Car Rental Aberdeen Airport

Driving through the stunning, green landscape of Aberdeenshire is a delight, and an experience worth savouring.

Aberdeenshire lies on the picturesque east coast of Scotland where the highways are maintained, the country roads are quiet, and speed limits are usually clearly signposted. In Scotland, as in the rest of the UK, driving is on the left-hand side of the road.

From the airport head towards the coast via the A96 highway to the centre of Aberdeen. There’s plenty of parking and the roads are well signposted but, as with any city, congestion can build up during peak times. Generally, the speed limit in built-up areas in Scotland is 30mph (48 km/h), rising up to 60mph (96km/h) on out of town ‘national speed limit’ roads and 70mph (112km/h) on motorways and dual-carriageways, but limits can vary so always make sure you check the signs for the route that you are on.

The A92, A90 and A96 are your main routes out of the city. If you follow the A92 it’ll merge onto the A90 south. This will take you through the flat farmland towards the great port city of Dundee, which is around an hour and a half away by car. The A96 takes you north into the green countryside, through quaint villages to Inverness, around two and a half hours away. Here you can discover the beauty of the rugged Scottish Highlands, enjoy the historic culture and try to spot the mythical Loch Ness monster in the infamous nearby waters that bear the legendary creature’s name.

Most of the routes you’ll come across in Aberdeenshire will be two-laned roads or multi-laned highways. However, in some rural areas and further north, past Inverness, you may come across some narrow single-laned rural roads. The main rule here is to keep alert, drive at a sensible speed and use the regular passing points to let any approaching cars through safely.

With medieval castles, characterful cities and a rugged atmospheric coast, discover Scotland’s rustic charm with a rural road adventure. When you rent a car, all the excitement in Aberdeen – and the uninterrupted nature of the countryside around it – can be explored.

Explore the iconic granite city

Aberdeen has a unique location, nestled between both the Don and the Dee rivers as they spill into the North Sea. The rivers have created a distinctive coastline complete with a bustling harbour, sandy beaches andthepicturesqueDonmouth Nature Reserve. Aberdeen itself is famous for its architecture, as the majority of its cityscape is built out of granite, giving it a distinctive and charming style of its own.

Take the opportunity to step into the area’s rich and compelling past. Head to the Maritime Museum, which showcases Scotland’s proud seafaring history with a number of fascinating exhibits, or delve into sinister displays on crime and punishment at the 17^th-century prison known as ‘The Tolbooth’.

Aberdeen has two personalities: a vibrant and energetic city self that seamlessly blends the old with the new, and a peaceful coast to retreat to.

Find a fairytale in the countryside

With awe-inspiring fortresses, stately homes and historic landmarks to uncover, Aberdeenshire is fondly nicknamed ‘Scotland’s Castle Country’. With your rental car to hand, you can explore some of the most impressive of these sites – and be transported back to medieval times, when these strongholds were much more than just decorative wonders.

Perched on a cliffside mound, the Dunnottar Castle ruins are spectacular. This remarkable fort famously protected the Scottish Crown Jewels from Oliver Cromwell's army in the 17^th century, holding out for eight long months and allowing the treasures to be smuggled out in secret. Visit today for dramatic views over the coast and to learn more about its history.

Owned by the UK’s Royal Family since 1852, meanwhile, the prestigious Balmoral Castle can be found in the nearby Cairngorms National Park, around an hour and a half from Aberdeen. Visit the official Scottish home of the Royals to marvel over the exquisite architecture, venture inside to the grand ballroom for the fabulous art collection from Carl Haag and pieces of renowned Minton China, and soak up further opulent charm in the extensive castle grounds. With its pruned gardens, peaceful wildlife and fascinating exhibits, Balmoral's regal allure will stay with you long afterwards.

Enjoy culture in Scotland’s capital

Around two and a half hour’s drive south from Aberdeen you’ll find Scotland’s exciting capital, Edinburgh.

The drive past Dundee will take you across the iconic red, Queensferry bridge, as you journey on to a true hub of history, entertainment and culture.

In the Old Town of Edinburgh catch a glimpse of those aforementioned Scottish Crown Jewels, secured in the 11th-century Edinburgh Castle – perched stunningly above the city. Edinburgh has a wealth of museums to explore too, honouring famous poets, showcasing the natural world and celebrating childhood games and science. Spooky thrills also await in the dungeons and catacombs – or on one of the city’s famous ghost tours.

If you’re planning on visiting in the summer, the city is home to the world’s largest art festival in the form of the Edinburgh Fringe. Thousands of theatre, comedy, musical and cabaret performers transform Edinburgh every August. With so much variety, you'll surely find something interesting to enjoy. All this and many more exceptional attractions can be enjoyed with Hertz car rental at Aberdeen Airport.