Plan a CruiseCruise ships visiting Edinburgh anchor in the Firth of Forth and tender passengers ashore to South Queensferry, offering picturesque views of the iconic Forth Railway Bridge. With 8-10 hours in port, independent travelers have ample time to explore both the charming village of South Queensferry and the bustling city center of Edinburgh. While South Queensferry offers a pleasant waterfront for walking, a few shops, and sidewalk cafes, most passengers head into Edinburgh for its historic attractions.
Getting Around from the Port
Reaching Edinburgh city center from South Queensferry offers several convenient options:
- Cruise Line Shuttle: Many cruise lines provide a shuttle service for 16.90 Euros per person. The 25-minute journey drops passengers at Waterloo Place, conveniently located near Waverley Station and the starting points for hop-on/off tour buses. Be aware that these shuttles are often only announced the night before arrival.
- Local Lothian Bus: Public buses operated by Lothian run directly from the quayside into Edinburgh. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes and costs £12.00 per person for a return ticket, which can be used all day on local buses within Edinburgh. Buses drop off at Saint David's Street, opposite the Scott Monument, making it easy to find your way back. Bus route 43 also offers free WiFi.
- Taxi: Taxis offer a fixed one-way rate of £25 per taxi (not per person) to Edinburgh.
- Train: For a scenic and efficient option, climb 110 steps up a small hill to Dalmeny railway station. Trains depart every 20 minutes, with a journey time of just 15 minutes to Edinburgh. An off-peak return rail fare from Dalmeny to Edinburgh is £5.80.
Attractions and Activities
The primary destination for most visitors is Edinburgh city center, easily accessible via cruise shuttle, local bus, taxi, or train. Once in Edinburgh, popular activities include:
- Exploring Edinburgh City Centre: From Waterloo Place (cruise shuttle drop-off) or Saint David's Street (local bus drop-off), you are ideally positioned to explore Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and numerous museums and galleries. Hop-on/off buses also start conveniently near the cruise shuttle drop-off point, offering a comprehensive overview of the city.
- South Queensferry Exploration: For those preferring to stay closer to the port, you can spend time walking the waterfront, admiring the Priory Church of St Mary, browsing the handful of local shops, and relaxing at the sidewalk cafes in South Queensferry itself.
Dining & Shopping
In South Queensferry, you'll find a few local shops and charming sidewalk cafes along the waterfront, perfect for a relaxed stop. For more extensive dining and shopping, Edinburgh city center offers a vast array of options. General shopping hours in Edinburgh are typically 10 am to 6 pm for small stores (often open 6 or 7 days a week), with larger stores generally staying open until 9 pm. Hyper marts frequently operate 24/7.
Safety
The local emergency telephone number is 999, though the EU-wide 112 can also be used.
Currency and Language
The currency throughout the UK is the pound (£), often colloquially referred to as "quid." While Scottish banknotes are legal tender, they are not universally accepted outside of Scotland. It is advisable to request change in English notes when possible, especially if you plan to travel to other parts of the UK. Cash machines (ATMs), also known as 'holes in the wall,' are widely available and typically dispense £10 and £20 notes. Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro are widely accepted by most shops and restaurants. English is spoken throughout the country, though local accents can sometimes be strong. Free WiFi is available in many locations on the High Street, including museums, and also on the public Lothian bus route 43.