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By Boat & Ferry

By Boat

While Edinburgh itself does not have a major passenger ferry terminal, it is easily accessible via nearby Scottish ports, making it possible to combine sea travel with a short journey inland.

Travelers from Europe can take ferries to ports such as Newcastle, Hull, or Aberdeen, and then continue to Edinburgh by train, coach, or car. From Newcastle, the train journey to Edinburgh Waverley takes around two hours, while from Hull it takes about three and a half hours. Aberdeen is slightly further northeast, with a rail journey to Edinburgh of roughly two and a half hours.

 
© Allie_Caulfield - CC BY 2.0
© ggoldie - CC BY 2.0

For cruise passengers, Port of Leith, located just 4 kilometers from Edinburgh city center, welcomes many cruise ships. From here, visitors can easily reach the city center by taxi, bus, or bike. Combining ferry travel with onward land transport offers a scenic and leisurely way to arrive in Scotland, while also giving travelers the chance to explore coastal towns along the way.

Nearby Ferry Ports

  • Rosyth Port: Located just across the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh, Rosyth is about 14 km (9 miles) from the city center. It handles freight and some passenger services. From Rosyth, you can reach Edinburgh by train (15–20 minutes) or taxi.

  • Leith & Port of Leith: Historically Edinburgh’s port, now primarily used for cruise ships. Leith is about 4 km from the city center, accessible by bus, taxi, or bike.

  • Other Scottish Ports: Major ferry routes from England, Northern Ireland, and continental Europe arrive at Newcastle, Hull, or Aberdeen, from where you can take train or coach to Edinburgh.

   
© Mike McBey - CC BY 2.0
© Damien - CC BY-SA 2.0
© Mike McBey - CC BY 2.0
Tips

  • Combine ferry travel with train or coach services for a smooth connection to Edinburgh.

  • Check schedules in advance, as passenger ferry services near Edinburgh are limited compared to other coastal towns.

Location