Transport and Trips
Supported by the Students' Union our affiliated student clubs, activities and groups, regularly organise Activity trips and events, both on and off campus.
If you are planning a trip we have prepared resources for you to ensure that it is carried out safely and all legal requirements and regulations are met.
Trip Forms
For any trips off Campus (whether you have booked a hired vehicle through the Students' Union or not), all Activities must provide an Students' Union Trips and Travel Form prior to leaving on your journey. This form is used in case of accidents or emergencies. Your health, safety, and wellbeing is of utmost importance to us.
If you have hired vehicle(s) through the Students' Union, in terms of the AUSA Transport Policy* we are able to impose a fine of £20 should we not receive said form prior to departure.
*Student Vehicle Hire Policy
Please note that this policy is currently under review. The previous AUSA Transport Policy can be viewed for information purposes only.
Please see our Activities Policies (ausa.org.uk) page where you can find a list of policies which apply to our student activities
Student UK Travel Policy
Please note that this policy is currently under review.
Please see our Activities Policies (ausa.org.uk) page where you can find a list of policies which apply to our student activities
Student Foreign Travel Policy
Please note that this policy is currently under review.
Please see our Activities Policies (ausa.org.uk) page where you can find a list of policies which apply to our student activities
Alternative Transport Options
It is one of The Students’ Union main strategic goals to reduce our carbon footprint. To do this, Student Activities should be making choices of transport not only based on cost but also on sustainability
Here are a few alternatives to Hired Vehicle(s) or Coach with drivers.
Bus Travel
Young people (5-21 yrs) who live in Scotland for most of the year (6 months or more) can now apply to access free bus travel. This scheme allows you to travel on nearly every bus service in Scotland free but there are exceptions such airport buses, city sightseeing buses, and night buses.
You need to apply for either a National Entitlement Card or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (if you already have a Young Scot card, you might not need to apply for a new one). You can find instructions and apply for your card here
The Young Scot card also comes with other discounts.
Those 22yrs and older can get discounted Student Tickets with:
Trains
For rail travel, you can get a Young Person’s Railcard for £30 and reduce the cost of most UK travel by 1/3.
Anyone between 16 and 25 (or mature students aged 26 or over and in full time education) can apply for a Student railcard.
Do be aware that there are restrictions to travel.
You can buy tickts from any UK operator and the ticket prices should not vary based on where you buy them ScotRail does not charge a booking fee.
Most operators put there cheapest advanced tickets on sale around six weeks before departure, if you look further ahead, you may only be offered “Anytime/ Off peak” tickets which are often significantly more expensive.
Coaches
Journeys within Scotland will be free for those under 21 with an NEC card, but you may still need to reserve a seat.
- Flixbus:
- CityLink: Students who register with My Citylink can save 20%.
- Megabus: If you're a student with a valid TOTUM card you can get 10% off your ticket
Enterprise Car Club
Hourly & daily Self-Service Vehicle Hire. This is not via our business account, but directly with Enterprise.
Aberdeen Automated Daily & Hourly Car & Van Hire | Enterprise Car Club
If you have any queries relating to the above, please do not hesitate to contact the Students' Union
In Person: Students’ Union Sports Office | ASV | Linksfield Rd | Aberdeen, AB24 5RU - Tel: 01224 438975 - Email: ausa-transport@abdn.ac.uk
In Person: Students' Union | Students’ Union Building | Elphinstone Rd | Aberdeen, AB24 3TU - Tel: 01224 272965 - Email: activities@abdn.ac.uk