Essi is a bubbly Finn who swapped the snowy forests of Finland for Scotland's rugged peaks and vibrant cities. Now based in Glasgow, she's on a mission to share her love for Scotland's landscapes (and Christmas markets!) with the world, one travel adventure at a time
Edinburgh is not only an amazing destination in its own right, but it is also a great base for trips further afield in Scotland. Whether you fancy strolling through history-filled castles, dancing the night away, or losing yourself (in the best way) amidst stunning wilderness, Scotland has something for everyone! In this blog, you’ll discover the best day trips from Edinburgh, plus handy tips on how to get to your destinations, whether you’re up for a guided tour or fancy hopping on the buses, trains, and ferries yourself!
Top Places to Visit from Edinburgh Car-Free
If you don’t want to jump behind the wheel and go cruising on the left side of the road, travelling by public transportation is a great, eco-friendly option. Here are some of our top picks for day trips from Edinburgh without a car, all easily reached by train, bus, or even ferry.
By Train: Top Day Trips from Edinburgh
Glasgow
Just an hour from Edinburgh lies Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest (and arguably most fun-loving) city! Known for its warm, welcoming people, buzzing nightlife, and endless diversity, Glasgow has something for everyone. Some of our favourite spots? The charming West End, the cobblestone vibes of Ashton Lane, the lush green escape of Pollok Park, and the fascinating Riverside Museum.
Whether you’re up for a shopping spree, museum hopping, or a night out full of laughs, Glasgow’s the place for it.
How to get there?
🚂 Train: Edinburgh Waverley → Glasgow Queen Street
⏱️Duration: 50 minutes
🔁Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
Stirling
The 50-minute train ride from Edinburgh makes Stirling a no-brainer day trip destination! This charming, super-walkable city is packed with history and character. Its main attraction, Stirling Castle, is definitely a hotspot of the city and worth a visit. Whether you want to learn more about Scottish history, admire beautiful architecture or just have a wee wander around, Stirling, with its many pubs, shops and cafes, is the perfect choice. If you’d rather avoid the hassle of dealing with trains, hop on our 1-Day Lochs, Castles & The Kelpies tour!
How to get there?
🚂Train: Edinburgh Waverley → Stirling
⏱️Duration: 50 minutes
🔁Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
Dundee
Known for its three J’s: jute (that’s rope material, if you’re wondering), jam (hello, marmalade!), and journalism (it’s home to some fab media publications), it’s a city with plenty of character. Just an hour and a half from Edinburgh by train and bus, Dundee makes for a cracking day trip for those without a car. Be sure to pop by the V&A Museum, wander down Perth Road, and check out the Discovery Point, which is a stunning museum. Oh, and the journey itself? It’s a stunner, thanks to crossing the Forth Bridges!
How to get there?
🚂Train: Edinburgh Waverley → Dundee
⏱️Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
🔁Frequency: Every 30 minutes
St Andrews
St Andrews, perched on Scotland’s east coast, is famous for a few things: being the Home of Golf, hosting Scotland’s oldest university, and, oh yes, as the romantic meeting spot of the current Prince and Princess of Wales! If you're feeling adventurous and want to tick two boxes at once, you can easily pair a trip to Dundee and St Andrews, as they’re just a breezy half-hour apart. While you’re in St Andrews, don’t miss the world-famous Old Course (the oldest golf course in the world!), take a stroll on one of its gorgeous beaches, and get lost wandering the charming cobbly streets.
How to get there?
🚌Bus: Edinburgh → St Andrews
⏱️Duration: 2 hours
🔁Frequency: Every 30 minutes
North Berwick
North Berwick is a charming seaside town perfect for a day trip. Stroll along its sandy beaches, explore the vibrant harbour, and enjoy fresh seafood with a view. Be sure to visit the Scottish Seabird Centre to learn about local wildlife or take a walk up North Berwick Law for stunning panoramic views across the coastline and the surrounding countryside.
How to get there?
🚂 Train: Edinburgh → North Berwick
⏱️Duration: 35 minutes
🔁 Frequency: Every 30 minutes or 1 hour
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s most beautiful spots. The village of Balloch, known as the gateway to the loch, is a great place to head for a day trip. Stroll along the shores, relax in Balloch Country Park, or head to Loch Lomond Shores, a popular shopping, dining, and activity hub with great views of the water. You can also take short cruises from Balloch or simply enjoy the walking trails and peaceful green spaces nearby.
