Escalink

Port guide: compare transport from South Queensferry

Édimbourg, United Kingdom 38 transport option(s) compared
90 min Recommended return before ship
Port exit : Easy

South Queensferry

Port call at South Queensferry, in Édimbourg (United Kingdom). Leaving the port is straightforward and the town centre is walkable from the pier. The cheapest option, Walk to Hawes Pier bus stop, is free, and the fastest takes around 3 min. A ship shuttle is also available, at around 30,00 €.

Anchorage off South Queensferry, 14 km from Edinburgh. UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge visible from the platform. Shuttle bus available to Edinburgh.

Port Edgar / South Queensferry Cruise Terminal
Cheapest option Free Walk to Hawes Pier bus stop
Fastest option 3 min Walk to Hawes Pier bus stop
Simplest option Walk to Hawes Pier bus stop Very simple
Ship shuttle 30,00 € Please contact the company for further information.

Practical tips

  • Tender from the ship to the dock
  • Shuttle or bus to Edinburgh city centre (30-40 min)
  • Forth Bridge within walking distance
  • Train from Dalmeny Station

Warnings

  • Edinburgh 14 km away – allow time
  • Edinburgh Castle very popular in summer
  • Left-hand traffic
  • Changing weather

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Best option summary

By choosing your cruise line's official shuttle, you opt for complete peace of mind: even if it isn't the cheapest option, this transfer is treated as an excursion, which means the ship will wait for the shuttle before setting sail.

Ship shuttle 30,00 €

Please contact the company for further information.

Recommended local alternative Walk to Hawes Pier bus stop

Free - 3 min - free

Main departure point of the X99 to Edinburgh

Filter transport options

Choose whether you want to stay near the port, reach a connection, or go on a longer excursion.

Transport options

38 option(s) shown for South Queensferry

Walk to Hawes Pier bus stop

Hawes Pier bus stop / X99 CruiseLink

Walk Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 3 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Main departure point of the X99 to Edinburgh

Attention point

Depends on the operation on cruise days

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; follow the X99 CruiseLink signage after disembarkation

Source : Lothian Cruiselink X99: https://www.lothianbuses.com/cruiselink-x99/ | Cruise Forth South Queensferry: https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/getting-around-south-queensferry/

Walk to Forth Bridge viewpoint

Forth Bridge viewpoint

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 6 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Best Quick Photo of the Forth Bridges

Attention point

Can be crowded on cruise days

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Perfect if you have a short stopover or uncertain weather

Source : Forth Bridges: https://www.theforthbridges.org/ | Cruise Forth South Queensferry: https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/getting-around-south-queensferry/

Walk to South Queensferry centre

South Queensferry High Street

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 8 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Quick access to cafes, shops, and deck views

Attention point

Small centre, quickly visited

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route from Hawes Pier to High Street

Source : Cruise Forth South Queensferry: https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/getting-around-south-queensferry/ | VisitScotland South Queensferry: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/south-queensferry-p240871

Walk to Queensferry Museum

Queensferry Museum

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 12 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Small local museum on the history of the Forth and bridges

Attention point

Schedules to check

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; good complement if you stay in South Queensferry

Source : Queensferry Museum: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/queensferry-museum | VisitScotland South Queensferry: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/south-queensferry-p240871

Taxi to Dalmeny Station

Dalmeny railway station

Taxi Station / airport
Estimated cost 10,00 €
Estimated duration 5 min
Frequency Available at the Pier or by reservation
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Avoid the steep staircase to the station

Attention point

Few taxis available on large ships

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Take a taxi if available during rush hour

Source : Cruise Forth South Queensferry: https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/getting-around-south-queensferry/ | ScotRail Dalmeny Edinburgh: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/train-times/dalmeny-to-edinburgh-waverley

Taxi to Port Edgar Marina

Port Edgar Marina

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 12,00 €
Estimated duration 5 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Allows you to quickly reach the marina and its restaurants

Attention point

Generally sufficient walking

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; useful if the passenger is specifically searching for Port Edgar

Source : Port Edgar Marina: https://portedgar.co.uk/ | VisitScotland South Queensferry: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/south-queensferry-p240871

