st andrews day trip from edinburgh

How to Take a Day Trip to St. Andrews from Edinburgh

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If you’re looking for something fun to do while in Edinburgh, Scotland to get out of the city for a bit, I truly can’t recommend a day trip to St. Andrews from Edinburgh enough. St. Andrews is a small Scottish seaside town with so much charm, and it makes for a great city break.

We took a day trip to St. Andrews from Edinburgh as a bit of an afterthought, and my true regret was that we didn’t spend more time there. I could have sat in the cathedral staring at the sea all day (more on that in a bit). Admittedly, we hit St. Andrews on a FANTASTIC weather day, but even in stereotypical Scottish weather, I imagine the beauty and charm is just as effective.

So let’s get going and talk about how to plan a great day trip to St. Andrews! Because it really is a gem you won’t want to miss if you’re planning a trip to Scotland.

Where is St. Andrews?

St. Andrews is located along the east coast of Scotland in Fife, north of Edinburgh. By car from Edinburgh, it’s about 50 miles (or 80 km), and it takes about an hour and half to make the drive.

St. Andrew is also about 15 miles (24 km) south of Dundee and 35 miles (56 km) east of Perth.

St. Andrews is perched right on the coast, which means it really has the most spectacular views (really, I’m sorry but I will not stop talking about them).

How to Get to St. Andrews from Edinburgh

The best way to get to St. Andrews from Edinburgh is by car. The car ride takes just about an hour and a half. When you get there, there is metered parking along the streets as well as some public parking areas, both free and at charge.

A couple parking options to look into:

• Murray Place Car Park off of North Street
• St. Andrews Public Parking on Bruce Embankment (near the golf course)
• Petheram Bridge Car Park (free, but a bit more of a walk)

There is also an option to get to St. Andrews by train and bus, but it is a bit more complicated. You can take a train from Edinburgh Waverly to Leuchars (a small town north of St. Andrews). Then from Leuchars, you can take a bus (about 8 minutes) into St. Andrews.

Why You Should Visit St. Andrews

The most obvious reasons to visit St. Andrews is the small town charm. With a population of less than 20,000, this city is easily walkable, has beautiful historic sites, and has gorgeous sea views along a beach.

But there is also a lot of history here. The cathedral in St. Andrews was built in 1160 and was an extremely important cathedral in not just Scotland, but all of Europe. (And the ruins of it are some of my favorite ruins I’ve ever been to because of the incredible views.) It’s also home to St. Andrews Castle.

And of course St. Andrews is widely popular in the golfing community. St. Andrews is known as the “home of golf,” with the oldest golf course in the world where the British Open is hosted each year.

All this makes St. Andrews a perfect place to take a day trip: there is plenty to see and do, and you can still do it all within a day!

Top 5 Things To Do on Your St. Andrews Day Trip

The best thing about a day trip to St. Andrews from Edinburgh is that St. Andrews is the perfect size to see all the highlights in just a day. (I mean, this is the best thing aside from the beauty of the town. Really…I won’t stop talking about the views. I told you.)

Here are the five things you should do on your day trip to St. Andrews.

Visit the Cathedral

The St. Andrews Cathedral is the most iconic thing to see in St. Andrews. I mean, where else can you stand in the middle of cathedral ruins in a gorgeous cemetery and look out on to the sea?

The St. Andrews Cathedral was built in 1158 and was probably the largest church ever to have been built in Scotland.

Admission tickets are required to visit St. Andrews Cathedral, but are reasonably priced at £5.50 per adult. During they summer (April through September) they are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the last admission at 4:45 p.m.

During the fall and winter (October through March) they are open Friday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the last entry at 3:30 p.m. During the winter the cathedral grounds are still open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. even when the visitor’s center is not.

Aside from wandering through the cemetery and admiring the gorgeous views and huge cathedral ruins, you can also climb St. Rule’s Tower for an amazing view of St. Andrews. If you want to climb St. Rule’s Tower, you can get a special token in the shop.

Be sure to check their website for updated hours before your visit.

Visit St. Andrews Castle

Just about a five minute walk from St. Andrews Cathedral, the castle is another ruin that sits on the gorgeous sea. In fact, this isn’t the whole castle because some of it fell into the sea hundreds of years ago. Once the home to St. Andrews bishops, the castle was abandoned in the late 1500s.

Here you can check out what remains of the castle. Especially interesting are the dungeons and the gates that seem to lead right into the water.

Admission to St. Andrews Castle is normally £9.50 per adult. Be sure to check their website for unexpected closures before your visit.

Check Out the Old Course

St. Andrews is perhaps most famous for the Old Course, its golf course widely known as the oldest golf course in the world. This is where they play the British Open, but even if you aren’t a golf fan you’ll want to check it out.

You can’t see the whole golf course if you aren’t playing, but there is a section where the public can see the 1st and 18th holes of the Old Course. It’s definitely worth spending some time watching the golfers and soaking up the historic importance of the course!

There are also walking tours available of sections of the golf course and of St. Andrews, which is perfect for the golf-lovers in your family.

If you are a golf fan, you might also be interested in the R&A World Golf Museum . It’s located across the from Old Course (between the Old Course and the Castle and near the aquarium).

Visit the St. Andrews Aquarium

The St. Andrews Aquarium is located near the Old Course. (I told you, this whole town is SO walkable.) It’s a small aquarium, which makes it a perfect add-on to your day trip itinerary. It’s also cool because some of the animal habitats are set up right against the sea, almost seeming like a part of the sea themselves.

Here you can see penguins, seals, dwarf crocodiles, and fish as well as more unusual aquarium animals like meerkats.

You can book the date and time of your visit to the St. Andrews Aquarium in advance. Tickets are £14 for adults and £12 for kids. (Kids two and under are free.)

Stroll Through the University of St. Andrews

The University of St. Andrews is a landmark of St. Andrews, and it’s definitely worth spending some time strolling through this beautiful campus. This is a free and easy thing to do and can make for some great people watching. Some highlights include seeing the beautiful St. Salvatore’s Chapel. And if you are a Royal Family fan, you might want to stroll by St. Salvatore’s Hall, which is the residence hall Will and Kate both lived in when they met.

Tips for Visiting St. Andrews

• Look up parking options before you go. We’ve noted some above, but definitely have a game plan in mind for where you want to park.
• Wear the right clothes. St. Andrews is beautiful, but since it is on the sea it can be very windy. And since it’s in Scotland, it can also mean a lot of rain. So watch the weather and be prepared with what you wear.
• Start at the cathedral. On your day trip to St. Andrews, start your day at St. Andrews Cathedral, which is, I think, the best sight. Then work your way to the castle and the Old Course.
• Wear comfortable shoes. St. Andrews is easily walkable, but you also want your feet to be comfortable!

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Fishing villages of fife & st andrews from edinburgh, visit the home of golf from edinburgh.

Book a private St Andrews Day Tour from Edinburgh and explore the world-famous University town. The ancient ‘home of golf’  is a breathtaking day tour from Edinburgh and a truly unique Scotland tour. Medieval ruins, quaint coastal villages and the world famous  ‘Old Course’

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St andrews & fife fishing villages.

• Private Day Tour
• Fife Fishing Villages
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• The Old Course St Andrews
• Golf Musuem
• St Andrews Castle
• West Sands Beach
• Forth Rail Bridge

Your Fife Journey

Our private St Andrews Tour is an opportunity to explore Scotland and the world-famous University town with a private Scottish tour guide and transport. 

The coastal region of Fife is peppered with old fishing villages. The village of Anstruther is a wonderfully quaint traditional village and, because of this, is ideal for a stroll and coffee. St Andrews Cathedral was once one of Scotland’s most magnificent buildings, making it an imposing landmark. St Andrews Old Town boasts over 1000 years of history in the beautiful University town. As a result, exploring the cobbled streets and enjoying the cafes, restaurants and historical sites is fantastic. 

The ‘Old Course’ in the heart of St Andrews is recognised worldwide as the ‘ Home of Golf ‘ Once banned in the 15th-century, golf is still the heartbeat of St Andrews. Visiting the Golf Museum and seeing first hand the famous 18th hole is a must. 

Our St Andrews day tour from Edinburgh has something for everyone.  The historic village of Falkland, close to St Andrew’s, is no exception. Outlander fans will recognise the quaint village of Falkland having been used in the TV series as a filming location. As a result, Falkland attracts fans of Jamie and Claire from all over the world. A serene setting and a lovely stop – See our Outlander Day Tour .

The Forth Rail Bridge is an incredible engineering feat. A gorgeous location for photos and coffee. The UNESCO recognised world heritage site is beautiful and, as such, an ideal stop when visiting St Andrews from Edinburgh.

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St andrews day tour from edinburgh itinerary.

Book your day tour to St Andrew’s and experience the ancient University town first hand. Visiting St Andrews from Edinburgh, Scotlands capital city, is a top-rated day tour, and as a result, tour dates book up quickly. Scottish Guided Tours offer private tours of Scotland. Private Scottish Tour Guide and private transport, exclusively for your group. Our sightseeing tours depart from all over Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Visit the Home of Golf

The ancient University town is world-famous for golf and as a result, a must-see is the Golf Museum. The “Open” and the Old Course are synonymous with this picturesque University town. Both the 18th Green and Golf Museum are close together, making them convenient and unique attractions.

Seven golf courses in total lie within St Andrews. The Old Course is the most iconic and makes St Andrews from Edinburgh a wonderful private guided tour. As such, you are never far from a golf course or a golf shop. Because of this, tee times are sought after, and the  St Andrews Golf will always keep you up to date with forthcoming events.

Edinburgh to St Andrews

A convenient journey from Edinburgh to St Andrews awaits. Your private tour guide and transport collect you on the morning of your St Andrews Tour, and after introductions, a fantastic Tour of Scotland awaits.

The Golf Museum St Andrews

A great option and a highly recommended attraction. The Golf Museum is an incredible visit and has a great cafe. A fantastic lunch option, as well as looking on to the Old Course and Club House.

Explore St Andrews on a day tour from Edinburgh 

Shopping in St Andrews

9.am Departure

9.30 Forth Bridges

9.45 Depart

10.45 Anstruther Fishing Village

11.30 Depart

12.00 Arrive St Andrews

15.30 Depart

16.00 Falkland Village

16.30 Depart

17.45 Return

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Transport is in a brand new air-conditioned vehicle with plenty of room for you and your group.

Credit & debit cards or contactless payment are accepted all over Scotland. Its always handy to have a little cash for very small shops 

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Explore the ancient University town. Known as the “Home of Golf” Book our breathtaking day tour - Medieval ruins, quaint coastal villages of Fife and the ‘Old Course’ St Andrews.

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Edinburgh To St. Andrews: The Ultimate One Day Road Trip

Posted on Published: February 7, 2020  - Last updated: December 5, 2023

Categories Europe , Scotland

A one day road trip from Edinburgh to St. Andrews is the epitome of spending a day in Scotland. It has it all! From Castle ruins, stunning (sunset) views, and there’s even golf for those interested!

Driving to St. Andrews and back in a day from Edinburgh isn’t as crazy as you might think (it’s actually one of the easier drives in Scotland ). There’s so much to see on the drive and even more to explore in St. Andrews Scotland.

Here’s my guide for how to drive from Edinburgh to St. Andrews and what to see along the way!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Useful Resources To Plan Your Scotland Vacation

Digital & Printable Travel Planner :  Afternoon Tea Reads The Shoppe

Book plane tickets:   Skyscanner   |  britishairways.com Book hotels:   Booking.com  |  Expedia Rent a car:   Enterprise Find A Tour:   Viator.com

You might also be interested in reading… Driving in Scotland: What No One Tells You | Top 10 Castle Ruins In Scotland Near Edinburgh

Why Visit St. Andrews Scotland?

St. Andrews today is really well known as the birthplace of golf. But there’s so many more things to do in St. Andrews than just golf (trust me! so don’t write it off just yet!).

Like did you know St. Andrews is also a University town and it’s actually where Prince William and Kate Middleton met! Because of that, it has similar vibes to Edinburgh (lively and young!). It’s also a small city with a lot of character and hidden gems to discover.

But unlike Edinburgh, St. Andrews Scotland is on the coast so it offers some incredible views of the sea. There’s even a castle to explore and some old Cathedral ruins!

Need A Place To Stay In Edinburgh?

I stayed at an Airbnb for a month in Edinburgh just across from The Meadows. For shorter stays, I found these accommodations to stay at for every type of traveller.

Best Location & Price : Just down the street from the Royal Mile Motel One Edinburgh – Roya l is a short walk to all the main attractions. See room rates & availability .

Modern & New Apartment: Stay in Edinburgh’s New Town at Golden Thistle Apartment to live like a local. It’s offers a beautifully renovated modern apartment with cafes and bars at your fingertips! See room rates & availability on Plum Guide .

Luxury : The Balmoral Hotel is Edinburgh’s finest hotel but nothing compares to it. J.K. even stayed here to finish writing the Harry Potter Series. Maybe you’ll get lucky and stay in the same suite! See room rates & availability .

See other accommodations on Booking.com in Edinburgh , or more apartments on Plum Guide .

