Edinburgh to St Andrews Road Trip

1. Edinburgh to South Queensferry

Leaving Edinburgh, head east to South Queensferry via the A90. This drive should take around 30 minutes. This lovely town in the west of Edinburgh offers magnificent views of the famous Forth Bridges. Car parks in South Queensferry.

Stop here for lovely walks along the water front, quirky shops and places to eat and drink. In the warmer months, you can also take a boat trip from South Queensferry with Maid of The Forth. Their sightseeing cruise takes you on a tour of the Firth of Forth and its amazing wildlife, travelling under all three of the bridges. There are also extended trips, which include a stop off at Inchcolm Island, a small historic island and abbey.

2. Over the Queensferry Crossing

Now it’s time to travel north over the Queensferry Crossing and into Fife. This elegant bridge, which opened in 2017, runs adjacent to the Forth Road Bridge, built in 1964, and the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, 1889. Spanning three centuries of engineering, the three Forth Bridges are a modern wonder!

3. Along the Fife Coastal Route

As you come off the bridge and cross into Fife, follow the Fife Coastal Route, which takes the scenic route along the east coast of Scotland. Passing through towns and villages including Elie, St Monans, Pitenweem, Anstruther, Crail, Kingsbarns, all the way up to St Andrews. This is one of our favourite routes in Scotland, taking in stunning views around the East Neuk of Fife.

There are lots of interesting attractions to visit along the way, depending on your interests. Such as Aberdour Castle, Kirkaldy Galleries, Scottish Fisheries Museum and Kingsbarns Distillery.

4. Fife Coastal Route to St Andrews

Our final stop along the Fife Coastal Route is St Andrews. This historic town is famous for its university and golf courses. There is plenty to see and do here. Where to park in St Andrews.

Be sure to explore the remains of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle, both important landmarks in the town with a fascinating history. Discover more about the town at St Andrews Museum. Take a walk along West Sands Beach. Relax at St Andrews Botanic Garden. Visit St Andrews Aquarium to see marine creatures, including a variety of fish, sharks, octopus and seals, along with other animals such as meerkats, reptiles and arachnids. Or visit the British Golf Museum to learn the story of golf from the Middle Ages to the present day.

There are plenty of nice places to eat and drink in St Andrews too. We recommend The Rav for fresh, seasonal food and a great atmosphere.

5. St Andrews to Edinburgh 

From St Andrews, it is a 1.5 hour drive via the A92, back to your comfortable room at Parliament House Hotel in Edinburgh. Or, if you have time, you can go back the way you came, taking the scenic route along the coastline.