Today I’m sharing some of my favourite day trips from Edinburgh.
The city of Edinburgh is just as beautiful as everyone says – possibly even more so! You’ll want to spend a few days there soaking up all the Scottish history, roaming from the Old Town to the New Town and back again, and making sure you see the castle from every conceivable angle.
However, you may also want to go further afield and see what else Scotland has to offer. Which is the reason why I’ve collated some of the best day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport.
Day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport: my picks
Contents
What do you want from a day trip from Edinburgh?
Well, first of all, I’ve made sure that none of them are too far away. The last thing you want is to have to spend 5+ hours in a car, snatch a couple of hours at your destination, and then drive all the way back. That’s just exhausting. All of these day trips are less than three hours away.
I’ve also included a range of day trips. From buzzy Scottish cities to sleepy coastal towns to a weird and wonderful pineapple-shaped building, there’s something for everyone. Something you won’t see every day!
So let’s go – 13 day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport.
The Kelpies
Best for: Seeing these beautiful equine sculptures up close! They’re a little bit iconic.
As far as day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport go, the Kelpies are one of the must-sees. Just look at them!
Located a stone’s throw from Edinburgh is the town of Falkirk, which is home to the Kelpies – Scotland’s own towering equine guardians. Designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, these two colossal sculptures pay homage to mythical water creatures known as “kelpies.”
Kelpies are mythical shape-shifting beings that are said to take the form of horses on land. But they have a dark side, and lure unsuspecting souls into their aquatic lairs.
The Kelpies were part of a £40 million project to transform an old industrial site into a public space. Well, they certainly do that. The Kelpies stand at a staggering 30 metres tall and are crafted from shimmering stainless steel. They’re a feat of engineering as well as a nod to Scottish folklore and storytelling.
And the best part is they’re based on two lovely Clydesdale horses, Duke and Baron, who are no longer with us. I love that way too much!
The Kelpies are not just static pieces of art either. They come to life with immersive light displays, adding an extra layer of magic to your visit. Whenever I go home to visit my parents we go past the Kelpies and I love to see them lit up in different colours.
How to get to the Kelpies from Edinburgh
By car
Take the M9 west out of Edinburgh. The journey will take 52 minutes in total.
By train / bus
Get the train from Edinburgh Waverly to Falkirk Grahamston.
Then you’ll need to get the bus from Weir Street (about five minutes walk away) to West Mains Industrial Estate.
It’ll take around an hour and 20 minutes.
Inchcolm island
Best for: A beautiful island in the central belt!
Island hopping doesn’t just have to be something you do up north, which is why this little island makes this one of the best day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport.
Inchcolm Island is a small island located in the Firth of Forth, the water that separates Edinburgh from the region of Fife. The island is sometimes referred to as the ‘Iona of the East’ due to its similarity to the island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland.
The island is known for the beautiful Inchcolm Abbey, which has a dovecot, refectory, and amazing views – if you climb the steep stairs to the top. You can explore the island and see its historical connections to WWI and WWII, or just take it easy on the beach.
It’s a great little trip and the ferry ride there and back is great – you might be lucky enough to spot a seal or two taking an afternoon nap on a buoy, like we did. Even if you’re not, the views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Forth Railway Bridge are worth it alone!
How to get to Incholm Island from Edinburgh
By car
You’ll have to drive to South Queensferry to catch the ferry to Inchcolm Island. This will take just short of 50 minutes and goes via the A90 and M90.
By train
You can get a direct train to South Queensferry, which takes just over half an hour. Catch the Glenrothes with Thornton train and get off at South Queensferry.
By bus
You can also get a direct bus to South Queensferry. Catch the number 43 bus and get off at The Loan – the journey takes around 50 minutes in total.
The Bo’ness steam train
Best for: a charming steam train experience in the central belt
Lots of people will have heard of the Jacobite Express in Scotland – the ‘Harry Potter’ train that goes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. But did you know there’s another steam train experience that you can do as a day trip from Edinburgh by car – the Bo’ness steam train?