Cruiselink X99 to Edinburgh City Centre

Edinburgh city centre / Waterloo Place

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 15,00 €
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency days of cruising, fast and frequent according to Lothian
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Easiest direct option to central Edinburgh

Attention point

Can be in high demand at drop-off times

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check return and last bus on disembarkation

Source : Lothian Cruiselink X99: https://www.lothianbuses.com/cruiselink-x99/ | Cruise Forth South Queensferry: https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/getting-around-south-queensferry/

Tender to Hawes Pier

Hawes Pier / South Queensferry

Public shuttle Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency depending on the ship's rotations and weather
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Disembarkation in the heart of South Queensferry, close to buses and trains

Attention point

Depends on the weather, tender priority and ship organisation

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route from the approximate official anchorage to Hawes Pier; Schedules to be confirmed on board

Source : Forth Ports Cruise: https://www.forthports.co.uk/cruise/ | Cruise Forth South Queensferry: https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/getting-around-south-queensferry/

Walk to Port Edgar Marina

Port Edgar Marina

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency free
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Access to the marina, restaurants, and deck views

Attention point

A little further than the historic centre

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; useful if the port label mentions Port Edgar

Source : Port Edgar Marina: https://portedgar.co.uk/ | VisitScotland South Queensferry: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/south-queensferry-p240871

Bus 43 to Dalmeny Station

Dalmeny railway station

Bus Station / airport
Estimated cost 3,00 €
Estimated duration 7 min
Frequency regular according to Lothian Country schedules
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Avoid the steep staircase to Dalmeny Station

Attention point

Timetable and stop to check

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; useful with fatigue, children or luggage

Source : Lothian timetables: https://www.lothianbuses.com/timetables/ | Cruise Forth South Queensferry: https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/getting-around-south-queensferry/

Train Dalmeny to Inverkeithing

Inverkeithing station

Train Station / airport
Estimated cost 4,00 €
Estimated duration 10 min
Frequency regular according to ScotRail timetable
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Connection to Fife, Dunfermline or Leuchars

Attention point

Not very useful if the objective is Edinburgh

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; useful for Fife matches

Source : ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ | National Rail: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Train Dalmeny to Haymarket

Edinburgh Haymarket station

Train Station / airport
Estimated cost 5,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency regular according to ScotRail timetable
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Convenient to West End, airport tram and Murrayfield

Attention point

Less central than Waverley for Royal Mile

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; useful for tram or bus connections

Source : ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ | Edinburgh Trams: https://edinburghtrams.com/

Train Dalmeny to Edinburgh Waverley

Edinburgh Waverley station

Train Distant excursion
Estimated cost 6,00 €
Estimated duration 20 min
Frequency regular all day, reduced frequency early Sunday
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Fast and economical option to the heart of Edinburgh

Attention point

Steep staircase to reach Dalmeny from Hawes Pier

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; buy ScotRail ticket before or at the station if available

Source : ScotRail Dalmeny Edinburgh: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/train-times/dalmeny-to-edinburgh-waverley | Cruise Forth South Queensferry: https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/getting-around-south-queensferry/

Forth Bridges cruise

Firth of Forth bridges cruise area

Public shuttle Near the port
Estimated cost 20,00 €
Estimated duration 90 min
Frequency seasonal, check opening hours
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Very nice view of the three bridges of the Forth

Attention point

Weather-dependent activity

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; Actual route varies depending on operator

Source : Maid of the Forth: https://www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/ | Forth Bridges: https://www.theforthbridges.org/

Taxi to Hopetoun House

Hopetoun House

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 30,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Heritage excursion very close to the port

Attention point

Variable opening hours

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check opening before departure

Source : Hopetoun House: https://hopetoun.co.uk/ | VisitScotland South Queensferry: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/south-queensferry-p240871

Taxi to Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport

Taxi Station / airport
Estimated cost 35,00 €
Estimated duration 20 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct transfer to the nearest airport

Attention point

More expensive than bus or train-tram

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; book if the flight is imminent

Source : Edinburgh Airport transport: https://www.edinburghairport.com/transport-links | Cruise Forth South Queensferry: https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/getting-around-south-queensferry/

