You're standing on the cobbled streets of the "Home of Golf," maybe nursing a wind-whipped face from the West Sands, and you need to get back to the capital. It's only about 50 miles. Sounds easy, right? Honestly, getting from St Andrews to Edinburgh is one of those trips that looks simple on a map but can become a logistical headache if you don't know the local quirks. There is no train station in St Andrews. Yeah, you read that correctly. For a town that hosts the Open Championship and global royalty, the lack of a direct rail link is a bit of a shock to the system for first-timers.
But don't panic.
Whether you’re a student at the university trying to catch a flight at EDI or a tourist who spent too much money on a cashmere scarf, you have options. It basically comes down to how much you value your time versus your wallet.
The Leuchars Connection: Why St Andrews to Edinburgh Starts With a Bus
Since there’s no tracks in town—thanks to the Beeching cuts of the 1960s—the nearest railway station is in a tiny village called Leuchars. It’s about six miles away. Most people making the trek from St Andrews to Edinburgh start by hopping on the 99 bus. These run every 10 minutes or so from the main bus station on City Road. It’s a double-decker usually, and it’ll cost you a few quid.
Once you get to Leuchars, you're on the Edinburgh-bound line. Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the train. Seriously. As you cross the Forth Rail Bridge, the view of the Firth of Forth and the red steel girders is world-class. You’ll pull into Edinburgh Waverley in about an hour. If you're heading straight to the airport, though, don't go all the way to Waverley. Get off at Edinburgh Gateway or Haymarket and switch to the tram or a connecting bus. It saves you dragging suitcases through the Princes Street crowds.
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Timing the Train Right
ScotRail runs the show here. You can buy tickets on the app or at the station, but if you’re traveling during the Fringe Festival in August, forget about finding a seat. It’s a sardine can. Off-peak tickets are cheaper, usually valid after 9:15 AM.
Check the "Last Train" time religiously. If you miss that final connection from Edinburgh back to Leuchars late at night, you’re looking at a £100+ taxi ride. I’ve seen it happen. It isn't pretty.
The X59 and X60: The Long Road South
Maybe you hate trains. Or maybe you just want to see the Kingdom of Fife in all its glory without changing vehicles. The Stagecoach X59 and X60 buses go directly from St Andrews to Edinburgh.
It’s a long haul.
We’re talking two hours plus, depending on traffic at the Queensferry Crossing. The X59 is generally faster as it cuts through the middle of Fife (Glenrothes, etc.), while the X60/X61 hugs the coast. The "Coastal Path" route is stunning—you’ll see the East Neuk villages like Anstruther and Pittenweem—but it takes forever. If you have nowhere to be and want to see some sheep and old stone harbors, take the coastal bus. If you have a flight to catch, stay away from it.
One thing people forget: the buses have USB charging ports now. Usually. And free Wi-Fi that works about 60% of the time. It’s the cheapest way to make the trip, often costing less than £15 for a return if you use the Stagecoach app.
Driving the A91 and Beyond
If you’ve got a rental car, the drive is pretty straightforward. You head out of town on the A91, bypass Cupar, and eventually hit the M90.
Watch the speed cameras.
The stretch of road near Melville Lodges roundabout is a notorious hotspot for traffic police. Once you’re on the motorway, it’s a breeze until you hit the outskirts of Edinburgh. If you are driving into the city center, my best advice is: don’t. Edinburgh’s parking is an expensive nightmare. Use the Ferrytoll Park & Ride just before the bridge. You park for free and take a bus across. It drops you right at St Andrew Square. It’s faster than circling the Grassmarket for forty minutes looking for a space that doesn't exist.
A Quick Note on the Bridges
You’ll be crossing the Queensferry Crossing. The old Forth Road Bridge is mostly for buses and bikes now. The new bridge is a feat of engineering, but it closes or slows down in high winds. Check the Traffic Scotland Twitter feed if the weather looks "Scottish" (which is always).
The Private Transfer Luxury
If you’re traveling with a group of four and you’ve got four massive golf bags, the train is a non-starter. Trying to lug a Titleist staff bag onto a commuter train during rush hour will earn you some very dark looks from locals.
Private transfers from St Andrews to Edinburgh are the way to go here. Companies like St Andrews Executive Travel or even local taxis charge a flat rate. Expect to pay anywhere from £90 to £130. It sounds steep, but split four ways, it’s comparable to a peak-time train ticket and a lot less sweat. Plus, they’ll drop you at the terminal door.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Distance
People think because Scotland is small, travel is fast. It’s not.
The "Fife factor" is real. Small roads, tractors, and the occasional escaped Highland cow can turn a 60-minute drive into a two-hour saga. If you are booking a flight out of Edinburgh Airport, give yourself a three-hour window from the moment you leave St Andrews.
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- Peak Traffic: 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM heading into Edinburgh is brutal.
- The Golf Effect: During the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship or any major event, transport capacity doubles, but travel time triples.
- Student Move-in Days: Late August and September see a massive influx of families. The 99 bus will be packed with suitcases.
Is there a ferry?
No. I get asked this surprisingly often. There used to be talk of a hovercraft from Kirkcaldy to Edinburgh, but that’s a dead dream now. You’re stuck with the road or the rail.
The Secret Scenic Route
If you aren't in a rush, don't take the A91. Take the A917. This takes you through the East Neuk. You can stop in Anstruther for what is arguably the best fish and chips in Scotland (Anstruther Fish Bar). Then continue through Elie, Lower Largo (the birthplace of Robinson Crusoe’s inspiration, Alexander Selkirk), and join the main road later. It adds an hour, but it’s the version of Scotland you see on postcards.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make the journey from St Andrews to Edinburgh as painless as possible, follow this checklist:
- Download the Apps: Get the ScotRail app for train times and the Stagecoach Bus app for the 99 and X59 schedules. Buying tickets on the app is always cheaper than paying the driver in most cases.
- Check the Wind: If it’s gusting over 50mph, check the bridge status. High-sided vehicles (like buses) get restricted first.
- Validate Your Ticket: If you're using a paper train ticket, make sure you keep it for the barriers at Waverley. If you lose it, the staff aren't always sympathetic.
- Book Taxis Early: If you need a cab to Leuchars for an early train, book it the night before. St Andrews taxis are busy, especially during term time.
- Airport Strategy: If heading to EDI, use the 747 bus from Halbeath Park & Ride or take the train to Edinburgh Gateway. Don't go into the city center just to come back out again.
The trip is easy once you realize the train station isn't actually in the town. Just get yourself to Leuchars, find a seat on the left side of the carriage, and keep your camera ready for the bridge. You'll be in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle before you know it.