I loved the entire thing. As soon as we stepped into the station it felt like we’d stepped back in time, which isn’t too surprising considering that the Bo’ness and Kinneil railway station has been used as a set for filming The Railway Man, Outlander, and the Angel’s Share. The last one is an amazing Ken Loach-directed movie all about Scottish whiskey, FYI.
It’s not quite as grand as the Jacobite Express experience as there’s no viaduct to go over and the train journey is much shorter. But if you want to have a steam train experience in Scotland and you don’t have time to head to Fort William, it’s ideal.
How much does it cost: It costs £13 per adult (for a regular fare)
How long does the tour take: Around 70 minutes in total
How to get to the Bo’ness train station from Edinburgh
By car
Driving to Bo’ness from Edinburgh goes via the A90 and A904 and takes 40 minutes.
By train
You can catch a train to Falkirk Grahamston from Edinburgh. Then, catch the number 2 bus to Clydesdale Steet. This takes you around one hour and 20 minutes in total.
By bus
Catch the 909 bus towards Stirling, which will take you to Bo’ness in just shy of an hour.
Pitlochry
Best for: Outdoorsy activities and cosy comfort food in a lovely Scottish town
Day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport have one key ingredient: beautiful Scottish scenery. Pitlochry has this in spades!
Pitlochry is a proper Scottish town and as it’s only two hours from Edinburgh, it’s the perfect place to enjoy stunning Scottish scenery. You can see gorges, waterfalls, and mesmerising hilltop views – without having to drive for hours into the depths of the highlands.
Let’s start with the outdoorsy stuff. You can do walks galore in Pitlochry! Wooded gorge the Linn of Tummel is stunning and is one of the best walks in Pitlochry. It’s also where you’ll see Soldier’s Leap. This is the famous spot where a redcoat soldier is said to have leapt five metres across the River Garry while being chased by Jacobite clansmen.
You can also dip into the famous Rob Roy Way, which is a 128km walk finishing off in Pitlochry. That’s not all for outdoor activities in Pitlochry – why not try a bit of white water rafting? I was a little nervous about this but it was a lot of fun, and not too fast!
Now, for the food. My friends and I still talk about the pies we had at Inn on the Tay today, they were THAT good. It’s a little bit outside of Pitlochry but it’s 100% worth it. The funny thing is I didn’t even order a pie that night, one of my biggest regrets in life I’d say!
How to get to the Pitlochry from Edinburgh
By car
The drive to Pitlochry from Edinburgh is via the M90 and A9 and takes 90 minutes.
By train
You can get a direct train to Pitlochry from Edinburgh. The Inverness train will take you straight there without having to change trains and takes one hour 40 minutes.
By bus
You can get a Megabus directly to Pitlochry from Edinburgh – again, the one you’re after is the one that’s going to Inverness.
Culross
Best for: Cobbled streets and period charm in a cute town you’ll recognise from Outlander
Culross is a former royal burgh made famous by the TV series Outlander.
Located in the west of Fife, the village is characterised by its cobbles, 16th and 17th century period charm, and ochre yellow buildings. It’s a colour you really don’t see anywhere else and so as soon as you see it you know you’re in Culross.
One thing to mention is that it’s actually pronounced Coo-ris rather than Culross. I noticed a little sign in one of the windows of a house as we wandered through the streets of the village. Probably a good thing to know for incoming tourists! I can imagine I’m not the only one who’s been pronouncing it wrong this whole time. Right?
So, what is there to do in Culross? I would recommend wandering around Culross Abbey, seeing the Mercat cross, and visiting Culross Palace. When you’re hungry, I’d pop into The Red Lion. There are low-painted ceilings, beams, and lots of snug little booths to cosy up in. I had a haggis lasagne and a glass of wine when I was there and it was excellent!
If you’re looking for day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport that have historic old-world charm, Culross is definitely it.
How to get to Culross from Edinburgh
By car
The drive to Culross from Edinburgh takes 47 minutes and goes via the A985.
