06/01/2022
Getting to Aberdeen's Healthcare Facilities by Bus
For residents and visitors in Aberdeen, understanding the local bus network is crucial for accessing important healthcare facilities efficiently. Whether you're heading to the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), Woodend Hospital, or Royal Cornhill Hospital, knowing which bus services to catch and where to alight can save you time and hassle. This guide will break down the First Aberdeen bus routes that serve these vital locations, offering clear information to help you plan your journey.

First Aberdeen Services and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI)
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) is a major healthcare hub, and several First Aberdeen bus services provide direct or convenient access. For those specifically asking about the first Aberdeen service stop on Foresterhill Road, the answer is readily available.
Service 3 – Mastrick to Cove/Charleston (via City Centre) is the most direct option. This service stops directly at ARI on Foresterhill Road, making it an ideal choice for those seeking the closest possible drop-off point. You can view the timetable for Service 3 by clicking the provided link.
Another convenient service is Service 23 – Heathryfold to Sheddocksley (via City Centre). While this service doesn't stop directly on Foresterhill Road, its stop on Westburn Road is located at the junction of Foresterhill Road, meaning you're only a very short walk away from ARI.
Services a Short Walk from ARI
Beyond the most direct routes, several other First Aberdeen services operate within a comfortable walking distance of ARI. Planning your journey with these in mind can offer more flexibility, especially if your starting point is better served by a different route.
- Service 11 – Woodend to Northfield (via City Centre): This service stops on Cairncry Road, approximately a 14-minute walk to ARI. This is a good option if you are coming from or going to the Woodend area. You can check the timetable for Service 11 via the link.
- Service 12 – Heathryfold to Torry (via City Centre): Services 12 stop on Back Hilton Road and Hilton Drive. Both stops are roughly an 18-minute walk from ARI. These stops might be more convenient depending on your specific origin within Aberdeen. Consult the timetable for Service 12 for more details.
- Service 13 – Scatterburn to Seaton Golf Links (via Summerhill and City Centre): The stop for Service 13 on King’s Gate is just a 13-minute walk to ARI, making it another viable, slightly closer option compared to Services 11 and 12. The timetable for Service 13 is available through the provided link.
First Aberdeen Services to Woodend Hospital
For journeys specifically to Woodend Hospital, First Aberdeen also operates several routes. Understanding these can be particularly helpful for residents in the areas served by these routes.
The services that go to Woodend Hospital include:
- Service 3
- Service 11
- Service 13
- Service 23
It's important to note that while these services serve Woodend Hospital, they might stop a short walk away from the main entrance, as is common with many public transport routes serving large healthcare facilities. For precise stop locations, it's always best to use the First Bus App or their Journey Planner.
Other NHS Hospital Services Covered by First Aberdeen
First Aberdeen's network extends to other important NHS sites across the city. Here’s a summary of services serving key hospitals:
| Hospital | First Aberdeen Services |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen Royal Infirmary | 3, 11, 12, 13, 23 |
| Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital | 3, 11, 12, 13, 23 |
| Aberdeen Maternity Hospital | 3, 11, 12, 13, 23 |
| Royal Cornhill Hospital | 3, 11, 12, 13, 17, 17A, 18, 172 |
| Woodend Hospital | 3, 11, 13, 23 |
| Albyn Hospital | 1, 2, 11, 13, 15, 18, 23, 172 |
Planning Your Journey: Tools and Tips
To ensure you have the most up-to-date information for your specific travel needs, First Aberdeen provides excellent resources. The First Bus App is an invaluable tool, offering real-time bus tracking, journey planning, and service updates. You can also use the Journey Planner on the First Aberdeen website.

When planning your trip, always consider:
- Your starting point: Which bus stop is most convenient for you?
- The destination hospital: Are you going to the main ARI complex, or a specific adjacent facility?
- Walking distance: How far are you willing to walk from the bus stop to the hospital entrance?
- Timetables: Check the latest timetables to ensure you are catching the right service at the right time, especially during off-peak hours or weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which bus goes directly to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Foresterhill Road?
A1: Service 3 from First Aberdeen stops directly at ARI on Foresterhill Road.
Q2: Which services stop near Woodend Hospital?
A2: Services 3, 11, 13, and 23 serve Woodend Hospital, with stops potentially a short walk away.
Q3: How long is the walk from Cairncry Road to ARI?
A3: The walk from the Cairncry Road stop for Service 11 to ARI is approximately 14 minutes.
Q4: Can I use the First Bus App to check live times?
A4: Yes, the First Bus App provides live tracking and service updates for all First Aberdeen services.
Q5: Are there buses to Royal Cornhill Hospital?
A5: Yes, Services 3, 11, 12, 13, 17, 17A, 18, and 172 serve Royal Cornhill Hospital.
By utilising this information and the available planning tools, navigating Aberdeen’s public transport to reach its essential hospitals becomes a much simpler task. Whether you're a regular commuter or visiting for an appointment, being well-informed is key to a stress-free journey.
If you want to read more articles similar to Aberdeen Bus Routes to Hospitals, you can visit the Transport category.
