Aberdeen Airport is small and manageable, which makes it one of the easier airports to navigate with children. The terminal is compact, distances are short, and there are no long connector walks or shuttle trains to deal with.
Inside the terminal with kids
After landing, the walk from the gate to baggage reclaim is short — typically under 5 minutes. Trolleys are free and available in the baggage hall. Baby-changing facilities are in the arrivals area restrooms. The terminal is all on one level with no stairs between arrivals and the exit, so pushchairs and luggage trolleys roll straight through.
There is a small WHSmith in arrivals if you need snacks or drinks before heading out. The terminal is not large enough to have a dedicated family lounge or play area on the arrivals side.
Child seats — the important detail
In the UK, children under 12 or shorter than 135 cm legally need a child seat in private cars. However, taxis and private hire vehicles are exempt from this rule. That means your child can legally ride in a taxi without a car seat, but many parents understandably prefer to use one.
Taxis from the rank do not carry child seats. If you want one, you need to bring your own.
Pre-booked transfers can usually provide child seats (infant, child, or booster) if you request them at least 24 hours in advance. Specify the age and weight of your child when booking so the correct seat is fitted. This is the most practical option for families who do not want to carry their own seat through the airport.
Best transport options for families
| Option | Suitability for families | Price to city center | |---|---|---| | Pre-booked sedan | Good for family of 3-4, child seat available | £30-45 (€35-52) | | Pre-booked minivan | Best for larger families, multiple child seats possible | £45-70 (€52-82) | | Taxi from rank | Fine if children are older, no child seat provided | £18-25 (€21-29) | | Jet 727 bus | Manageable with older kids, limited luggage space | £4.80 (€5.60) |
The bus with kids — realistic assessment
The Stagecoach Jet 727 bus is affordable and runs frequently, but with small children, a pushchair, and holiday luggage, it becomes stressful. Luggage goes in the compartment underneath, which the driver loads, but the bus can be full and you may end up standing with a toddler. For families with children over about 6 who can manage a seat on their own, the bus works fine.
Luggage considerations
A standard taxi from the rank fits two large suitcases in the boot plus hand luggage on the back seat. A family of four with full luggage (two large cases, two carry-ons, a pushchair) will need to let the dispatcher know so they can assign an estate car or larger vehicle.
For a pre-booked transfer, you specify your luggage count at booking and an appropriately sized vehicle is assigned. This avoids the awkward moment at the taxi rank when your bags do not fit.
Heading beyond the city
If your destination is a holiday cottage in Royal Deeside, a hotel in Stonehaven, or somewhere in the Cairngorms National Park, a pre-booked transfer is the most family-friendly option. The driver meets you at arrivals, handles the luggage, and the children go straight into fitted car seats. No waiting, no negotiating, and the price is agreed before you fly.