By train / bus
Get the Glenrothes with Thornton train and get off at Queen Margaret train station. From there, catch the 28 bus to Alloa and get off at The Palace.
This journey will take just over two hours.
The Pineapple building
Best for: A slice of architectural whimsy
One of the more unusual day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport is this one. I visited for the first time recently and loved it.
Located a bit further from Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s most intriguing architectural wonders: the Pineapple. This charming oddity is nestled in the countryside of Dunmore, not far from the town of Falkirk.
The Pineapple Building is a testament to the quirkier side of Scottish architecture. This unusual structure takes the form of a massive stone pineapple perched atop a classical Georgian pavilion.
Strange, yes. Strangely beautiful? 100%.
The Pineapple was built in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore. It was built as an extravagant summerhouse So why the pineapple? Well, there isn’t a definitive answer. The earl served as a Governor of Virginia for a spell and there, sailors put a pineapple on their gatepost to signal that they’d returned home.
More generally, in a time when people didn’t travel like they do now, a pineapple was a symbol of wealth and hospitality. So it could be either!
Today, this unique pineapple-shaped structure is open to visitors. I’ll be honest, there isn’t loads to see – there’s no museum or anything and you can’t actually go inside it – but it is surrounded by beautiful scenic gardens. The grounds provide the perfect backdrop for photos and a relaxing escape from the city.
The interior of the Pineapple is now a holiday rental property though, so if you want to experience its charm up close, you can!
Pro tip: Visiting the Pineapple won’t take all day so you could combine a trip here with the Kelpies, if you so wish!
How to get to the Pineapple Building from Edinburgh
By car
If you drive to the Pineapple from Edinburgh it’ll take an hour, and goes via the M9.
By train / bus
First of all, you’ll have to get the train to Stirling. Next, jump on the F16 bus towards Grahamston and get off at Moss Road. You’ll then have a 30-minute walk ahead of you.
The journey will take two hours 25 minutes in total.
Stirling:
Best for: Stirling castle, the Wallace Monument and allll the Scottish history!
Stirling has the nickname ‘Little Edinburgh’ because the city shares more than a few similarities with the capital. Just like Edinburgh, the city is jam-packed with history. There are cobbled streets, gruesome and gory stories from Scotland’s past, and even a castle perched on a volcanic rock overlooking the city. Familiar, right?
The city practically bleeds Scottish history. Where else will you find so many echoes of Scotland’s historical freedom fighters, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace? There’s the Wallace Monument, Stirling Bridge, and the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre nearby, so if you want to deep dive into Scottish history, come here. It’s Braveheart town.
Stirling Castle perches on a rock overlooking the city. It’s played a huge role in Scottish history and it used to be said ‘if you take Stirling, you take Scotland.’ But don’t forget the iconic Wallace Monument either.
It peeps over the skyline being all iconic and stuff – it is home to William Wallace’s famous sword, after all.
Read my guide to visiting Stirling Castle
How to get to the Stirling from Edinburgh
By car
It takes an hour to drive from Stirling to Edinburgh, via the M9.
By train
Stirling is an easy 45-minute train ride from Edinburgh. I’ve found that this train line is typically a lot quieter than some of the others, so you’ll most likely get a seat.
By bus
You can catch a direct bus to Stirling from Edinburgh. Either go by Citylink or Megabus, which takes around one hour and 24 minutes.
Eyemouth (in the Scottish Borders)
Best for: sleepy seaside charm in this lovely town in the Scottish Borders
I recently visited Eyemouth for the first time for a wedding and I loved it. Eyemouth is located on the east coast of Scotland in the Scottish Borders – apparently, it’s only five miles north of the Scotland/England border!
It’s another great place to visit if you want all the seaside charm. There’s a beautiful beach the town is centred around which I loved walking along – there’s something about the sea that just gives you a sense of calm.
