Aberdeen, known as the "Oil Capital of Europe," offers a blend of modern city life and scenic landscapes, all of which are best explored by car. From the bustling city centre to the rugged beauty of the surrounding Highlands, having a rental car will give you the flexibility to see all that this fascinating region has to offer. Whether you're in the city for business or pleasure, picking up your hire car at Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) is the easiest way to start your journey. The airport serves domestic UK routes including London (Heathrow, Gatwick, London City), Edinburg, Glasgow, Belfast, Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff and Norwich together with numerous European destinations. Once you arrive, you can drive straight from the airport to some of the most stunning destinations in the whole of Scotland, with a host of charming towns, historical landmarks, and natural wonders all within reach. Aberdeen International Airport is located just 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) from the city centre, making it a convenient starting point for your Scottish adventure. If you are looking for other airport options, you might consider Edinburgh Airport (EDI) (around 200 kilometres / 124 miles to the south), Glasgow Airport (GLA) (around 230 kilometres / 143 miles to the southwest), or Inverness Airport (INV) (around 150 kilometres / 93 miles to the northwest). In Aberdeen, you'll find a wide range of hire cars available to suit your needs. For those who are planning to explore the city and its surrounding areas, a compact or mid-size car will be ideal. These vehicles offer easy parking in the city and are efficient for short drives to nearby attractions. If you are venturing into the Highlands or taking a longer road trip, consider renting an SUV or a larger vehicle to ensure comfort on the longer, more rugged routes. With plenty of space for luggage, these options are perfect for scenic drives and outdoor adventures.

The region is famed for its natural beauty, with rolling hills, vast forests, and rugged coastlines that are some of the most stunning in the whole of the United Kingdom. A short drive from the city will take you to stunning locations like the Cairngorms National Park, which is just 70 kilometres (43 miles) west of Aberdeen. Here, you can enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and picturesque views of the Scottish Highlands. Alternatively, you can drive north along the A90 to reach the historic town of Inverurie, only 26 kilometres (16 miles) from Aberdeen. To the east, the stunning coastal village of Stonehaven, with its dramatic cliffs and historical sites, is just 16 kilometres (10 miles) away. Aberdeen and the surrounding areas offer a variety of road trips that highlight the natural beauty of Scotland. The drive from the airport to the city centre is straightforward, and once in Aberdeen, you will find that the roads are well-maintained, and driving is easy to navigate. Major roads like the A90 connect Aberdeen with Dundee, a vibrant city known for its stunning waterfront along the Firth of Tay, to the south and the rest of Scotland’s central belt. From here, you can easily venture off to coastal destinations, mountainous landscapes, and charming villages. Despite its location in Scotland, Aberdeen isn’t that far from anywhere in distance, with several key cities within easy reach by car. Edinburgh, handsome Scotland's capital, is just 200 km (124 miles) to the south, a scenic drive of around 2.5 hours. To the south-west, buzzing Manchester lies approximately 330 km (205 miles) away, about a 4-hour drive, offering access to England’s cultural and industrial heart. Heading south, the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, is 540 km (335 miles) from Aberdeen, a journey that takes about 6 hours. For those looking to cross the Irish Sea, atmospheric Dublin is 360 km (224 miles) away by ferry and road, making it a perfect weekend getaway. Finally, London, the elegant and historic capital of England, is located about 700 km (435 miles) south of Aberdeen, approximately an 8-hour drive, offering a rich mix of history, culture, and entertainment. With these distances, Aberdeen is well connected for both short and longer journeys across the UK and beyond.