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Three options connect the Hawes Pier to Edinburgh if you’e arriving at Queensferry on a cruise: the X99 CruiseLink bus (direct from the pier, no transfers), the train from Dalmeny Station (fastest on the train, but a 15–20 minute uphill walk to reach it), and taxis or private transfers (door-to-door, pre-booking essential on cruise days).
For most cruise passengers with a full day ashore, the X99 is the easiest call. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind the hill, the train is faster once you’re on it. Taxis make sense for groups of three or more — the per-person cost often matches the X99 once split.
Edinburgh city centre is about 10 miles from the pier. Journey time is approximately 30 minutes by bus, train is faster – only if you discount walking to Dalmeny Station, 25–40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. On busy cruise days, afternoon traffic on the A90 can add 20 minutes to any road-based option.
Your tender return time is the fixed point around which everything else has to fit. Build your day backward from that — not forwards from when you step ashore.
Use the table below to match your time ashore to the right transport option.
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go: What Cruise Visitors Need to Understand First
When your ship anchors offshore, you’ll board a tender boat to the Hawes Pier, usually a 10-minute journey. There’s no cruise terminal here. Just a stone pier beneath the imposing Forth Railway Bridge, some signage, a group of friendly volunteers to assist, and a piper playing tourists ashore. It’s charming, but easy to underestimate.
As you step off, you’ll spot clusters of tour buses lined up along the narrow road. Some are pre-booked shore excursions, others are private groups. The maroon and white double-decker? That’s the X99 Cruise Bus – designed to take independent passengers directly to Edinburgh and back, without a tour guide.
Taxis from South Queensferry to Edinburgh are available on cruise days. You’ll find them to the right after exiting the Hawes Pier. The best advice if you want a cab to Edinburgh or Dalmeny Station is to pre-book—ideally for your return too. Otherwise, you may wait in a long queue for a taxi of have to take the X99 Cruise Link.
Know what to expect when your tender boat docks at the Hawes Pier when arriving at South Queensferry, Edinburgh on a Scotland cruise.
Insider knowledge: You’ll hear locals talk about the ferry. They’re not referring to a boat, but it’s the name they call South Queensferry. “We’re goin doon the Ferry” would translate as “We’re going to walk to the High Street.”
Your Options at a Glance
| Time Available Ashore | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 hours | Stay in Queensferry | Getting to Edinburgh takes at least 40 minutes one way |
| 3–4 hours | Taxi | 25–30 minute journey direct to Edinburgh city centre |
| 5–6 hours | X99 Cruiselink | Direct cruise bus from Hawes Pier to central Edinburgh |
| Full day (7+ hours) | Any transport option | Enough time to explore Edinburgh comfortably |
| Option | Time, round trip | Cost, per person | Walking required | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X99 CruiseLink Bus | 60 – 70 mins | £10 – £15 | Minimal | Easiest option, first-time cruise visitors |
| Lothian 43 | 80 – 90 mins | £5 – £6 | 20 minutes | Independent visitors who know their timings |
| Train via Dalmeny | 40 – 45 mins | About £10 total | Moderate to steep | Fit walkers, budget-savvy travellers |
| Taxi | 30 – 60 mins | £60 – £80 return | None | Groups, mobility needs, faster transfers |
| Cruise excursion | Fixed | £30 – £70+ | Low | Comfort, structure, guaranteed return |
| Private tour | Flexible | £100+ per group | Minimal | Families, Outlander fans, tailored days |
If you plan to explore locally or travel further from the harbour, see the full visitor guide to the South Queensferry cruise port if you plan to spend a day in the local area or travel farther from The Ferry.
For most cruise passengers arriving at the Hawes Pier, Edinburgh is the natural choice. Plenty of Edinburgh shore excursions include historic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace.
Book Your Transport in Advance
Prefer to book ahead rather than sort it out on the day? All three of these can be reserved in advance
- A private transfer straight from Hawes Pier to your Edinburgh hotel (no queuing for the X99 or the walk to Dalmeny Station)
- A hop-on hop-off bus if you’ve got a full day and want the main sights covered on one ticket
- A private transfer option listed for the airport but which also covers point-to-point pickups around Edinburgh and the Lothians — worth checking if you need a pickup from South Queensferry and organize a bespoke tour.
