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8 Day Trips from Edinburgh Without a Car for Shameless Fun

Jordan Campbell
Ruined stone castle on a grassy hill overlooking a wide lake surrounded by rolling green hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Winding paths and low stone walls lead through the historic site, emphasizing its scenic and elevated position above the water.
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Let me be real with you. Even though I absolutely loved my Scotland road trip, I didn’t do any of the driving. I left that all up to Jeff. And driving through Scotland is no walk in the park—lots of long, single-lane roads that could make even the most seasoned drivers nervous. But skipping on car rentals doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Scotland. Far from it—you can take loads of different day trips from Edinburgh without a car, from Loch Ness to North Berwick.

NOTE: THIS POST HAS BEEN SPONSORED AND/OR CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THROUGH WHICH I EARN A COMMISSION AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. SUPPORT A WOMAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (LIKE MINE!) TODAY. (P.S. ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE MY OWN. OF COURSE.)

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Where To Stay in Edinburgh

If you want to travel in Scotland without a car, proximity to some decent public transportation is key. So for that reason, I’d recommend ibis Styles Edinburgh Centre St Andrew Square.

It’s just a eight-minute walk from the Edinburgh Waverley Station and two minutes from the St Andrew Square Tram Stop. Plus, you can bank on a clean, comfortable room when you’re bombed out from traveling all day.

Modern bar interior with a long wooden counter lined with green upholstered stools and shelves of liquor bottles and glassware behind it. Warm pendant lights hang overhead while small round marble tables with orange chairs sit on a herringbone wood floor, creating a cozy and stylish seating area with plants and patterned walls in the background.
Stylish bathroom with green textured tile walls, a white rectangular sink with black fixtures, and a large mirror above it. A glass enclosed shower sits beside a wall mounted toilet, and black and white checkered floor tiles add contrast to the space.
Hotel exterior at dusk with warm lighting illuminating a stone facade and symmetrical windows. A green sign reading "ibis Styles" hangs above the entrance, which is framed by columns, potted plants, and steps leading up to glass doors revealing a colorful lobby inside.
Cozy lounge seating area with colorful chairs and small round tables set against a wall of framed posters and artwork. Warm globe pendant lights hang overhead while a red neon wall graphic glows beside a booth, adding a vibrant and retro atmosphere to the space.
Modern hotel room with a neatly made bed featuring white linens and an orange frame positioned beside open shelving with plants and decor. Large glass doors lead to a balcony with outdoor seating and a city view, while a wall mounted TV and soft lighting create a clean and inviting space.

PHOTO CREDITS: IBIS STYLES EDINBURGH CENTRE ST ANDREW SQUARE VIA HOTELS.COM

PLANNING A TRIP TO EDINBURGH SOON?

Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to kickstart your plans!

Popular Tours & Activities in Edinburgh:

Top Places to Stay in Edinburgh:

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No Car, No Problem: Day Trips from Edinburgh You’ll Love

If you plan to take any day trips from Edinburgh without a car, there are three main options: train, bus, or group tour. As always, I recommend using Rome2Rio to figure out if public transportation, either train or bus, makes sense for you, or if you’d prefer the convenience of a small group tour.

I’ll leave that part up to you to decide after seeing the excellent options I have for you below!

North Berwick

Settled on the coast just thirty minutes from Edinburgh, North Berwick is perfect for a quick breath of fresh air outside the city. There are many things to see – from two different castles to the Scottish Seabird Centre and the National Museum of Flight. That’s not even mentioning all of the natural wonders nearby, like Seacliff Beach and Bass Rock.

You don’t want to miss it if you love the seaside, and especially if it’s summer and you need a break from the heat. (Not that Scotland gets all that hot in the first place, but you know what I mean.)

Not only is it easy to get to by either train or bus, but cheap, too. Although, the price may increase depending on when you’re traveling, so use Rome2Rio or ScotRail directly to check fare prices.