How Far Is St. Andrews From Edinburgh?

If you drive from Edinburgh to St. Andrews without stopping, it’s only an hour and 15 minutes away.

Plan the ultimate vacation

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How To Get From Edinburgh To St. Andrews If You Don’t Want To Drive?

If you don’t want to drive from Edinburgh to St. Andrews, you have three other options. You can take the train, shuttle, or go on an organized tour.

Obviously, if you take the train or the bus to St. Andrews Scotland, you won’t be able to stop anywhere else along the way. The train doesn’t go directly from Edinburgh to St. Andrews either – it stops in Leuchars and then you’ll have to hop on a bus from Leuchars to St. Andrews. The whole journey still only takes about an hour and a half. Find tickets here .

There’s also a designated shuttle from Edinburgh airport to St. Andrews. You can book a spot on the shuttle here .

And finally, you can go on an organized tour from Edinburgh to St. Andrews…

Organized Tours From Edinburgh To St. Andrews

If you don’t want to drive from Edinburgh to St. Andrews, a good option is to go on an organized tour. Some tours will even stop along the route to see some other Scotland castle ruins or villages.

It’s the most stress free option to tour Scotland! See some tours from Viator that leave from Edinburgh here .

Edinburgh to St. Andrews Organized Tours

See more tour options on Viator here .

Renting A Car In Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, we rented a car at the Enterprise in Waverley Station ( see rates here ). It was the easiest one for us to get to and they always had reasonable prices. We also liked it because we were able to drop off the car in the parking garage after they closed.

The same location also has National, Budget, and Europcar kiosks. It’s a bit confusing to get to, so I suggest going to the train station and following the signs from there. It’s across the parking lot next to the train station in the basement of another building.

Unlike in other countries, renting a manual car wasn’t cheaper. Before you rent, I’d also double check your insurance policy if you have one with your credit card. In the UK, by law, they sign you up for the CDW (collision damage waiver). Most North American credit card companies need you to decline this, but, if you book from the UK website it will be automatically applied.

So, if you’re already in the UK booking the car, make a point to go to the Canadian or American website. If you forget, or it doesn’t work, we had them print out our contract so we can manually write that we decline it (which is what our insurance policy said to do). 

Drive From Edinburgh To St. Andrews Tips!

You can’t even imagine how much there is to do en route from Edinburgh to St. Andrews. I hope that my itinerary merely guides you into making your own Edinburgh road trip. e You can easily swap any of my stops for something else that might interest you more.

You might also be interested in reading…

Driving in Scotland: What No One Tells You

Two Routes To St. Andrews From Edinburgh

There are two routes you can take to drive from Edinburgh to St. Andrews once you cross the Firth of Forth. You can either drive on the highway (A92) or along the coast (A915). 

I recommend taking a different route each way. This gives you a change to stop some new places on your way back. We decided to take the highway route to St. Andrews so that we could drive along the coast during sunset. And I’m so happy we organized our day like this, during sunset, the coastal views were UNREAL!

Although! This was also a risky move… if you’re nervous about driving in the dark on the way back I’d recommend switching routes – you’ll want to take the highway (A92) route on the way back. There are no lights on the road along the coast and the roads are narrow and curvy.

Why We Chose The Stops We Did

The stops we chose weren’t haphazard on the drive from Edinburgh to St. Andrews, there were specific reasons for why we chose the ones we did.

Most of the castles we stopped at were included in the  Scotland Explorer Pass  (which I recommend buying), so we were more inclined to stop at those than at others.

We also had a draw to some of the stops because they were Outlander filming locations (a popular TV show). But lastly, it all came down to if they were open or not. We were travelling in the fall which meant some places were already closed for the winter (like Incholm Abbey and the ferry to the Isle of May , which we really wanted to do).

Plan Your Timing To Not Drive In The Dark

Driving in Scotland at night is far from fun – you’re usually on small country roads without any lights. You’ll definitely wan to keep an eye on the setting sun for this reason and make sure you leave St. Andrews with more than enough time to drive back in the daylight.

Our road trip to St. Andrews was a lot shorter than yours might be because we visited Scotland in the fall. That meant the sunset was also A LOT earlier which meant our day was a lot shorter. The sun would start to set as early as 3:30!

But, if you’re travelling in the summer your day will be longer so you’ll probably be able to fit in some extra activities. 

• Top 50 Long Distance Road Trip Tips For A Safe & Easy Drive

Pack Food For Your Edinburgh Road Trip

Make sure to pack enough food and water for the day. Some of the places you’ll be visiting will be in the middle of nowhere. Even if there’s a town nearby, you don’t know what will be open (if anything will even be open at all!).

Packing lunch also gives you the most flexibility and just saves you precious time. We’ve learned that on these day trips relying on eating out waists a lot more time than it’s worth.

You always think it’s going to be fast if you stop at a small cafe, but it always takes longer than expected (especially if you include all the time it takes to find the perfect place). 

Edinburgh To St. Andrews Road Trip

There are three parts to this Edinburgh road trip to St. Andrews. First, the morning drive has you stopping at different castle ruins in Scotland . The next part is exploring St. Andrews, until finally you start your way back to Edinburgh. Your way back isn’t without some stops in some seaside villages for some sunset views!

How to Drive Through the Scottish Borders in a Day

The Morning Is All About Outlander

Our morning itinerary is all about Outlander! If you didn’t know, this popular TV show is based and filmed in Scotland.

Don’t worry if you haven’t seen it or simply don’t like the show, you can still enjoy these stops. The only one I recommend totally skipping is our first stop at Midhope Castle. That one is a quick pit stop that really only fans will appreciate.

Visit Midhope Castle

The first stop on our Edinburgh to St. Andrews road trip is Midhope Castle.

Like I said before, this is a quick stop and only go if you’re a fan of Outlander. Midhope Castle is the filming location for Lallybroch (you know, Jamie’s home). Out of all the filming locations, this one really looks like it did in the show. 

You can park in the lot for free, and see the house perfectly from there. If you want to get a bit closer, you can pay but I don’t think it’s necessary. It doesn’t give you access to the inside, and besides, it was only the outside that was used as a set.

Visiting Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle was a very cool because it looks like a giant stationary ship on the outside! It also has some ties to Outlander (filming location for Fort Williams), but here’s it’s more like a bonus.

The castle dates back to the 15th century but was possibly built on top of one from the 1400s. Also, because it’s located on the Firth of Forth, it was a docking spot for ships.

Blackness Castle is an example of a castle we included because it was included in our Scotland Explorer Pass. But we’re so happy we did, it was very interesting to learn about the history that happened there, and see the views of the Firth of Forth along the coast. 

There’s a tiny free lot you can park in at the entrance. If that’s full I imagine you can park along the road or there are a few parking spots in the adjacent town.

Crossing The Firth of Forth To The Kingdom Of Fife

After exploring Blackness Castle, it’s time to cross over the Firth of Forth to the Kingdom of Fife!

I had no idea what a firth was before visiting Scotland, but it’s an estuary. Still unsure what that is? Me too! It’s essentially a narrow inlet of water that comes from the sea.

The Kingdom of Fife is actually sandwiched between two firths (the Firth of Forth, and the Firth of Tay). It’s also where all our stops will be for the rest of the day.

Top 10 Castle Ruins In Scotland Near Edinburgh

Stop At Aberdour Castle

Welcome to your first stop in the Kingdom of Fife: Aberdour Castle!  This was (in my mind) one of the coolest castles we visited in Scotland. It’s not the largest castle in Scotland, but it might just be the oldest, dating back to the 1100s!

The icing on the cake is that there are three stages to this castle. The left side is the oldest part and it’s in complete ruins. But the right side is good as new, well as good as something could look from the 1600s. 

It also has drawings on the ceiling from the 15th century and a sundial! If you’re following my itinerary, this is also a good time to stop for lunch if you brought your own. They have picnic tables in the gardens where you can sit while enjoying your view.

Quick Pit Stop In Falkland

Falkland is a town in the Kingdom of Fife that’s known for it’s  palace and gardens . But that’s not why we stopped here. For us, it was a quick stop because it was also used as the set for ‘old’ Inverness in Outlander (and this one also really looks like it too!).

So, depending on your interests, you can skip it altogether, or plan a bit more time and visit the palace and gardens.

Parking might be a bit challenging here, you’ll have to rely on-street parking in the town.

Part Two: Arriving In St. Andrews

It’s finally time to explore the wonderful St. Andrews! Obviously, you can drive straight from Edinburgh to St. Andrews, but where’s the fun in that!?  You can spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days in St. Andrews Scotland. 

There’s a lot of street parking here but you’ll most likely have to pay to park. There are a few free spots around the city, but they’re hard to come by. P.S. There also isn’t any specific parking for St. Andrews Castle or St. Andrews Cathedral (at least none that we could find anyway).

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Top Things To Do In St. Andrews

If you have some time, I always recommend going on a walking tour of every city. This is a good way for you to get your bearings, learn about the history of the city, and even get some local recommendations if possible!

Walking Tours Of St. Andrews Scotland

St. andrews golf connection.

St. Andrews Scotland is a pretty famous town known as the birthplace of golf. So, if you’re interested in (or with someone who is) you should stay for a bit longer than a few hours to play a round on the first golf course ever!

They actually have two courses you can play on while you’re there: the Old Course, and the “New One” (which I don’t think is even all that new). The Old Gold Course (yes, it’s actually called that) is apparently quite difficult to play on because the course is set up differently than it is today. But, it could make for an interesting game at least!

If you don’t have time for a round of golf you could also opt to visit the R&A World of Golf Museum. It takes you from St. Andrews Scotland to around the world exploring the history and origins of golf. Find out more information here .  

See St. Andrews Cathedral

I guess I didn’t do my fair amount of research but I was expecting an actual Cathedral! Let’s just say, the St. Andrews Cathedral is no longer in existence.

You’ll mainly be seeing the Cathedral ruins. It’s more like an intact cemetery with part of walls and towers left from the cathedral that used to stand there. I won’t lie, it’s kind of creepy walking over all these graves and ruins.

If you manage to come here during golden hour, it’s beautiful the way the sun hits the ruins though. Entry is actually free to the “Cathedral”, you can pay (or use your Explorer Pass) to go into the museum and up the tower. The tower in my mind looked absolutely terrifying so we opted against it.

Find out more information here .

Visit The St. Andrews Castle

There isn’t too much left of St. Andrews Castle either, but back in its hay day, it had everything. Over 450 years of history, it was a bishop palace, a fortress, and a state prison.

But, I think the coolest part about this castle is that it gives you a glimpse of war sieges. There’s a mine and a countermine dug underneath, and you can actually walk (well crouch) through it.

We didn’t make it too far underground before turning around, it became quite claustrophobic.

The Royal Connection Coffee Spot

We always like a good coffee spot, and one with good prices and royal links are even better! This was a random hidden gem we stumbled upon and it was a highlight of the day.

The NorthPoint café not only has delicious food options and coffee, but was bustling with locals from students to families. As it turns out, this is where Prince William and Kate Middleton went on their first date. 

The Days Not Over Yet! Drive Back To Edinburgh

Depending on what time of year it is, you can spend more or less time exploring different places on your drive back from Edinburgh to St. Andrews Scotland.

On top of the stunning views, we were also able to link two of our day trips together. From this side of the coast, we were able to see the North Berwick Law in North Berwick (which we had gone to a few days before).

We also drove by the Isle of May, home of the puffins in Scotland! That’s all we heard about during our day trip to North Berwick, so it was nice to finally see it in person ( read more about it here ).

You can simply drive this way for a change and the nice views, but you can also make some stops on the way in the different fishing villages!

The ultimate digital travel bundle: travel planner & daily travel journal

My digital travel planner template  has everything you need to plan your vacation. And keep track of your travels every day with my digital and printable travel journal .

See the bundle on Esty .

Stop At Elie & Earlsferry: Elie Ness Lighthouse

There are several fishing villages you can stop in on the drive back like Crail and Ansruther. We were running out of daylight so opted to just drive through them and only stop in Ellie and Earlsferry. There’s a lighthouse there that we thought would be the perfect spot to watch the sunset… and it was!

There’s a beach and a small path you can walk along up to the lighthouse and even explore the surrounding area.

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Heading To Scotland? Read My Other Guides

• How to Spend a Day in North Berwick   [From Edinburgh]
• How To Drive Through The Scottish Borders in a Day [From Edinburgh]
• The Best Castles To Visit Near Edinburgh
• What I Wish I’d Known Before Driving in Scotland

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Victoria@international expat

Thursday 20th of February 2020

I love short trips. Thanks for the idea. I am a beginner traveler and I dream to visit to Scotland. Great blog! You inspired me! Thanks!

That makes me so happy! Scotland is such an amazing place to visit, you'll love it!

Monday 10th of February 2020

I'm in love with this roadtrip . I love seeing old castles and the coastline views are breathtaking. Great post.

Tuesday 11th of February 2020

Oh yes then you HAVE to go on this road trip! It's perfect for you :)

Sunday 9th of February 2020

Oh what a great road trip!

Despite visiting Edinburgh many times, I have never travelled up to St Andrews. Next time I come up to Edinburgh, I will take your advice and head on up.

