Edinburgh Cruise Port at Leith

The Basics

Travelers arriving at the Edinburgh Cruise Port often head into Edinburgh’s Old Town on a full-day shore excursion that includes round-trip transportation and visits to popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Some tours also stop by the 15th-century medieval Rosslyn Chapel, located south of the city and made famous by Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. For visitors with more time in port, excursions to the Scottish Highlands and lochs are also popular options.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Edinburgh Cruise Port at Leith offers Wi-Fi, restrooms, and seating, while the nearby Ocean Terminal mall has banks, eateries, and more.

• City tours require a great deal of walking on cobblestone streets, so sturdy shoes are a must.

• The weather can be cool during the summer months, and rain is common, so don’t forget a rain jacket.

• Some Edinburgh tours are accessible to wheelchair users—inquire in advance.

How to Get to Edinburgh From the Edinburgh Cruise Port

South Queensferry (the site of the Edinburgh Cruise Port at Leith) has several transportation links to Edinburgh and beyond. After you dock, tenders (small boats) will transport you to shore. From there, direct bus services are available from Hawes Pier to Edinburgh city center; the Dalmeny railway station is about a 10-minute walk from the pier. Guided shore excursions typically offer pickup and drop-off at the port.

Port Information

Edinburgh’s official currency is the British pound, although you may encounter Scottish bank notes—don't worry: they're legal tender across the UK. ATMs are available in the town of South Queensferry, a short walk from Hawes Pier. English is the main language in Scotland, spoken with a distinct Scottish accent.