Taxi to Edinburgh centre

Edinburgh city centre / Princes Street

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 50,00 €
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct transfer without waiting bus or train

Attention point

High cost and possible traffic in Edinburgh

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; book return if stopover time limited

Source : Edinburgh Airport taxis: https://www.edinburghairport.com/transport-links/taxis | Cruise Forth South Queensferry: https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/getting-around-south-queensferry/

Panoramic Edinburgh Excursion Bus

Edinburgh Castle / Old Town

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 75,00 €
Estimated duration 240 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Safe guided tour with ship return

Attention point

Less free than X99 or independent train

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route to Edinburgh Castle; Other unmapped stops to keep the route simple

Source : VisitScotland Edinburgh: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/edinburgh | Edinburgh Castle: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/

Walk to Dalmeny Station

Dalmeny railway station

Walk Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency free
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Access to the fast train to Edinburgh Waverley

Attention point

Steep stairs from port level, difficult with luggage or limited mobility

Accessibility : moyenne, environ 800 m avec escalier raide

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Cruise Forth reports about 800m and a steep climb from Hawes Pier

Source : Cruise Forth South Queensferry: https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/getting-around-south-queensferry/ | ScotRail Dalmeny Edinburgh: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/train-times/dalmeny-to-edinburgh-waverley

Bus 43 to Edinburgh Centre

Edinburgh city centre / Princes Street

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 3,00 €
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency regular according to Lothian Country schedules
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Cost-effective alternative to the X99 if compatible schedules

Attention point

Slower and less dedicated to cruise passengers

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check line 43 and exact stop before departure

Source : Lothian timetables: https://www.lothianbuses.com/timetables/ | Bustimes 43: https://bustimes.org/services/43-queensferry-edinburgh

Train Dalmeny to Linlithgow

Linlithgow Palace area

Train Distant excursion
Estimated cost 7,00 €
Estimated duration 20 min
Frequency ScotRail timetables to check
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Independent excursion to Linlithgow Palace

Attention point

Palace and opening hours to check

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route to Linlithgow station/palace area; Plan for final operation

Source : ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ | Linlithgow Palace: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/linlithgow-palace/

Train then tram to Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport

Train Station / airport
Estimated cost 10,00 €
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency ScotRail and tram timetables to check
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Structured public option to the airport

Attention point

Correspondence and total time to secure

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; Dalmeny-Haymarket then airport tram

Source : ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ | Edinburgh Airport transport: https://www.edinburghairport.com/transport-links

Maid of the Forth Boat to Inchcolm Island

Inchcolm Island

Public shuttle Distant excursion
Estimated cost 25,00 €
Estimated duration 180 min
Frequency seasonal, check opening hours
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Boat tour to Inchcolm Island and Abbey

Attention point

Weather, sea and return schedules to watch out for

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book only if the schedule allows for the return to the ship

Source : Maid of the Forth: https://www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/ | Historic Environment Scotland Inchcolm Abbey: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/inchcolm-abbey/

Bus excursion Hopetoun House

Hopetoun House

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 35,00 €
Estimated duration 90 min
Frequency cruise days or by local reservation
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Historic estate near South Queensferry

Attention point

Depends on opening hours and local availability

Accessibility : moyenne, excursion courte

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check the opening of the ski area before departure

Source : Hopetoun House: https://hopetoun.co.uk/ | VisitScotland South Queensferry: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/south-queensferry-p240871

Private hire to Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport

Private car (VTC) Station / airport
Estimated cost 40,00 €
Estimated duration 20 min
Frequency on request or by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Direct and flexible transfer to the airport

Attention point

Dynamic pricing and variable availability

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; book if your flight schedule is tight

Source : Uber Edinburgh: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/edinburgh-sct-gb/ | Edinburgh Airport transport: https://www.edinburghairport.com/transport-links

Taxi to Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 50,00 €
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Quieter historical tour than Edinburgh

Attention point

Back to organising

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check timetable Historic Environment Scotland

Source : Linlithgow Palace: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/linlithgow-palace/ | VisitScotland Linlithgow: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/linlithgow-p239711

VTC to Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 55,00 €
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible excursion to Linlithgow without train

