In short
The best day trips from Edinburgh without a car are South Queensferry for the three Forth Bridges, the seaside town of North Berwick, Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace and the city of Glasgow. All are reachable by train from Edinburgh Waverley in about an hour or less.
One of the best things about Edinburgh is how easy it is to leave. Within an hour by train you can be standing under one of the world’s most famous bridges, walking a sandy beach, or touring the castle where Scottish kings were crowned. You don’t need a car for any of the trips below.
These are the day trips I’d recommend, starting with the easiest.
Before you go
- Trains leave from Edinburgh Waverley, in the city centre, and some also stop at Haymarket in the West End.
- Book with ScotRail. Tickets are usually cheaper off-peak, and you can buy them in the ScotRail app. Check timetables before you travel, especially on Sundays.
- Journey times below are approximate and vary by service.
South Queensferry and the Forth Bridges
About 15 to 20 minutes by train to Dalmeny, then a 15-minute walk.
Three bridges from three different centuries cross the Firth of Forth here: the red Forth Bridge, a Victorian railway bridge and UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Forth Road Bridge; and the newest, the Queensferry Crossing. Walk downhill from Dalmeny station into South Queensferry, a pretty little town with a long high street, pubs and cafés looking straight up at the bridges.
In summer, boat trips run from Hawes Pier out on the Forth, some passing Inchcolm Island and its medieval abbey. It’s the perfect half-day trip, and the train journey across the Forth Bridge to Fife is a thrill in itself.
North Berwick
About 30 to 35 minutes by direct train.
A seaside town on the East Lothian coast, with two sandy beaches, a harbour and a high street full of independent shops and cafés. The Scottish Seabird Centre by the harbour runs boat trips out to the Bass Rock, home to one of the largest gannet colonies in the world. For a short climb with a huge view, walk up North Berwick Law, the volcanic hill behind the town.
Linlithgow
About 20 minutes by train.
The ruins of Linlithgow Palace, where Mary, Queen of Scots was born, stand beside a loch a short walk from the station. It’s one of the most atmospheric ruins in Scotland, and quieter than Edinburgh’s big sights. Combine it with a walk around the loch and lunch on the high street.
Stirling
About 50 minutes by train.
Stirling Castle, perched on its crag, was one of the most important royal castles in Scotland and is beautifully restored inside. Just outside the town, the National Wallace Monument looks out over the battlefield of Stirling Bridge. Stirling is easily a full day.
Glasgow
About 50 minutes by train.
Scotland’s biggest city is a very different place to Edinburgh: grittier, friendlier and full of brilliant architecture, music and free museums. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is free and a highlight. Trains run frequently between the two cities, so it’s an easy day out.
Rosslyn Chapel
About an hour by bus from the city centre.
The richly carved 15th-century chapel in the village of Roslin, made famous by The Da Vinci Code, is just south of the city. Combine it with a walk in Roslin Glen. Entry to the chapel is paid; check opening times and buses before you go.
Closer to home: Cramond and the Pentland Hills
If you’d rather not leave the city at all:
- Cramond is a village at the mouth of the River Almond, on Edinburgh’s western edge. At low tide you can walk a causeway out to Cramond Island, but you must check the tide times before you go: the causeway floods quickly and people get stranded every year.
- The Pentland Hills rise on the city’s southern edge, with walking trails for all levels. On a clear day you can see across the whole of the city to the sea.
Further afield: the Highlands
For Loch Ness, Glencoe or the Highlands, book an organised coach tour from Edinburgh. It’s a long day, often 12 hours or more, but you’ll see a lot of Scotland. If you have more time, it’s far better to stay a night or two.
Which day trip should I choose?
- Short on time: South Queensferry and the Forth Bridges.
- Beach and fresh air: North Berwick.
- History and castles: Stirling or Linlithgow.
- City break within a city break: Glasgow.
- Wild Scotland: a Highlands coach tour.
Good to know
Questions people ask
Can you do day trips from Edinburgh without a car?
Yes. Trains from Edinburgh Waverley reach North Berwick, Stirling, Linlithgow, Dalmeny (for the Forth Bridges) and Glasgow easily. Coach tours go further, to places like Loch Ness and Glencoe.
How far is Stirling from Edinburgh?
Stirling is about an hour from Edinburgh by train, with frequent services from Waverley.
Which station is nearest the Forth Bridge?
Dalmeny. From there it's a short walk downhill to South Queensferry and the bridges.
