The South of Scotland is accessible by sea on both the east and west coasts. Whether you’re arriving by ferry, cruise ship or private vessel, onward transport connections make it easy to continue your journey inland to the Scottish Borders, Midlothian and Dumfries & Galloway. 

Arriving by Ferry or Cruise Ship

East Coast arrivals

Port of Leith: Edinburgh’s main cruise port is located in Leith, north of the city centre. From here, regular bus and tram services connect to central Edinburgh, where travellers can continue their journey to the South of Scotland by train or bus. 

Eyemouth Harbour: Located halfway along the Berwickshire coastline, Eyemouth is served by Borders Buses services connecting to Galashiels Transport Interchange, where onward connections across the Scottish Borders are available. 

Berwick-upon-Tweed: Just south of the Scottish border, Berwick-upon-Tweed is well connected by bus and rail. Borders Buses services run into the Scottish Borders, while direct train services operate to Edinburgh, where travellers can change for onward travel to Dumfries & Galloway. 

Newcastle upon Tyne: International ferry arrivals into Newcastle can continue north by train to Edinburgh Waverley. From there, travellers can connect to local train or bus services across the South of Scotland. 

West Coast arrivals

There are regular ferry connections between Northern Ireland and the South of Scotland: 

  • Stena Line operates frequent sailings between Belfast and Cairnryan. 
  • P&O Ferries runs services between Larne and Cairnryan. 

From Cairnryan, travellers can continue into Dumfries & Galloway, Glasgow and beyond.  

Additional ferry and cruise services arrive into Greenock near Glasgow, which offers onward rail and road connections to the South of Scotland. 

Arriving by private vessel  

Sailors arriving on their own vessel will find a range of harbours and marinas along the South of Scotland’s coastline, particularly in Dumfries & Galloway and along the Berwickshire coast. Facilities vary by location, so it’s recommended to check ahead for berthing availability, services and tidal conditions. 

From coastal towns and harbours, bus and rail connections allow visitors to explore inland areas, including market towns, walking routes and historic sites across the region. 

Frequently asked questions

Are there public transport links from east coast ports? 

Yes. Ports such as Port of Leith, Eyemouth Harbour, and Berwick-upon-Tweed have bus or rail connections to Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, making it easy to continue your journey inland. 

Can I explore the South of Scotland without a car if I arrive by sea? 

Yes. Many coastal towns are connected by bus and rail services, allowing visitors to explore the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway without driving. However, hiring a car offers greater flexibility for reaching rural areas and scenic routes. 

Are there marinas for private boats in the South of Scotland? 

Yes. There are many harbours and marina facilities along both the Berwickshire coast and in Dumfries & Galloway. Services vary by location, so it’s recommended to check ahead for berthing availability and local facilities.