Edinburgh is not only an amazing destination in its own right, but it is also a great base for trips further afield in Scotland. Whether you fancy strolling through history-filled castles, dancing the night away, or losing yourself (in the best way) amidst stunning wilderness, Scotland has something for everyone!

If you don’t want to jump behind the wheel and go cruising on the left side of the road, travelling by public transport or joining a guided day tour from Edinburgh is a great, eco-friendly option. Here are some of our top picks for day trips from Edinburgh without a car, all easily reached by train, bus, or even ferry from Edinburgh:

1. Scottish Islands

Arran, Tiree, Mull… where should we start? With 790 islands in Scotland, it would be a shame not to visit at least one of them. Each island has its own unique vibe; different cultures, stunning scenery, and friendly locals, so there’s always more to discover than you’d expect. Island hopping is an absolute must, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a wee ferry ride?

Here’s an island that you can visit easily from Edinburgh without a car:

Inchcolm Island: A stone’s throw from Edinburgh, tucked just east of the iconic Forth Bridge, this quirky island is bursting with history and charm! Wander through its ancient abbey, explore the old war fortifications, and relax on one of its two lovely beaches. Take a ride with Lothian Buses to South Queensferry. From here, catch a boat and enjoy a scenic cruise over, taking in the sights before you hop off to explore.

2. Glasgow

Just an hour from Edinburgh lies Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest (and arguably most fun-loving) city! You can easily plan a trip to Glasgow and back by train via ScotRail. Glasgow is known for its warm, welcoming people, buzzing nightlife, and endless diversity, and it has something for everyone. Some of our favourite spots? The charming West End, the cobblestone vibes of Ashton Lane, the lush green escape of Pollok Park, and the fascinating Riverside Museum.

Whether you’re up for a shopping spree, museum hopping, or a night out full of laughs, Glasgow’s the place for it.

3. Stirling

The 50-minute train ride from Edinburgh makes Stirling a no-brainer day trip destination! This charming, super-walkable city is packed with history and character. Its main attraction, Stirling Castle, is definitely a hotspot of the city and worth a visit. Whether you want to learn more about Scottish history, admire beautiful architecture or just have a wee wander around, Stirling, with its many pubs, shops and cafes, is the perfect choice.

If you’d rather avoid the hassle of dealing with trains, consider hopping on a guided day trip to Stirling and Loch Lomond!

4. Dundee

Known for its three J’s: jute (that’s rope material, if you’re wondering), jam (hello, marmalade!), and journalism (it’s home to some fab media publications), it’s a city with plenty of character. Just an hour and a half from Edinburgh by train and bus, Dundee makes for a cracking day trip for those without a car. Be sure to pop by the V&A Museum, wander down Perth Road, and check out the Discovery Point, which is a stunning museum. Oh, and the journey itself? It’s a stunner, thanks to crossing the Forth Bridges! 

5. Loch Ness

Now, you might look at the map and think, 'Wait just a wee second… really?!' But we’re not joking, you can absolutely squeeze in a day trip to the legendary Loch Ness! This adventure takes you through the jaw-dropping Glen Coe, past the mighty Ben Nevis (the tallest mountain in all of Britain!), and straight to Loch Ness. Once there, you can either channel your inner Nessie hunter or have a lovely wander around the storybook-perfect village of Fort Augustus.

If you're wondering how to do this from Edinburgh, join us on our Loch Ness day tour, which runs daily and all-year-round!

6. St Andrews

St Andrews, perched on Scotland’s east coast, is famous for a few things: being the Home of Golf, hosting Scotland’s oldest university, and, oh yes, as the romantic meeting spot of the current Prince and Princess of Wales! If you're feeling adventurous and want to tick two boxes at once, you can easily pair a trip to Dundee and St Andrews, as they’re just a breezy half-hour apart. While you’re in St Andrews, don’t miss the world-famous Old Course (the oldest golf course in the world!), take a stroll on one of its gorgeous beaches, and get lost wandering the charming cobbly streets.

If you’re after a day trip from Edinburgh without a car and would rather skip the hassle of planning everything on your own, you can join one of our 1-day tours from Edinburgh. Sit back, relax, and let our friendly local guides show you the best of Scotland!