If you want to stretch your legs you can also wander up to the cliffs where Eyemouth Fortress once stood. The only remnants of it now are a couple of cannons, but it’s still pretty cool – I wasn’t expecting to see cannons!
Back in town, there’s a pretty harbour, where brightly coloured boats bob about. There’s an ongoing regeneration project around the Eyemouth harbour – you can tell that money has been invested in it.
Next to the harbour are a handful of cosy little pubs, a fish and chip shop, and even an ice cream parlour. I would also recommend Lough’s Home Bakery – we got breakfast rolls and coffee here to eat on the sea wall on the Saturday morning and it was great!
How to get to the Eyemouth from Edinburgh
By car
Eyemouth is just over an hour away from Edinburgh, and goes via the A1.
By train / bus
Getting to Eyemouth via Edinburgh will require a train and a bus. Catch the train to Berwick upon Tweed and then catch a bus to Victoria Road Car Park.
The fastest journey takes 90 minutes, but it could take an hour more than that.
East Neuk of Fife
Best for: A cluster of beautiful fishing villages in the region of Fife
The East Neuk is a cluster of charming fishing villages in the region of Fife in Scotland. Picture pastel-hued houses, gorgeous harbours, and narrow streets that draw you down all these undiscovered nooks and crannies.
Everything seems to be in miniature and it’s like you’re in the town of Lilliput in Gulliver’s travels. The East Neuk of Fife comprises several coastal villages in the southeast of Fife, including Pittenweem, St Monans, Elie, Anstruther and Crail. They all have a similar feel while also having their own unique charm.
They’re also part of the Fife Coastal Path and you can do the walk between some of the villages in a day if you’re feeling energetic!
What else do you need from a day trip from Edinburgh? Good food! There are cosy pubs, nice restaurants, and some of the best fish and chips around. The Anstruther Fish Bar is world famous and has been rated the best fish and chips in the whole of Scotland. The queue might be long – I’ve waited more than an hour before – but it’s worth the wait.
How to get to the East Neuk from Edinburgh
By car
The drive to East Neuk from Fife goes via the A92 and takes an hour and 20 minutes.
By train / bus
It’s not as easy to get to Easy Neuk by public transport as you might hope, specifically because it doesn’t have a railway line.
First of all, you’ll need to get the train to Kirkcaldy from Edinburgh. You’ll then have to catch the bus to St Andrews (the X60) and get off at East Neuk. This takes just over two hours in total.
Dundee
Best for: Seeing the iconic V&A museum
Dundee is often eclipsed by the other more well-known cities in Scotland, but it’s well worth exploring. And, because it’s a relatively small city, you can get a decent amount of exploring done in a day trip from Edinburgh. How do I know? Well, I lived there for nearly 10 years!
Dundee has had loads of money invested in it over the past few years, including a £1 billion pound waterfront project – of which the V&A Dundee design museum is the jewel in the crown. Its other attractions include underground vaults, a street art trail, an amazing independent restaurant scene, a world-famous design museum, and a secret bar.
Visiting the V&A Dundee is a must – they have a Scottish Design exhibition that is on all year around, and it’s free. The Discovery is also a must-see location in Dundee if you want to learn a bit more about the ship that once went to the Antarctic. And don’t forget to leave some time aside to walk along the River Tay and soak up all that sea air.
For food, my favourite restaurant is a tiny Mexican restaurant called Mas which is located on the Perth Road – whenever I visit Dundee I always go there. It’s in the west end, which is the artsy area clustered with independent shops, cafes, and bars.
There’s also the DCA, which is great at any time of day, and Draffens and the Blue Room for late-night cocktails.
How to get to Dundee from Edinburgh
By car
The drive to Dundee is via the M90 and A90 and will take an hour and 20 minutes in total.
By train
The Edinburgh to Dundee train takes around an hour and a half and, even better, it’s direct.
By bus
You can get a Mega Bus to Dundee from Edinburgh, which takes an hour and 20 minutes.
Glasgow
Best for: An amazing live music scene + amazing museums and a great night out.