I cannot recommend it enough! Very happy to hear that :)

Megan Lawrence

I've been told I have to go to Scotland! Your photos are beautiful - certainly a good advertisement for visiting.

Haha thanks so much :) But seriously you REALLY do!!

How To Enjoy A Scottish Seaside Day-Trip From Edinburgh To St Andrews!

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Scotland

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

One of the oldest university towns in Britain with extraordinary medieval ruins, charming restaurants, oodles of history, heavenly white sand beaches – and one of the world’s most distinguished golf courses, there is a lot of love about St Andrews.

Just over an hour out of Edinburgh by car – and with plenty of other transport options available – St Andrews is a small town with an outsized reputation.

For millennia known as a religious hub, then making a name for itself as a city of education, today St Andrews has diversified and offers intriguing attractions for just about everyone.

A well-heeled, happening town full of dedicated students and the fabulously wealthy, St Andrews is the kind of place where you don’t need to worry about your safety – or your objects.

It’s not exactly crime-less, but nowhere is. Unless you are in living in one of the giant mansions with state-of-the-art home alarms protecting priceless antiques, well, it is highly unlikely anyone would even consider stealing your stuff because chances are already own something a lot nicer already.

One of Europe’s most delightful towns, St Andrews is not only a place of history, learning, and culture, but a magnificent coastal resort filled with mystery, charm, and grace. This town is so quixotic that the royal romance of Prince William and Kate Middleton , which eventually captured the hearts of the nation of the world, started here when the two were students at St. Andrews University.

If that’s not enough, there are 11 golf courses – as you would expect in the world’s home of golf – enchanting gardens, a seemingly endless array of festivals and events, wildness, nature, enigmatic old-world properties, cobbled streets and independent shops with unique goods to explore.

You might never have heard of St Andrews in Scotland before, but we are here to fix that – and give you all the information you need to plan your dream day trip from Edinburgh to St Andrew’s.

We promise we will have you back in time to still enjoy a night out in the Edinburgh Breweries . St. Andrews is one of our favorite places in Scotland, and we discovered far, far more attractions than we had anticipated. So if you have the time, you might want to consider extending your stay.

We fell in love with a few gorgeous B&Bs, which we will point out later. If you can visit outside of peak season – when we think moody Scotland is at its best – their prices can actually be quite reasonable. Perfect for a romantic getaway, historical exploration, gold aficionado’s, or lovers of culture, this town has it all.

Welcome to St. Andrews!

How To Enjoy A Scottish Seaside Day-Trip From Edinburgh To St Andrews! 🤩

A little of st andrews history.

St Andrews is located on the east coast of Fife in Scotland, with a population of around 16,000- making it only the 45th most populous settlement in Scotland.

Despite its small size, however, this little town has a long and exciting history, dating back to around 4500 BD when nomadic people settled in the area around the modern, becoming farmers and clearing the area of woodlands. 

Things really heated up in a few thousand years later in the 8th century when a monastery was established. The bone relics of Saint Andrew, a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter,  were (according to legend) brought by divine guidance from Constantinople, including the saints’ arm, kneecap, three fingers, and a tooth.

Thus the origins of the town’s current name. After a few new churches were built (and destroys, the occasional Viking raiders, and some gruesome executions,  the modern town began to take its present shape around 1140 on the site of the ruined St Andrews Castle with the creation of an unusually large cathedral built in 1160 that quickly became the preeminent center of pilgrimage in medieval Scotland and one of the most important in wider Europe .

Pilgrims flocked here in huge numbers to be blessed and cured at the shrine of Saint Andrew, which increased trade and growth with the burgh’s flourishing significance being recognized with inclusion at the Great Council at Scone Palace in 1357.

Acknowledged as the apostolic capital of Scotland, St Andrews in this period had immense economic and political guidance within Europe as a cosmopolitan town – until 1559, when the city fell into near obscurity as a result of the vicious Scottish Reformation and the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

Today the famous Martyrs’ Monument at Saint Andrew’s commemorates the Protestants executed, including Hamilton and Wishart, in an ultimately futile attempt to halt the Reformations. Breaking with the papacy and developing a predominantly Calvinist national church,  which was strongly Presbyterian in outlook, resulting in a focus on the parish church as the center of worship in Scotland.

St Andrews lost its status of ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, and many sophisticated religious endowments such as chapelries, monasteries, and cathedrals were abandoned across the nation or simply left to the decay.

The one grand Cathedral at St. Andrews, was mined for stones to be used in local houses, and in this decline the one prestigious University of St Andrews was considering relocating to Perth in 1697 and 1698. This diminishing continued for centuries, but by the 18th century, St Andrews was attracting golfers and was known widely as the “home of golf.

The most famous golf course here is the Old Course, purchased by the town council in 1894, but dating back to medieval times. Interesting The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, which was founded in 1754, actually held until  2004  legislative authority over the game of golf worldwide (except in the United States and Mexico ).

Still, today golf is a massive drawcard for the town with the Old Course being the most frequent venue for The Open Championship, the oldest of golf’s four major championships- and is still ranked amongst the finest golf courses in the world.

By the 19th century the town began expanding again, the University – the third oldest English speaking university in the world and oldest in Scotland – had regained its former prestige and everything sort of fell into place with new neighborhoods and a slow but steady population grown.

As a result, today St Andrews is no longer famed amongst religious pilgrims but attracts those motivated by higher education, golf, and quintessential seaside Scotland.

How To Get From Edinburgh To St Andrew’s

St Andrews is a relatively small town and easy enough to walk around for the most part – which means you could easily enjoy a day trip from Edinburgh here without hiring a car .

In essence, you have three options for travel to St Andrew’s: car, bus, or train, since the nearest major international airport to St Andrew’s is in Edinburgh, though you could also take a relaxing day tour.

As you would expect, taking a car is the fastest way from Edinburgh to St Andrews, which via the A92 takes around 1 hour and 20 mins (traffic depending). Via the A91 and M90 is roughly the same time. There is quite a bit of free on-street parking around town and a large free car park on the way into town too, but depending on when you visit, you might have to spring for paid carparks.

Sundays are more relaxed with parking rules, but many Scottish day-trippers also make their way here on the weekends so it can be busier.

If you have a car, driving is always the best option – and if you are considering hiring a car as part of a bigger road trip around Scotland, you could also visit the Isle of Skye , the gorgeous Scottish Highlands , and the abandoned Buchanan Castle .

It might be more expensive than the bus or train, but you will have more independence, and can save by enjoying freedom camping in Scotland almost anywhere you want!

St Andrews has admirable transport links to the rest of Scotland, most of which deliver you to a bus station just a few minute’s walk from the town center.  Left luggage lockers are available for use in the waiting room if you need to store some gear while on your day trip from Edinburgh to St Andrew’s, and there is also a cycle rack.

 From here stagecoach buses regularly run to and from Edinburgh which tickets covering around half the price of train tickets. When arriving from a service, you can connect to a regular local bus service, run by a company called Moffat and Williamson, if your accommodation or destination is further afield – but we never needed to use their services.

If you want to complete the entire journey by train (which is common if you are using the BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass ), then the St Andrews Train Station is actually located in Leuchars, about 5 miles away.  There is a regular bus service that connects the train station with St Andrews town, but the cost is almost double the bus if you are just coming from Edinburgh so much less convenient.

Trains do, however, run here from Dundee / Aberdeen, and there is occasionally a London Kings Cross direct train, which can be more useful.

A Few Of Our Favourite Things To Do In St Andrews

There are so many beautiful things to do in St Andrews – whether you opt for a simple day trip from Edinburgh or a longer stay. Many of your favorite highlights will undoubtedly come for wandering its consecrated streets and getting wonderfully lost. Who knows what you will find. 

Boutique stores, cute cafes, exquisite ruins, and quiet town-house lined streets beg you to explore further, but these are just a few of the attractions you are not going to want to miss…

University Of St Andrews   – The oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland and the third oldest university in the English-speaking world, no trip to St Andrew’s would be complete without walking around this hallowed grounds. The stunning campus, historic buildings, and air of prestigious transport you back in time, though don’t be confused, even today, the University Of St Andrews is still consistently rated amongst the best in the world.

British Golf Museum  – Positioned opposite the clubhouse of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, this striking museum, opened in 1990, walking you through the history of golf from medieval times to the present. If you are a golf fanatic, this is an unmissable stop, but – as non-golfers – we still were fascinated by the history of the game and enjoyed our time here.

St Andrews Museum – If you loved reading about the history of St Andrews, you can’t miss diving deeper into the heritage of this university town, all within a magnificent Victorian mansion nestled in the grounds of Kilburn Park.

Gorgeous – A, well, gorgeous café offers cute British cuisine thought personally we recommend it for their variety of scones and teas. Pumpkin and dark chocolate, anyone? Best enjoyed out back in their charming and quaint tea rooms or at the beach a short stroll away.

St Andrews Aquarium – One of the least expected attractions of the town, but don’t let its diminutive exterior fool you. Nestled into St Andrews’ dramatic north-facing cliffs, with striking views of the famous west sands and St Andrews Bay, St Andrews Aquarium offers an underwater world of exploration and aquatic discovery.

There are over 100 different species hidden away in here from British sharks to spiders, lobsters to lionfish, poison dart frogs to piranhas, loveable seals, and yes, meerkats! Perfect for a rainy day or if you are considering more than just a day trip to St Andrew’s.

St Andrews Castle – The ruins of the castle built in the 13th century stand on a prominent headland. It is not free to enter, but they have done a fantastic job at making as much of the castle accessible, and you can spend a good hour exploring the underground 16th-century siege mine and various other nooks-and-crannies. Don’t miss the ‘bottle dungeon’, one of the most notorious prisons in medieval Britain.

St Andrews Botanic Garden –  An 18-acre botanical garden that is a pleasant 20 min walk from town with over 8000 species of native and exotic plants. We love botanical gardens, but be warned this one is not free to enter – and is more suited to romantic afternoon strolls by botanical admirers on sunny days than anything else.

• West Sands – Take a stroll along this gorgeous, wind-swept beach, also known as the filming location of Chariots of Fire. St. Andrews has three beaches, but this was our preferred choice and one of the most lively with families and couples enjoying long walks of contemplation. No need to bring your swimming gear as unless you are crazy enough to participate in the “May Dip” the frigid North Sea is never a good idea no matter the time of year.
• St Andrews Links – Golf had its humble beginning in this little town and but even non-golfers might want to consider a stroll around the picturesque grounds of the very first golf course, the old course.  Watch out for stray balls, but if you are lucky enough to be visiting on Sunday, you can even walk on its fairways as the course is closed. At other times, look out for celebrities who flock here though for us mere mortal, playing a round on St. Andrews’ Old Course is an extraordinary accomplishment, with outrageous greens fees and an exceedingly long waiting list. If you plan on trying, get in touch far in advance to reserve your spot of maybe consider one of the many, many, many other golf courses nearby.

• St Andrews Cathedral – Our favorite thing to do in St Andrews, strolling around the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, once Scotland’s largest and most glorious cathedral church, really give you an idea of how impressive it once was. There is also an onsite museum with a terrific collection of medieval sculptures and various other relics, and the 12th century St Rule’s Tower, which gives panoramic views from the top.
• Fife Kingdom and St Andrews Day Tour from Edinburgh   – Short of time but want to see everything? This excellent day trip option lets you have it all.  Marvel at the breathtaking medieval ruins and quaint coastal villages in the Kingdom of Fife while being regaled by the stories and commentary. On the way, visit the fishing village of Anstruther and walk around its cobble-stoned streets. When you arrive, explore the medieval town of St. Andrews and learn about its interesting backstory with a chance to grab some lunch. Afterward, stroll inside an ancient university and the ruins of the beautiful castle perched on a cliff with a brief stop to the quaint and picturesque village of Falkland on the way back to Edinburgh, another of Scotlands most beautiful villages.

Where To Stay In St Andrews

As we already said – a day trip to this wonderful spot in Scotland is fun, but you will surely want to stay much longer once you arrive, so why not just plan a few relaxing days here. Whatever your tendencies, style preferences, or budget, you can find a place to stay in St Andrews thanks to its wide range of accommodation options.

 Everything from five-star hotels to cheap hostels, luxury B&Bs, and self-catering apartments can be found here. Take a look at the best deals for St. Andrews accommodation now, or let us help with a few of our personal favorite St Andrews hotel ideas to tempt you.

Old Course Hotel St Andrews

A five-star hotel offering the perfect vacation resort for golf, spa, and deluxe hotel dining experiences. Bordering the renowned 17th Road Hole of the Old Course, the Old Course Hotel overlooks the famous links courses and the West Sands Beach.  –> Check it out

The Albany St Andrews 

Experience a real Scottish welcome in this boutique townhouse nestled in the heart of St Andrews. A delightful conversion of a traditional Georgian terraced townhouse dating from 1764 with welcoming owners, a prime location, cute designer details and a warm personality all of its own.   –> Check it out

St Andrews Tourist Hostel 

Affordable dormitories and private rooms. Easily the cheapest place to stay in St Andrews if your budget is important to you. Centrally located, so you are close to the most popular attractions, restaurants, and nightlife with friendly staff for a relaxing and enjoyable stay! –> Check it out

St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife 1 day tour

An ancient university, breathtaking medieval ruins, and quaint coastal villages: explore all this and more on our adventure through Fife.