Rocky island rising steeply from the sea with a white lighthouse and small buildings perched near the base. The cliffs and grassy slopes are covered in dense seabird colonies, with birds circling above against a partly cloudy sky.
Wide sandy beach with a coastal town of colorful houses lining the shore under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. People walk along the shoreline and gather on the sand, while a church tower rises above the buildings in the background.
Ruined stone castle perched on a grassy cliff overlooking the ocean, with waves crashing against the rocky shoreline below. Sunlight highlights the weathered walls and surrounding landscape, while a narrow path and bridge connect the historic structure to the mainland.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com

Linlithgow

If you’ve ever seen the TV series Outlander, here’s your fun fact for the day: scenes of the show were filmed in Linlithgow! Specifically, Blackness Castle was used to portray Fort William. Other things filmed here include Mary Queen of Scots, Outlaw King, and a 1990 Hamlet film.

Even without this TV and movie trivia, though, this town is chock full of history and gorgeous architecture. Some highlights include the Cross Well, Linlithgow Palace, the House of the Binns, and St. Michael’s Parish Church. You can even take a boat trip from the Linlithgow Canal Centre between April and September.

Linlithgow is only a 25-minute train ride away, making it an easy Edinburgh day trip. Train and bus fare are pretty similar, but the bus journey is three times as long, making a train ride the clear winner.

Stone buildings of a historic waterfront castle sit on a rocky shoreline beside calm water under an overcast sky. A narrow path runs along a stone wall toward the structure, emphasizing its coastal position and fortified design.
Canal scene with colorful narrowboats moored along calm water reflecting the surroundings. A small floating platform with a decorated tree sits in the center, while low buildings and leafless trees line the canal under an overcast sky.
Large historic stone castle set on a grassy hill under a clear blue sky, with warm sunlight highlighting its textured walls and small windows. A narrow path leads up along the side of the building, emphasizing its elevated position and imposing structure.
Stone sculpture of a unicorn rearing on its hind legs, wearing a carved crown and holding a shield. The weathered surface and detailed carving stand out against a blurred stone building in the background, emphasizing its historic and decorative character.

PHOTO CREDIT: KIM TRAYNOR, CC BY-SA 3.0. DepositPhotos.com.

Stirling

Stirling has some of the most stunning architecture in Scotland, from the Old Town Jail to the National Wallace Monument to – of course – Stirling Castle. Outlander or Game of Thrones fans will want to visit Doune Castle, which is close by and worth hopping on a local bus to check out. It’s the site of Castle Leoch in Outlander and Winterfell in the first season of Game of Thrones, as well.

But there’s a lot more to this place than stuffy old stone buildings. It has some of the best distilleries for touring (both in terms of history and tasty samples) and a wildlife reserve for red kites and other animals. (Kite as in the bird, not the kid’s toy that you fly in the air. A mistake my sleep-deprived brain made when I first looked it up.)

This carless day trip will take you about 50 minutes by train. The Argaty Red Kites Reserve is best in the morning, so make sure to grab an early train if that’s what you’re keen on!

Large red stone castle with thick defensive walls and a central tower rising above a grassy hill. A small arched entrance sits at the base, while the structure stands against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, emphasizing its solid and imposing design.
Bird of prey in flight with wings fully extended, showing detailed brown and white feathers and a hooked beak. The bird glides against a softly blurred green background, emphasizing its motion and sharp focus.
Tall stone tower monument rising above dense green trees on a hill, with detailed spires at the top. Rolling hills and a wide landscape stretch into the distance under a bright sky with scattered clouds, emphasizing its elevated and scenic location.
Stone statue of a crowned medieval figure holding a sword, standing on a pedestal with a carved shield. The monument is set in front of historic stone buildings and walls, with dramatic clouds overhead emphasizing the scene’s historic atmosphere.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com

Burntisland

Think you might want a stroll on the beach? Burntisland doesn’t have California’s sun and sand, but it has its own unique charm. Its pebble beaches make for a refreshing stroll, and its coastal woodlands are very picturesque. You can see all that and more from the trails crisscrossing the hill overlooking Burntisland called The Binn, which has Instagram-worthy views from the summit.

