Majestic Princess
13% offoceanview
EuropeEurope - Western Europe
South Queensferry Cruise Port
South Queensferry (edinburgh), Scotland
South Queensferry is a small town located in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Ships in port today
- Majestic Princess8:00A — 8:00P
Safety rank
#774
of 1018 ports in the Europe
Today · high / low
72° / 36°
September normals
Europe - Western Europe
South Queensferry (edinburgh), Scotland
// South Queensferry cruise port overview
The cruise port in South Queensferry,
explained
Lat: 56.0°NLong: 3.4°WTimezone: Europe/LondonINTN code: QFYKS
South Queensferry is a small town located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is situated on the Firth of Forth, a large estuary that separates the Scottish Lowlands from the Highlands.
The town is known for its picturesque harbour, which is lined with colourful boats and yachts. The town is also home to the iconic Forth Bridge, a cantilever railway bridge that spans the Firth of Forth and connects Edinburgh to Fife.
The bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist attraction. South Queensferry is also home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of a 12th century castle and a 16th century church.
The town is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs, making it a great place to explore and enjoy the local culture. South Queensferry is a great place to visit for its stunning views, historical sites, and vibrant atmosphere.
Ships visiting
6 lines
9 ships call at South Queensferry
Peak passenger day
3,780
cruise passengers ashore
Excursions from
$81
per person · 31 tours
Most ships dock at
8:00 AM
arrival for 68% of calls
Average port time
12h
alongside, typical call
Excursions in South Queensferry start at $81.
Browse South Queensferry excursions// South Queensferry Cruise Deals
Price drops on cruises to South Queensferry
134 cruises stop here in South Queensferry during the next 12 months. The cruise price drops below represent the largest decrease in price against each South Queensferry cruise's 90-day average.
Prices refreshed daily
MSC Preziosa
13% offbalcony
Majestic Princess
8% offinside
MSC Preziosa
7% offinside
MSC Preziosa
6% offinside
Queen Victoria
5% offinside
Norwegian Star
4% offinside
Majestic Princess
4% offbalcony
// South Queensferry Cruise Port location
Where is South Queensferry Cruise Port?
South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland cruise port is located on the Firth of Forth, just 10 miles west of Edinburgh city centre. The port is situated on the south side of the Forth Road Bridge, and is easily accessible from the M90 motorway. The port is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering stunning views of the Forth Bridge and the surrounding area. The nearby town of South Queensferry is a charming village with a variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs. The area is also home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of the 12th century St. Margaret's Chapel and the 16th century Hopetoun House.
- General location
- Europe
- Category
- Europe - Western Europe
- Coordinates
- 56.00°N, 3.41°W
- Time zone
- Europe/London
Cruise port · 56.00°N, 3.41°W
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// South Queensferry cruise port guide
What to do in South Queensferry
A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.
Your day ashore
You'll have about 12 hours in South Queensferry. Most ships dock around 8:00 AM.
Median across 27 scheduled calls
Ways to spend the day
3 themesTheme 1
Boating
Boating is a great way to explore the area around South Queensferry. You can take in the stunning views of the Forth Bridges, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding countryside. You can also explore the nearby villages and towns, and take in the local culture and history. Whether you're looking for a leisurely cruise or a more adventurous sailing trip, you'll find something to suit your needs. You can also take part in a variety of water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Theme 2
Cycling
Cycling is a great way to explore the area around South Queensferry. There are plenty of routes to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. You can take in the stunning views of the Forth Bridges, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding countryside. You can also explore the nearby villages and towns, and take in the local culture and history. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a more strenuous cycle, you'll find something to suit your needs.
Theme 3
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to explore the stunning scenery of South Queensferry. There are a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike, you'll find something to suit your needs. You can also take in the breathtaking views of the Forth Bridges, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding countryside.
South Queensferry cruise port beaches
3 in our guideC
Cramond Beach
Cramond Beach is a stunning beach located near South Queensferry in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and lush greenery, making it a great spot to relax and take in the views. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and seabirds.
S
Silverknowes Beach
Silverknowes Beach is a beautiful beach located near South Queensferry in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. The beach is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and lush greenery, making it a great spot to relax and take in the views. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and seabirds. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby for a bite to eat.
P
Portobello Beach
Portobello Beach is a popular beach located near South Queensferry in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and seabirds. The beach is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and lush greenery, making it a great spot to relax and take in the views. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby for a bite to eat.
// South Queensferry fun facts
The Forth Bridge
The Forth Bridge is a cantilever railway bridge over the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland. It is considered an iconic structure and a symbol of Scotland, and was the world's longest single cantilever bridge span when it was built in 1890. It has been given Category A listed status by Historic Scotland, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Deep Sea World
The Deep Sea World is an aquarium located in South Queensferry. It is the largest aquarium in Scotland, and is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, seahorses, and more. Visitors can explore the aquarium's many exhibits, and even take part in a shark dive experience.
