How to Get to Edinburgh from South Queensferry, Scotland Cruise Port - Tendering, Bus & Train Options
Edinburgh, Scotland © Freestyle Travelers
If you're planning a cruise that includes a stop in Scotland, there's a good chance your ship will dock at the South Queensferry cruise port. This small port town is located just outside of Edinburgh, Scotland's historic capital city. While South Queensferry itself is a charming destination with plenty to see and do, many visitors are eager to explore the rich history, culture, and attractions of Edinburgh. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make the journey from the cruise port to the city center as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Tendering to Hawes Pier in South Queensferry
When your cruise ship arrives at South Queensferry, you might be surprised to discover that there is no large pier or terminal building for passengers to disembark directly. Instead, your ship will anchor offshore, and you will need to take one of the ship's tender boats to reach land. These small boats are used to ferry passengers back and forth between the ship and the shore.
The tenders will drop you off at Hawes Pier, a small landing point located next to the iconic Forth Bridge. This distinctive red bridge, built in the late 19th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Scotland's most recognizable landmarks. Hawes Pier is also situated near the historic Hawes Inn, which dates back to the 17th century and was featured in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Kidnapped."
South Queensferry Visitor Information
South Queensferry Local Volunteers & X99 CruiseLink Bus © Freestyle Travelers
Once you've landed at Hawes Pier, you'll find a helpful visitor information hut staffed by local volunteers wearing distinctive purple shirts. These friendly and knowledgeable volunteers are there to answer any questions you may have about transportation, tours, maps, and more. They're passionate about making your time in port as easy and enjoyable as possible, so don't hesitate to approach them for assistance.
How to Get to Edinburgh from South Queensferry
To get from South Queensferry to Edinburgh city center, you have two main transportation options: the X99 CruiseLink bus or the ScotRail train. Both options will get you to the heart of the city in approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
X99 CruiseLink Bus
X99 CruiseLink at South Queensferry Hawes Pier © Lothian Buses
The X99 CruiseLink bus is a convenient and comfortable option for getting to Edinburgh. This special bus service is operated by the Lothian city bus system and runs exclusively between the South Queensferry cruise port and the city center.
You'll find the X99 bus stop right next to the visitor information hut at Hawes Pier. Ticketing staff will be on hand to sell you tickets and answer any questions you may have. Bus tickets cost £6 per person for a one-way journey, or £12 per person for a round trip. When you purchase your ticket, you'll receive a receipt that you'll need to present to the driver when boarding the bus. Hold onto this receipt, as it also serves as a day pass that allows you to ride all regular city buses in Edinburgh for the rest of the day.
The X99 bus is a modern, double-decker vehicle with comfortable seating. The ride to the city center takes approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic. The bus will drop you off near the Hard Rock Cafe on George Street, right in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town.
When you're ready to return to the cruise port, simply head back to the same bus stop on George Street. Multiple buses will be waiting there throughout the day, so you rarely have to wait long for a ride back.
Click here to learn more about the X99 CruiseLink Bus.
X99 Bus Schedule
The X99 bus runs frequently throughout the day to accommodate cruise ship passengers:
From 7:30am to 6:00pm, buses depart every 15 minutes.
From 6:00pm until late evening, buses depart every 30 minutes.
It's important to note that the exact schedule may vary depending on the docking times of your specific cruise ship. Be sure to check the Lothian Buses website or ask at the visitor information hut for the most up-to-date schedule information.
ScotRail Train
Dalmeny Station
If you prefer to travel by train, the ScotRail service is another option for getting from South Queensferry to Edinburgh. The nearest train station is Dalmeny, which is located about a 10-15 minute walk from Hawes Pier.
To reach Dalmeny station from the pier, follow the walking path that leads into the woods just past the X99 bus stop. This path is partially paved but can be uneven in places, and it has a feel more akin to a hiking trail than a city sidewalk. The route takes you uphill through the woods and includes a substantial staircase at the end, so it's important to be prepared for a bit of a trek.
It's worth noting that the path is not well-lit, so if you're arriving back at the pier after dark, you'll want to have a flashlight or use the light from your mobile phone to navigate safely. Additionally, the trail can become muddy or slick after rain, so wear appropriate footwear and watch your step. If you have mobility concerns or are unsure about your ability to navigate the path safely, it may be best to opt for the bus or a taxi instead.
Once you reach Dalmeny station, you can catch a ScotRail train directly to Edinburgh Waverley, the city's main train station. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. You can purchase train tickets at the station or through the ScotRail app on your mobile device. A one-way ticket between Dalmeny and Edinburgh Waverley costs £5.80 per person.
While the train can be a pleasant way to travel, it's worth considering the bus as a more convenient option, especially if the weather is inclement or you have limited mobility.
Click here to learn more about ScotRail timetables and tickets.
Taxi or Rideshare Services
In addition to the bus and train, you can also opt to take a taxi or use a rideshare service like Uber to get from South Queensferry to Edinburgh. This can be a good choice if you're traveling with a lot of luggage or if you simply prefer the convenience of a private ride. Just be aware that this option will likely be more expensive than public transportation.
Returning to Your Ship
Nieuw Statendam in South Queensferry, Scotland © Freestyle Travelers
However you choose to travel, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get back to Hawes Pier before your ship's scheduled departure. Even though there are multiple tender boats running back and forth, lines can get long, especially toward the end of the day.
It's a good idea to plan to be back at the pier at least an hour before your ship's "all aboard" time. This will give you a buffer in case of unexpected delays and ensure that you don't miss your ship's departure.
Conclusion
Getting from the South Queensferry cruise port to Edinburgh's city center can be a breeze with a little planning and forethought. Whether you opt for the X99 bus, the ScotRail train, or a private taxi, you'll find yourself in the heart of this historic city in no time, ready to explore all that Edinburgh has to offer. Remember, if you have any questions or need assistance during your visit, don't hesitate to ask the friendly volunteers at the visitor information hut near Hawes Pier. They help make your time in port as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
