£3.20 gets you from ABZ T1 to Union Street on First Bus 17
First Bus 17 runs between Aberdeen International Airport T1 and the city centre, with buses typically every 15–30 minutes during the day. The stop sits right outside the main terminal exit, beside the short-stay car park, so you’re on the pavement for less than 2 minutes after collecting your bag. This is a standard local bus, not an airport coach, so expect front-door boarding and pay-as-you-board fares.
Day tickets on First Bus 17 usually cost around £5–£6 for Aberdeen city zones, while a single from ABZ to Union Street sits close to £3.20 at last check. You can pay contactless by tapping your card or phone on the reader by the driver, or use cash in pounds with no change given. Keep the paper ticket handy for spot checks, especially if you’re hopping off before the city centre.
The ride from the airport to Aberdeen city centre on route 17 takes roughly 35–45 minutes in normal traffic, with the bus passing Dyce Railway Station within about 7 minutes of leaving T1. If you’re connecting to trains, watch for the Dyce stop on the screens or ask the driver when you board. From there, most buses run on to Union Street and central stops used for hotels and shopping.
First Bus 17 usually runs from early morning around 05:00 until late evening close to 23:00, but Sunday timetables and public holidays can thin out to roughly two buses per hour. Late arrivals into ABZ after 22:00 should check the last departure time that day before relying on it. Printed timetables at the stop list the next departures for weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays separately.
If you’re landing into T1 with luggage, aim for the rear half of the bus where there’s a small open space near the middle doors and priority seats; it fits a medium suitcase and cabin bag more easily than the front section. One final tip: screenshot the First Bus 17 timetable or route map before you leave airport Wi‑Fi so you’re not stuck refreshing mobile data in the car park.