The Hawes Inn
The Hawes Inn is a historic pub located in South Queensferry. It is believed to be the oldest pub in Scotland, having been established in 1610. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and is known for its traditional Scottish fare and live music. It is also a great place to enjoy a pint of local beer or whisky.
South Queensferry cruise port shopping
3 in our guideT
The Ferry Shop
The Ferry Shop is a great place to find souvenirs from South Queensferry. Located right on the waterfront, the shop offers a wide selection of items, from traditional Scottish souvenirs to unique gifts. You can find everything from tartan scarves and kilts to whisky glasses and shortbread. The shop also has a selection of books and postcards, as well as a range of local crafts and artwork. The friendly staff are always happy to help you find the perfect souvenir to take home.
T
The Queensferry Gift Shop
The Queensferry Gift Shop is a great place to find souvenirs from South Queensferry. The shop offers a wide selection of items, from traditional Scottish souvenirs to unique gifts. You can find everything from tartan scarves and kilts to whisky glasses and shortbread. The shop also has a selection of books and postcards, as well as a range of local crafts and artwork. The shop also has a range of handmade items, making it a great place to find something truly unique to take home.
T
The Queensferry Museum
The Queensferry Museum is a great place to find souvenirs from South Queensferry. The museum has a wide selection of items, from traditional Scottish souvenirs to unique gifts. You can find everything from tartan scarves and kilts to whisky glasses and shortbread. The museum also has a selection of books and postcards, as well as a range of local crafts and artwork. The museum also has a range of interactive exhibits and activities, making it a great place to learn about the history of the area.
// South Queensferry Cruise Port Terminals
Which South Queensferry cruise terminal will your ship use?
Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.
3 piers in South Queensferry
Pier 1 of 3
Port Edgar Marina
South Queensferry, Edinburgh EH30 9SQ, UKPort Edgar Marina is a major cruise ship terminal located in South Queensferry, Edinburgh. It is a popular destination for tourists, with a number of restaurants, bars, and shops located nearby. The marina is also home to a number of other activities, including fishing, cargo handling, and leisure activities. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, with many vessels stopping here on their way to and from the North Sea.
Pier 2 of 3
Port of Leith
Ocean Drive, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, UKThe Port of Leith is a major cruise ship terminal located in South Queensferry, Edinburgh. It is the largest port in Scotland and is a major hub for cruise ships, with many vessels stopping here on their way to and from the North Sea. The port is also home to a number of other activities, including fishing, cargo handling, and leisure activities. It is a popular destination for tourists, with a number of restaurants, bars, and shops located nearby.
Pier 3 of 3
Queensferry Harbour
Queensferry, Edinburgh EH30 9SQ, UKQueensferry Harbour is a major cruise ship terminal located in South Queensferry, Edinburgh. It is a popular destination for tourists, with a number of restaurants, bars, and shops located nearby. The harbour is also home to a number of other activities, including fishing, cargo handling, and leisure activities. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, with many vessels stopping here on their way to and from the North Sea.
Wi-Fi
The South Queensferry (Edinburgh) cruise port does not have any public wifi access. However, there are several cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the area that offer free wifi access.
Safety
South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland is a very safe cruise port. The area is well-patrolled by police and security personnel, and there are no known safety concerns for visitors. The local community is friendly and welcoming, and the area is generally considered to be a safe place to visit.
Port address
Port of South QueensferryEsplanadeSouth QueensferryEdinburghEH30 9SQScotland
South Queensferry cruise port car rental
Arnold Clark Car & Van RentalEuropcarEnterprise Rent-A-CarAvisHertz
Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.
// South Queensferry (edinburgh), Scotland cruise port excursions
Most Popular South Queensferry Cruise Port Tours
31 excursions · book direct with the operator
Independent shore excursions in South Queensferry (edinburgh), Scotland, booked directly with the operator who runs them. We flag the ones that guarantee you're back on board before the gangway lifts.
Best South Queensferry shore tours
Curated from 31 · not a search result
Worry-free3.9(43)$82
Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia
Worry-free5.0(36)$589
St Andrews, Kingdom of Fife & Fishing Villages – Private Day Tour
8hPrivate Sightseeing Tours
View Details for St Andrews, Kingdom of Fife & Fishing Villages – Private Day Tour (opens in a new tab)
4.1(31)$893
Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Glenlivet-Glenallachie-Strathisla
12hPrivate Sightseeing Tours
View Details for Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Glenlivet-Glenallachie-Strathisla (opens in a new tab)
Worry-free5.0(22)$638
Edinburgh: Privately Guided Day Tour of Glasgow in Luxury Minivan
4.8(17)$618
Edinburgh: Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond Private Luxury Day Tour
4.9(14)$687
Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Highlands Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour
12hPrivate Sightseeing Tours
View Details for Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Highlands Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour (opens in a new tab)
5.0(11)$584
Edinburgh: West Highlands Privately Guided Day Tour in Luxury MPV
8hPrivate Sightseeing Tours
View Details for Edinburgh: West Highlands Privately Guided Day Tour in Luxury MPV (opens in a new tab)
3.8(10)$604
Private Highland whisky tour from Edinburgh- Build your own tour!
