A Day Trip to St Andrews from Edinburgh

Interested in taking a day trip to St Andrews, Scotland, the home of golf, from Edinburgh, without renting a car? Check out these tip to find out the best time to take a day trip to St Andrews and how to get there from Edinburgh!

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Interested in taking a day trip to St Andrews
​from Edinburgh?

St Andrews is a must-see on a trip to Scotland. We based ourselves in Edinburgh and St Andrews is an easy (and quick) day trip from the medieval city home base.

​Historic St Andrews is home to the University of the same name - the third-oldest in the English-speaking world, and, of course, the birthplace of the game of golf, invented here in the 18th century. St Andrews Cathedral, now a ruin, was the largest in Scotland before its destruction.

View of St. Andrews from the ruins of the Cathedral

Check out the top 10 tourist mistakes in Scotland you don't want to make!

Getting to St. Andrews from Edinburgh

It's quick and easy to hop on the train at Edinburgh Waverley and you’ll be off the train in St Andrews in approximately an hour, including just a few stops. 

The train stops at Leuchars Rail Station. You’ll need to take a bus or a cab to St Andrews. This is easy enough to do. However, when you get out a Leuchars, you will have a moment of panic as you gaze upon a suburban neighborhood and a field. We grabbed the bus on the way in and took a cab on the way back.

The Old Course, St. Andrews

Where to eat lunch in St. Andrews

Right after you get off the bus, walk down the high street in St Andrews. As an old and prestigious town, St Andrews is home to a number of high-end spots (check out The Scotsman's top 5 restaurants in St Andrews).

As we were only in town for lunch, we went ahead and grabbed a quick lunch at the local Pret so that we could get moving. Don't worry, we'll discuss pubs in a bit!

Exploring St Andrews Cathedral

One of the main attractions in St Andrews is, and has been for many years, St Andrews Cathedral. St Andrews Cathedral itself is a ruin, but that makes it all the more inspiring. Walk around the enchanting grounds and examine the hundreds of graves spanning as many years. One (empty) tomb is open to give you an understanding of what lies below your feet.

St Andrews Cathedral Tickets, Museum,
& St Rule's Tower

A ticket is required (it allows you to see the entire property, including climbing the tower) and is reasonably priced. The museum is interesting, but can be skipped, as experiencing the place is the best part of the trip. I would allocate at least half an hour for this portion of your trip.

Built in 1158, St Andrews Cathedral was the head of the Catholic Church in Scotland during the Middle Ages, and the largest church ever built in Scotland. After the Protestant Reformation, the church, like St Andrews Castle, fell into disrepair after a sacking by a mob, was officially closed in 1561, and was abandoned to become the ruin it is today.

My husband climbed the tower, which offered excellent views. Be advised, the extremely narrow tunnel leading to the top of the tower begins with a one-way gate that closes behind you.

View of St. Andrews from St Rule's Tower

The staircase, inside St Rule's Tower

History of St Andrews Cathedral

Ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral

Visiting St Andrews Castle

Now head to St Andrews Castle, on a craggy landscape overlooking the North Sea. The Castle is another ruin and another cannot-miss spot in St Andrews. You’re free to roam around St Andrews Castle at your leisure and crawl around in the nooks and crannies.​For those of us too afraid to climb the tower at St Andrews Cathedral, the view from the top of the smaller and more open Castle turrets are great as well. 

View from St. Andrews Castle

History of St Andrews Castle

St Andrews Castle was originally built in the 12th century, and over the years, especially through the turbulent wars of Scottish independence, it was burned and put under siege many times.

The Castle eventually landed in the hands of the Catholic Church and, in conjunction with St Andrews Cathedral, was a seat of ecclesiastical power, but with the abolition of the bishops by William of Orange, St Andrews Castle ultimately fell into disrepair in the 18th century.

St Andrews Castle ruins

St Andrews Castle Tickets

I'd allocate about half an hour of your day to spend at St Andrews Castle. Tickets are required and can be purchased in the modern gift shop. Surprisingly, there is a restroom in the visitor's centre.

Visiting St Andrews University

Walking away from St Andrews Castle and Cathedral toward the Old Course will take you on a quick spin through St Andrews University. Stroll the streets where love first ignited for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and silently pray that they royal couple are in town on an alumni visit weekend. No need to take an organized tour unless you’re thinking of attending (a girl can dream).

Wondering what to wear in Scotland? Check out my packing tips!

What to see at The Old Course, St Andrews

Continuing along The Scores, you’ll know it when you see it - the iconic Old Course looms in the distance.

The Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland

History of The Old Course at St Andrews

The oldest golf course in the world, the sport was invented here in St Andrews in the 15th century, though it was banned by the King for many years, for fear that men were wasting time on golf when they should be practicing archery.

Once they were allowed to play again, the game slowly evolved here, with a number of clubs having "play privileges" on the course, in addition to it being open to the public. The most well-known club is The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

Tips for visiting The Old Course at St Andrews

​For those of you looking to play the course, you certainly can, but absolutely plan far, far, far in advance. For the rest of us, come to St Andrews on a Sunday - The Old Course is open for walking around. You can stand on the 18th and take a picture for your dad, without getting in the way of someone who’s paid a pretty penny to play The Links.

​ Don't forget to grab your dad a ball marker from the gift shop or one of the surrounding tat stores. Small, compact, and easy to carry - he’ll keep it on his dresser forever. 

Where to grab a pint in St. Andrews

When you’ve gotten your fill of pictures, stop by the Juniper at the Golf Inn and grab a pint. Continue walking either to grab the bus or toward the transit center (down the hill to the right) where you can grab a cab back to Leuchars.

Thanks for stopping by!

For more information about train travel and other great options from Edinburgh, check out Visiting the U.K. by Train.

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