Leith, Edinburgh cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: From the cruise berths beside Ocean Terminal, use Ocean Terminal tram stop for Princes Street in central Edinburgh; outer-berth passengers first need their assigned port exit or transfer.

• Shuttle: where offered, run by your cruise line, price varies by ship.
• Public transport: Edinburgh Trams towards Airport from Ocean Terminal to Princes Street, £2.40 adult one-way; about 21 minutes on the tram, excluding the approach from the ship.

Prices checked 2026-09-08. Sources: Capital Cruising, Edinburgh Trams fares, Tram timetable.

Orientation, not a walking route

Leith is an alongside cruise port. Smaller ships can pass through the locks to the established cruise berths near Ocean Terminal and Britannia. The port also has a deep-water outer berth, built mainly for offshore renewables but used occasionally by larger cruise ships. An outer-berth call bypasses the locks and has different shore arrangements.

Check the berth and exit in your ship's arrival instructions before planning a walk to Ocean Terminal or its tram stop. Follow the authorised route or arranged transfer to excursion coaches and public transport. Return to the ship's assigned gate; the shopping centre and Britannia have separate entrances.

Central Edinburgh requires onward travel. Include the time to leave your berth, reach public transport and continue to the attraction when planning a timed entry. Road traffic and waiting for a tram or bus can extend the journey.

About this port

Leith places a cruise visitor in Edinburgh's waterfront district, with the Royal Yacht Britannia nearby and public transport into the city centre. It is a distinct arrival from Newhaven, South Queensferry and Rosyth, which cruise itineraries may also describe as Edinburgh. Check the port name before arranging transport or meeting someone ashore.

A short visit can stay in Leith for the yacht and a waterfront meal. With more time, choose a main attraction in central Edinburgh and a walk through part of the historic city. Trying to cover the castle, several museums and the whole Royal Mile leaves little time to enjoy any of them.

Getting Around

The Ocean Terminal tram stop connects Leith with Edinburgh's city-centre tram route. Buy a ticket before boarding at Ocean Terminal stop. Select the stop nearest your intended attraction, then include the walk from it; the tram does not take you to the castle gate.

Local buses provide another option. Ocean Terminal's current transport page links to Lothian Buses and lists services serving the area.

The terminal has a taxi collection point; use your ship's stated return point for a cruise shuttle. For independent travel, save both the ship's terminal details and a return journey before setting off.

Things to Do

Visit Britannia. The former Royal Yacht offers a view of life aboard a vessel used for royal duties before retirement in 1997. It is a useful local focus if you want to avoid a trip into the centre. Consult the yacht's own visitor page for its current entrance, tickets and accessibility; nearby waterfront development can change the approach.

Explore Edinburgh's historic centre. UNESCO's Old and New Towns of Edinburgh designation recognises the contrast between the medieval Old Town and the planned New Town. It is a specific historic-city property, not a blanket designation for the cruise docks. Choose one manageable walking area and leave time for the gradients and crowded pavements.

Make the castle your main visit. Edinburgh Castle advises booking ahead because tickets can sell out. Arrange admission for a time that allows you to get ashore and travel into the city without rushing. Its visitor information explains access and the separate attractions within the complex.

Choose an indoor alternative. The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street has extensive collections across many galleries. Pick a theme or section, particularly if you are combining it with an Old Town walk. Check the museum's current visitor information for exhibitions and access.

Getting back to your ship

The terminal has a taxi collection point; use your ship's stated return point for a cruise shuttle. For independent travel, save both the ship's terminal details and a return journey before setting off.

Practical Information

Currency is pound sterling (GBP, £). English is widely spoken. Call 999 or 112 for emergencies.

Wear shoes suitable for cobbles and slopes, and carry a rain layer. Keep the city excursion focused enough to return comfortably. At the end of the day, travel back to Leith's assigned cruise entrance, not an Edinburgh tender landing used by another vessel.

Frequently asked

How do you get from Leith cruise port to central Edinburgh? Take an Airport-bound tram from Ocean Terminal to Princes Street. The ride takes about 21 minutes, plus the time to leave the ship and reach the stop.

How much is the tram from Leith to Edinburgh city centre? An adult single costs £2.40 one-way within the city zone.

Do cruise ships dock or tender at Leith in Edinburgh? They dock. Smaller ships use the berths inside the locks near Ocean Terminal; larger ships occasionally use the outer berth.

Is there a shuttle from Leith cruise port into Edinburgh? Yes, on some calls: it is run by your cruise line, with the price varying by ship.