Follow these directions up to the trails or use a hiking app, such as AllTrails. You can get to Burntisland by train in about forty minutes from Edinburgh’s city center.

Curved sandy beach bordered by a seaside promenade with black railings and benches, with a few people walking along the shoreline. Calm water stretches to the right while houses and trees line the hillside in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Elevated view over a coastal town with rows of houses and green spaces leading down to a wide bay. A harbor and breakwater extend into the water while distant hills sit beneath an overcast sky, emphasizing the town’s seaside setting.

PHOTO CREDIT: COLIN PARK AND MAT FASCIONE, CC BY-SA 2.0

The Village of Roslin

Don’t want to be on a crammed group tour bus ride? No worries. You can head to Roslin instead. It’s close by, making it one of the easiest day trips from Edinburgh without a car.

This little village is the perfect getaway to free yourself from the crushing crowds of tourists that flock elsewhere. It’s a tranquil, peaceful place, home to the Roslin Glen Country Park. There you’ll find the fascinating ruins of the Roslin Gunpowder Factory if you’re in for a little bit of mystery, the Rosslyn Chapel and Castle (yes, I spelled that correctly), along with all kinds of river, woodland, and grasslands animals.

To get to Roslin, there are a few different buses you can hop aboard, but I’d recommend the Edinburgh-Penicuik Lothian Bus 37, which is about a 45-minute trip and ranges from £2 to £4 for a single trip, depending on how late you’re riding. Catch the bus from Princes Street in Edinburgh.

Stone memorial monument set in a grassy area with trees in the background, featuring an engraved plaque that reads "BATTLE OF ROSLIN 24th FEBRUARY 1303". The weathered stone blocks and surrounding low wall emphasize its historical significance and outdoor setting.
Small stone ruins of a narrow building with partial walls and arched openings, set in a wooded area beside a stream. Moss and vegetation cover the structure, and sunlight filters through the trees, highlighting its aged and abandoned character.
Close up of a carved stone gargoyle protruding from a historic building, shaped like a snarling animal with its mouth open. Intricate Gothic stonework surrounds it, with weathered textures and detailed patterns highlighting the craftsmanship.
Ornate Gothic stone building with tall arched windows, intricate carvings, and pointed spires along the roofline. Sunlight illuminates the detailed facade while a small courtyard with gravel and neatly trimmed hedges sits in front, emphasizing its historic and architectural grandeur.

PHOTO CREDIT: JIM BARTON, CC BY-SA 2.0. ROSSER1954, CC BY-SA 4.0. DepositPhotos.com.

Glasglow

If you’re a fan of street art, definitely check out the Glasgow Mural Trail to see the best street murals in the city. You can do a self-guided walking tour while in Glasgow for one day, or follow my full one day in Glasgow guide if you want someone else to do the planning while you just show up and vibe.

If you’re trying to keep things budget-friendly, there are loads of free things to do in Glasgow, from museums that are actually worth your time to wandering leafy parks when the rare Scottish sun makes an appearance. And when the weather inevitably does its moody thing, that’s your cue to duck into one of the city’s many bars.

Speaking of which, Glasgow does not mess around when it comes to a good night out. Whether you’re after low-key speakeasy vibes or something a little boujee, the cocktail bars in Glasgow will sort you out quickly. Want to level it up? Head for the rooftop bars in glasgow and sip something strong while pretending you’re not checking the forecast every five minutes.

Glasgow is only an hour away by train, which will go by in a flash with the dreamy Scottish countryside as a backdrop from your train window.

