South Queensferry, Scotland - Cruise Port
The Gateway to Edinburgh
Nestled along the River Forth, South Queensferry is your charming gateway to Edinburgh, just 9 miles away. In this post, I’ll guide you through the port, transportation options, and some fantastic experiences you won’t want to miss.
A Quick Overview
South Queensferry is not just a pretty face; it boasts the iconic Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Scotland’s engineering marvel. While the town itself is quaint, the bridge is a highlight that you won’t want to overlook.
Getting to Edinburgh
Here’s the scoop: South Queensferry is a tender port, meaning you’ll take a 20-25 minute ride to the pier since cruise ships can’t navigate under the Forth Bridge. But don’t fret—this tender ride doubles as a mini-tour, offering stunning views of the bridge along the way!
Once you arrive at Hawes Pier, you’ll enjoy a short, flat walk to the main street. Along the way, snap some photos and explore souvenir shops. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a rocky beach under the bridge for some family fun.
Transportation Options
While South Queensferry is charming, time is of the essence for your Edinburgh adventure. Here are your options:
Organized Tours & Taxis: Head to the right to find organized bus tours and taxis. However, we found it challenging to get an Uber X for our group of five due to limited availability and high demand. Pro tip: If possible, pre-book your rides a few days in advance.
Train: A nearby train station at Dalmeny is just past the pier. The train crosses the Forth Bridge and takes about 20-25 minutes to reach Edinburgh Waverley Station. Just be ready to climb some stairs!
X99 Bus: We opted for the X99 bus, which typically takes around 30 minutes to reach the city center. Despite traffic delays from a local festival, the scenic views along the way made it worthwhile. The bus drops you off at South David Street, right in front of the Sir Walter Scott Monument—prepare to be amazed!
Exploring Edinburgh
From South David Street, we took a left down Princes Street and headed to Waterloo Place, where many Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) buses start. If you haven’t purchased a ticket yet, don’t worry—there are staff available to assist you. The buses are clean and equipped with multi-language audio guides, making exploration a breeze.
Be prepared to navigate bustling streets filled with tourists and lively city traffic, but the views are unbeatable!
Lunch and the National Museum of Scotland
For lunch, we stopped at Casserole Wang near the National Museum of Scotland. This unique spot lets you assemble your own ingredients for a delicious Asian hotpot. The food was fantastic, although I did manage to spill some soup on my shirt—whoops!
After lunch, we delved into the National Museum of Scotland. Admission is free, and the museum is a treasure trove of exhibits covering everything from science and natural history to art and archaeology. It felt like exploring a wealthy uncle’s eclectic attic! Plus, they even provide folding chairs for your comfort. I could easily spend a whole day here.
Final Thoughts
Edinburgh is a vast city, and it can be tough to see everything in a short time. However, this quick taste of the city left us wanting more. South Queensferry may be small, but it’s a welcoming and picturesque starting point for your Edinburgh adventure. Happy exploring!