Attention point

More expensive than train from Dalmeny

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check Opening and Return

Source : Linlithgow Palace: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/linlithgow-palace/ | Uber Edinburgh: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/edinburgh-sct-gb/

Private driver to Edinburgh city centre

Edinburgh city centre / Princes Street

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 55,00 €
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency on request or by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible transfer to Edinburgh with displayed price

Attention point

Variable availability on large ship days

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; confirm meeting point at Hawes Pier

Source : Uber Edinburgh: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/edinburgh-sct-gb/ | VisitScotland Edinburgh: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/edinburgh

Taxi to Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 55,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Skip-the-line access to Edinburgh's top attraction

Attention point

Limited drop-off area and tourist traffic

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book ticket and plan return with margin

Source : Edinburgh Castle: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/ | VisitScotland Edinburgh: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/edinburgh

Private Hire to Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 60,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency on request or by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Direct access to Old Town with no buses or trains

Attention point

Dynamic pricing and tourist traffic

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book castle ticket and return if necessary

Source : Uber Edinburgh: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/edinburgh-sct-gb/ | Edinburgh Castle: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/

Taxi to Royal Yacht Britannia

Royal Yacht Britannia / Leith

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 60,00 €
Estimated duration 40 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Very coherent maritime attraction for cruise passengers

Attention point

Beyond the centre, back to organise

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book a visit slot if necessary

Source : Royal Yacht Britannia: https://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/ | VisitScotland Edinburgh: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/edinburgh

Bus excursion Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 80,00 €
Estimated duration 240 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Famous historic site south of Edinburgh

Attention point

Less direct by public transport from South Queensferry

Accessibility : moyenne, excursion organisée

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check ticket and time of return to the ship

Source : Rosslyn Chapel: https://www.rosslynchapel.com/ | VisitScotland Rosslyn Chapel: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/rosslyn-chapel-p248391

Bus 43 to Edinburgh Airport interchange

Edinburgh Airport area

Bus Station / airport
Estimated cost 4,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency Lothian timetables to be checked, connection possible
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Public alternative to the airport if taxi avoids

Attention point

Connection and schedules to be confirmed

Accessibility : moyenne, peut nécessiter changement

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; For a flight, prefer taxi or confirmed itinerary

Source : Lothian timetables: https://www.lothianbuses.com/timetables/ | Edinburgh Airport transport: https://www.edinburghairport.com/transport-links

Train via Inverkeithing to St Andrews / Leuchars

Leuchars station for St Andrews

Train Distant excursion
Estimated cost 20,00 €
Estimated duration 75 min
Frequency ScotRail timetables to be checked, change required
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Allows a rail excursion to St Andrews from Dalmeny

Attention point

Too long for a short stopover

Accessibility : moyenne, trajet avec correspondance

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; change at Inverkeithing, then bus/taxi to St Andrews

Source : ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ | VisitScotland St Andrews: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/st-andrews

Taxi to Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 80,00 €
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency booking recommended
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Flexible access to a famous historical site

Attention point

High cost and return to be organised

Accessibility : moyenne, trajet périphérique

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book ticket and pick-up time

Source : Rosslyn Chapel: https://www.rosslynchapel.com/ | VisitScotland Rosslyn Chapel: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/rosslyn-chapel-p248391

Taxi to Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 100,00 €
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency Private bookings recommended
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Direct excursion to a major castle in Scotland

Attention point

High cost, imperative return

Accessibility : moyenne, excursion longue

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book round trip with sufficient margin

Source : Stirling Castle: https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/ | VisitScotland Stirling: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/stirling

Bus excursion Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 105,00 €
Estimated duration 420 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Scotland's major castle accessible on an organised tour

Attention point

Long day and return to secure

Accessibility : moyenne, longue excursion

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; book only if a return to the ship is guaranteed

Source : Stirling Castle: https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/ | VisitScotland Stirling: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/stirling

Private Hire to Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 110,00 €
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency by private booking only
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Customized excursion to Stirling

Attention point

High cost and imperative return

Accessibility : moyenne, excursion longue

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book only with sufficient return margin

Source : Stirling Castle: https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/ | Uber Edinburgh: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/edinburgh-sct-gb/

Indicative data based on local sources and field estimates.