Modern riverside scene at dusk with a large illuminated arena featuring curved panel-like sections beside calm water. A cable stayed pedestrian bridge with lights stretches across the river in the foreground, with reflections shimmering on the surface and city lights glowing in the background.
Gothic stone church with tall arched windows and intricate stained glass, viewed from below against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A decorative street lamp with a crest and hanging light stands in the foreground, adding detail to the historic streetscape.
Large mural painted on a brick wall showing two cartoon style figures dressed in streetwear posed like marionettes. Above them, oversized hands control strings attached to their limbs, while a boombox and small TV sit between them, adding a playful yet thought provoking urban art scene.
Grand stone hall with symmetrical rows of columns supporting vaulted ceilings made of intersecting arches. Soft light filters through the space, drawing the eye down the central corridor toward a softly lit doorway at the far end.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com

Loch Ness

Come on, Loch Ness is legendary. Why not visit? It’s the perfect chance to channel your inner Sherlock (or Buzzfeed Unsolved) to see if you can figure out whether old Nessie is a real-life monster. Who knows, maybe it’s some long-lost cryptid. Loch Ness is over 22 miles long and deep AF, after all, so something could be hiding there. It’s not the first mystery I’ve tackled, and it won’t be the last.

As for how to get there, the easiest way is by one of the many group bus tours offered. To drive there on your own would be about 4 hours, so trust me, joining a group tour is far better than schlepping up there via train. That would take a good 5 hours, with the added hassle of transferring to a bus at Inverness since Loch Ness doesn’t have any train stations.

Besides, quite a few tours will make stops throughout the Highlands, like this one from Edinburgh that makes additional stops to stretch your legs at Urquhart Castle and Glencoe National Nature Reserve. There are so many other tours to choose from that all make different stops, so check them out and choose your fave!

Weathered wooden structure with a tall vertical post supported by angled beams, set on a grassy hillside under a cloudy sky. The aged wood shows moss and wear, suggesting a historic or reconstructed mechanism in a rural outdoor setting.
Ruined stone castle on a grassy hill overlooking a wide lake surrounded by rolling green hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Winding paths and low stone walls lead through the historic site, emphasizing its scenic and elevated position above the water.
Stone archway within a ruined castle with thick textured walls and a paved walkway leading through it. The opening frames a view of a lake and distant green hills beyond, highlighting the historic structure’s elevated and scenic location.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com

The Highlands

You can do a combo tour with Loch Ness, or you can do a tour that just visits the Highlands. Some of these tours will make stops in places you can get to by train (like Stirling, for example), so they’re ideal if you want to see all the “big” attractions around the highlands in one go.

There are loads of tours to choose from. Glencoe and Ben Nevis, both breathtaking mountains, are classic stops, but you don’t have to limit yourself if, say, you’d rather head to Trossachs Wollen Mill in Kilmahog and feed cows. Here’s another example – the Kelpies, the Glen Ogle Viaduct, Loch Lomond, and more on this whirlwind tour from Edinburgh. There are even themed tours, like a Harry Potter Hogwarts Express tour and Whisky and Waterfalls day trip.

It’s best to scroll through the tours available and pick one that calls you. I’d recommend searching Viator for a tour that fits your interests since I have used them and have always been happy with their tours.

Lush green valley surrounded by steep rocky mountains under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A narrow path winds through the grass and toward the center of the valley, emphasizing the dramatic landscape and sense of scale.
Steam train crossing a long stone viaduct with multiple arches set in a lush green valley surrounded by forested hills. White steam trails behind the red carriages as the train moves through the dramatic landscape under a cloudy sky.
Close up of a Highland cow with long shaggy reddish brown hair covering its eyes and wide curved horns extending outward. The animal stands against a soft green field background, highlighting its distinctive fur texture and expressive face.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com

Car Free Adventures From Edinburgh is Just the Beginning

At the end of the day, ditching the car doesn’t mean you’re missing out. It just means you’re doing Scotland a little smarter and with way less stress.

Base yourself in Edinburgh, hop on a train or bus, and suddenly you’ve got castles, coastlines, and maybe even Nessie on your itinerary without ever touching a steering wheel. If you’re still piecing things together for your version of the best trip to Scotland ever, check out my Scotland itineraries for the big picture, or start simple with one day in Edinburgh before branching out.

And if your plans include sampling a little Scottish whisky or hunting down spots in Edinburgh that feel a bit more off the beaten path, well… you know what I’ll say about that – you’re already doing it right. Now go forth, grab a window seat, and let Scotland show off a bit.

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