information, we recommend checking the official Aberdeen Airport website.
What Our Aberdeen Customers Say
Verified reviews from travelers who rented directly from Aberdeen International Airport.
"Fantastic service at Aberdeen Airport. The car rental centre is just a very short walk from the terminal, and we were heading to Balmoral in minutes."
"Very smooth pick-up process. Used the car to drive into the Cairngorms for the weekend. Highly recommend an SUV for the rural Scottish roads!"
"Best prices I found for an ABZ rental. The car was ready and waiting with no hard sell at the desk."
"Returning at 5 AM was a breeze with the drop box, and the early walk to the terminal took just two minutes."
"Absolutely no hidden fees. The price I saw online was exactly what I paid at the Aberdeen desk."
"The car broke down which was surprising as it was brand new, but I guess nothing is perfect! However, I was very happy with the support. The car change over was very quick and professional. Thank you Sarah for the great customer service."
"Very straightforward access onto the AWPR bypass straight out of the airport. The premium vehicle selection is top-notch."
"Modern fleet and efficient customer support. Got me out of the airport traffic in record time heading up to Speyside."
Essential Driving Guide out of Aberdeen
Landing at ABZ? Familiarise yourself with these vital rules of the road before exiting the airport in your rental.
Navigating the A96 & AWPR
Leaving Aberdeen Airport places you just moments from the A96, the main route heading south-east into the city centre or north-west towards Inverness. To bypass city traffic completely, use the newly built AWPR (Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route) which easily connects you to the A90 south.
Manual vs. Automatic
Manual transmission (stick shift) is standard in the UK. If you are planning to navigate the famously winding, steep, and narrow rural roads of the Cairngorms or coastal trails, we strongly recommend filtering for an automatic vehicle for a more relaxing drive.
Aberdeen Clean Air Zone (LEZ)
Aberdeen city centre operates a strict, heavily enforced Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Non-compliant vehicles face steep penalties. Fortunately, most of our ABZ fleet is Euro 6 compliant, ensuring you avoid any emissions fees when driving into the city.
Winter Driving in the Highlands
If visiting between November and March, be prepared for snow and ice, particularly if heading towards Braemar or the Lecht. While winter tyres are not legally mandatory in the UK, driving carefully in these conditions is essential. Check the Traffic Scotland website for road closures.
Returning the Car (Fuel)
If you have a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy, there is a BP petrol station conveniently located right on Argyll Road just moments before you reach the airport terminal approach. Fill up here to avoid expensive refuelling penalty charges.
Rural Grampian Driving
If you are heading into the Cairngorms National Park, be prepared for single-track roads with passing places. You must pull over into passing places to let oncoming traffic by, and be highly vigilant for deer and roaming livestock.
Current UK Fuel Costs
UK fuel in Scotland is sold by the litre. Prices are currently averaging around £1.45 upto £1.60 per litre. We advise choosing a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy to control your own refuelling costs when exploring the remote Highland routes.
*As this is a volatile and ever-changing item, these prices were last updated on: .
Popular Drives from Aberdeen Airport
Because ABZ is centrally located in the North East, it serves as the ultimate gateway to historic castles, the Malt Whisky Trail, and stunning coastlines. Here are the top scenic drives our customers take after picking up their rental.
Aberdeen City Centre
Distance: 7 miles (20 mins via A96)
Head directly southeast to explore the 'Granite City', its maritime museum, and the silver-sparkling architecture.
Child-Friendly? Yes! Kids will love the Aberdeen Science Centre.
Pro Tip: Ensure your vehicle is LEZ compliant before entering the inner city ring.
Stonehaven & Dunnottar Castle
Distance: 25 miles (35 mins via AWPR/A90)
Drive south to the picturesque harbour town and the incredibly dramatic ruined fortress on the cliffs.
Child-Friendly? Great for exploring the ruins and grabbing an award-winning ice cream in Stonehaven.
Pro Tip: The walk from the car park down to Dunnottar Castle involves many steep steps.
Balmoral Castle & Royal Deeside
Distance: 45 miles (1 hr 15 mins via A93)
Head west into the stunning Dee valley to visit the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family.
Child-Friendly? Excellent open spaces for walks and nature spotting.
Pro Tip: Balmoral is only open to the public from April to August; check dates before you drive.
Cairngorms National Park
Distance: 50 miles (1 hr 20 mins via A93/A944)
Drive inland into the largest national park in the UK, famous for its mountains, forests, and winter sports.
Child-Friendly? Perfect for spotting the UK's only free-ranging reindeer herd.
Pro Tip: The drive over the Lecht (A939) offers incredible views but is often closed in heavy snow.
Speyside Whisky Trail
Distance: 55 miles (1 hr 15 mins via A96)
Head northwest towards Dufftown and Elgin to explore the region containing over half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries.
Child-Friendly? Some distilleries allow children on tours, but it's largely an adult-focused route.
Pro Tip: Scotland has exceptionally strict drink-driving laws. Do not drink and drive.
Craigievar Castle
Distance: 25 miles (45 mins via A944)
Visit the iconic, pink-hued tower house that is said to have inspired Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle.
Child-Friendly? Great for exploring the surrounding woodland trails.
Pro Tip: The castle is incredibly photogenic, especially in the late afternoon sun.
Peterhead & Slains Castle
Distance: 30 miles (45 mins via A90)
Drive north to the rugged Buchan coast and the eerie ruins of Slains Castle (inspiration for Dracula).
Child-Friendly? Older kids will love the spooky ruins, but hold hands tightly near the cliff edges!
Pro Tip: Park in the nearby village of Cruden Bay and walk along the coastal path.
Pennan (Local Hero)
Distance: 45 miles (1 hr 10 mins via A947/B9031)
Head to the north coast to see the tiny, picturesque fishing village famous for the 1980s film 'Local Hero'.
Child-Friendly? A quiet spot to see the famous red telephone box and pebble beach.
Pro Tip: The road down into the village is extremely steep with hairpin bends. Use a low gear.