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The red Forth Bridge under a clear blue sky
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Day trips in Edinburgh

By train and bus. Local guides, honest tips and the best times to go.

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Photo: Elizabeth Jamieson / Unsplash

In short

The easiest day trips from Edinburgh by public transport are South Queensferry for the Forth Bridges, the seaside town of North Berwick, Stirling for its castle, Linlithgow Palace and the city of Glasgow. All are reachable by train from Waverley in about an hour or less.

The red Forth Bridge under a clear blue skyDay trips

Cover story

The best day trips from Edinburgh

Easy day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus, including the Forth Bridges, North Berwick, Stirling, Linlithgow and Glasgow.

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Where to go

Places worth the trip

All photo spots
The Dugald Stewart Monument on Calton Hill overlooking the Edinburgh skyline at golden hour01Calton HillEast EndBest: sunriseDean Village and the Water of Leith at sunrise02Dean VillageWest EndBest: early morningHouses and greenery on Circus Lane, Stockbridge03Circus LaneStockbridgeBest: grey daysColourful shopfronts on Victoria Street in the Old Town04Victoria StreetOld TownBest: before 8amLooking out over Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat05Arthur's SeatHolyrood ParkBest: golden hourA carved dog on a gravestone in Greyfriars Kirkyard06Greyfriars KirkyardOld TownBest: misty daysStone buildings beside the Water of Leith07The Shore, LeithLeithBest: blue hourPortobello Beach and the promenade at night08Portobello BeachPortobelloBest: sunrise

Good to know

Day trips questions

Can you do day trips from Edinburgh without a car?

Yes. Trains from Waverley reach North Berwick, Stirling, Linlithgow, Dalmeny (for the Forth Bridges) and Glasgow easily. Organised coach tours go further, to places like Loch Ness and Glencoe.

What is the best day trip from Edinburgh?

For a short trip, South Queensferry and the Forth Bridges. For a full day, Stirling Castle, or a coach tour into the Highlands.

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A walker on Circus Lane in Stockbridge

Only Edinburgh Photo Walks

Get photographed in Edinburgh

Small, relaxed photo walks with a local photographer, at the spots in this guide. Holiday portraits, couples and proposals, or learn to shoot the city yourself.

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