Find out where your ship stops. From Leith or Newhaven, the tram runs every 7 minutes into the city. From the South Queensferry tender, walk 10 minutes (some steps) to Dalmeny station and take the 20-minute train to Waverley.
Where Edinburgh lies
EdinburghDoverSouthamptonBelfastCherbourgCobhDublinFalmouthGreenockGuernseyHolyheadHonfleurInvergordonKirkwallLe HavreLerwickLiverpoolNewcastlePortlandPortreeStornowayWaterfordWhere your ship docks
Small and mid ships dock at Leith or Newhaven (near Ocean Terminal). Large ships anchor off South Queensferry and tender to Hawes Pier under the Forth Bridges. Some ships dock at Rosyth across the Firth of Forth.
Shuttle. Lines often run shuttles from Rosyth and sometimes from South Queensferry; check your planner.
Getting to the sights
| The way | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Trams to City center from Leith/Newhaven | Unverified (about 20-30 minutes) | City zone from £2.40 |
| Walk + ScotRail train to City center from South Queensferry (tender) | 10-minute walk + about 20-minute train | Unverified |
Edinburgh Trams to City center from Leith/Newhaven
- Walk to Newhaven or Ocean Terminal tram stop.
- Buy a ticket at the stop machine (single, return or day).
- Ride to St Andrew Square (for Waverley) or Princes Street.
Trams every 7 minutes.
Walk + ScotRail train to City center from South Queensferry (tender)
- Tender to Hawes Pier.
- Walk about 10 minutes (with steps) to Dalmeny station.
- Train to Edinburgh Waverley (about 4 per hour).
Waverley is next to the Royal Mile, but uphill.
What to see
Edinburgh Castle
Castle on a volcanic rock; Scottish crown jewels.
- How
- Walk up from Waverley.
- Time
- 2 hours
- Tickets
- Book timed tickets ahead; price unverified
Royal Mile
Old Town street from castle to palace.
- How
- Walk.
- Time
- 1-2 hours
- Tickets
- Free
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The King's official Scottish residence.
- How
- Bottom of Royal Mile.
- Time
- 1.5 hours
- Tickets
- Unverified
Royal Yacht Britannia
Former royal yacht, at Ocean Terminal in Leith.
- How
- Tram to Ocean Terminal.
- Time
- 1.5 hours
- Tickets
- Unverified
Forth Bridges
Famous red rail bridge (UNESCO).
- How
- Seen from South Queensferry.
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Tickets
- Free
Your day, hour by hour
Planned for a typical call. Check your ship's all-aboard time and be back an hour early. The ship will not wait.
- Tram or train to the center.
- Edinburgh Castle (pre-booked).
- Walk down the Royal Mile; lunch.
- Holyrood or Britannia.
- Back to the tram/train 2 hours before all-aboard (tender: be at Hawes Pier 60-90 minutes early).
What goes wrong, and how to avoid it
Beware
- Tender at South Queensferry can be stopped by wind.
- Old Town is steep.
- Rain likely, bring a jacket.
Do this
- Book castle tickets before you sail.
Fees, money and access
Accessibility
Trams are step-free (unverified). Dalmeny route has steps. Castle is steep.
Money
British pound (GBP). Tap-to-pay cards work on buses, trains and in most shops. Little cash needed.
More of the The British Isles
Sources & what we could not confirm · 2 sources · checked 2026-11
- Tram trip time
- Rosyth transfer
- Attraction prices
- Train fare