// Weather
South Queensferry Cruise Port Weather
Europe - Western Europe·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · South Queensferry
54°
Avg · °F
Mild, occasional showers
- High
- 72°F
- Low
- 36°F
- Rain
- 2.5 in
// Year-round in South Queensferry
Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.
Avg temp °FRainfall in
// South Queensferry cruise ship schedule
South Queensferry Cruise Port Traffic Today
One cruise ship is docked in South Queensferry today, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, bringing an estimated 4,906 passengers and crew ashore across the port's 3 piers — Port Edgar Marina, Queensferry Harbour and Port of Leith. Arrival and departure times below show how long each ship stays alongside, so you can judge how crowded South Queensferry will be while you're in port.
Schedule updated
Total port traffic
4,906
- Passengers
- 3,560
- Crew
- 1,346
- Ships
- 1
How busy is it?
Moderate
4,906 passengers and crew — about average for South Queensferry.
QuietTypical · 4,890Peak
5 AM8 AM11 AM2 PM5 PM8 PM11 PM
5 AM to midnight · solid bar = hours alongside · faded = arrival only, departure not published
Planning around the crowds?
- South Queensferry cruise port schedule 2026, day by day
- Slowest & busiest day analysis
- Complete cruise line & ship visitor list
// Keep exploring
Also on your cruise
89% of South Queensferry cruises also call at one of these.
// Questions
South Queensferry cruise port, answered
The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in South Queensferry.
Where is South Queensferry cruise port located?
South Queensferry (edinburgh), Scotland cruise port is located in Europe. South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland cruise port is located on the Firth of Forth, just 10 miles west of Edinburgh city centre. The port is situated on the south side of the Forth Road Bridge, and is easily accessible from the M90 motorway. The port is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering stunning views of the Forth Bridge and the surrounding area. The nearby town of South Queensferry is a charming village with a variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs. The area is also home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of the 12th century St. Margaret's Chapel and the 16th century Hopetoun House.
Is South Queensferry a good cruise port to visit?
Yes, South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland is a great cruise port. It is located on the Firth of Forth, just outside of Edinburgh, and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. There are a variety of cruise lines that offer cruises from South Queensferry, including Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises. The port is also home to a variety of attractions, including the Forth Bridge, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Forth Road Bridge.
How safe is South Queensferry cruise port for passengers?
South Queensferry cruise port has a safety score of 7.5 out of 10, ranking #774 of 1018 ports in Europe. South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland is a very safe cruise port. The area is well-patrolled by police and security personnel, and there are no known safety concerns for visitors. The local community is friendly and welcoming, and the area is generally considered to be a safe place to visit.
What is the weather like at South Queensferry cruise port in September?
In September, South Queensferry cruise port has average high temperatures of 72°F (22°C) and average lows of 36°F (2°C).
How many excursions are available at South Queensferry cruise port?
There are currently 31 excursions and tours available at South Queensferry cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.
What are the top things to do at South Queensferry cruise port?
South Queensferry cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Boating, Cycling, Hiking. South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland is known for its stunning views of the Firth of Forth and the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and sailing. The area is also home to a variety of historical sites, including the ruins of a 12th century castle and a 16th century church. Visitors can also explore the quaint shops and restaurants in the town centre, or take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Inchcolm and Inchkeith. South Queensferry is a great place to experience the beauty of Scotland and its rich history.
Can I rent a car at South Queensferry cruise port?
1. Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental: Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is located just a short drive from the South Queensferry cruise port. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from small city cars to large vans, and they have a variety of rental packages to suit all budgets.2. Europcar: Europcar is located just a few miles from the South Queensferry cruise port. They offer a wide selection of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, and they have a variety of rental packages to suit all needs.3. Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Enterprise Rent-A-Car is located just a few miles from the South Queensferry cruise port. They offer a wide selection of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, and they have a variety of rental packages to suit all needs.4. Avis: Avis is located just a few miles from the South Queensferry cruise port. They offer a wide selection of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, and they have a variety of rental packages to suit all needs.5. Hertz: Hertz is located just a few miles from the South Queensferry cruise port. They offer a wide selection of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, and they have a variety of rental packages to suit all needs.
What is the WiFi situation at South Queensferry cruise port?
The South Queensferry (Edinburgh) cruise port does not have any public wifi access. However, there are several cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the area that offer free wifi access.
Where is the cruise terminal at South Queensferry cruise port?
The address of South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland cruise port is:Port of South QueensferryEsplanadeSouth QueensferryEdinburghEH30 9SQScotland
What is the South Queensferry Cruise Port cruise schedule?
Today there is 1 cruise ship in South Queensferry: Majestic Princess — bringing an estimated 4,906 passengers and crew to port. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check South Queensferry on any date.