Part of our Choosing an Edinburgh Airport transfer guide
Quick answer
Cruise ships calling at Edinburgh use four places: the Leith cruise terminal (smaller ships, about 3 miles from the city centre), tender landings at Newhaven, the South Queensferry anchorage beside the Forth bridges, and occasionally Rosyth. RTransfer runs fixed-price private transfers between all of them and Edinburgh Airport, your hotel or Glasgow, meeting you at the terminal or tender pier. Leith is about 30 minutes from the airport.
Where cruise ships dock for Edinburgh
| Port | Used by | Distance to the city |
|---|---|---|
| Leith cruise terminal | Smaller ships that can berth (up to about 220m) | About 3 miles; around 30 min to the airport |
| Newhaven (tender) | Large ships at anchor; passengers tendered ashore | About 2 miles north of the centre |
| South Queensferry (anchorage) | Large liners anchored by the Forth bridges | About 10 miles north-west |
| Rosyth | Occasional cruise calls | About 35 min across the Forth |
Source: CruiseMapper, checked October 2026. The main season runs from March to October.
Transfers we run
- Edinburgh Airport to your ship on embarkation day.
- Ship to Edinburgh Airport on disembarkation day, timed for your flight.
- Ship to your city hotel for a pre- or post-cruise stay.
- Port days: a private driver for the day, for example the Old Town, the coast or a whisky distillery.
- Glasgow and Greenock connections for itineraries that start or end in the west.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Tender ports take time. Allow extra time at Newhaven and South Queensferry: the tender crossing and queues add up.
- Give us your ship name and the pier or terminal from your cruise documents.
- Luggage: cruise suitcases are big. Four people with large cases usually need an estate or people carrier. See the fleet.
- Leave a buffer before flights: we suggest booking a flight at least 3–4 hours after disembarkation.
Prices
Every cruise transfer has one fixed price per vehicle, agreed before you travel, with free waiting at the pier if disembarkation runs late. Send your ship, date and destination for a quote, or see prices by vehicle. Staying a night first? See where to stay in Leith.
Frequently asked questions
Where do cruise ships dock in Edinburgh?
Smaller ships berth at the Leith cruise terminal. Larger ships anchor and tender passengers ashore at Newhaven or South Queensferry; Rosyth is used occasionally.
How long is the transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Leith cruise terminal?
About 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Can I book a private transfer from my cruise ship to Edinburgh Airport?
Yes. RTransfer meets you at the terminal or tender pier and drives you to the airport at a fixed price agreed in advance.
Sources
Facts, fares and timetables checked 29 October 2026. They change, so check with the operator before you travel.