Tour Highlights

Forth Bridges - An incredible engineering feat. A gorgeous setting. And a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Anstruther - Be charmed by the cobbled lanes and quaint buildings of this traditional fishing village.

St Andrews Cathedral - This ruined cathedral was once one of Scotland’s most magnificent buildings.

St Andrews Old Town - Immerse yourself in 1,000 years of history as you explore the winding streets and ancient castle.

The Old Course - Golf was so popular in Scotland, it was banned in the 15th century. And nowhere was it more popular than in St Andrews, ‘the Home of Golf’.

Historic Village of Falkland - This quaint town in the Kingdom of Fife boasts a beautiful palace and a serene setting.

Your journey

Contrast elegant architecture with sweeping coastal views. Compare the ruins of a wind-swept castle with the curves of an ancient golf course. And visit Scottish villages and towns that offer far more than their small size should allow.

Tour Details

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Entry fees to visitor attractions

You leave Edinburgh and travel north to South Queensferry.

You travel over the Queensferry Crossing, and get a great view of one of Scotland's greatest man-made landmarks, the Forth Rail Bridge.

You then enter the Kingdom of Fife and stop in the traditional fishing village of Anstruther (known as 'Ainster' locally), where you can check out the old cobbled streets and take a walk along the seafront to the harbour.

From Anstruther, we continue north to the medieval town of St Andrews. St Andrew is the patron Saint of Scotland, and according to legend his remains were washed up on the Fife coast. St Andrews is also home to the third oldest university in Britain and a beautiful ruined castle perched on a cliff. You have around two and a half hours to explore this fascinating town.

After St Andrews, we take a pleasant drive through the rolling countryside of central Fife to Falkland. Falkland Palace dominates this old village, and was one of the main residences of the old Royal family of Scotland, the Stewarts (Stuarts). Aside from the palace the village is simply one of the most beautiful in Scotland with an array of old cottages and narrow winding streets.

Leaving Falkland we return to Edinburgh, passing Loch Leven, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned by her Protestant nobility.

And then we once again cross the Firth of Forth and return to the city centre.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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St Andrews Swilken Bridge

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St Andrews Day Tour

Book a private St Andrews Day Tour and explore the world-famous University town. The ancient 'home of golf' is a breathtaking day tour and a truly unique Scotland tour. Medieval ruins and quaint coastal villages and the world-famous Old Course.

Book a private St Andrews Day Tour from Edinburgh and explore the world-famous University town. The ancient 'home of golf' is a breathtaking day tour and a truly unique Scotland tour. Medieval ruins and quaint coastal villages and the famous 'Old Course' Explore all this and more on our private St Andrews Day Tour -  Enquire about private guided tours of Scotland

Private St Andrews Day Tour

Our private St Andrews Tour is an opportunity to explore Scotland and the world-famous University town with a private Scottish tour guide and transport. 

The coastal region of Fife is peppered with old fishing villages. The village of Anstruther is a wonderfully quaint traditional village and, because of this, is ideal for a stroll and coffee. 

Medieval Ruins and Fascinating History

St Andrews Cathedral was once one of Scotland's most magnificent buildings, making it an imposing landmark. St Andrews Old Town boasts over 1000 years of history in the beautiful University town. As a result, exploring the cobbled streets and enjoying the cafes, restaurants and historical sites is fantastic. 

The Home of Golf and the World-Famous Old Course

The 'Old Course' in the heart of St Andrews is recognised worldwide as the ' Home of Golf ' Once banned in the 15th-century, golf is still the heartbeat of St Andrews. Visiting the Golf Museum and seeing first hand the famous 18th hole is a must. 

Beautiful Fife Fishing Villages

Our St Andrews day tour from Edinburgh has something for everyone. The historic village of Falkland, close to St Andrew's, is no exception. Outlander fans will recognise the quaint village of Falkland having been used in the TV series as a filming location. As a result, Falkland attracts fans of Jamie and Claire from all over the world. A serene setting and a lovely stop -  See our Outlander Day Tour 

Forth Rail Bridge & The Kingdom of Fife

The Forth Rail Bridge is an incredible engineering feat. A gorgeous location for photos and coffee. The UNESCO recognised world heritage site is beautiful and, as such, an ideal stop when visiting St Andrews from Edinburgh.

Price on Request

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• 44 () 07736835624
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Stirling Area
• Driver guide
• Small coach
• Small Group (1-16)
• Architecture
• Film and TV

Covid 19 Facilities

• COVID-19 measures in place

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Tours of Scotland - Private Guided Tours of Scotland departing from all over Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow & Stirling. Bespoke private day or multi-day tours will bring Scotland alive. Private Tours of Scotland exclusively for your group of friends or travelling companions. ‘Niall is an experienced Scottish tour guide. Raised in the mountains and glens of Scotland and inspired by his father, renowned Scottish author and historian Dr Rennie McOwan.

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A Day in St Andrews: 15 Epic Things to Do

Located on the coast of the North Sea in Fife, St Andrews is one of the most charming towns in Scotland .

This historic town is around 30 miles northeast of Edinburgh , making it a perfect place for a day trip from Edinburgh .

St Andrews is famous for its golf heritage, remarkable medieval historic sites, sprawling sandy beaches, world-renowned golf courses, century-old university, jaw-dropping coastal sceneries and a thriving student population.

Rightfully, St Andrews is one of the best places to visit in Scotland and should be a part of any Scotland itinerary.

This coastal town is steep in history. It is named after the St Andrew the Apostle, the patron saint of Scotland. During medieval times, this town gained massive popularity as the spiritual epicentre of Scotland. Today, it is known worldwide as the home of golf.

St Andrews is not too far from Glasgow and can be visited on a day trip from Glasgow .

Best Things to Do in St Andrews, Scotland

1. discover the history of st andrews cathedral.

It was once the largest cathedral in Scotland. Today, it is one of the best historical landmarks of Scotland and one of the main tourist attractions in this seaside town.

The origins of St Andrews Cathedral can be traced back to the 8th century. Back then, it was a Celtic monastery. The cathedral was built in the mid-12th century.

Wander around the impressive medieval ruins. Visit the cathedral museum. It houses a brilliant collection of important early and later medieval carved stones and relics, including St Andrews Sarcophagus and numerous Pictish cross-slabs.

For a stunning birds-eye view over the town rooftops, North Sea and Fife, climb to the top of St Rules Tower.

If you are an avid golf fan, look out for the tomb of Old Tom Morris, a pioneering Scottish golfer.

Opening Hours: The grounds are open daily. The museum is open on Fri-Sun 10 am to 4 pm.

Ticket: Adult £5.50 and Child £2.50.

2. Admire the Iconic Old Course & Swilcan Bridge

A sacred ground for all golf lovers, the Old Course in St Andrews is the most famous golf course in the world.

Rightfully referred to as the home of golf, the game was first played here in the early 15th century.

It is one of the oldest golf courses in the world and has hosted the eminent Open Championship many times since 1873, most recently in 2022.

Also, the course is open to the public. So, if you are keen on playing in this iconic location, book ahead.

Watch out for a picturesque stone bridge over a narrow burn called Swilcan Bridge. It is another iconic golf landmark in St Andrews and is over 700 years old. 

For centuries, the bridge was famously known as the Golfers’ Bridge. Many legendary golfers once stood here.

3. Soak up the sun at West Sands Beach

West Sands is the largest beach in St Andrews. The opening sequence of the historical sports drama Chariots of Fire was filmed here.

Stretching over two miles up to the estuary of the River Eden, West Sands is a perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy a peaceful stroll in nature.

It is around a 15-minute walk from the town centre and is one of the best places to visit in St Andrews.

Also, this area is great for walking, running and various water sports. In hot summer days, it is possible to swim here too.

The dunes along West Sands are part of the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary Special Area for Conservation and are home to several animals and plants.

4. Explore the Captivating St Andrews Castle

Perched over a cliff by the North Sea, St Andrews Castle is a must-visit tourist attraction in this pretty town.

This impressive historic building is included in our list of best castles in Scotland .

It was built around the early 13th century and served as the residence of the bishops and archbishops. It became the main administrative centre for the medieval church of Scotland.

Over the years it has seen many battles and sieges and changed hands several times during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Protestant reformer , George Wishart was burnt alive here in 1546. In the aftermath, the protestants murdered the Archbishop of St Andrews, David Beaton.

Peep inside the notorious bottle dungeon. It was one of the most infamous medieval prisons in the whole of Britain.

Explore the medieval mine and counter-mine – underground passages built during the religious reformation of Scotland.

5. Uncover Dundee’s Industrial Past

The bustling city of Dundee is located only 10 miles from St Andrews. You can easily combine both the places in your visit.

There is an array of fascinating things to do and see in Dundee. 

This city has a rich industrial heritage. In 2014, Dundee became the first city in the UK to be named UNESCO City of Design.

One of the main tourist attractions of this vibrant city is the V&A Dundee. It is the first V&A museum in the world outside London. For a stunning view over the city rooftops, Fife and the Firth of Tay, climb the Dundee Law.

From St Andrews, it takes about half an hour by local bus to reach Dundee.

6. Build sandcastles at East Sands Beach

St Andrews is blessed with not only one but two gorgeous sandy beaches. 

East Sands Beach is located on the side of the old harbour and within a short walking distance from the town centre.

Wander along the inland path along the beach. It sits on the popular Fife Coastal Path. From the farthest end of the beach, you will get a stunning view over St Andrews.

East Sands is the perfect place to enjoy various water sports such as kayaking, surfing and windsurfing.

If you are with young kids, they can enjoy rock-pooling at the south end of the beach. 

Also, in summer, if the weather permits, you can go swimming. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the peak season.

7. Explore Fife’s most picturesque fishing villages

Did you know Fife has some of the most picturesque traditional fishing villages in Scotland ? You can easily visit some of them.

The pretty seaside town of Anstruther lies in the south of St Andrews and takes only 15 minutes to drive there.

Take a ramble along the pretty harbour. From there, you can catch a ferry to the Isle of May, which is famous for puffins and other wildlife. Ferry service operates from May to September.

Also, enjoy some delicious fish and chips from the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar.

One of our favourite East Neuk fishing villages is St Monans, which is located about 12 miles south of St Andrews. 

You can also add Crail, Pittenweem and Elie to your travel itinerary.

8. Visit The R&A World Golf Museum

The R&A World Golf Museum is a must-visit attraction for all the golf lovers visiting St Andrews. After all, this town is the birthplace of golf.

Take a walk across the various galleries of this museum. It demonstrates the fascinating tales of the past of golf, its connection with this town and how golf has evolved over the centuries.

From sporting equipment to personal memorabilia of golfers – they have a great collection of various objects related to golf. Also, you will learn about the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and its contribution to this game.

They also have a cafe upstairs overlooking the nearby beach and the Old Course.

9. Admire the beautiful St Salvator’s Chapel

This beautiful Gothic structure is the official university chapel and belongs to the University of St Andrews. 

It was founded in 1450 by Bishop James Kennedy. 

During the Scottish Reformation, it was a refuge for catholic forces. Also, John Knox preached his sermon here once.

It is open to visitors between 8 am to 5 pm throughout the year.

After visiting the chapel, ramble around the historic St Salvator’s Quadrangle. It is located at the heart of the university and dates back to the 15th century. 

Look out for the PH initials of Patric Hamilton, the Protestant martyr who was burned alive here in 1528. The students believe that stepping in the initials will bring them bad luck in their exams.

10. Take in breathtaking views on the Rock and Spindle hike

If you enjoy peaceful coastal walks with lovely scenery, take a short hike to see The Rock and Spindle , a beautiful rock formation on the Fife Coastal Path.

The walk starts from the East Sands area. Follow the path that goes over the small cliff towards the caravan park.

Don’t forget to look back. You will get an awe-inspiring view of the St Andrews skyline. 

There are many wonderful rock formations along the coast. Take a slight detour to visit the Maiden’s Rock sea stack.

Continue along the path until you reach the Rock and Spindle rock formations. They are the remnants of an eroded volcanic plug, similar to the rock on which Edinburgh Castle sits.

The hike takes only an hour and a half. 

11. Dig into delicious gelato at Jannettas Gelateria

You can’t visit St Andrews and not try ice cream from the famous Jannettas Gelateria . 

Established in 1908, this family-run ice cream shop is a firm favourite of locals and visitors alike. 

The long queue outside their shop on sunny days will attest to their popularity.

They had a wide variety of flavours to choose from. We tried the chocolate fudge brownie and pistachio. They were incredible.

Other than ice cream, they also serve frozen yoghurts, sorbets and cakes. There are lots of seating options, both indoors and outdoors.

They have also opened a shop in Dundee.

12. Explore Wardlaw Museum

Situated only a few minutes from the castle, Wardlaw Museum houses an impressive collection of a variety of objects showcasing the history of the university.

It is also known as the Museum of the University of St Andrews or simply MUSA. The vast collection has been gathered over six hundred years and tells the story of this historic institution.

