Transportation around Lothian and Fife Areas

[Dan13]

Looking at planning a trip across the pond late next year with a foursome. Will fly to Edinburgh. Prelim itinerary is really three legs. 

 

1) N Berwick / Gullane / Kilspinde Area

2) St Andrews area with three day ticket With Dumbarnie and / or Kingsbarn

3) Carnoustie

 

Is it possible to not rent a car/van and use a ride service to get around. Would like to spend a good chunk of the trip hanging out in St Andrews. Thought is to stay close enough to the courses to walk from hotels/lodging or take a taxi when needed to be able to ditch the car. Thoughts are much appreciated. 

[El Gringo]

Absolutely. No need for a car in St Andrews. East Lothian has a great bus service connecting Gullane and North Berwick. There is a train from Edinburgh to NB. With a bit of planning no car necessary.

 

There is a train from Edinburgh to Leuchars then you catch a 15 minute bus to St Andrews. 

[Dan13]

Thanks! Would need to get from airport to train station in Edinburgh. That may require a cab or 2 anyway. With the luggage in tow the bus / train options are admittedly less appealing than the convenience of the door to door service but still good to know. 

[El Gringo]

38 minutes ago, Dan13 said:

Thanks! Would need to get from airport to train station in Edinburgh. That may require a cab or 2 anyway. With the luggage in tow the bus / train options are admittedly less appealing than the convenience of the door to door service but still good to know. 

 

 

Sure, you can get a service between Edinburgh and St Andrews. It won't be cheap. Check it against the train to Leuchars/cab to hotel option...this should cost less than 30 quid. 

Edited October 13, 2022 by El Gringo

[Dan13]

32 minutes ago, El Gringo said:

 

 

Sure, you can get a service between Edinburgh and St Andrews. It won't be cheap. Check it against the train to Leuchars/cab to hotel option...this should cost less than 30 quid. 

Understood. Worth looking at airport to train station via cab. Then train to North Berwick. Then cab to hotel close to course(?).  “Cheap” in this case is compared to renting a car for the week, parking in N Berwick and St Andrews, gas and convenience factor. Anything around £1,000 for transportation costs for the week is likely acceptable. 

[El Gringo]

Trains, buses and a few cabs will be far cheaper than a £1000. But is saving maybe a 150 quid or so each worth the extra hassle? 

[Dan13]

11 minutes ago, El Gringo said:

Trains, buses and a few cabs will be far cheaper than a £1000. But is saving maybe a 150 quid or so each worth the extra hassle? 

Driving and parking a large van around N Berwick and St Andrews doesn’t thrill me but may be over thinking it. 

[scott_Donald]

St Andrews you would not need a car whilst in town. I have a place there and I dump my car outside it and don't move it but it is in the centre of town. Getting to the other mentioned courses you would need transport.

 

I would go a car for the Lothian parts as easy to drive around, park. Or the train.

 

Carnoustie again to me is easier to drive.

 

Hire cars like everywhere around the world right now are stupid expensive but hopefully by the time you get here it will have calmed down.

 

It is a tricky one but to me I would certainly go all out and just get a driver or hire a car for a Scotland trip.

[foozledbaffy]

I was in St. Andrews in August and the fine folks at St Andrews Shuttle got us to Elie, Lundin, Edinburgh, The Castle and more.  www.standrewsshuttle.com