How Do I Get from Hawes Pier to Edinburgh City Centre?
The fastest way from Hawes Pier to Edinburgh city centre is the X99 CruiseLink bus, which runs direct to George Street in 20–30 minutes and costs £12–£15 one way. The quickest alternative is the train from Dalmeny Station, a 10-minute uphill walk from the pier, reaching Edinburgh Waverley in about 20 minutes. Taxis cost £25–£40 and must be pre-booked, as availability at the pier is limited on cruise days.
Here is detailed information about the options.
X99 CruiseLink Bus – Direct Link Between Hawes Pier to Edinburgh
The easiest way to get from the Hawes Pier to Edinburgh is the X99 CruiseLink bus. It’s built for Edinburgh cruise passengers and pulls up right next to the tender drop-off at Hawes Pier. Just look for the maroon-and-white double-decker.
The X99 drops you in central Edinburgh, at the east end of George Street, near St Andrew Square. No transfers needed. It’s timed with ship schedules and usually offers a few return slots so you can choose how long to explore.
Cruisers often call it “simple and smooth,” and it’s especially popular with those who don’t want to deal with train stations or steep walks. Most lines don’t include it in your cruise fare – you’ll pay separately, usually around £15 each way, card preferred.
From the bus stop in central Edinburgh, the Castle and Royal Mile are a 10-15 minute walk away. Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens are even closer. Some cruise passengers take the tram from near the bus stop to Leith for the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Discover what to expect when you arrive at St Andrews Square, and whether sticking to Edinburgh New Town is worth it or heading up to the Old Town and the Royal Mile.
The full guide to Edinburgh shore excursions from the cruise port shows how transport choices affect the kind of itinerary you can comfortably fit into a cruise day.
Lothian Bus Nr. 43
Technically, you can take Lothian Bus 43 from The Ferry to Edinburgh, but it’s not designed for cruise visitors. The stop is beside Dalmeny Station, and it takes 40 minutes to the city centre. In my opinion? If you’ve walked this far, it’s faster to get the train to Edinburgh Waverley Station.
The walk along the High Street passes several historic buildings described in this South Queensferry walking tour.
Unless you’re staying overnight or know the area well, stick to the X99 or train instead.
Local tip: This bus can fill quickly on busy port days. If you’re planning to use it, head ashore early – or risk missing a seat on your preferred run.
Dalmeny Station to Edinburgh Waverley – Cheap, Scenic, But Requires Effort
If you’re looking to walk off a few of those cruise buffet indulgences, the trek to Dalmeny Station might do the trick. It’s the budget-smart way into Edinburgh—quick, quiet, and easy once you’re on the train. But first, you’ve got to earn it.
The uphill walk from Hawes Pier to Dalmeny Station takes 15–20 minutes and includes a steep climb known as Jacob’s Ladder. “It was fine going up, but I wouldn’t do it in bad weather,” one cruiser on Reddit commented. There’s no signage, so bring Google Maps or ask a local.
Trains between Dalmeny and Waverly, Edinburgh generally run every 15–20 minutes and the journey time is 15 minutes. Tickets cost around £5–£6 each way and are available at the station or via the ScotRail app. Trains run regularly, but timings don’t always align with tenders or Scotland cruise schedules.
Check out the latest timetable here.
Insider tip: About 5 minutes after leaving South Gyle Station, look out on the left to see the iconic Murrayfield Stadium—a 67,000-seater stadium and home to Scottish Rugby.
Taxis and Uber – Flexible but Not Instant
If you’re cruising with a group or want door-to-door comfort, a taxi from South Queensferry to Edinburgh can be a smooth option—but only if you plan ahead. Taxis queue at the Hawes Pier ready to take passengers to Edinburgh, Fife, or beyond.
Pre-booking is advisable. Local companies like Capital Cars, Dalmeny Cars, or City Cabs will send a driver if arranged in advance, and they’ll often meet you near the tender area. Expect to pay around £30–£40 one-way, with higher rates during peak periods or for larger vehicles.
Uber sometimes shows cars in the area, but availability is hit or miss this far from the city. My advice? Use it as a backup, not your only plan.
