Cruise ships visiting South Queensferry anchor in the Forth and tender passengers ashore at Hawes Pier. From there, many visitors want to head straight into Edinburgh to see the castle, Royal Mile, or Princes Street.
But the first step isn’t sightseeing – it’s logistics. South Queensferry is a small harbour town, not a cruise terminal. However, a cruise bus service and row of taxis waiting beside the pier to transport passengers to Edinburgh from Hawes Pier.
Table of Contents
South Queensferry isn’t a large cruise terminal with trains and taxis waiting beside the pier. It’s a small harbour town. The good news is that Edinburgh is only about 10 miles away, and several transport options connect the ferry landing with the city.
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.
This quick guide explains how cruise passengers typically travel from Hawes Pier to Edinburgh — and which option works best depending on how much time you have ashore.
How Far Is Edinburgh from South Queensferry?
Edinburgh is approximately 10 miles (16 km) from South Queensferry cruise port. Travel time varies by method—around 20 minutes by train from Dalmeny Station, 30–45 minutes by taxi or bus depending on traffic, and up to an hour if walking to transit points.
Getting from Hawes Pier to Edinburgh City Centre
Cruise passengers arriving in South Queensferry reach land via tender boats that dock at Hawes Pier. From there, Edinburgh city centre is around 10 miles away and can usually be reached in 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and transport choice.
| 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 |
You might take the X99 Cruiselink Bus to George Street, climb the woodland path behind the Hawes Inn to reach Dalmeny Station, or take a taxi to nearby Outlander filming spots, the Royal Yacht Britannia, or even Fife over the Queensferry Crossing. Each choice suits a different pace and a different kind of day ashore.
That’s the part most guides skip. The best route isn’t about what’s fastest on paper – it depends on where you dock, how mobile you are, and what you want from the day.
Cruise Critic forums are full of stories: one couple wanted a slow lunch after visiting Edinburgh Castle on a cruise stop, so they took the bus early and strolled back down the Royal Mile. Another skipped the hill entirely: “Just taxi from Princes Street straight to the gates of Holyrood Palace.”
From the ferry landing to Edinburgh city centre, this guide reflects how locals and cruise passengers actually move between the two.
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, and usually 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 Transport Options at a Glance (Time, Cost, Mobility Table)
If you’re trying to decide quickly, this table compares the main ways cruise passengers travel from South Queensferry to Edinburgh.
| Option | Time (round trip) | Cost (pp) | Walking Required | Best For |
| X99 Cruise Bus | 60–70 mins | £10–£15 | Minimal | Easiest option, cruise-first timers |
| Lothian Nr. 43 | 80–90 mins | £5–£6 | 20 Minutes | Cruisers who like to plan own tours |
| Train via Dalmeny | 40–45 mins | ~£10 total | Moderate–Steep | Budget-savvy, scenic route fans |
| Taxi | 30–60 mins | £60–£80 RT | None | Groups, mobility issues, fast |
| Cruise Excursion | Fixed | £30–£70+ | Low | Comfort, guaranteed return |
| Private Tours | Flexible | £100+ group | Minimal | Families, Outlander fans, VIP |
Getting from South Queensferry to Edinburgh is only part of the decision. For many cruise passengers, the bigger question is whether the travel time and return window make sense at all. I’ve laid out the full stay-local vs city-day decision in my South Queensferry vs Edinburgh cruise guide.
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 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.
A Common Mistake Cruise Passengers Make
Many visitors assume the train station is right beside the harbour. In reality, Dalmeny Station sits about a 15-minute walk uphill from Hawes Pier.
If your port stop is short or the weather is poor, a taxi from the pier may be easier.
Return Timing Tips – Don’t Miss Your Ship
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.
Whether you hop the X99, climb up to Dalmeny, or pre-book a car to chase Outlander castles across Fife, the real win is owning your time ashore. That’s how you make your cruise stop in Queensferry memorable.
FAQ – Getting from Queensferry to Edinburgh
Where should I go first when I get to Edinburgh?
Start at the Castle. It’s at the top of the Royal Mile, and working your way down lets you explore shops, closes, and cafés as you go. If you arrive by X99, it’s a 10–15 minute walk uphill.
Is there anywhere to eat near the pier in South Queensferry?
Yes—Hawes Inn is right next to the pier and does hearty Scottish meals. Walk five minutes to the High Street for cafés like The Little Bakery or picnic spots by the harbour.
Is the Queensferry Museum worth a visit?
If you’re staying in town or back early, yes. It’s small but rich with local history—shipbuilding, bridges, and quirky bits about life in The Ferry. Free entry and just off the High Street.
Scott grew up in South Queensferry and knows the town like the back of his hand. He writes practical travel guides based on lived experience — tender days, cruise traffic, shortcuts into Edinburgh, local food spots, and the quirks only residents notice. His articles focus on clear directions, accurate timings, and grounded advice for visitors exploring Queensferry and the east of Scotland.