South Queensferry, the bridges and Hawes Pier
South Queensferry has the best view of the three Forth bridges: the red Forth Bridge from 1890, the Forth Road Bridge from 1964, and the Queensferry Crossing, which opened in 2017. The rail bridge became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Groups come here for the view, the boat trips and the cruise ships.
Cruise ship passengers
Large cruise ships anchor in the Forth and bring passengers ashore by tender to Hawes Pier. On a busy day there are queues for the shuttle buses into town, so a pre-booked minibus is popular with families and groups who want to make the most of a short day. We can take you into Edinburgh, out on a tour, or straight to the airport at the end of your cruise. More on our cruise transfers page.
Things to do
Boat trips leave from Hawes Pier for Inchcolm Island and its abbey, with a good chance of seeing seals. The Hawes Inn by the pier gets a mention in Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped. Hopetoun House, one of Scotland's grandest stately homes, is a few miles west, and Dalmeny House is close by too. On New Year's Day the town hosts the Loony Dook, when people jump into the freezing Forth in fancy dress.
Getting around
- The High Street is narrow and parking is tight. Hawes Pier or the car park at Port Edgar work well as pick-up points.
- Edinburgh Airport is about ten minutes away, which makes Queensferry a good base for the last night of a trip.
- Dalmeny station is up the hill if some of the group are coming by train.
Prices and journey times from South Queensferry
| Journey | Distance | Drive | 8 seats from | 16 seats from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Queensferry to Edinburgh Airport | 4 mi | ~20 min | £90 | £195 |
| South Queensferry to Edinburgh Waverley Station | 10 mi | ~30 min | £75 | £200 |
| South Queensferry to Edinburgh city centre | 10 mi | ~30 min | £75 | £200 |
| South Queensferry to Murrayfield Stadium | 9 mi | ~25 min | £75 | £195 |
| South Queensferry to Glasgow Airport | 51 mi | ~80 min | £210 | £350 |
One-way prices for a weekday daytime pick-up, taken from our current rates. Late nights, weekends, returns and your exact address can change the figure, so use the booking form for the real price.
Questions about minibus hire in South Queensferry
How long does it take to get from South Queensferry to Edinburgh Airport?
It's about 4 miles by road, usually around 20 minutes outside rush hour. Leave more time for early-morning and Friday-evening flights. A one-way 8-seat minibus currently starts from £90.
Can you meet our cruise tender at Hawes Pier?
Yes. Choose South Queensferry as the pick-up and give the ship name in the notes. Tender times can change, so we keep an eye on the day and the driver will call you.