The museum holds over 115,000 artefacts – from medieval maces and artworks to medals. They are displayed across four galleries.

Also, from the viewing terrace, you will get a beautiful panoramic view over the coast. Entry to the museum is free.

13. Discover St Andrews Museum

Housed inside a gorgeous Victorian mansion in Kilburn Park, St Andrews Museum has an intriguing collection related to the town’s history.

There are various artefacts and memorabilia on display. They tell fascinating tales of the growth and importance of this town from as early as the 12th century to the present time.

Some of its prized possessions include medieval coins found in this area, an embroidered banner created in 1823 and many more.

Also, they host several temporary exhibitions. Entry to St Andrews Museum is free of charge. It is open every day except Sunday.

14. Tuck into some fresh seafood at the Tailend Restaurant

If you fancy some delicious fresh seafood, pop inside the Tailend Restaurant at Market Street in the town centre.

They offer both takeaway and sit-in options. During our visit, we tried their Cullen skink, Arbroath smokies and traditional fish and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce on the side. The food was tasty, and the service was spot-on.

If you are not a seafood lover, you can visit the nearby Forgan’s. They offer an extensive menu of European dishes, grill and classic Scottish dishes. For a wee drink, visit The Criterion.

15. Discover local history at St Andrews Heritage Museum & Garden

This small museum is a hidden gem of St Andrews and is located a stone’s throw away from the castle and the cathedral.

It showcases the colourful stories of this town and its people from the 19th century and paints a picture of their social, working and domestic life.

Take a look inside the recreated Victorian shops and Great-Granny’s wash-house. You will find a wealth of historical objects including fine arts, costumes, furniture and many others related to local history.

Also, there is a beautiful tranquil garden at the back. 

Map of the Attractions

Here’s a map of all the wonderful tourist attractions St Andrews has to offer. Save this Google Map to your phone for later use. It can be accessed when you are offline. We have also marked a few cafes and restaurants you might want to check out.

How to Reach St Andrews from Edinburgh & Glasgow

This town is well connected to nearby cities by public transport.

The nearest railway station to St Andrews is Leuchars, which sits on the main train line between Edinburgh and Aberdeen. 

Leuchars is around six miles from the town. From the train station, catch local bus service 99. Buses run very frequently, and the journey from Leuchars takes around 12 minutes.

If you are driving from Edinburgh, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach here. From Glasgow, it takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

If you are exploring the nearby areas of Fife, then catch local buses from St Andrews bus station.

It is a delight to explore this vibrant old university town on the east coast of Scotland. History, nature, museums, beach, good places to eat – this town has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday. Over the year, we have visited St Andrews quite a few times. 

Also, be sure to explore the nearby attractions of Fife. 

We hope this guide has inspired you to add this picturesque town to your next vacation in Scotland.

With love, Moumita & Sankha.

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St. Andrews & The Fishing Villages of Fife

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Daily (1st May to 30th September)

Accommodation is payable on arrival

We offer a free accommodation booking service.

If you would like to book your own accommodation, please select 'Tour Only'.

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Enjoy a charming one day tour from Edinburgh at a relaxed pace, with plenty of free time to explore Scotland’s home of golf, the ancient town of St. Andrews and the fishing villages of the “Kingdom of Fife”.

We leave Edinburgh, crossing the iconic Forth Bridge, into the ancient “Kingdom of Fife”, passing through Aberdour before continuing into the East Neuk of Fife.

We stop in the town of Anstruther, home of the Scottish Fisheries Museum, then we travel through the villages of Pittenweem, Crail and St. Monans, once thriving fishing centres which were made prosperous by trade within the continent.

We arrive in the beautiful medieval town of St. Andrews in time for lunch. Here you can enjoy a walk around the town, where Prince William met Kate, home to the oldest university in Scotland, famous Cathedral and golf course. Enjoy approximately three hours of free time to explore its medieval buildings and wonderful cobbled streets in the centre, and have lunch and refreshments.

Heading homewards we travel across the Lomond hills to Falkland for a photo stop. The village was used as the setting for 1960s Inverness in the Outlander series. Then, descending to Loch Leven (scene of Mary Queen of Scot's imprisonment and escape) and on to the picturesque village of South Queensferry where we enjoy our final stop before returning to Edinburgh.

Driver-Guides

Tour Overview

Tour highlight.

Forth Road & Rail Bridges

A couple of things To know

• Digital translations
• Knowledgeable Driver-Guide
• Luxury Modern air-conditioned coach

Not Included

• Entrance to attractions
• Food and Drink

Wonderful tour, would highly recommend!

“We were lucky enough to get Eric as our tour guide. Eric regaled us with his history in Scotland, he played the perfect mix of music along with Scottish history and stories as we went along. It was just an overall amazing experience. My older parents loved it as it was a driving tour as well as you could get out and walk around at many spots along the way to St. Andrews. Would highly suggest this trip if you want to see quite a bit of the Scotland coastline, smaller fishing villages, get out of Edinburgh and spend some time in St. Andrews. Would definitely suggest Eric as a tour guide at any time!”

Cindy K, travelled November 2023 - Review from tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the departure point.

Your tour departs from outside the green Ensign Ewart pub, at 521-523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PE. View a map of our departure point . You can also find us by  Edinburgh Public Transport Check-in opens 15 minutes prior to the stated departure time and closes 5 minutes prior to the stated departure time. We recommend that all passengers arrive in this window as tours must depart on schedule.

Are the optional extras included?

No, optional extras are not included in the tour price. The price of your one day tour from Edinburgh includes the services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced Driver-Guide, and transportation on one of our luxury, modern, air-conditioned coaches. All optional extras - attraction entrance fees, loch cruises, food and drinks, etc - are not included in the price of your tour. This is to allow our guests the freedom to choose which optional extras they would like to take part in.

The prices for the optional extras (valid from April 2024) are as follows:

• St Andrews Castle: Adults (16-64yrs): £8, Concession (65+): £6, Child: £6, Child (Under 7): Free
• St Andrews Cathedral: Adult: £3.75, Concession: £3, Child: £2.25, Child (Under 7): Free

Do I need to pre-book the optional extras?

No, you don't need to worry about pre-booking any of the optional extras. All the optional extras can be booked on the day and your Driver-Guide will advise you of how to book. We negotiate discounted rates for you, ensuring you'll always get a great deal at Scotland's top visitor attractions. Please note that many visitor attractions and accommodation providers may not accept card payments, so please ensure you have plenty of cash with you on the day. If you have any questions about this please contact our Reservations Team on +44 (0) 131 226 6066 - open 07.00 - 21.00 daily.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, all of our tours are in English. Your tour will be taken by an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking Driver-Guide. You'll find a digital translation of your tour through a link on your confirmation email. Digital translations are available for this tour in the following languages:

• Chinese (Mandarin)

What should I bring with me?

As we like to give you as much time off the coach as possible with the opportunity for walks, we recommend you bring warm and/or waterproof clothing, wear comfortable walking shoes and take sun-block or a hat for sunny days. Don't forget your camera to capture all the lovely scenery and wildlife you'll encounter on your tour! Since we cannot allow hot food on our buses you could also bring a cold packed lunch with you to make the most of your time at each stop, this would be particularly time-saving in the busier months!  

Can children travel on this tour?

We welcome children over 4 years old on our tours, and children aged between 4-16yrs are eligible for the concessionary rate. We regret we are not able to carry children under the age of 4.

Is St. Andrews the home of golf?

It certainly is! People were playing golf on the 'Old Course' in St. Andrews in the 15th Century! Golf became so popular that James II of Scotland banned the sport in 1457 as he thought young men were playing golf too much and not practicing their archery enough.

Are there Outlander filming locations on this tour?

Yes! Falkland is the set for 1960s Inverness in the Outlander TV series. Two other 1 day tours feature Outlander filming locations:

• Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience
• West Highland Lochs, Mountains and Castles tour

How accessible are the locations?

Some of the locations may cause accessibility issues due to their geography and architecture. If you are a wheelchair user or have restricted mobility, we would suggest downloading this helpful  Access Guide  by Historic Environment Scotland.

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A Great Day Trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews

Looking for another great day trip from Edinburgh, Scotland ? When planning a trip to Scotland, a day trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews should definitely be on your list! 

Quick recap: in July 2022, my friends, Kelsey and Stephanie, and I traveled to Edinburgh to begin our trip to Scotland and Belgium.

Since we had five days in Scotland, we booked a couple of day trips from Edinburgh to explore beyond the city limits. We already shared about our first Awesome Day Trip from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands . Our second was a day trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews in Scotland. The great thing is that you can do both of these day trips from Edinburgh without a car!

* P.S. this post contains some affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase.

Where is St Andrews Located?

St Andrews is a small, seaside town on the east coast of Fife in Scotland. It’s located on St Andrews Bay of the North Sea and sits atop a sandstone rock plateau. Since it’s just 30 miles northeast of Edinburgh, St Andrews is a great option for a day trip. 

History of St Andrews’ Name

First, a quick history lesson! Originally called Mucross, i.e. the “Headland of the Wild Boar” and then Kilrimont, i.e. the “Head of the King’s Mount”, St Andrews was later named after Andrew the Apostle, or Saint Andrew.

St Andrews began as the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, and its religious traditions date back to the 6th century. In the 8th century, Saint Andrew became the patron saint of the Picts when the king of the Picts established and dedicated a new church to the saint. And, this ultimately led to Saint Andrew becoming the patron saint of Scotland.

A sign at St Andrews Cathedral said that

The main legend which emerged from perhaps around the eleventh century was that they [the relics of Saint Andrews] were brought to Scotland by St Rule (or Regulus). He was said to have been the guardian of the saint’s relics at Patras, in southern Greece, in the fourth century, and was warned by an angel that the emperor intended to remove them to Constantinople. Because of this he decided to purloin some of the relics, and traveled with them until directed by his spiritual guide to stop at St Andrews, where he was to build a church.”

What is St Andrews Famous For?

St Andrews is known as the “home of golf”, and people travel from around the world to golf at some of the world’s highest-ranked courses here. The Old Course of St Andrews Links is the oldest golf course in the world, and it’s the most frequently used venue for The Open Championship, the oldest golf tournament in the world. It’s clear that a visit to St Andrews is an unmissable experience for any golf lover!

Fun fact: in 15th century Scotland, golf was so popular that it was temporarily banned.

Best Time to Visit St Andrews, Scotland

The best time to visit St Andrews, Scotland really depends on what you’re looking to do here. We coincidentally visited on the busiest day in St Andrews’ history – the weekend of the 150th Open Championship. That said, we didn’t feel like anything was too crowded, and we still had a great time!

Summer (June through August) is the most popular time to visit St Andrews. During this time of year, St Andrews is typically busy with golfers and tourists alike. Despite the warmer temperatures, with averages in the mid-60s (°F), the weather for St Andrews can be unpredictable. There’s regularly a chance of rain, so don’t forget to pack your  rain jacket ! Longer summer days (the sun sets after 9 pm) also provide more time for exploring, golfing, etc.

Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) are also great times to visit, as temperatures are mild, ranging from the mid-40s to high-50s. In spring, there’s a lower chance of rain, and flowers are in bloom, and in autumn, the foliage is at its most vibrant.

Winter (November through March) is quite cold in St Andrews and probably not the best time to visit. Temperatures are usually below 40 degrees, lots of places shut down for the season, and snow can impact tee times. The days are also much shorter, leaving less time to explore and enjoy all that St Andrews has to offer.

Getting from Edinburgh to St Andrews

Drive to St Andrews from Edinburgh

There are several ways to get from Edinburgh to St Andrews. The most obvious way to travel is by car (if you have one during your visit to Scotland). The drive is just around an hour and 15 minutes.

Bus to St Andrews from Edinburgh 

There is a direct bus route from Edinburgh Princes Street to St Andrews Bus Station that leaves every 30 minutes. The journey takes just under two hours and costs less than $20.

Train to St Andrews from Edinburgh

Taking the train to St Andrews from Edinburgh is another great option, but it takes a bit more planning. First, you’ll take the Scotrail from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Leuchars Station. Then, you’ll take the bus from Leuchars St Bunyan’s Place to St Andrews Bus Station. Train tickets start at around $20, and bus tickets are around $4. This option takes closer to an hour and 45 minutes.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews 

Trying one of the popular tours from Edinburgh to St Andrews is another smart way to travel. Our St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh included transportation.

The rest of this post will focus on our day trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews and the stops we made along the way.

Starting Our Day Trip from Edinburgh

The tour began (and ended) at Rabbie’s Cafe Bar in Edinburgh (6 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EG, UK). We rode in style again in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, accompanied by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. 

A Broad Recommendation: Rabbie’s requests that you check-in at least 15 mins prior to your departure time. We recommend getting there even earlier to grab some coffee, to use the restroom, and to ensure that you get seats together on the mini-coach. Luckily, the travel time between stops is never more than two hours. 

*Important note: this tour is around eight hours long and doesn’t allow children under the age of five. 