How to get there?
🚌 Train: Edinburgh Waverley → Glasgow Queen Street → Balloch
⏱️ Journey Duration: Approximately 2 hours
🔁 Frequency: Every 30 minutes
By Bus and Boat: Scenic Routes
Inchcolm Island & South Queensferry
A stone’s throw from Edinburgh, tucked just east of the Forth Bridges, you’ll find Inchcolm Island, a hidden gem bursting with history and charm! Wander through its ancient abbey, explore the old war fortifications, and relax on one of its two lovely beaches. You can catch a boat from South Queensferry and enjoy a scenic cruise over, taking in the sights before you hop off to explore. While you’re in South Queensferry, don’t miss the chance to stroll along the waterfront for incredible views of the iconic Forth Bridges and to grab a bite at one of the cosy local cafés.
How to get there?
🚌 Bus: Edinburgh → South Queensferry, (Service 43)
⏱️ Journey Duration: 15 minutes
🔁 Frequency: Every 20 minutes
Rosslyn Chapel & Roslin Glen
Rosslyn Chapel is famous for its beautiful stone carvings and fascinating history. After exploring the chapel, take a stroll through Rosslyn Glen, a lovely wooded valley nearby that’s perfect for a peaceful walk. In the village of Roslin, you can explore the ruins of Roslin Castle.
How to get there?
🚌 Bus: Edinburgh → Original Rosslyn Hotel (bus 37)
⏱️ Journey Duration: Approximately 1 hour
🔁 Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Day Trip from Edinburgh to the Highlands
Now, you might look at the map and think, 'Wait just a wee second… really?!' But we’re not joking, you can absolutely squeeze in a day trip to the legendary Loch Ness, though it might take a bit more time! With the right planning, or by joining one of HAGGiS Adventures' guided tours, you can travel from the city to the heart of the Highlands and experience the magic of this iconic loch in just one day.
Loch Ness Day Trip from Edinburgh
Plan your own day trip:
Hop on a bus that takes you from Scotland’s capital city to the capital of the Highlands, and from there, head south to the iconic Loch Ness. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages and the stunning landscapes of Cairngorms National Park.
🚌 Route: Edinburgh → Inverness → Fort Augustus
⏱️ Journey Duration: Approximately 5 hours (one way)
Book a day tour:
1 Day Loch Ness Hunter tour takes you through jaw-dropping Glen Coe, past the mighty Ben Nevis (the tallest mountain in all of Britain!), and straight to Loch Ness. Once there, you can either channel your inner Nessie hunter or have a lovely wander around the storybook-perfect village of Fort Augustus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Glasgow is a perfect day trip destination from Edinburgh and you can get there by hopping on a train or a bus, that both run every 15 to 30 minutes.
The journey from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye takes around 9 hours by public transport or about 5 hours if you’re driving, so squeezing Skye into a day trip from Edinburgh might be a wee bit ambitious! We recommend spending 2–3 days on the island to properly explore and uncover its hidden gems. Alternatively, if you're short on time, hopping on a guided day tour from Inverness is a great option.
If you have more time in hand, why not jump on a 3-day or a 5-day tour to Isle of Skye with HAGGiS Adventures, and explore the island with an expert guide!
You can! With a bit of planning, or by hopping on a guided tour, you can set off on an awesome adventure to the Scottish Highlands in just a day.
Yes! You can take the train to Inverness and then catch a bus to Fort Augustus to reach Loch Ness, or you can skip the planning altogether and join a guided Loch Ness day tour with a local leading the way.
There are loads of great day trips from Edinburgh, no car needed! Here are our top picks:
- Glasgow: Big city buzz and great nightlife
- Stirling: Famous castle, cobbled streets, and Scottish history
- St Andrews: Beaches, and golf
- North Berwick: Seaside walks and top-notch fish and chips
- Dundee: Cool museums and fab train views (The Forth Bridges!)
- Inchcolm Island: Boat trip, beaches, and history
- Loch Lomond: Loch cruises and stunning nature
- Rosslyn Chapel: Mysterious carvings and woodland walks
- Loch Ness & The Highlands: Yes, even Nessie’s doable in a day!
About the author
Essi Eskelinen