Glasgow is a really easy day trip from Edinburgh by car or public transport, and it’s a really great city.
I always associate Glasgow as a place to see live music. I spent my twenties making regular pilgrimages through to Glasgow to go and see bands at venues dotted throughout the city – from intimate gigs at the teeny tiny King Tuts to arena bands at the Hydro.
If you can find any excuse to go to the Barrowlands in Glasgow (known as the Barras) do. It harks back to times gone by – it was a literal ballroom – and it’s an iconic global music venue. The enormous retro ‘The Barrowlands’ signage outside the venue is iconic.
Everyone always asks what the difference is between Edinburgh and Glasgow. While Edinburgh is a little fancier (read: posh) Glasgow is where you go to have a good time. There are tons of lively bars and clubs – the west end’s Ashton Lane is also well worth a trip.
However, it’s not just about the nights out. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is fantastic and the city is also known for its stunning street art, with murals taking you by surprise on the sides of buildings as you wander through the grid of streets.
Another one of Glasgow’s most iconic landmarks is the University of Glasgow, with its Gothic spires and iconic cloisters. It’s stunning!
I should also mention that Glasgow is great for shopping. Buchanan Street is top notch and the Urban Outfitters there has had way too much of my money over the years!
How to get to Glasgow from Edinburgh
By car
The drive to Glasgow from Edinburgh will take an hour and five minutes.
By train
The train from Edinburgh to Glasgow is easy and takes around an hour in total.
By bus
You can get a Megabus to Glasgow from Edinburgh which takes one hour 15 minutes.
St Andrews
Best for: Golf mostly – but thankfully a lot more than that!
This picturesque town, located on the east coast of Scotland, is renowned for its world-class golf courses and the prestigious University of St. Andrews. Plus, the fact that Prince William and Kate Middleton met here.
St. Andrews is often described as the ‘home of golf’ which, I’ll be honest, doesn’t exactly fill me with enthusiasm. Not a golf lover over here! However, it can’t be denied that St Andrews is home to one of the most iconic golf courses in the world. People like the Jonas Brothers, Harry Styles, and Lewis Capaldi always seem to pop up at the Old Course.
The town itself is steeped in history, with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. The striking ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and St. Andrews Castle are well worth checking out. The streets are lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
You might even come across the world-famous Jannetta’s Gelateria, which always, always has a queue.
Of course, St. Andrews is also famous for its connection to academia. The University of St. Andrews, which was founded in 1413, is not only Scotland’s oldest university but one of the most prestigious in the UK.
Finally, don’t miss the famous West Sands Beach, which is known for its appearance in the movie “Chariots of Fire.” It might often be a bit windy, but it’s a lovely beach to explore.
How to get to St Andrews from Edinburgh
By car
If you want to drive to St Andrews from Edinburgh it’ll take around an hour and 24 minutes.
By train
St Andrews is a little awkward as there isn’t a direct train. You can catch a train from Edinburgh to Leuchars, which is the nearest train station. You’ll then have to catch the bus.
By bus
You can catch the X59 bus from Edinburgh, which stops at St Andrews on the way to Dundee. The journey takes around two hours in total.
Portobello
Best for: Beachy buzz a stone’s throw from Edinburgh
If you’re looking for somewhere a little closer to Edinburgh but with a different kind of vibe then I would highly recommend Portobello. This buzzy seaside suburb is a delightful contrast to the Scottish capital.
Portobello’s main attraction is its beautiful sandy beach, which stretches for miles along the coastline. On a sunny day, the beach comes alive with locals and visitors alike, sunbathing, picnicking, and strolling along the promenade. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely beach day, complete with ice creams and snacks from the nearby eateries. Wow does it get busy!
For those interested in all those energetic activities such as watersports, Portobello offers opportunities for swimming, windsurfing, and kayaking. Outdoor enthusiasts, welcome!