Stop 1: Three Bridges Viewpoint

Our first stop was a viewpoint where we could see Scotland’s famous three bridges in all their glory. The three bridges that cross the Firth of Forth from Queensferry to North Queensferry span three centuries and boast distinct architectural designs.

Built in 1890, the Forth Bridge was the first of the three bridges and was an engineering marvel of its time. At 8,094 feet long, it’s the world’s longest multi-span cantilever bridge and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

Built in 1964, the Forth Road Bridge was Europe’s longest steel suspension bridge at the time. Its design is similar to that of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and Lisbon’s Ponte 25 Abril. 

The last of the three bridges, the Queensferry Crossing, opened in 2017, after finding structural problems with the Forth Road Bridge. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened both the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing.

Fun fact: the term ‘firth’ means a narrow inlet of the sea or an estuary and comes from the Norse word ‘fjord’.

Stop 2: Thirty Minutes in Anstruther

Our guide mentioned that all of the coastal towns in Scotland were lovely, and Anstruther was no exception. Locally known as ‘Ainster’, Anstruther sits on the north shore of the Firth of Forth, nine miles south of St Andrews.

It’s the largest of a string of charming, traditional fishing villages that sit along the East Neuk of Fife. And, two settlements, Anstruther Easter and Anstruther Wester, sit on either side of the Dreel Burn stream.

Anstruther is home to the Scottish Fisheries Museum, various recreational vessels, and a golf course. Dreel Halls is located in Anstruther Wester and used for community events. The former Anstruther Wester Town Hall and the ancient Parish Church of St Nicholas comprise Dreel Halls.

Consecrated in 1243, the Parish Church of St Nicholas belonged to the monks of the Isle of May. The Isle of May, which is less than six miles away by boat, is home to around 250,000 different seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, oystercatchers, etc., as well as an abundance of other wildlife, including seals.

Scotland was home to some of the most brutal witch hunts of the mid-16th to early 18th centuries, and Fife was once an epicenter for these. During this time, close to 400 people from Fife, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft. Many were imprisoned and tortured until they confessed, then were hanged, burned or drowned as punishment.

Our guide told us that people covered their houses with seashells because it was believed that witches were afraid of the sea and would melt in sea water. Although beautiful now, these houses remind us of this area’s eerie past.

Stop 3: Two and a Half Hours in St Andrews

We got to St Andrews around 12:30 p.m. and had two and a half hours to explore.

It’s easy to explore here by foot, as most of the main attractions, restaurants, pubs and shops are close together. If you’d rather not walk, you could opt to take a taxi or the bus. Renting a bike is also another great way to get around here!

St Andrews Cathedral 

We started at St Andrews Cathedral, which was once Scotland’s and Europe’s largest cathedral, and spent about an hour here. Consecrated in 1318 and built using both Norman and Gothic styles, the medieval cathedral lies in ruins.

Visitors are allowed to explore the grounds and to observe the precinct walls, which are relatively well-preserved.

There’s also a museum that houses a collection of medieval sculptures and other relics found among the ruins. Among the relics is the Saint Andrews Sarcophagus, a Pictish monument dating back to the second half of the 8th century. It was recovered during excavations at St Andrews Cathedral between 1833 and 1922 – pretty neat!

Amidst the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral are the remains of St Rules Church and Tower. St Rules Tower was part of the first church of the Augustinian canons, i.e. St Rules Church. It was built in the early 12th century, which means that it predates St Andrews Cathedral.

At 108 feet, the tower was quite tall for its time and served to guide pilgrims to the place of Saint Andrew’s relics. In the past, visitors could climb the tower and enjoy an amazing view of St Andrews and Fife from the top. Unfortunately, it was closed when we were here.

Museum tickets cost £3.50 for adults and £2 for children. Discounted family tickets, which include one adult and two children, cost £7.

Lunch at The Criterion

When we were leaving St Andrews Cathedral, we received a couple of lunch recommendations, BlackHorn Burgers and The Criterion .

We ended up choosing The Criterion, a small, family-run Scottish Pub that dates back to 1874. They specialize in cask ale and whiskey and serve locally-sourced food, their most famous dish being the Cri Pie.

Considering none of us are big foodies or whiskey lovers, we didn’t try any of the specialties, haha. Instead, we tried the steak burger, chicken nachos and macaroni cheese, and had a beer and a couple of ciders.

We sat outside where we enjoyed the beautiful weather and the enthusiasm from the groups visiting for the British Open. I have to add that we thought our waiter was really nice too!

St Andrews Old Town

Considering we only had about 30 minutes left after lunch, we spent the rest of our time in St Andrews exploring the winding streets of St Andrews Old Town, searching for souvenirs, and hitting the restrooms one more time. 

Other Things to Do in St Andrews

Since we visited St Andrews as part of a day trip from Edinburgh, we had limited time here and weren’t able to do as much as we would’ve liked. Here are some of the other things we’d like to do on our next visit to St Andrews.

Tour the Old Course

Golf was invented in Leith, and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club was founded in 1754 and moved to St Andrews in 1777. It’s claimed that the first international golf “contest” took place at the Old Course of St Andrews Links.

Since we visited during the British Open, we couldn’t tour the Old Course (this is usually included in the Viator day trip ). We heard that some folks ended up walking over and were able to see the tournament in full swing. Unfortunately, that idea hadn’t crossed our minds, and we were super bummed to have missed this opportunity!

Check out the St Andrews Links website for more information about Old Course tours and more.

Visit the University of St Andrews

St Andrews is also home to the historic University of St Andrews, which was founded in 1413. It’s the third oldest university in the English-speaking world, the oldest in Scotland, and the highest-ranked in the UK, according to the 2022 Good University Guide.

During the drive, our guide told us that Scotland was the most literate place in all of Europe in the mid-eighteenth century, and Edinburgh became a popular place for intellectuals of philosophy, history, medicine, science and economics.

Fun fact: Prince William and Kate Middleton met at the University of St Andrews!

Explore St Andrews Castle

Similar to St Andrew Cathedral, you can also visit the ruins of St Andrews Castle. Once the official residence of medieval Scotland’s bishops and archbishops, St Andrews Castle dates back to the 13th century and served as a fortress and a state prison for 450 years.

You can tour the castle ruins with an audio guide, peer into the bottle dungeon, one of medieval Britain’s most infamous castle prisons, and explore the underground 16th century siege mine and counter-mine.

To find out more about how to visit, check out the Historic Environment Scotland website.

Miscellaneous Activities

St Andrews also offers numerous museums, including the British Golf Museum, an aquarium, a botanic garden, and a long-distance walking route through the ancient Kingdom of Fife, as well as food and ghost tours.

Stop 4: One Hour in Falkland

After our visit to St Andrews, we drove to Falkland, an old village with narrow, winding streets lined with old cottages. Here, we had the option of visiting the Falkland Palace and Gardens (at a discounted price) or wandering around the village.

Naturally, we chose to visit the palace! Note that Falkland Palace and Gardens is closed from November to February. If you’re looking to go inside, make sure to plan your day trip from Edinburgh accordingly.

What was once a hunting lodge in the 12th century and later expanded to become a castle in the 13th century, Falkland Palace is now one of the best surviving examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland.

In 1371, the Countess of Fife acknowledged Robert Steward, Earl of Menteith, as her heir and keeper of the castle. Inspired by the grand castles of France, successive Stewart royals transformed the castle into one of Scotland’s finest Renaissance palaces. Falkland eventually became a favorite retreat of the Stewart monarchs and a royal ‘pleasure palace’ of sorts.

As we walked from room-to-room, we engaged with knowledgeable volunteers who taught us about the significance of the palace and of the specific room we were in. For example, we saw the Falkland Bed, which was said to have been made for King James VI in the early 1600s. We also saw the Queen’s Room, which was arranged as Mary, Queen of Scots might have used it.

Mary, Queen of Scots is one of Falkland Palace’s most famous former residents. At the time, she was also the Queen of France (and some believe that she should’ve been the Queen of England too), making her one of the most powerful women in the world.

The palace was one of her favorite places, as it provided a reprieve from the political and religious turmoil that constantly surrounded her. And, she took advantage of the vast estate to pursue hunting, falconry and tennis. Built in 1538 for King James V, the real tennis court, or the Royal Tennis Court, at Falkland Palace is now the oldest in the world.

The beautiful palace gardens cover three hectares and date back to the mid-1400s. Of course, the gardens have been redesigned over the years, and evidence of the ever-changing purpose and style of the grounds can be seen today.

Note that photography isn’t allowed inside the palace, so all of our photos are from outside and in the gardens.

Palace and garden tickets cost £13 for adults, £30 for a family, and £23.50 for a one adult family. Garden-only tickets cost £6.50 for adults. With our tour discount, we only paid half of the normal price for a palace and garden adult ticket.

Ending Our Day Trip from Edinburgh

After an interesting, albeit quick visit to Falkland Palace, we loaded back up into the mini-coach for one last time. As we made our way back to Rabbie’s Cafe Bar in Edinburgh, we reflected on how much fun we’d had. In fact, this ended up being one of my favorite experiences of our entire Scotland trip!

We definitely recommend adding a day trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews to your Scotland itinerary – you won’t be disappointed!

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads

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Scotland has been high on my list for a while now! Definitely saving this for a future trip. I love all the details you provided which will help with the planning process.

I hope you can visit soon! I have no doubt that you’ll love Scotland as much as we did 😊. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!

Scotland looks amazing! I would love to take a road trip from Edinburgh to St. Andrews. Great shots!

Thanks so much! I hope you can one day 😊.

Boy, you guys sure saw a lot on your day trip! St. Andrew’s is unique and beautiful, and despite the fact that I have zero interest in golf, I could still see myself happily exploring. Great post!

I feel the same about golf, haha, and I still had such a fun time! The history is so interesting, and it was a blast exploring St Andrews!

As a golfer, the Old Course and St Andrews has been on my travel radar for some time! I’d also love to see the relics you mentioned too – the history is fascinating. I’ll definitely be saving this post to come back to when I’m ready to plan my trip!

I’m so excited for you to visit one day – St Andrews is definitely a must for golfers! I’m not a golfer but still had such a blast on this day trip; I only wish we could’ve visited the Old Course too!

St. Andrews looks like such an amazing place to explore! I’m hoping to get back to Scotland in the next couple years, so I’ll need to add it to my list!

I hope you can make it here when you visit again! This was one of my favorite day trips of our trip to Scotland and Belgium. You definitely won’t be disappointed 😊.

6 Ways How to Get From Edinburgh to St Andrews (Scotland)

Are you looking for ways how to get from Edinburgh to St Andrews? St Andrews, a historic town located east of Fife in Scotland , is a short ride away from Edinburgh. Its historic and cultural atmosphere and the scenic environment are definitely worth going on a day trip for.

You can reach St Andrews from Edinburgh by car, train, bus, shared transfer, taxi, and tour. The road distance between St Andrews and Edinburgh is 80 kilometres or 50 miles while its direct distance is 49.8 kilometres or 31 miles. It takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes to travel this distance by car.

Ready to book and go? Let’s explore all the options that you have when travelling from Edinburgh to St Andrews.

OPTION 1: How to get from Edinburgh to St Andrews by Car

Option 2: how to get from edinburgh to st andrews by train, option 3: how to get from edinburgh to st andrews by bus, option 4: how to get from edinburgh to st andrews by shared transfer, option 5: how to get from edinburgh to st andrews by taxi, option 6: how to get from edinburgh to st andrews by tour, map of st andrews, scotland:, is there a train between edinburgh and st andrews, how much is a taxi from edinburgh to st andrews, what is the best train station for st andrews, how to get to st andrews from edinburgh by public transport, how much does it cost to get from edinburgh to st andrews, is st andrews a day trip from edinburgh, how much is the train from edinburgh to st andrews, what is the cheapest way to get from edinburgh to st andrews, what is the fastest way to get from edinburgh to st andrews, how to get from edinburgh to st andrews.

• Travel Duration: about 1 hour and 16 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £30.12

Nothing can get any more straightforward than this! Come to St Andrews from Edinburgh by car and you will manage to get there in as fast as 1 hour and 16 minutes. Whether you are bringing your own car or renting one, this option still proves to be cost-efficient.

If you are thinking of renting a car to get to St Andrews, better check out Discover Cars . They have all the best deals from different rental car companies in one place.

To get from Edinburgh to St Andrews by car, take the M90 north from Edinburgh and then follow the A92 towards St Andrews. Make sure to research about road and weather conditions prior to your trip. 

Is this your first time driving in this part of the world? I wrote some tips for first-time drivers in the UK , hoping that with my sharing you can get the most out of your driving experience here.

BEST CAR RENTAL DEALS!

If you are planning to book a car rental for your upcoming trip. I recommend searching for the best car rental deals with  Discover Cars . They have various options that suit your budget.

• Travel Duration: about 1 hour and 12 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £29

It is quite easy to get from Edinburgh to St Andrews by train. If you do not mind the transfer, you can get there for as low as £29 one-way. 

As I mentioned, this trip is not direct. You will have to change trains once you reach Leuchars. Scotrail services both train rides. Here is a sample timetable of their trips:

Train from Edinburgh to St Andrews

The train departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station and arrives at St Andrews Station. Aside from Scotrail, LNER has trips going this way as well. 

