Edinburgh's Best Boat Docking Spots For Sailors

If you're looking to dock your boat in Edinburgh, there are several options available to you. The Port of Leith, located northeast of Edinburgh, is Scotland's largest enclosed deep-water port and can accommodate up to two medium-sized ships. It is well-connected to the city centre via road and rail networks. Another option is South Queensferry, which is the port for Edinburgh for large cruise ships. Ships anchor in the River Forth, and tenders take passengers to Hawes Pier. Newhaven, a harbour with a pier west of Leith, and Rosyth, a port on the north side of the River Forth, are also possibilities.

Port of Leith

The Port of Leith is an excellent option for docking your boat in Edinburgh. Located just under three miles from the heart of Edinburgh, the port offers easy access to the city centre via road and rail networks. It is Scotland's largest enclosed deep-water port, capable of accommodating up to two medium-sized ships or vessels up to 50,000 deadweight tonnes.

The port provides excellent customer service and state-of-the-art facilities for vessel navigation and loading/unloading. It also offers on-site parking with 1,600 parking spaces and amenities such as Wi-Fi and cafes within the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, which is also home to the Royal Yacht Britannia.

The Port of Leith is a popular choice for cruise lines, including Silversea Whisper, Star Clippers, Oceania, Azamara, and Scenic. It is also well-positioned for all North Sea shipping activities and has excellent links to other local ports.

For those travelling to the port, it is approximately a 400-mile journey from London via the M6 and A1 to A19 and A199, and there are car-parking facilities located on-site. Alternatively, a regular train service from London St Pancras to Edinburgh Waverley takes about 5.5 hours.

South Queensferry

There are several transportation options to get from South Queensferry to Edinburgh and beyond. After docking, you can take a tender to shore and then a direct bus from Hawes Pier to the city centre. The bus fare is £6 for a one-way adult ticket and £10 for a day ticket. The bus journey takes 25 minutes.

Alternatively, you can walk to Dalmeny Station, which is the nearest train station to the pier. Trains depart frequently, with a journey time of 20 minutes to Waverley Station (Edinburgh city centre). A one-way ticket costs £5.20, while a same-day return is £9.30.

You can also take a taxi to Edinburgh, which costs between £25 and £30 one way.

Things to do in South Queensferry

In South Queensferry, you can walk along the waterfront, visit the Priory Church of St Mary, browse the shops, or relax in a sidewalk cafe.

Newhaven

The Port of Leith, which is located just under three miles from the heart of Edinburgh, can easily accommodate up to two medium-sized ships. It is Scotland's largest enclosed deep-water port and is capable of handling vessels up to 50,000 deadweight tonnes. The port has excellent customer satisfaction and state-of-the-art lock entrance. The Edinburgh Cruise Port at Leith offers Wi-Fi, restrooms, and seating, while the nearby Ocean Terminal mall has banks, eateries, and more.

Rosyth

If you are docking at Rosyth, you may be interested in visiting Edinburgh, which is around 18km away. The city is accessible by bus, train, taxi, or car. The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing £6 one way and £10 for a day ticket. Trains from Dalmeny Station to Edinburgh Waverley Station take 20 minutes and cost £5.20 one way or £9.30 for a same-day return. A taxi will cost between £25 and £30 one way.

Ocean Terminal

If you are travelling to the Ocean Terminal by car, it is 400 miles from London via the M6 and A1 to A19 and A199, and there are car parking facilities located at the terminal. If travelling by train, there is a regular service from London St Pancras to Edinburgh Waverley that takes approximately 5.5 hours.

Once you arrive at the terminal, there are various transportation options to get into Edinburgh's city centre. Bus services 11, 22, or 34 travel to Princes Street and offer a 25-minute journey. Adult bus fares are £1.80 for a single trip or £4.50 for a day ticket. You can also take a taxi, which will cost between £25 and £30 one way.

The Ocean Terminal is a great starting point for exploring Edinburgh and its surrounding areas. The Royal Yacht Britannia is a must-see for fans of ships and royalty. Edinburgh's Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Mile are also popular attractions that can be reached from the terminal.

Frequently asked questions