The Aberdeen Adventurer, the city’s own hop-on, hop-off open top bus tour, returns this month, bigger and better than ever following strong demand in its first year.
The popular tourist attraction will once again take passengers on a journey across the Granite City, this year with an additional bus meaning more frequent services.
The service is a continued partnership between McGill’s Xplore, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, VisitAberdeenshire and Aberdeen Inspired, and will now run 11 rotations per day, seven days a week, every 45 minutes.
Passengers will also benefit from new features this year, including the addition of Polish-language commentary alongside existing tour narration, helping even more visitors discover the history of the Granite City.
New partners have also joined the discount scheme, giving passengers even more opportunities to enjoy exclusive offers across the city during their visit.
The route includes 12 stops: Broad Street, High Street in Old Aberdeen, Pittodrie, Aberdeen Beach, Fittie, Guild Street (for Union Square, rail and bus stations), Duthie Park, Queen’s Road (The Chester Hotel), Queen’s Cross, Union Street (Music Hall), Rosemount Viaduct (His Majesty’s Theatre) and LittleJohn Street.
Just some of the many attractions covered by the route include:
- Marischal College
- Provost Skene’s House
- Denis Law statue
- ‘Poised’ sculpture
- King’s College
- Old Aberdeen & University of Aberdeen
- The University Wee Shop
- Old Town House
- Pittodrie Stadium and Sir Alex Ferguson statue
- Aberdeen Science Centre
- Beach Ballroom
- Codona’s Amusement Park, Queens Links Leisure and beach front cafes
- Fittie historic fishing village
- Aberdeen Maritime Museum
- Shiprow Village
- Duthie Park
- Old Brig o’ Dee
- Queen’s Cross
- West End independent shops and cafes
- The Music Hall
- Union Terrace Gardens
- His Majesty’s Theatre and The Terrace Bar & Café
- Aberdeen Art Gallery and Cowdray Hall
- St Nicholas Kirk
- Castlegate & Mercat Cross
- Aberdeen Townhouse
Ticket holders will have access to a number of great discounts and offers from partners including: Aberdeen FC, Codona’s Amusement Park, Shiprow Village venues, The Terrace Bar & Café, Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums, and The Wee Shop in Old Aberdeen.
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of AGCC said: “The return of the Aberdeen Adventurer is fantastic news for the city, building on the success of its first year with more stops and an additional bus on the route.
“The expansion will make it even easier for passengers to explore the Granite City and discover everything it has to offer.
“This isn’t just for visitors, it’s for residents of city and shire who want to rediscover the best of Aberdeen, seeing the city from a different perspective.
“Experiences like this play an important role in showcasing Aberdeen’s unique attractions, supporting local businesses and strengthening the region’s growing visitor economy.”
Chris Foy, Chief Executive of VisitAberdeenshire, said: “The return of the Aberdeen Adventurer for a second season, with a second vehicle is a vote of confidence in Aberdeen as a visitor destination.
“Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend break, a day ashore from a cruise ship or time outside of the conference hall, visitors, local residents, and indeed local businesses can all discover top deck views of the Granite City from the distinctive orange fleet.
“Insightful commentary along the route can inspire deeper exploration and longer stays, strengthening our visitor economy in 2026 and beyond.
Stephen Riggans, Area Director, McGill’s Buses, said: “It’s a fantastic moment for us as we get ready to roll out season two of the Aberdeen Adventurer on Monday, March 30, 2026.
“Last year’s launch created such a buzz, and we’re thrilled to bring back an open top experience that captures Aberdeen at its very best, big skies, fresh air, and a whole new perspective on the city we’re so proud of. With brilliant support from Aberdeen City Council, the Chamber, VisitAberdeenshire, the Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired, we’re excited to offer a tour that locals love, and visitors can’t wait to discover.
“2025 was a standout year for Aberdeen, filled with moments that put the city firmly in the national spotlight. From the spectacular Tall Ships visit which brought around 400,000 visits to the city and transformed the harbour into a global maritime hub to Aberdeen Football Club’s unforgettable Scottish Cup victory, the Granite City was bursting with excitement and pride.
“It was also the year Aberdeen was recognised by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the Best Places to Go in the UK for 2025, thanks to its vibrant food scene, rejuvenated public spaces and growing cultural energy. McGill’s was proud to play a part in such a landmark year, and we’re carrying that momentum and positivity straight into 2026.
“We’re especially pleased to introduce a new and improved timetable this season, with open-top buses now running every 45 minutes. The response to our inaugural year was incredible the enthusiasm, the feedback, the support it all exceeded our expectations. We can’t wait to welcome everyone aboard again for a bigger, brighter, and even more memorable season two of the Aberdeen Adventurer”.
Councillor Alex McLellan, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee at Aberdeen City Council, said: “The Aberdeen Adventurer provides is a great way for visitors to our city, and for residents, to get around Aberdeen and see everything our city has to offer.
“I would encourage anyone who hasn’t done so to get onboard and take in the fantastic route around Aberdeen.”
The Aberdeen Adventurer will run from March 30 until September 20, 2026.
Day tickets are priced at £20 for adults, £12 for students, £10 for concessions and children between five and 15 years old.
Under-fives travel for free when accompanied by an adult (one child per fare-paying adult), and family tickets for two adults and up to three children are available for £45.
Each ticket is valid 24 hours from time of purchase.