In order to get the best deals for your trip to St Andrews from Edinburgh, make sure to book via Omio . They will show you the most cost-efficient way to travel between the two destinations, and if bus and flight travel are permissible.

BEST TRAIN DEALS!

If you are looking to travel by train for your upcoming trip, I recommend searching for the best train fares with Omio . They are a one-stop shop for trains, buses, flights, and ferries so you can get the best travel deals that suit your budget and schedule.

• Travel Duration: about 2 hours and 3 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £13

There is no direct bus trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews. You will have to go to Dundee first and then continue your journey from there. If you are open to doing this, you can book the Edinburgh to Dundee leg via Bookaway .

Bus from Edinburgh to Dundee

Megabus offers this route. They have buses departing from Edinburgh to Dundee Bus Station, and all offer Wifi connection, charging ports, air conditioning, toilet, and wheelchair access. 

From Dundee, you will have to ride a Stagecoach bus number 99. This trip lasts for about 28 minutes and costs around £5. This one is a direct bus ride so you won’t have to transfer again.

BEST COACH / BUS DEALS!

If you are planning to travel via coach or bus for your upcoming trip, I recommend searching for the best coach or bus fare deals with Trainline . They have a great network of coach or bus services.

• Travel Duration: varies
• Travel Fare: from £30

If you do not mind sharing space with other passengers, you can opt to ride a shared transfer on your way to St Andrews from Edinburgh. This option is offered by St Andrews Shuttle and can be booked ahead of time online at their website.

Here is the price guide from St Andrews Shuttle  for your reference:

• 1 passenger joining 1 passenger = from £65 each
• 1 passenger joining 2 passengers = from £42 each
• 1 passenger joining 3 or 4 passengers = from £33 each
• 1 passenger joining 5 or more passengers = from £30 each 
• Travel Fare: from £120

For your utmost convenience and privacy, consider getting a taxi that will take you from Edinburgh to St Andrews. The average taxi fare, as shared by St Andrews Shuttle, are as follows:

• From Edinburgh Airport, about £120 for 1 to 3 persons
• From  Edinburgh Airport, about £135 for 4 to 8 persons
• From Edinburgh City, about £140 for 1 to 3 persons
• From Edinburgh City, about £160 for 4 to 8 persons

Should you be traveling between 10 PM and 6 AM, kindly note that there will be an additional charge of £15. Therefore, plan your trip wisely in order to get the most cost-efficient deals for your travel from Edinburgh to St Andrews.

• Travel Duration: 8 hours and 30 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £55

Perhaps the most convenient way to get form Edinburgh to St Andrews is by joining a tour. Get Your Guide has all the most interesting activities to do in St Andrews, including this St Andrews & Fife’s Fishing Villages Tour from Edinburgh .

Your journey starts by heading north to South Queensferry. As you approach the Kingdom of Fife, you will stop in the traditional fishing village of Anstruther and spend some time there.

The next stop is the medieval town of St Andrews. You will be able to explore this place for more than two hours before you head over to Falkland.

This tour concludes with a trip back to Edinburgh. During the whole journey, you will be with the driver-slash-guide who will make sure you are well taken care of. Keep in mind that lunch, refreshments, and entrance fees are not yet included in the package. 

HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST RECOMMENDED TOURS IN ST ANDREWS:

More About St Andrews, Scotland:

• The Kingdom of Fife and St Andrews is one of the best day trips from Edinburgh . Other destinations include Hadrian’s Wall and Carlisle, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, and The Kelpies.
• St Andrews is also a quick trip away from Glasgow ! You can get there by  train, bus, car, tour, and private transfer. Know more about the different ways on how to travel between these two destinations in my helpful transportation guide.
• Fancy going on a Town, Golf, and Old Course History Tour ? How about a 90-Minute Historical Walking Tour of St Andrews ? All these and more, you can find at Get Your Guide. They have all the interesting things to do in St Andrews bundled up as packages.

HOW TO USE THIS MAP TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS: CLICK the YELLOW MARKER OR THE DROP DOWN MENU next to the title to see the various things to do and point of interest in this guide and CHOOSE your desired preview of the map , whether HOTELS & RENTALS, EXPERIENCES, RESTAURANTS OR OTHERS. Feel free to use the filters, number of guests, and your preferred dates. You can see more information about the different attractions (the GREEN MARKERS) when you click the icons, as well as finding your perfect accommodation that will suit your budget and location. You could also book your guided tours and restaurants using the map.

FAQs on How to Get from Edinburgh to St Andrews

Yes, there is a train between Edinburgh and St Andrews. Scotrail and LNER services this route.

The cost of a taxi ride from Edinburgh to St Andrews starts at approximately £120. 

The best train station for St Andrews is the St Andrews Station. 

If you wish to use public transport, you can get to St Andrews from Edinburgh by riding a train, bus,or  shared transfer.

To get from Edinburgh to St Andrews, the cost starts at £13. 

Yes, St Andrews is a day trip away from Edinburgh. The two are just 80 kilometres or 50 miles away from each other.

The train from Edinburgh to St Andrews starts at £29. 

The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to St Andrews is by taking a bus. This mode of transport can bring you to your destination for as cheap as £13.

The fastest way to get from Edinburgh to St Andrews is by taking the train. You can get there in as fast as 1 hour and 12 minutes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British–Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in the Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.

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Great for day trip from Edinburgh to... - Edinburgh Black Cab Tours

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We hired Edinburgh Black Cab Tours after researching many of the other competing companies... read more

Charlotte, Charlotte!!! I’m a huge Outlander fan and convinced one of my best friends to come... read more

Great for day trip from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

We hired Edinburgh Black Cab for private transportation from Edinburgh up to St. Andrews for a college visit. The vehicle was great, and the driver David was awesome as an impromptu guide up to the town and back -- with an unscheduled and welcome detour along the coast to a fishing village for fish and chips and for ice cream. He was on time, brought beverages, and made the trip a delight. Reasonably priced compared to alternatives for a high-quality experience, and we would very much recommend this service.

Charlotte, Charlotte!!! I’m a huge Outlander fan and convinced one of my best friends to come with me to Scotland to do an Outlander Tour. We could not have been luckier to have Charlotte as our guide for the Ultimate Outlander Tour out of Edinburgh. She is incredibly knowledgeable, not only of Outlander the show, but of Scotland and its centuries of history! Charlotte is very intuitive to her clients interests and tailored our experience so that my friend who wasn’t as enthusiastic about the show was able to have a full and enjoyable experience. I cannot recommend Edinburgh Black Cab Tours enough. Such a fun and memorable day! Ask for Charlotte !! You won’t be disappointed.

We were a bunch of Outlander fans and 1st timers to Scotland . Edinburgh Black Cab Tours gave us the trip of a lifetime. We spent 6days with Charlotte and Steve and couldn’t have asked for a better experiences. We took in as many Outlander filming locations as time would allow, with a lot of little bits of extra info and stories that Charlotte could supply. We traveled over a large part of Scotland, Inverness,Loch ness, Culross, Falkirk, Denny,Glasgow Edinburgh, and more. The whole team at Edinburgh BCT are fantastic people.They went out of their way to make sure we could see and have as much fun as possible . You won’t be disappointed in traveling with them. A few of us stayed a few day’s longer and took the tour with Steve to the Isle of Syke, which was also great and truly gorgeous. They really became friends by the end of our trip!

The trip with Edinburgh Black Cab was amazing from planning to finish. They were extremely responsive via email to plan the trip and so friendly, kind and professional during the trip. Such special memories for my family and I. Thank you from the bottom of my hearts

Kevan gave us a wonderfu bespoke tour across the Highlands. The rain made us miss the Highland cows but is made for fabulous pictures of “wild”water and waterfalls off the mountains.

Fantastic experience for our family! The team designed a "bespoke" tour to meet our interests and it was FABULOUS. Our tour guide/driver (Stephen or was it Steven was a jolly Scot in a kilt who knew everything and made it the best day ever. We saw Stirling Castle, the beautiful Highlands and even petted coos. Highly recommend!!!

13 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2024

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Are you visiting Edinburgh but might want to add some day trips to your Scotland itinerary? Check out these amazing day trips from Edinburgh by train that are totally worth the effort!

This list of day trips from edinburgh by train was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Scotland’s capital is the perfect place for a European city break with tons to see and do.

But it’s also a great base to explore the rest of the country. With well-connected public transport stations and tour companies, it’s super easy to take day trips from Edinburgh without a car.

And if riding the rails is your transport method of choice, you’re in luck! 

There are lots of great day trips from Edinburgh by train.

These are all the most accessible day trips from Edinburgh to Highlands, cities, beach towns, English border towns, medieval castles, and more!

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Stirling

One of the easiest day trips from Edinburgh by train is to the city of Stirling. This is a great place to visit for incredible historical sites!

The majestic Stirling Castle sits on a rocky outcrop on the edge of the city and dates back to the 12th century. It has connections to William Wallace, whose National Monument stands across the River Forth in Stirling.

If you’re a fan of Braveheart then it’s one of the top places to visit near Edinburgh for you.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Stirling by Train

Distance: 38.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail service to Stirling station. These services depart approximately every 30 minutes and take under one hour. Return tickets start from £11.

Edinburgh to North Berwick Day Trip

North Berwick is a picturesque seaside town just south of the Scottish capital and it’s one of the simplest Edinburgh day trips to navigate.

You can climb North Berwick Law which is a small hill with views of the town, spend the day on Milsey Bay Beach, or check out Tantallon Castle.

It’s one of the top day trips by train from Edinburgh for nature lovers. Bass Rock, a large offshore island, is one of the most important seabird nesting sites in the country!

How To Get From Edinburgh to North Berwick by Train

Distance: 27.9 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct ScotRail train service to North Berwick station. This service departs once an hour and takes just over 30 minutes. Return tickets can cost as little as £6, but £15 is more likely when booked last minute.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews

If you don’t mind taking day trips from Edinburgh by bus and train, St Andrews should be at the top of your list. 

There are so many things to do here that it’s impossible to get bored!

This coastal city is known for being the birthplace of golf and is home to a prestigious university. St Andrews Castle, West Sands Beach, and a pretty harbor are the best activities to add to your day trip itinerary. 

How To Get From Edinburgh to St Andrews by Train

Distance: 51.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a direct ScotRail train to Leuchars station which takes around 70 to 75 minutes. From the bus stop at the train station, catch the 99 bus to St Andrews Bus Station which takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Trains depart approximately every 30 minutes and cost around £15 for a return ticket booked in advance. Bus tickets cost between £2 – £4 for single journeys which you can buy on the bus.

Edinburgh to Glasgow Day Trip

Want to check out more museums, galleries, and shopping malls? One of the best day trips out of Edinburgh, Scotland is to Glasgow. It’s Scotland’s largest city and super easy to get to from the capital.

Glasgow’s parks (like Kelvingrove and Pollock Country Park) and museums (like the Science Center and Kelvingrove Art Gallery) are just some places to visit.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Glasgow by Train

Distance: 46.3 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail train to Glasgow Queen Street station which takes just under one hour. There are other direct ScotRail services to Glasgow Central station, but these trains take around 90 minutes. 

Both stations are in the city center, so take the shorter train when possible!

Trains depart very frequently; often less than once per 30 minutes. Return train tickets cost £16 on average.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Linlithgow

A great one-day tour from Edinburgh for history fans is Linlithgow. Not only is it close to the capital, but it’s also home to an important Scottish palace.

Linlithgow Palace was the principal residence for Scottish monarchs during the 15th and 16th centuries. Mary, Queen of Scots was born there! 

Outlander fans might like to visit Linlithgow Palace as it was the filming location for Westworth Prison.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Linlithgow by Train

Distance: 21.1 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct ScotRail train to Linlithgow station which is a journey lasting less than 30 minutes. Trains depart very frequently, often every 10 or 20 minutes. The average price of a return train ticket is around £10.

Edinburgh to Queensferry Day Trip

Visiting Queensferry is one of the best things to do outside Edinburgh, especially if you’re short on time. You only need a couple of hours!

North and South Queensferry are two towns that straddle the Firth of Forth. They’re connected by three bridges, one of which (the Forth Rail Bridge) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

It’s worth visiting to see the bridges, South Queensferry is a cute town with lots of old pubs and ice cream shops.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Queensferry by Train

Distance: 14.6 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a direct ScotRail service to North Queensferry station which takes less than 25 minutes. Trains depart every 30 minutes and return tickets start from as little as £6.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Taking day trips from Edinburgh, Scotland to England is 100% possible!

Berwick-Upon-Tweed was once a Scottish town but was reclaimed by the English in 1482. The Royal Border Bridge, the Ancient Town Walls, and the Berwick Lighthouse are just some of Berwick-Upon-Tweed’s highlights.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Berwick-Upon-Tweed by Train

Distance: 56.7 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, or LNER service to Berwick-upon-Tweed station. These journeys take around 45 to one hour and depart two to three times an hour.

Return train tickets booked in advance can be as little as £15, but you can usually only travel on services run by one train company.

