Day trips from Edinburgh: what to expect
Day trips from Edinburgh leave from the city and not from the castle. The meeting point belongs to each product, so check it on the booking page. The three classic choices are the Highlands with Loch Ness and Glencoe, Stirling with its castle, and St Andrews on the coast of Fife. Loch Lomond has its own guide, with trips and cruises on the lake.
The prices below are from-prices for adults in 2026. They do not promise a seat on a given date, and a from-price is not an average of the market.
Our picks: day trips from Edinburgh
Our take: Loch Ness and Glencoe make the long Highlands day, Glenfinnan adds the viaduct, and the Loch Lomond tour is shorter.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands from Edinburgh
- Air-conditioned coach
- Driver-guide
- Live commentary
A long day by coach with a driver-guide; the Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle come with the matching option.
Check availability →
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe and Highlands day tour
- Air-conditioned coach
- Driver-guide
- Glenfinnan visitor centre
A day by coach to Glencoe and the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint; the steam train ride is not included.
Check availability →Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies tour
- Air-conditioned coach
- Driver-guide
- Live commentary
Nine hours by coach; the Loch Lomond cruise and Stirling Castle entry are optional extras.
Check availability →Day trips from Edinburgh
Highlands, Loch Ness, Stirling, St Andrews and more, with live prices and availability.
Day trips compared
Example adult from-prices in 2026.
| Trip | Day length | From price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands | 12 to 13 hours | £59 | Minicoach up to 16 guests, stops at Rannoch Moor and the Great Glen |
| Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Kelpies | – | £64 | Check whether castle entry is included |
| St Andrews and Fife | 9 to 10 hours | – | About 90 minutes of driving each way, 3 to 4 hours there |
Check each tour page for entry fees, a lunch stop and a boat trip. A Loch Ness tour does not always include a cruise on the loch, and Stirling tours do not always include the castle. For most visitors with one free day who want big scenery, the Highlands tour is the strongest choice. If you want a shorter day, St Andrews or Stirling fit better.
The trips in detail
What each day involves.
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands
The route runs past Loch Ness, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and through the Great Glen. The 12 to 13 hours count the transfers, so the time at the loch itself is much shorter. Pack for changing weather.
Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Kelpies
This day links Stirling Castle with Loch Lomond and the Kelpies. Stirling is also easy as a separate trip by train: check the current fares and timetable before you plan.
St Andrews and Fife
The St Andrews day is 9 to 10 hours in total, with 3 to 4 hours in the town. The drive takes about 90 minutes each way. These figures are estimates, not a fixed timetable.
Loch Lomond
The lake and the national park have their own guide at visitlochlomond.org, with places to see, cruises and the weather.
The Explorer Pass for castles
Stirling, Urquhart and Edinburgh on one pass.
The Explorer Pass covers Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, among other sites. It is valid for 14 consecutive days from your start date, with one visit per site. It is not a pass you can split over any days you like. Reserve a time slot in advance to be sure of entry.
| Visitor | 1 April to 31 October 2026 | Winter from 1 November |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £48 | £38 |
| Concession | £39 | £31 |
| Child, 7 to 15 | £29 | £23 |
| Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) | £100 | £80 |
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is not included. The pass is not transferable and not refundable. Concessions apply to ages 65 and over, full-time students with ID and unemployed UK visitors with proof. Winter prices run until late March. In February and March 2027 pass holders cannot pre-book Stirling Castle entry in advance. For most visitors the pass is worth comparing when Edinburgh and Stirling both go on the list within two weeks.
Plan a day trip around the castle
Keep castle day and day trip apart.
Do not stack them
A Highland day tour takes 12 to 13 hours. Visit the castle on another day and give it at least 2 hours.
Castle tickets →Start points
Meeting points are in the city, not at the castle gate. Allow time to reach the start point from your hotel.
Getting there →Season
The castle stays open longer from April to September. Highland weather can change quickly in any month.
Best time to visit →If your day trip goes by train, you will start at Waverley Station, about 0.4 miles from the castle and uphill to reach it.
Day trips from Edinburgh: frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Edinburgh?
That depends on what you want. The Highlands with Loch Ness and Glencoe suit big scenery, Stirling suits a castle, and St Andrews suits a coastal town. The table above shows examples and not a ranking.
How long is a Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh?
Plan for 12 to 13 hours including the transfers. Time at the loch is much shorter.
How much does a day trip from Edinburgh cost?
A Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands tour starts from £59 and a Stirling, Loch Lomond and Kelpies tour from £64 for adults in 2026. These are from-prices without a promise for a date.
Can I do Loch Lomond in a day from Edinburgh?
Yes, there are day trips that include it. For the lake itself, see the Loch Lomond guide on visitlochlomond.org.
Is this the official Edinburgh Castle site?
No. This is an independent guide, not run by Historic Environment Scotland, Edinburgh Castle or any tour operator.