Going ashore in South Queensferry (Edinburgh)?
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This is bus X99 from the South Queensferry cruise dock to Edinburgh. You will find it on the left hand side as you exit the tender dock.
Forth Bridge as seen from the cruise dock
Cruise ships tender to the Hawes dock in South Queensferry
You will find some basic information signs as you exit the tender dock.
Taxi prices from South Queensferry cruise dock to various destinations.
Taxis are available at the exit of the cruise dock.
Cruise port South Queensferry
Cruise port South Queensferry is the gateway to Edinburgh. Unfortunately there is no berth large enough to facilitate cruise ships. Therefore cruise ships will have to up the Forth. Anchor in front of the Forth bridge and tender the cruise passengers to shore to a town called South Queensferry. From here you will have multiple option of how to go to Edinburgh.
Tender dock South Queensferry
Tenders will all arrive at a small pier in the Maid of the Forth port underneath the Forth bridge. At the cruise tender pier you will find some taxis, public transportation and shore excursions companies. On the opposite side of the road you will also find some restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.
The walk to South Queensferry city center takes about 10 minutes. Simply go right when you exit the dock.
Going from South Queensferry cruise pier to Edinburgh
You will 4 options to go to Edinburgh from the South Queensferry cruise pier.
You can either take an organised shore excursion that you can book on board your ship.
The X99 bus from South Queensferry cruise pier to Edinburg
You can also take the semi public transportation bus called the “X99 Edinburgh” which is a double decker bus that will take you to Edinburghs city center. You will find this bus stop directly on the left hand side as you exit the pier. You buy a ticket at the bus and enjoy a simple ride into the city center. The bus returning to the ship is called X99 Hawes pier.
Take the train from South Queensferry to Edinburgh Waverly
Option number 3 is to take the train into Edinburgh Waverly. 1/2 a mile from the cruise dock you will find the train station called Dalmeny. Please know that it is a bit of a climb to get there as you will start walking at sea level and the train station is up at the start of the bridge. To get to the train station simply follow the signs in the port that point you to it. Which means that when exiting the cruise dock you take a left. The walk is about 10 minutes and from here you catch the train directly to the city center station in Edinburgh which is called Waverly. Trains to Edinburgh depart around twice an hour. Same goes for coming back.
Taxi from South Queensferry cruise dock to Edinburgh
Another option is taking a taxi from the cruise dock to Edinburgh. A one way ride with a taxi that can seat 5 or 6 passengers will cost you around 30 Sterling pound. You can catch the taxi directly at the cruise pier. Simple follow the signs at the exit of the pier. You will find the taxi rank directly to the right hand side, next tot the cruise dock.
Taxi prices at South Queensferry cruise dock to Edinburgh
Taxi prices are clearly displayed on the cruise dock. Please expect the following prices for destinations:
South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh Castle: 32 pound
South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh Charlotte square (city centre): 30 pound
South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh Holyrood Palace / Parliament: 35 pound
South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh Waverly station: 32 pound
South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh airport: 30 pound
South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh Dunfermline Abbey: 30 pound
South Queensferry cruise dock – Rosslyn Chapel: 45 pound
South Queensferry cruise dock – St. Andrews: 130 pound
The prices is one way, per vehicle which can seat up to 5 or 6 passengers.
Please know that prices are subject to change and they are based on approximate metered fares. Which means that these are not fixed prices. They are an estimate according to “Central Taxis” which is Edinburgh’s largest taxi fleet. Taxis will take credit and debit card. Paying in cash is not a requirement.
FAQ about cruise port South Queensferry
What is the name of the cruise pier in South Queensferry?
The cruise ships tender will bring cruise passengers to Hawes pier in the Maid of the Forth port, South Queensferry, Scotland.
Are cruise ships docking or tendering at South Queensferry?
Cruise ships tender passengers to shore in South Queensferry.
Is there a hop on hop off bus in South Queensferry?
No, there is not.
Can I take a taxi from South Queensferry to Edinburgh?
Yes, you can. It will cost around 30 – 35 pound one way.
Where can I find the X99 bus from South Queensferry to Edinburgh?
Directly to the left hand side when you exit the tender dock.