Edinburgh to Alnwick Day Trip

Another of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train to England is Alnwick. This northeastern English town is known for three awesome attractions: the 14th-century Alnwick Castle, the Alnwick Garden, and the Barter Bookshop.

Alnwick Castle was one of the main Hogwarts filming locations in the first two Harry Potter movies. You can even take broomstick flying lessons! 

Alnwick Garden is famous for its ‘poison’ garden and Barter Books is one of the largest second-hand bookshops in Britain. 

How To Get From Edinburgh to Alnwick by Train

Distance: 87.1 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, or LNER service to Alnmouth station. These services depart approximately every 40 minutes and take about an hour. 

Return tickets can cost anywhere from £15 to £30 or more, so book in advance!

Walk about two minutes to the Curly Lane Bus Station and take the X20 bus to Alnwick Bus Station which should only take between 10 and 15 minutes. Single bus tickets cost £2 and you can pay the driver.

These bus services only depart once an hour, so check the buses and trains align before planning your day trip!

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is one of two national parks in Scotland and one of the best days out from Edinburgh.

You can climb Conic Hill for panoramic views across the park or take a cruise on the Maid of the Loch. 

How To Get From Edinburgh to Loch Lomond by Train

Distance: 70.6 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a ScotRail train to Glasgow Queen Street station which takes between 45 – 60 minutes. Change for a ScotRail train to Balloch station which is a journey that takes around 50 minutes.

This entire journey departs every hour, sometimes twice an hour. Return train tickets start from £20 but they can cost much more so book in advance!

Edinburgh to Dundee Day Trip

Dundee isn’t one of the most popular day trips out of Edinburgh, but there’s more to this former industrial city than meets the eye.

Visit the brand new, purpose-built V&A museum on Dundee’s waterfront which showcases the best of Scotland’s heritage and innovations. Tour the RRS Discovery, a ship that sailed to the Antarctic on the 1901 British Expedition.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Dundee by Train

Distance: 62.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail service to Dundee station. This service takes between 75 – 90 minutes and departs approximately once every half an hour. Average return tickets cost around £13.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Dunfermline

Again, Dunfermline isn’t a popular Edinburgh day trip but you might be convinced to add it to your itinerary once you learn more.

Dunfermline is the birthplace of industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. He donated a lot of money to his former hometown which resulted in Carnegie Hall, Carnegie Library, and the sprawling Pittencrieff Park.

Former Scottish king Robert the Bruce is buried in Dunfermline Abbey which is a beautiful Romanesque church.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Dunfermline by Train

Distance: 17.9 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct ScotRail service to Dunfermline Queen Margaret station. This journey is usually less than 40 minutes and trains depart approximately twice an hour. Return tickets start from around £7.

Edinburgh to Pitlochry Day Trip

Scotland is a bigger country than you might think and it’s difficult to take a Highlands day trip from Edinburgh by train. However, visiting Pitlochry is definitely doable!

Pitlochry is a pretty mountain town on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. It’s surrounded by miles of woodland and close to the picturesque Loch Timmel. 

It just might satiate your desire to find day trips from Edinburgh in the Highlands if you’re keen to avoid group day trips or renting a car!

How To Get From Edinburgh to Pitlochry by Train

Distance: 71.2 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a direct ScotRail or LNER service to Pitlochry station. These services take around two hours and depart approximately once an hour, but there are more if you’re prepared to change trains at Perth or Stirling.

Return tickets start from £15 but only if booked in advance. ScotRail services are usually cheaper than LNER.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Falkirk

Finally, the best day trip from Edinburgh to see some unique structures is to the city of Falkirk.

This small city on the Firth of Forth is the location of The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel. The Kelpies are two, 100 ft-tall mythical steel horse heads built just outside of the city to honor Scotland’s folkloric traditions. 

The Falkirk Wheel is an unbelievable feat of engineering. It moves canal boats from two different canal networks, the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. It’s the world’s only rotating boat lift!

How To Get From Edinburgh to Falkirk by Train

Distance: 26.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail or LNER service to Falkirk Grahamston station. These services depart every 30 – 40 minutes, and the journey takes between 30 – 50 minutes. The cost of return tickets starts from £9.

Edinburgh Day Trips FAQs

How do i use the scottish rail system for day trips from edinburgh.

Purchase tickets online in advance or at the station. Consider a ScotRail pass for multiple trips. Trains are frequent, but check schedules on the ScotRail website or app for specific times and routes.

Can you visit the Highlands on a day trip from Edinburgh by train?

Yes, but it’s a longer journey. Destinations like Pitlochry or Aviemore can be reached by train and offer a taste of the Highlands. For iconic spots like Loch Ness or Glencoe, consider a guided tour for convenience.

Are there any castle day trips from Edinburgh by train?

Absolutely. Stirling Castle is easily accessible by train. Another option is Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, which is a short train ride away.

What coastal towns can I visit from Edinburgh by train?

North Berwick is a popular choice for its beaches, seabird center, and quaint town atmosphere. South Queensferry, although closer and not requiring a train, is reachable by bus or train and offers stunning views of the Forth Bridges.

Is it expensive to take day trips from Edinburgh by train?

Costs can vary depending on the destination and how far in advance you book. Traveling off-peak and booking in advance can save money. Group or family tickets and rail passes may offer additional savings.

What’s the easiest way to find train times and prices for day trips from Edinburgh?

The ScotRail website or the National Rail Enquiries website are the best resources for train times and prices. The Trainline app is also a convenient tool for planning and purchasing tickets.

Can I do a day trip to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh by train?

While Skye is too far for a practical train day trip from Edinburgh, you can take a train to Mallaig and then a ferry to Skye, but this would be better suited for an overnight stay due to the travel time.

Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train Wrap-Up

From lively cities to historic towns, those are all the best day trips from Edinburgh by train!

Taking day trips from Edinburgh by car might give you more options. Booking spots on the best day tours from Edinburgh might mean you’ll see more places without driving.

But Edinburgh day trips by train can be more cost-effective and allow you to move at your own pace.

Plus, you get a more local experience and have an opportunity to explore Scotland (or England) beyond the well-trodden routes!

Looking for more Scotland travel resources? Check out Planning a Trip to Scotland: Step-by-Step Guide , 13 Best Day Trips From Glasgow by Train , and 9 Best Edinburgh Hotels for Families Worth Booking !

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The 10 best sites for a royal-themed visit to Scotland

M embers of the public will be granted access the previously unseen interior of Balmoral Castle for the first time this summer, in line with the King’s wish to make royal residences more accessible to the public. Tours of the castle will operate as part of a trial period, and will take in several rooms used by the King and Queen.

Scotland has a complex relationship with the Royal family, and yet the fact remains that Queen Victoria was responsible for much of the global conception of “Scottishness” – an idea which was refined by the late Queen, and is now embraced by today’s kilt-sporting monarch. 

It’s not just the famous castle that attracts visitors from around the global though. A Royal-themed visit to Scotland offers a beguiling adventure alive with history, epic scenery and the romantic whiff of Royal intrigue. The 10 spots below all offer excellent opportunities to do as the Royal family do (or did), and to absorb Scotland at its most regally magnificent.

Balmoral Castle 

The must-visit attraction in any royal-themed visit. It’s easy to see what so bewitched Queen Victoria and Prince Albert when they descended on the tree-shrouded hills in search of an idyllic Highland estate, adding the royal sobriquet to Deeside. Savouring the majesty of the Balmoral Estate is like strolling through Hollywood Scotland, while also providing an intimate window into Queen Victoria’s life and those of more recent Royals. Currently, the interior of the vast castle largely remains out of bounds to members of the public, with tours limited to just the ballroom, the grounds and the gardens; this summer’s trial will determine whether visitors will be permitted to venture further in the future.

Where to stay : The next best thing to kipping at Balmoral is Braemar’s Fife Arms , one of Scotland’s most exclusive and breathtakingly over-the-top retreats. Sketches by Queen Victoria adorn the walls. Doubles from £757.

Ballater 

No Scottish village has been embraced by the Royal family quite like Balmoral’s neighbour Ballater , and this trim bolthole has embraced their regular guests in return, with many businesses proudly displaying Royal Warrants. When the funeral cortege passed through last year, 1,400 residents paid their respects. Don’t miss the Victorian Station complete with a vintage carriage housing a waxwork of Queen Victoria arriving at Balmoral’s railhead. September’s Braemar Gathering Highland Games is a royal favourite. 

Where to stay : The Balmoral Arms reeks of royalty with themed names for bedrooms and the restaurant. Ask about the – discreetly discussed – royal loo. Doubles from £185.

The Deeside Way 

The Deeside Way follows the old royal rail route from Ballater east to Aberdeen, 41 miles – and a swathe of shortbread tin-pretty scenery – away. If you don’t have time to complete it, just tackle a scenic stretch or two around Banchory. A shorter adventure is the scramble to the spectacular pothole at Burn o’Vat. Eke through the rock into a geological wonder forged by glaciation, or enjoy the eight-mile circular hike around another royal favourite – Loch Muick. 

Where to stay : The walker-friendly Banchory Lodge has doubles from £113.

Royal Perth 

Scotland’s unofficial ancient capital is draped in royal history. For centuries, Scottish monarchs were crowned on the mysterious Stone Of Destiny at Scone Palace, where Victoria once stayed. Edward I stole it in 1296 and, though it temporarily returned to Westminster Abbey for King Charles III’s Coronation, it is now back home in Scotland. Don’t miss the hulking statue of Prince Albert in North Inch Park. 

Where to stay : It has to be the Royal George Hotel , named after Queen Victoria’s 1848 stay. A Royal Warrant is proudly displayed by two lamp stands fashioned from the bedposts of Victoria’s bedroom. Doubles from £150.

Glamis Castle 

One of the UK’s most historic castles, alive with tales of the Queen Mother at her ancestral and childhood home. Princess Margaret was born here, the first Royal born in Scotland since Charles I, and many Royals have enjoyed Glamis’ legendary hospitality. Allow a full day for the castle and its grand gardens, and be sure to lunch in the old Victorian kitchens. 

Where to stay : Stay with your family in royal style at Glamis House in the grounds. You can even shoot your own pheasants and partridges for dinner, if that’s your sort of thing.

St Andrews 

As if the student-dappled historic streets of fair St Andrews were not enough, this beachfront town is also where the Prince and Princess of Wales met and fell in love after she switched at the last minute from the University of Edinburgh. Visit the bars they frequented then follow their footsteps to West Sands, made famous by that Chariots of Fire scene. St Andrews is, of course, the Home of Golf, with various Royals made Captain of the Royal & Ancient.

Where to stay : The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa is the place. Peer over the legendary Old Course, then wander across it to West Sands. Doubles from £420.

Dunfermline 

Dunfermline was crowned Scotland’s newest city as part of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Rich layers of royal history run through the cobbled streets of this mini- Edinburgh : Scotland’s monarchs once resided in the grand palace where the ill-fated Charles I was born, and Scotland’s only Royal saint – Margaret – once held sway. Robert the Bruce is buried in an abbey that rivals Durham, and though the Stuarts shipped their entire court to London in 1603, a rich legacy lives on. 

Where to stay : Forrester Park Resort , in Cairneyhill, four miles west of Dunfermline, is set among 350 acres of parkland and has a gold course. Doubles from £120.

The Royal family spends more time in Edinburgh than anywhere else in the country, bar Balmoral. A Thanksgiving Service was held at St Giles’ Cathedral to mark the Coronation, a striking edifice that was also part of the Queen’s final journey to London from Balmoral. The Honours of Scotland (Britain’s original Crown Jewels) – which once evaded Cromwell and were presented to Charles during the Coronation – are displayed at Edinburgh Castle. Today’s royal residence is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, open as an intoxicating window into royal life. 

Where to stay : The Balmoral is named after the Highland castle, with a similar grandeur. Think plush public spaces and palatial bedrooms. Doubles from £313 – read our review here . Plan the perfect trip to Edinburgh with our guide.

Old Britannia 

The Royal Yacht Britannia – Trip Advisor’s top-rated UK attraction – was built in Scotland in 1954 and, fittingly, is now moored in the Firth of Forth. Catch the tram down and nosy around five decks: visit the State Apartments, survey the engines, peek in the Royal bedrooms, and savour afternoon tea on the Royal Deck Tearoom. 

Where to stay : Fingal is a luxury ship hotel moored nearby, whose restaurant serves up a treat to match Britannia’s glory days. Doubles from £300.

‘New Britannia’ 

The Hebridean Princess is the stately old small cruise ship that the Queen chartered twice to sail around her beloved Hebrides in lieu of Britannia. She only sleeps 48 guests, and Her Majesty’s portrait hangs above reception (if you’re lucky, the crew may speak warmly of their personal Royal encounters). Sailing the Hebrides aboard this luxurious dame is the closest mere mortals will ever get to cruising with the Royal family – and, of course, they stock Laphroaig, King Charles’ favourite dram. 

Where to stay : The Hebridean Princess offers various cruises, with a seven-night Hidden Isles trip in May from £5,880 per person, all-inclusive. 

Plan the perfect two-week holiday in Scotland with our expert guide.

This story was first published in July 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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