Beyond the beach, you can wander through Portobello’s quaint streets, which are dotted with boutique shops, cafes, and pubs. I would highly recommend Bross Bagel, which has a handful of locations throughout the capital. I’m a bit of a bagel monster and I had one of the best I’d ever had in Bross Bagel in Portobello. Their Bross Rock sauce is unreal! Of course, it tasted even better eaten from the sea wall with views of the beach.
Portobello’s charm lies in its ability to transport you to the coast without the need for a long journey. It does get busy but it’s still a place where you can unwind, soak up the sea breeze, and enjoy a change of pace. A little slice of coastal paradise that welcomes you with open arms.
How to get to Portobello from Edinburgh
By car
The drive to Portobello from Edinburgh city centre takes a mere 11 minutes. Easy mode!
By train
You can get a train from Edinburgh to Portobello, which takes around 20 minutes.
By bus
There are a number of buses to go via Portobello and the journey also takes 20 minutes.
Therein concludes my lists of day trips from Edinburgh by car adn public transport. Now for some tips on how to get the most out of them.
Tips for day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport
Don’t travel too far in a day
The thing about day trips from Edinburgh by car or public transport is that there’s a limit on what you can enjoyably do in that time.
I’ve purposely only listed destinations that are reasonable to get to in a day. Anything over 4-5 hours away feels a little too much. If you want to explore popular locations such as the Isle of Skye or the Scottish Highlands I would highly recommend booking an overnight stay.
You want to do it justice, not feel like you’re in a massive rush the whole day and you don’t even get to enjoy your destination before having to turn around and rush to get back. In my opinion, less is more.
Don’t try and do too much in a day
Similar to the point above. Don’t try to cram too much in.
I always see itineraries in travel groups where people are packing so much into their trip I’m exhausted from reading it. Don’t get me wrong, I understand why – there’s so much they want to see – and I’m guilty of this when I go on trips abroad as well. However, I would recommend doing a little less and giving yourself a bit more time to enjoy it!
Locate the Edinburgh bus station
The bus station is located just off Princes Street, past St Andrews Square and just along from Harvey Nichols. However, not all the buses leave from the bus station, as I discovered during a railway strike a while ago when I had to catch the bus to my home town.
No, some of them leave from Princes Street. There are a ton of bus stops at the top of the steps once you exit the train station, and it can be a bit confusing. You can pay with card on buses now though, which at least omits the panic about not having the right change.
Find the right train station
Be mindful that there are two train stations in Edinburgh, one in the centre, Waverly Station and one at the other end of Princes Street and a bit further in the west end, Haymarket. Waverly is the main railway station and it’s here that you can catch trains in all directions. It has a lot of platforms so give yourself plenty of time to find which one you’re at.
For most destinations either Waverly or Haymarket station will be fine, as the train goes through both. If you’re going south, though, Waverly is the easier choice.
Pack all the layers
Day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport require one really important thing: weather-appropriate clothing!
We quite often get four seasons in a day in Scotland. You just never know what to expect, weather that’s thunderstorms in July or beautiful sunshine in the middle of November. I remember climbing a munro in Scotland at that time of year and it was sweat-inducing and unexpectedly glorious! Meanwhile, summers can often be a total washout.
The name of the game is layers. Bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket – and I wouldn’t go anywhere without a cosy beanie hat in my bag. Sturdy hiking boots are good if you’re going to be heading into the wilderness, too. Don’t skimp on warm claes, basically!
Spend time in Edinburgh
The one thing about showcasing all the day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport is you don’t spend enough time in the capital.
Butttt… there’s SO much to be enjoyed in Scotland’s capital city – you can’t just go to the castle and do a quick walk up and down the Royal Mile. That wouldn’t even be scratching the surface.
As much as it’s tempting to go chasing the lochs, the castles, and the magical Scottish landscapes, I would also make sure you spend enough time in Edinburgh itself.
There are SO many things to see and do – climb Arthur’s Seat, go underground into the mysterious vaults and explore the city’s grisly past, and wander around the Grassmarket.
so, 100% enjoy your day trips, but don’t skip out on Edinburgh.
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