Local tip: If you book a taxi, consider booking your return trip as well. Traffic back into Queensferry can bottleneck near the Forth crossings, especially around 4–6 pm. Give yourself margin.
Cruise Tours – When to Book the Easy Route
If you like your day ashore to run like clockwork, a shore excursion booked through the cruise line is the easiest way from South Queensferry to Edinburgh. No hills, no apps, no stress. You’re met at the pier, whisked into the city, and guaranteed a spot on the last tender back, even if traffic snarls up.
These tours often bundle in highlights like the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, the Scotch Whisky Experience, and Edinburgh Castle. One cruise noted on Cruise Critic, “It was a bit brisk, but we saw everything and didn’t have to think.” Great if you’re short on time or just don’t want the mental load of DIY logistics.
The trade-off? Price and flexibility. Expect to pay over £50 per person with little flexibility for stopping off at quaint cafés or extra photo stops.
Local tip: If you’re new to Edinburgh, it’s a gentle first encounter. But if you prefer wandering off-route or setting your own pace, consider pairing the X99 with a self-guided plan instead.
Private Drivers or Day Tour Companies
If you’re travelling with family, have mobility concerns, or just want a more personal touch, booking a private driver or local day tour can be a brilliant in-between option. You’ll get picked up right at the pier—no climbing hills, no crowded buses—and head straight into Edinburgh or beyond on your own timeline.
These services are ideal for groups of 3–6 or travellers chasing something specific, like Outlander filming spots in Edinburgh or the surrounding areas or a scenic detour to Cramond. “We booked a local guide through Viator and had a relaxed half-day,” one cruiser shared. “It was worth every penny not having to think.”
Expect to pay £100–£200+ for a group, depending on length and stops. Most tours include round-trip service, and some will flex based on weather or energy levels.
Local tip: Check that your pickup is Hawes Pier, not just “Queensferry.” Some listings default to Rosyth or Dalmeny by mistake. Always confirm location and return time in writing.
Many cruise itineraries visiting South Queensferry also stop at other locations around Scotland’s coast. This guide to Scottish cruise ports tells you what to expect on arrival.
Private Tours Available Near Edinburgh
Cruising in during 7–31 August? Trains and buses into the city run heavier than usual for the Edinburgh Festival — build in extra time both ways, especially around Waverley.
Return Timing Tips – Don’t Miss Your Ship
One common mistake: assuming Dalmeny Station is next to the pier. It’s a 15–20 minute uphill walk. If your port stop is short or the weather is poor, a taxi from the pier is the better call — don’t count on making a train when you’re cutting it close.
Cruise lines always say “be back 30 minutes before the last tender,” but locals know that’s cutting it close. Aim to return to South Queensferry at least 90 minutes before your final boarding time—especially if you’re coming from Edinburgh during weekday traffic.
Afternoon congestion on the A90 or Queensferry Road can turn a 30-minute taxi ride into 60. Trains can be delayed. The X99 might be full. “We gave ourselves two hours,” one cruiser said, “and still arrived with just 20 minutes to spare.”
Build your day around the return, not the departure—and never rely on the final bus or train. There’s no backup if you miss it.
Local tip: If you’ve got time to spare, why not enjoy a pint at the Hawes Inn or Two Bridges? Or wander along the High Street to get stunning shots of the terraced buildings or the Forth Bridges from S. Queensferry harbour.
If you decide to stay in town instead of heading into the city, here’s a guide to where to eat in South Queensferry near Hawes Pier.
Best Transport Options by Scenario (Quick-Fire Guide)
Not sure which option fits your day? Here’s a quick breakdown based on what matters most to you—whether it’s comfort, cost, time, or how many scones you’ve already eaten. Match your plan to your energy level and get on with the fun.
- Short on time? Take the X99 Cruise Bus. It’s direct, dependable, and leaves right from the pier.
- Travelling with kids or strollers? Book a taxi or private driver—no stairs, no stress, and room for gear.
- Tight budget? Walk to Dalmeny Station and hop the train. It’s the cheapest option if you don’t mind hills.
- Mobility issues? Stick with cruise tours or a pre-booked taxi. The train walk isn’t friendly for everyone.
