South Queensferry and Edinburgh cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: Travel from Hawes Pier, South Queensferry's tender landing, to the east end of George Street in central Edinburgh on Lothian's X99.

• Walk: not realistic into Edinburgh; too far for a shore visit. Queensferry town centre itself is about 10 minutes on foot from Hawes Pier.
• Shuttle: paid Lothian Cruiselink X99, £14 return per adult, bought when boarding; the ticket also covers Lothian's listed local bus networks and Edinburgh Trams.
• Public transport: Lothian Cruiselink X99 from Hawes Pier to the east end of George Street, £8 one way per adult, about 30 minutes.

Prices checked 2026-09-08. Sources: Lothian X99 fares and city stop, Cruise Forth local walking connection, port's Edinburgh road-distance information.

Orientation, not a walking route

Ships anchor off South Queensferry and tender passengers to Hawes Pier. Cruise Forth identifies the pier as the landing for Edinburgh itineraries using South Queensferry. The Forth railway bridge is the prominent nearby landmark.

Cruise Scotland puts Edinburgh city centre about 17 km away by road from this arrival area. Follow the ship's instructions for excursion coaches and transfers after landing, and note the last tender before leaving the pier.

Allow for waiting and loading as well as time on the water. If you need help with boat steps or a mobility aid, confirm the transfer arrangements with the cruise line beforehand.

About this port

South Queensferry offers a choice between Edinburgh sightseeing and a quieter day beside the Forth bridges. The waterfront town is worth considering in its own right, particularly when the call is short or you prefer to avoid a city transfer.

For Edinburgh, plan around one principal attraction and a walk through the historic centre. A tender journey and the road or rail transfer take time in both directions, so this arrival requires more planning than stepping ashore in the city itself.

Getting Around

Lothian's Cruiselink X99 offers a direct bus connection from Hawes Pier into central Edinburgh. Its 2026 operator information gives the city stop as the east end of George Street. Save the George Street return location before starting your city walk.

Dalmeny railway station is another option. Cruise Forth places it about 800 metres from Hawes Pier, with a steep staircase on the commonly used walking route. Allow for that climb and station access before choosing rail, especially if steps are difficult. ScotRail provides current services between Dalmeny and Edinburgh Waverley.

Local service 43 from Queensferry town is another Edinburgh option, while taxis and ship-arranged coaches provide other choices. Select a return that leaves room for delays and the final walk to the tender.

Things to Do

Staying in South Queensferry gives you time to enjoy the waterfront and High Street. Follow part of the Forth Bridges Trail, with its interpretation of the town and crossings, and stop for lunch while remaining close to the pier. The streets rise away from the shore, so choose your route with that in mind.

The Forth Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the railway bridge that carries this designation, not all three modern crossings collectively. The waterfront offers views of its structure without requiring a separate excursion.

In Edinburgh, the Old and New Towns form a different UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose a walk through the Old Town's ridge and lanes or through the planned streets of the New Town, depending on your interests and how much climbing you want to do.

Edinburgh Castle can anchor a city visit. Reserve through its official ticket page if you want to enter, allowing time for tendering and transport before the appointment. After visiting, a short walk along the Royal Mile may be enough before heading back towards your return bus or Waverley station.

Avoid trying to combine a long castle visit, the full Royal Mile and a second major attraction on a short call. Time left for an unhurried return is more valuable than another hurried stop.

Getting back to your ship

Local service 43 from Queensferry town is another Edinburgh option, while taxis and ship-arranged coaches provide other choices. Select a return that leaves room for delays and the final walk to the tender.

Practical Information

Currency: pounds sterling (£). English is spoken. Emergencies: 999 or 112.

Wear shoes with grip for steps and old paving, and carry a waterproof layer. Save the name Hawes Pier and the return instructions where you can retrieve them without mobile reception.

Use Lothian, ScotRail and attraction operators for current fares, tickets and opening information. Before leaving Edinburgh, check that you are returning to South Queensferry: Newhaven, Leith and Rosyth are different cruise arrival points.

Frequently asked

Can you walk from South Queensferry cruise port into Edinburgh? No, it is too far for a shore visit: Edinburgh city centre is about 17 km away by road. Queensferry town centre is about 10 minutes on foot from Hawes Pier.

How much is the South Queensferry cruise shuttle to Edinburgh? The Lothian X99 costs £8 one way or £14 return per adult. Buy tickets when boarding at Hawes Pier.

How long does the bus from South Queensferry to Edinburgh take? About 30 minutes on the X99, arriving at the east end of George Street.

Do cruise ships dock or tender at South Queensferry? They tender. Ships anchor offshore and bring passengers to Hawes Pier.