trips made easy

Home to some of the best-loved High Street brands along with a range of boutique, independent retailers, Aberdeen’s city centre is the perfect destination for the stylish amongst us. From Union Square and Bon Accord and St Nicholas to the quirky offering of the city’s West End, there’s no better place stay abreast with the latest fashion trends. All roads (and buses!) lead to Aberdeen shopping. All zone tickets are valid for travel in Aberdeen City Centre.

Often described as a hidden gem of the north-east, Old Aberdeen is steeped in history that takes visitors back to a forgotten time. With buildings spanning back to medieval times through to the 18th and 19th century, the area is home to some of the city’s most iconic and important architecture. Use any GrassHOPPER ticket to travel in Zone A. First Bus services 20 will take you to King’s College while Stagecoach services to Ellon or First Bus 1 or 2 will take you to King Street.

Home to nearly 20 distilleries, the north-east is steeped in a rich heritage of whisky production, with ample opportunities to learn more on the history and processes behind the nation’s famous drink. Glen Garioch malt, made in the quiet, rural town of Oldmeldrum, offers a quaint tour of its facilities along with the chance to taste its signature fruity and fragrant produce. Use your Zone B GrassHOPPER ticket on the Stagecoach 35 service or Bain’s Coaches 305 from Aberdeen to Oldmeldrum.

North of Aberdeen lies the north-east’s grandest mansion, Duff House which is arguably one of Scotland’s most important pieces of architecture. With the foundations of the building first laid in 1735, the house has been utilised in various aspects through the years, acting as a private hospital in the early 20th century and even as a WWII prison camp and allied headquarters. Use your Zone C GrassHOPPER ticket on the Stagecoach 35 service to Banff and why not hop onto the Deveron Coaches 300 service to visit Macduff Aquarium before heading home to Aberdeen.

The north-east is blessed with vast amounts of greenspace, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Aden Country Park, near Mintlaw, is a 230 acre space in the heart of Buchan, offering beautiful surroundings and a range of activities making it the perfect location for a family day out. Use your Zone C ticket to travel to Mintlaw from Aberdeen on the Stagecoach 67 or 68 services, and to book the Central Buchan A2B dial-a-bus to meet you in Mintlaw to take you to the park.

Royal Deeside, with its high mountains and rolling hills, is an ideal destination for keen walkers chasing stunning views over the north-east of Scotland. The attractive town of Ballater acts as an ideal base, with the majestic Loch Muick, Caringorms and grand peak of Lochnagar in close proximity. Use your Zone C GrassHOPPER to head out to Ballater on the Stagecoach 201 or 202 service to explore and stop off in Banchory for an ice cream or coffee before heading back to Aberdeen.