- First-time visitor? The X99, plus a bit of wandering, hits the sweet spot between easy and flexible.
Plan It Forward—Not Backwards
Too many cruisers plan their day in reverse—picturing the Castle before they’ve even figured out how to leave the pier. But once you know your route, everything else clicks into place. Edinburgh’s waiting. Just choose the option that fits your pace, your group, and your travel style.
Queensferry to Edinburgh: FAQs
How much does the X99 CruiseLink bus cost from South Queensferry to Edinburgh?
Around £12 – £15 each way in 2026. Card payments are preferred. The bus departs directly from Hawes Pier, so there is no transfer needed. Return tickets are available on the bus. Pick a departure time that gets you back to the pier with at least 90 minutes to spare before your final tender.
Do I need to pre-book the X99 bus?
No pre-booking is required. The X99 runs timed to cruise arrivals and departures from right at the pier. On very busy days where multiple ships are in the Forth, boarding early means a shorter queue. The bus fills quickly, so if you want an early start in Edinburgh, get ashore on the first tenders.
How long is the walk from Hawes Pier to Dalmeny Station?
Allow 15 – 20 minutes uphill, including a steep section known locally as Jacob’s Ladder. There is no signage from the pier, so use Google Maps or ask one of the pier staff. The route passes through residential streets and is not suitable in heavy rain or for passengers with mobility issues. Allow extra time if you are carrying bags.
Can I get an Uber from South Queensferry to Edinburgh?
Sometimes, but availability is unreliable this far from the city. Use it as a backup, not your primary plan. Pre-book a local taxi instead. Companies like Capital Cars or City Cabs will send a driver to the pier if arranged in advance. Book your return trip at the same time, especially if you are returning between 4 – 6 pm when demand peaks.
What time should I leave Edinburgh to get back to the pier?
Leave at least 90 minutes before your final tender boarding time. Afternoon traffic on the A90 and Queensferry Road can turn a 30-minute journey into 60 minutes. Trains can be delayed. The X99 might be full on the last departure. Missing a tender is your responsibility, and the ship will not wait. Build the return into your plan before you decide how long to spend in the city.
Is there a free shuttle from the cruise ship to shore?
No. You reach Hawes Pier by tender boat, which is operated by the cruise line and included in your cruise fare. Once ashore, transport to Edinburgh is at your own expense. Some cruise lines offer paid shore excursions with a guaranteed tender back. The X99 CruiseLink is the independent equivalent, at a fraction of the price.
How far is South Queensferry from Edinburgh?
South Queensferry is around 9 miles, or 14 km, west of Edinburgh city centre. From Hawes Pier, the journey usually takes 30 – 40 minutes by X99 CruiseLink bus, 25 – 35 minutes by taxi, or 15 – 20 minutes by train from Dalmeny after the uphill walk from the pier.
Plan Your Edinburgh Shore Day
You’ve sorted your transport. Now plan what you’ll actually do when you get there.
- One Day in Edinburgh From a Cruise Ship: What to See and Skip — the essential planning guide for a full shore day. Castle, Royal Mile, how far to walk, what to skip.
- Edinburgh Shore Excursions: What to Do From the Cruise Port — whether to book through the ship or go independent, and which excursions are worth the price.
- Edinburgh Castle From the Cruise Port — Is It Easy to Visit? — the most-asked question from first-time visitors. Timings, queues, and whether it’s worth the climb.
- Are Edinburgh Cruise Excursions Worth It? — a straight answer on when to book a tour and when to go it alone.
- Edinburgh in the Rain: Where to Go When the Weather Turns — Scotland being Scotland, this one’s worth bookmarking before you step off the tender.
- Tired of Walking in Edinburgh? How to Save the Rest of Your Day — tram routes, rest stops, and smarter ways to cover the city when your legs give up
Scott Gibson grew up in South Queensferry and runs queensferry.net. The Forth and Edinburgh guides come from lived experience — tender days at Hawes Pier, cruise traffic, the shortcuts into the city. For the wider Scotland cruise ports, he draws on friends in some of the port towns alongside port, operator and transport sources — so the detail holds up on the ground, not just on paper. Clear directions, real timings, no brochure fluff.